Taking remote control

An educated Negro is a dangerous Negro, or so the saying goes -- which is probably why TV program execs keep feeding grown-up black folks mind-numbing sitcoms and reality TV shows.\nWhile black kids encounter an inquisitive and inspiring little animated brother by the name of Little Bill, Bill Cosby's educational-cartoon creation, networks offer older black audiences shows featuring loudmouth baby mamas, sex-driven male gigolos, hoes and "stepnfetchit" funny folks. \nJust spend a day watching BET's video countdowns, the reality show "College Hill" or syndicated episodes of "The Parkers," and see the stereotypes in action. \nIt seems too many minority-targeted TV shows include all-laughs and no-depth characters and weak plots. \nHow many times have we seen the loud-mouthed, big mama types like the one from "The Parkers," which was cancelled last year after a six-year stumble?\nComedian MoNique played Nikki Parker, a flashy, fast-talking single mother pursuing higher education at a junior college with her equally flashy, fast-talking daughter. For nearly six seasons, Ms. Parker chased reluctant love-interest Professor Oglevee all over the Santa Monica Junior College campus. "The Parkers" was a mess, but let's not forget UPN's legacy of wack-ness which began a decade ago with "Homeboys in Outerspace." I'll let the grossly lame program title speak for itself. \nBut, I'll admit, UPN's recovering from its history of offering less-than-flattering depictions of blacks to its audiences. \nOne show, "Girlfriends" stars Tracee Ellis Ross. Ross plays, Joan, a single and successful lawyer. She's quirky, fashionable and has issues -- issues often resolved with the help of her three closest girlfriends. \nI'll admit, it's not every sista's life experience, but when black women have increased their enrollment in law schools and grad school programs by 120 percent, at least "Girlfriends" presents a positive and realistic image of black folks.\nMaybe the show reeks of "Sex & the City," but "Girlfriends" is still far more informative, entertaining and multi-dimensional than some other programs targeted toward blacks. "Girlfriends" has dealt with issues like HIV/AIDS, racism in the boardroom and classism in the black community.\nSo why aren't there more shows like "Girlfriends" when there are so many more positive black role models in children's programming?\nNick Jr. programming executives makes sure their young audience -- regardless of race -- encounter relatable, informative and inspiring minority characters. But apparently, networks catering to adult viewers could care less about whether or not its show line-ups include diverse casts or positive minority characters. \nStrong minority characters are important -- even to white parents -- simply because diversity has become recognized as essential to quality programming. Parents value cross-cultural appreciation and tolerance as a part of a well-rounded curriculum. \nParents concerned about their kids' educational development demand shows like "Little Bill" on behalf of their kids. Because of audience pressure, networks step up to the challenge.\nTake a hint, black folks. We need to play the parent and demand better programming on behalf of our own brains and the brains of folks who can't do it for themselves. \nIn the TV world, ratings are the bottom line. So let's stop watching the crap and start supporting the good stuff. And if there isn't any good stuff, we need to remedy the problem by creating our own educational, inspirational and entertaining programs.\nInspiring average Joe Johnsons to change the world order by broadcasting worthwhile black programming does not land high on white-run networks' priority lists. \nBetter-educated, more-informed black people can be a scary thing to white America. A half-hour program that deals with AIDS prevention, confronting racism in the workplace or demanding adequate schooling for black kids could inspire Tasha Smith or Donny Doe to take action in their own lives when faced with similar situations.\nWe've been changing the channel for long enough. It's high time to change the worldview.