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Nu-wave TV feeds off radiation

by PRASAD BIDAYA (Excalibur)

American networks have taken a _ sudden interest in black-oriented programming. Who’s the Boss?, Grow- ing Pains and Cosby were dumped for a new breed of African-American comedy. Coincidentally, when those cancellations were made last spring, L.A. was burning and African-Americans in general had very little to laugh about. But as shows like Martin!, Here and Now, Out All Night and Hanging With Cooper garner high ratings and overwhelming applause, the question remains whether black viewers should welcome this.

F or the first time since the 1970’s,

Should black viewers welcome recent TV programs which present a new black stereotype?

accurate portrayal of gay and lesbian is sues. ‘“White’’ television ignores then and will probably continue to do SO, by this can’t excuse the producers of Afr can-American shows. As representatiy, ofa large underclass, they should knoy not to support the ignorance of aNnothe group. Ironically, contemporary Media long a bastion of avoiding NON-White non-straight issues, won’t let them gel away with it. African-Americans/Canadj. ans are getting tagged as being homophobic.

The community must address these is. sues. The task is even more difficult when the media focuses on the overpublicized "spokesmen" like Public Enemy or Rey.

Obviously, this addition to network formats is long overdue. Television in the 1980’s was Conservative, hegemonic and an insult to the mentality of the non-white viewer. For a B-boy or fly-girl, what entertainment, let alone educational value, could Michael Ue Fox pressing his pro-Nixon politics or suave Don Johnson picking off every criminal in MTV fashion provide?

From the Arsenio Hall Show to In Living Colour to Martin!, television has finally acknowledged the vitality of contemporary African-American culture, as well as its ne- cessity to be broadcast in every American home. And rightfully so -- watching the premier of Fox’s politically incorrect rookie Martin!,1 can’t remember laughing so hard in months! Though the same cannot be said of Here and Now, Out All Night or Hanging With Cooper, they are equally important.

For the first time ever in the history of American television, one finds programs that challenge the dirty, violent and obscene stereotype of the African-American male. Both Mark Cooper of Hanging With... and Malcolm Jamal-Warner of Here and Now play teachers; responsible, kind and even symbolic of the need for educators in the African-American community. Similarly is Out All Night’s Morris Chestnut; a well- groomed and successful gentleman who lacks more aggression than he does sensitivity.

Of course, none of these shows are devoid of sex-driven, manly characters. Unlike most “‘white’’ programs, this ‘‘Nu Wave’ oftel- evision is socially deconstructive and presents a variety of personalities, likeable

and not, within the community. The best example being Martin/, in which the star is both macho and self-conscious, but always sweet and passionate to his girlfriend Gina.

But the wake-up call is hardly worth a parade

"... the question remains whether black viewers should welcome this."

in the full context of the movement for bet- terment of African-(North) American peo- ples. Hollywood has recognized the differ- ences between African-American men, but has perpetuated its ignorance towards the other members of the community.

Without exception, all of the women in the -

Nu Wave are cast in supporting roles. And but for Dawn Lewis (Hangin’ With... ), they are all light-skinned, extraordinarily thin and fashionably dressed in as little clothing as possible.

Ina recent episode of Hangin’ With..., one actress was portrayed sympathizing with Mark’s sensitivity and was impressed enough to bend over and reveal the fleshi- ness of her breasts for the camera’s focus. Surprisingly, her role in this episode wasa successful career-woman/feminist!

Another concern is the homophobic content in the shows. Television has yet to give an

erend Louis Farrakhan. This stereotype isa stigma in the movement for black unity and equality. Langston Hughes, the renowned poet of the Harlem Renaissance and an inno. vator for all artists of African descent, was gay. Can today’s contemporaries ridicule his lifestyle when if it were not for him they would probably still be on BETV (Black Entertainment Television)?

Television content changes slightly for every generation. It’s sad to let the tube set the agenda for a social movement. For those of us not of African descent, Nu Wave could help quell some racial concerns in our com- munities today. For those of us who are, shows like Martin! and Here and Now will entertain us this season and bore us for the test of the decade. Even worse, it might simply keep the otherwise talented minds locked in the ‘suckle of the cathode ray nipple’ when they could be reading Belle Hooks, Audre Lorde or other educational and creative artists.

Black actors could be more visible, but only time will tell ifthey have more power. His- tory has shown us they have access to the

. Inainstream when it benefits whites. If this is

the case, by 1999 the Nu Wave phenomena will simply be another name for blaxploitation. The substance of this work will indicate the power of its creators. Unless substantial change is soonto follow, expect media and politics to return to conservative/ fascist values.

Enjoy your entertainment, but don’t expect too much. Remember the revolution will never be televised! IJ