BET's 'American Gangster' series under scrutiny
Charlene Muhammad/Special to the NNPA
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
LOS ANGELES (NNPA) - Black Entertainment Television (BET) has won higher ratings and critical acclaim for its "American Gangster" series on the rise and fall of Black criminals. But in the wake of the docudramas and a hit movie of the same name, many are concerned about the portrayal of Blacks and images they believe help inspire youth to destructive behavior.
BET initially indicated the show's purpose was to "explore without glorifying and investigate without celebrating" the criminal minds of the infamous men featured during the weekly, one-hour shows, which are broadcast at several different times.
According to executive producer Nelson George, dope dealers and criminals like "Freeway" Ricky Ross, Leroy "Nicky" Barnes, Troy and Dino Smith, the Chambers Brothers and Lorenzo "Fat Cat" Nichols were chosen because of legendary crimes with national and sometimes international dimensions.
BET's "American Gangster" debuted last November with the second best numbers in the network's history with a 1.6 rating and 1.6 million viewers in 1.3 million households, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Five minutes of fame on TV and in movies is enough glory for young men thirsty for attention, no matter how they achieve it, said Fareed Thomas, who was recently released from a California penitentiary. The BET episodes showcase the money and so-called good times the gangsters enjoyed, but a fraction of the time was spent on how they went to jail, Thomas said.
Historically, American gangsters have been European and portrayed in films like "The Godfather," "Scarface," "Bugsy," "King of New York," "Casino," "Gangs of New York" and "Good Fellas."
The problem, said Mark, a Los Angeles-based gang member, comes with the BET series singling out Black men and ignoring the criminal history of gangsters of various ethnicities.
"It is hypocritical to a point. If BET just didn't do it as Black, that would be one thing, but if you're going to showcase one gangster, then showcase them all. Why is BET only stopping at the Black gangster? Do only Black gangsters go to prison?" he said.
BET initially indicated the show's purpose was to "explore without glorifying and investigate without celebrating" the criminal minds of the infamous men featured during the weekly, one-hour shows, which are broadcast at several different times.
According to executive producer Nelson George, dope dealers and criminals like "Freeway" Ricky Ross, Leroy "Nicky" Barnes, Troy and Dino Smith, the Chambers Brothers and Lorenzo "Fat Cat" Nichols were chosen because of legendary crimes with national and sometimes international dimensions.
BET's "American Gangster" debuted last November with the second best numbers in the network's history with a 1.6 rating and 1.6 million viewers in 1.3 million households, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Five minutes of fame on TV and in movies is enough glory for young men thirsty for attention, no matter how they achieve it, said Fareed Thomas, who was recently released from a California penitentiary. The BET episodes showcase the money and so-called good times the gangsters enjoyed, but a fraction of the time was spent on how they went to jail, Thomas said.
Historically, American gangsters have been European and portrayed in films like "The Godfather," "Scarface," "Bugsy," "King of New York," "Casino," "Gangs of New York" and "Good Fellas."
The problem, said Mark, a Los Angeles-based gang member, comes with the BET series singling out Black men and ignoring the criminal history of gangsters of various ethnicities.
"It is hypocritical to a point. If BET just didn't do it as Black, that would be one thing, but if you're going to showcase one gangster, then showcase them all. Why is BET only stopping at the Black gangster? Do only Black gangsters go to prison?" he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
jeff williams
posted 6/11/08 @ 6:09 PM EST
since i have watched every gangster genre movie,the outcome of the lifestyle still remains the same i cannot say that anybody should not watch them but to understand the realities and the consequences that comes with these actions
Shaft
posted 10/19/08 @ 10:59 PM EST
ive been watchin Amer-Gangsta for a while now and mostly all i-c is crip gang, now i no theres more of them but do that mean there more gangsta (H***-Naw), i no yall can find sumthin on BLOOD GANG rite, share the spotlite
Yolanda
posted 1/24/09 @ 11:01 PM EST
I have to agree with Ms. Muhammad. Although BET set the show up to be informative, and to shed light on the consequences of being an active gang member and committing crimes and such; it seems to glorify the lifestyle, rather than portray it for what its worth; death or jail. (Continued…)
stjm
posted 6/19/09 @ 2:47 PM EST
i don't think these stories are at all negative about black people as a whole because they don't connect to all black people. these are some specific cases on some definitely distinct black individuals. (Continued…)
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