Where Are the Black People?

I like Desperate Housewives. I’ve been watching the shows for years. During those years, there was only one Black family on Wisteria Lane. After they were written out after the first season, there hasn’t been any. Disappointing.

I emailed ABC either last year or year before last about the absence of African Americans. I forgot the response. All I know is: there were no Black people then, and there aren’t any now.

Like I stated early, I really do like Desperate Housewives. Before I draw my own conclusions, I have to ask ABC one more time: Where are the Black people on Desperate Housewives?

A response would be greatly appreciated.

Photo: Entertainment Weekly via Google Image Search

While reading comments about The Princess and the Frog controversy on MovieFone, someone wanted to know when Disney was going to create a black prince. Apparently, this person was serious.

Let’s exam a couple things.

First, Disney created his first cartoon in 1923.  They presented their first black princess for all to see in 2009, which is approximately 87 year since his humble beginnings.  It doesn’t seem like black characters are a priority to this company.

Second, why wait for Disney? There are opportunities abound, and this seems like a possibility.  Actually, it’s really needed with all of the issues going on in “urban” communities (“urban” is a different discussion on a different day).  Anyway, why wait for a company that could obviously care less about you to create something for you?

So, all I’m saying is, if you want a black prince, create it yourself.  If you can’t draw, find someone who can.  If you want a cartoon, find a student in an animation class to help you.  Heck, you can probably find a 10 year old with decent drawing skills to make this happen. Why wait for Disney?

One last note, hurry up and create it. I could not find an appropriate image to go along with this post.  I only found Coming to America with Eddie Murphy. Hence the need for a black prince.

Former Illinois Governor Rodney Blagojevich is in the news AGAIN! Apparently, Blago feels he’s was “blacker than Obama,” because “I shined shoes. I grew up in a five-room apartment.”  Yeah, I really feel his “blackness” with one.

I’m not mad about what Blago said about President Obama because his history shows that he basks in media attention. Even he thinks his statement was stupid.  I am mad, though (figuratively speaking), that the media fed into his madness, and are still reporting it.

Here are my thoughts on Blago.

Why is the media giving this guy so much attention?  While I understand he was a recently terminated long-time elected official who did a pretty decent job (well, I think he did, anyway).  Right now, he ain’t got no job, and has nothing but time to sit up and think of ways to get the media circus going.  Since his attempt as a reality TV star did not work out, he had to come up with a Plan B.  Or, is this Plan E?  Either way, he watched the news and other shows to figure out how to get the attention he wanted.  This was relatively easy since the media circus is always looking for tricks, no matter how ridiculous.

I personally think the primary ways he could get attention these days are:

1. Kill somebody.  Everyone knows “if it bleeds, it leads.”
2. Have an affair.  Patti would kill him, so he would actually be the lead story.
3. Crash the White House for any reason.  Definitely not original.
4. Or, talk about President Obama in some fashion, particularly race. Bingo!

Since the first two options would remove him from the spotlight for good, and the third may land him in a jail cell with Drew Peterson since it was not an original act of stupidity, that only left option number four.  Why not join the ranks of Senator Harry Reid and all the other politicians who feel that it’s ok to talk about the color and race our Commander in Chief?  At least he didn’t use “Negro” in reference to President Obama.

Anyway, since I am not traditional media, I have given Blago enough of my time and attention. Therefore, I am done.

While listening to a couple radio personalities discuss the disappearance of Jahmeshia Conner in Chicago in November 2009, there was discussion that white female teens are reported as missing or abducted while black  female teens are generally reported as runaways by news media.

I did find one CBS news story that stated Jahmeshia was reported as a runaway.

Is this discrepancy faulty reporting by the police,  media stations, or both?

What do you think?

Photo credit: www.thaindian.com/

Someone called into WVON 1690 in Chicago to ask why weren’t McDonald’s, Wendy’s or Burger King promoting The Princess & The Frog toys with their children menus?  Good question.

Traditionally, these figures have been promoted prior to or as soon as new movies for children  hit the big screens.  There has been nothing for this Black Princess whose time was overdue.

I’ll admit that I could be missing something because I do not frequent such places.  But, since the topic was presented, I feel that it is a good question.

So, Disney, what’s up with the lack of promotion for the African American princess?  I’m going to contact them now to find out.  I’ll let you know what happens.

Updated at 1:04:

Here’s the response from John Frost, Editor of Disney Blog:

My understanding is that a few years ago Disney made the decision to not associate its products with food that is not healthy for children. That’s not to say it would never happen again, just that they’re cutting back.