In January, I wrote a story African American Women with HIV/AIDS Are Not Seen on TV because I felt that Black women are virtually ignored by mainstream media in general.  Just look at TV shows on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox; blockbuster films; and TV commercials. They are NOT there.

Anyway, I received a press release from Carol Ash, 5 a.m. Producer on NBC 5 – Chicago, about the “Color of AIDS” Campaign that is taking place between February 7 – February 12, 2010.  Two of the journalists quoted confirmed what I shared in my story:

According to Chris Pena, Assistant News Director:
“We are excited about this opportunity to shed light on an issue that is often overlooked, but affects such a large number of people in our community.”

Zoraida Sambolin, NBC-5 news anchor observed:
“This is something many people don’t talk about.  HIV/AIDS does not get the attention it used to and it certainly isn’t covered in communities of color….”

Even though the two news people were referring to people of color in general, the fact that African American women account for over 50% of the newly reported HIV/AIDS cases needs to be publicized more.  Their health should be as important as the next person’s.

Maybe this is an assignment: to make sure African Americans with HIV/AIDS are seen on TV.

I am blessed to have an 11-year-old little sister who listens to Radio Disney.  The music on the station is pretty safe for young people,  and is not really bad on the ears.

While I’ve been hesitant to say anything before now, I must say that Radio Disney needs more diversity.  You can only listen to Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and The Jonas Brothers for so long.  And, even though KeKe Palmer is part of their musical line-up, a little more soul is needed.

Who am I kidding?  They need more diversity in programming, too. I watch their Saturday morning shows sometimes, and Raven and Corey are the only Black  people on the station.  London is the Asian character on the Suite Life of Zack and Cody (a little more color.  Cool!). I  don’t know about the other characters because I don’t watch them.  But, I do know more diversity is needed.

One last observation: if it took over 80 years for Disney to get its first Black princess for movies that can be seen, I won’t hold my breath for a more diverse music, which cannot be seen.

Credits: images retrieved from Google search

Not Seen on TV: All the true facts behind stories that are reported on the news

What are your thoughts about visions shared by mainstream media?

Let me begin by saying that I think that almost everything that happens in America is based on black and white.  I’m not a rebel; I am a realist.  And most of my opinions are based on my reality.

The American media has very interesting ways of creating bonds and divisions based on these two colors.  For the most part, divisions are caused by certain imagery; words used to describe the actions of a group; and other not-so-obvious words and actions by people who control the cameras and thought processes of their audience.

Why am I sharing this? Mostly because I need to kick off topics for As NOT Seen on TV.  Secondly, many people do not realize the power the media has over them until they turn the TV off for an extended period of time and discover that they can actually think on their own.

On a different note…I am so glad President Barack Obama is in office.  Not because he’s black; but because his mere position as a black leader is revealing huge levels of racism that was once kept hidden.  I love it!

While it is disappointing to know how much racism still exists in the 21st century, it is good to know these negative feelings are out in the open.  True feelings are surfacing and cannot be taken back.  And, if race relations do not improve, at least everything is out in the open.

Another great thing about racism being revealed is that a lot of it is being recorded.   So, no, it cannot be taken back.

I said all of that to say that many of my topics about mainstream media will be spurred by my reality of black and white.  Oh, it is coming from a female perspective, too.  Please don’t get offended; let’s engage in mature adult conversation.

If you dislike mainstream media practices as much as I do, feel free to comment.  If you love what they are doing, you are equally welcome.

Let the discussions begin!

Welcome to As NOT Seen on TV. I’m hoping to share lively discussions, great videos and awesome topics with my… http://bit.ly/9uhCfc

What are your thoughts about Bill O’Reilly’s Haiti and Chicago South Side comparison? Listen and weigh in at http://tiny.cc/pMIbk

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.

Read My Story: Black Women Aren’t The Only Single Ladies on As NOT Seen on TV at http://asnotseenontv.info

According to the above video, 42% of Black women are not married; there is very little hope of them marrying a Black Man; and over 70% of professional Black women with letters  behind their names do not have M.R.S. in front of their names.

Check out what Demetria Lucas of Essence Magazine shared in her commentary, The Black Men Shortage.

“You know what else I wondered? Where are the news stories about White girls and Latinas and Asian ladies who can’t find a good man? Don’t they have issues too? Cause the ones I know are in my single boat, rowing around the Hudson River with me and looking for love too. There’s this entire fictional franchise called “Sex and the City” (maybe you’ve heard of it?) dedicated to White women’s search for love in Manhattan that women of all colors flock to in droves because its relatable. You know why it’s relatable?  Because 51% of American women are living without a husband, i.e: they are single.  This is the first time in American history that more women are single than married. Fifty-one percent of Latina woman are unmarried, so are 45% of non-Hispanic White women, and 41% of Asian women.”

I have two thoughts on this issue.  First, I would like to thank Demetria Lucas for sharing this information.  She made my work so much easier.

Second, to mainstream media sources, it would be great if you would share stories about all races and nationalities, not just Black people.  If Black women looked to media sources to define themselves, theywould be sorely outta luck.

Outside of news personalities, there are very few positive images on television shows. You see the same few great Black actresses on the big screen. And, we can count the number of Black people in commercials on two hands.

Also, contrary to what you see on TV, Black women are not video vixens; they do have executive level positions and own their own businesses; and reality TV shows are not truly their reality.

I said all of that to say, in spite of new reports about single Black women that are seen on TV, please know that Black women are not the only single ladies.