Comments for The Academy Speaks

Comment on The curious case of Michael Steele by CANDY

CANDY — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:03:49 +0000

I think I lost all respect for Mr. Steele when he apologized to Rush Limbaugh. That’s definitely not leadership. There is no way he’ll be successful in bringing more blacks into the Republican party when they’re constantly associated with racists like Limbaugh, Hannity, and the rest of them. There is definitely a racist element there. Not saying that all Republicans are racist, but it’s very likely that if you are a racist you’re more likely to be a Republican. It’s funny how none of the GOP members are bold enough to take a stand and say that racist attitudes and division will not be tolerated. I guess that’s too much like “right.” Pun intended. As the “head” of the party, Mr. Steele better start acting like a true leader and move his party in the direction of inclusion and common sense. His position is a joke and I honestly believe he knows it.

Comment on Much to do about Morris Brown College? by LawrenceQ

LawrenceQ — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:37:17 +0000

I hate to see any HBCU fold. I sure hope Morris Brown can get things turned around.

Comment on The curious case of Michael Steele by R. Wilson

R. Wilson — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:19:30 +0000

The sad reality is that Michael Steele is a joke.

Comment on Obama and Paterson: Painful Politics by James Ewers

James Ewers — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:49:26 +0000

It is clear that in this new millennium that we are seeing more African Americans in leadership positions. There are arguably more government leaders at all levels who are black so what does that say? First, to my mind at least, it shows that we have competent and highly qualified candidates of color who have tossed their hats into the political arena. Now having said this we must also be mindful that they will get the same scrutiny if not more than white candidates. What is happening to Mr. Patterson in New York it seems to me is to a large extent based upon his decision making. Does race play a role? To say that race doesn’t matter would be naive but I don’t think that is the over riding factor in his slow demise as a politician. I just have to believe that competence trumps race! The health care debate that rages on is not a black or white issue. Are some of these “tea party” events cloaked in race? Yes! But the overwhelming concern of health is that it is an American issue, not a color issue. As we achieve more and break down barriers we simply have to be more mindful of what lies ahead. And what lies ahead will be the public and sometimes painful critique of our work. To paraphrase a popular quote, “sometimes it gets awfully hot in the kitchen”.

Comment on The Obama Presidency in Peril? by Marianne Q.

Marianne Q. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:11:04 +0000

Give the man a chance! My God! He can’t straighten out ALL our problems in 6 months. Lordy! And why are you sir, bashing the man. It’s because of strides made by him and others that you even have the opportunities you have today. Support our president and pray for him. He’s taking a lot of hits because these racist folks in America are resistant to a Black man being in the “White” House!

Comment on We Should Be Realistic About Racial Representation in Television by Isabelle Huang

Isabelle Huang — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:40:34 +0000

This is an interesting analysis on racial representations in current television shows like “Mad Men.” I thought your point that there is a problem with the media’s representations of people of color – as well as other issues like sexism and homosexuality – on television was highly persuasive. I appreciate how you included both Latoya Peterson as well as David Swerdlick’s discussion on whether the television show, “Mad Men,” accurately addressed racial conflicts. As you have clearly articulated, although one might acknowledge writers and producers for their attempt to creatively include issues like racism and gender inequalities on mainstream television, I agree with your statement that sometimes these plots seem forced, or unnatural. However, why do we, as consumers of the media, feel that it is unconventional to have “a Black family [as] the major focus of ‘The Soprano’s’ when the show is focused on Italian Americans who lived in northern New Jersey?” Is it a problem that viewers find it uncomfortable, and in some cases, annoying, if “whites have been prominently showcased in every single episode of ‘The Cosby Show?’” If so, what can the creators and producers of television shows do to more accurately incorporate issues like racism without perpetuating dominant ideologies and stereotypes? Although I see your point that these plots might seem forced – and even disagreeable to some viewers – I question how the media shapes the ways in which we are programmed to view television shows.

I agree with your argument that it is commendable for writers and producers to experiment with their shows and create plots that convey more diversity, but “the fact is that sometimes this may not always be the most accurate approach.” While some aspects of the media might sustain credibility – interviews or biographies – I also believe that history books and documentaries provide more “accuracy and precision…than any situation comedy, drama, or ‘reality program’ can ever do.” With that said, I take a different stance on your argument that “sometimes it is best to remind ourselves of the saying ‘it’s just a television show.’” Although it is important to view television as a source for entertainment, my concern is that many people [mis]interpret the media as a credible source for information. While television shows, like “Mad Men,” satisfy viewers’ demand for entertainment, it is important for the audience to be critical analysts, rather than passive listeners, and challenge the stereotypes that the media perpetuates so that we, as consumers of mass media, can participate in discourses on issues – like racism, sexuality, and gender inequalities – that are so easily overlooked.

Comment on We Should Be Realistic About Racial Representation in Television by Isabelle Huang

Isabelle Huang — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:44:19 +0000

This is an interesting analysis on racial representations in current television shows like “Mad Men.” I thought your point that there is a problem with the media’s representations of people of color on television was highly persuasive. I appreciate how you included both Latoya Peterson as well as David Swerdlick’s discussion on whether the television show, “Mad Men,” accurately addressed the conflicts with racism. As you have clearly articulated, although one can acknowledge writers and producers for their attempt to creatively include issues like racism and gender inequalities on mainstream television, I agree with your statement that sometimes these plots seem forced, or unnatural. However, why do we, as consumers of the media, feel that it is unconventional to have “a Black family [as] the major focus of ‘The Soprano’s’ when the show is focused on Italian Americans who lived in northern New Jersey?” Is it a problem that viewers find it uncomfortable, and in some cases, annoying, if “whites have been prominently showcased in every single episode of ‘The Cosby Show?’” If so, what can the creators and producers of television shows do to more accurately incorporate issues of racism without perpetuating dominant ideologies and stereotypes? Although I see your point that this plot might seem forced – and even disagreeable to some viewers – I question how the media shapes the ways in which we are programmed to view television shows.

I agree with your argument that it is acceptable for writers and producers to experiment with their shows and create plots that convey more diversity, but “the fact is that sometimes this may not always be the most accurate approach.” While some aspects of the media might sustain credibility – interviews or biographies – I agree with your point that history books and documentaries provide more “accuracy and precision…than any situation comedy, drama, or ‘reality program’ can ever do.” With that said, I take a different stance on your argument that “sometimes it is best to remind ourselves of the saying ‘it’s just a television show.’” Although it is important to view television as an entertainment value, my concern is that many people [mis]interpret the media as a credible source for information. While television shows, like “Mad Men,” satisfy viewers’ demand for entertainment, it is important for the audience to be critical analysts, rather than passive listeners, and challenge the stereotypes that the media perpetuates so that we, as consumers of mass media, can participate in discourses on issues – like racism, sexuality, and gender inequalities – that are so easily overlooked.

Comment on We Should Be Realistic About Racial Representation in Television by A G. Smith

A G. Smith — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:42:29 +0000

A very thoughtful piece Professor Watson.

Stephen. I agree with you.

Comment on We Should Be Realistic About Racial Representation in Television by E. Sanchez

E. Sanchez — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 07:45:20 +0000

I am a 31 year old Latino attorney. Although there are no Latino characters on the show, I still love “Mad Men.” The show rocks!

Comment on Of a Black President, White Children, and Maintaining the Status Quo by Julian Steptoe

Julian Steptoe — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 03:39:31 +0000

The only way to break-up the subconscious indices of racism is build conscious activity against it, as it was shown to be the case in the studies represented. This is why the issue of reparations must be elevated to one of national debate, so that all the lingering wounds and attitudes of racism can be addressed and eliminated, so that they can not cause further trauma.