Open Letter To Bounce TV

Dear Bounce TV,

                When I discovered that there was a new, Black aimed broadcast TV channel I was ecstatic.  When I tuned in, I must say that I was impressed.  The first thing that I sat down and watched was “A Raisin in the Sun”.  It wasn’t that Puff Daddy crap either; you actually had the Sydney Portier version that treated the play with some respect.  Here we are, a year later and like Cornel West said to Al Sharpton “I love you brother, but I’m worried about you.”

                I like Soul Train, I like Fat Albert, but do we need to see those shows in 4 hour blocks?  Also, your love of the past is getting a little worrisome.  The Blacksploitation movies are usually cool, but some of them are downright embarrassing, plain and simple.  And what’s the deal with bleeping out the “N-word”?  If you want to say you are “TV our way”, you should know that our way is usually unedited.  Now, if the FCC is on your back then I understand.  They have a tendency to not handle reality well and have an inclination to white wash history.   Still, this is supposed to be a Black channel.  Let’s not be censored into mediocrity.

                I see you have some original shows coming down the pipe.  I appreciate you giving Black talent a place to shine.  I really like that you are giving Omar Gooding a shot at a starring role.  But, judging by the promos, I’m a little worried about the writing you are giving the brother to work with.  That shit seems a little Tyler Perryish, my nigga.  We don’t need more cooning on Black television shows.   Speaking of cooning, I’m really worried about the comedy show that you have coming.  Black comedy can be thought provoking and intelligent (Paul Mooney, Dave Chappelle, Richard Pryor, etc.), but I have a suspicion that this new comedy show will be a lot of Black people making fun of Black people.  We seriously don’t need that.

                You have a good running start, Bounce TV.  I’m worried because you are starting to turn into B.E.T. circa 1995.  You have gospel music, commercials aimed at poor people and now a comedy show.  If you had a fake ass psychic, you could change your name to BET2.  In case you didn’t realize, B.E.T. is a fucking disaster (I told you we don’t do much censorship).  You’ve even started playing music videos.  Your choice in videos is flat out disrespectful to hip-hop lovers like me but even if you choose to ignore us, that is no reason to stick to contemporary R&B.  That shit sucks and everyone past puberty knows it.

                In the immortal words of Ice Cube, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself.  You are headed down the same path as B.E.T.  That path ends in a heap of unrealized potential.  I believe with some vision and some thought provoking programming, you can be everything Black America needs and wants.  It’s possible, Bounce.  Please tell me that you are willing to try. 

Your faithful Pal,

-          Cogito

p.s.  Can I get some widescreen action?

p.p.s.  If you need help, get Tavis off of P.B.S.  He’s used to working on a small budget.  He’d be perfect.