A ‘Better’ Title
What’s in a name? Well, a lot actually. In the media titles are pretty much everything because of the necessity to grab people’s attention and get them to read, watch, or listen.
You may have heard about BET’s newest show originally titled “Hot Ghetto Mess.” When I first heard about this show I pretty much rolled my eyes at the deep hole of cooning and buffoonery that BET continues to dig. I shook my head at the stereotypical scenes to come, despite the good intentions that the writers may have. Nevertheless, my interest was slightly peaked when I came across the article announcing that BET decided to change the name of the show to “We Got to Do Better.”
“We’ve decided to change the name because we want to highlight the show’s real intent, which is to offer social commentary in a context that sparks dialogue, debate, and most importantly, change,” BET said in a statement.
Do you see what they did? I am actually proud of them for getting a good PR agent. They flipped the title from one of a negative stance- calling black people who act certain ways “ghetto”- to one that is more positive. “We Got to Do Better” is a statement we can all relate to. Now the show doesn’t seem merely as something to laugh at, but more so something to think about. WE, as in a community, a race, and a culture, just simply need to do better at times. No exclusions, no exceptions.
The show is based on the website hotghettomess.com, which shows examples of outrageous fashion and behavior, mostly in the black community. The BET show will combine viewer-submitted and BET-produced content. The intent of the website has been not just to get a good laugh (and btw, the ish on that site can definitely give you a good laugh), but to also point out that sometimes people can be just plain ignorant.
“My mission with this site is to usher in a new era of self-examination. And because I am proud member of the black community, they are my priority. However, those of other races take note and if the shoe fits wear it. I think it is time that the black community or (insert your race here) needs to take a good look at itself in the mirror and each of us ask ourselves why are our communities are going to hell.” - Jam Donaldson, creator of hotghettomess.com
That’s deep. Your thoughts?
In sum, glad BET changed the name to portray more of its purpose behind the show but I still refuse to watch. Just can’t give in to the exploitation.
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