Black Entertainment Television Show Does Not Show Enough Diversity?

Monique Imas, professionally known as “Monique,” has been in the comedian/acting business for many years. She is most known for her stand-up comedy, character on the hit show “The Parkers,” and most recently known for her academy award winning performance in “Precious.” She recently got her own show on Black Entertainment Television, BET, called “The Monique Show,” where she showcases old, new, and not so well known musical artist and actors/actresses. However, there are many who are not satisfied with Monique’s guest list. She has been receiving backlash for the lack of diversity, specifically for not having as many white guests as black guest. She has had such guests as Robin Thicke, Ben Taylor, and Brittany Daniel, but those are the very few Caucasians who has made an appearance on the show. People who support the show state, “We need a show like Monique’s to continue to showcase all the Black talent that we otherwise would not see.” While those who are opposed say, “How come you don’t have any white guests on your show? It looks bad.”


Often when turning on the television chances are slim that African Americans are shown as much as those who are white, whether it be in a movie, show, ect… However, if one was watch BET, blacks are the majority shown on the station. There is no surprise that Black Entertainment Television, which was started by Bob Johnson in 1980, gives blacks the opportunity to see others on television who looked just like them. Whereas, many channels, especially years ago, greatly lacked diversity or if African Americans where displayed they were seen in stereotypical roles such as maids, servants, convicts, or even as ignorant people in general. Although, BET was sold to Viacom in 2001, this founding message still survives. BET is one of very few channels dedicated to serving the African American community.

Should “The Monique Show” be scrutinized for not being diversed on a Black television channel? Or is the primary focus on African Americans good for the channel because that is the main aim of BET? Or should Monique showcase a diverse cast of guest to represent society today?

Personally, I believe it is great that the majority of Monique’s guests are African American. This is why the show is on Black Entertainment Television. I may even say that other prime time shows seem to have a majority of guests who are not considered a minority, but there are not as many complaints made about that.“The Monique Show” is a great example of a black operated show that is trying to make the television world, as a whole, more diversed by showcasing minorities who often get scarce air-time elsewhere.

Any thoughts?

http://blogs.bet.com/ontv/primetimeplayback/2010/04/the-monique-show-should-the-show-be-more-diverse/

-Dominique