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July 19, 2007 For Immediate Release: Contact Chair – Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry (213) 574-4332
NO MORE INSULTS MASKED AS ENTERTAINMENT
(Los Angeles) The continuing releases of degrading and inappropriate television shows, movies, music, and videos that are masked as entertainment are being unveiled by various groups, and today we thank Gina McCauley of What About Our Daughters for bringing “Hot Ghetto Mess” to our attention, says Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guiidry, chair of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
This show slated to premier on July 25, 2007 has aired promos that depict women of African descent in an extremely negative light and undercuts decades of efforts to de-program the citizens of the world and eliminate the negative imaging from the slavery era through the early 1950s. The caveats or disclaimers that these portrayals are “not the norm” or that they are “designed to entertain” are inexcusable and unacceptable. Our young women are correct – they deserve respect!
Today we urge BET and VIACOM to re-consider this release; take it back to the drawing board and find more appropriate humor imaging. We urge corporate sponsors to send a resounding message that their firms will not be associated with this irresponsible programming by withdrawing sponsorship. We urge all people of conscience to contact the producer and any associates of this show to express your displeasure and urge them to “stop” until all stakeholders can be heard. We urge every young person to create an eblast to spread the word.
