The questions that I have, are we ready for that? Or better yet; do we want that? Keep in mind the episode of Empire with the gay scene was showed in front of a test audience and the ratings were negative. “They did not like that scene at all.” admitted Danny Strong one of the creators of the show. The lack of variety and quality in television and movie programming makes it more difficult to simply turn the channel. It seems the powers that be are giving us no choice; and when given a choice it seems that the answer doesn’t matter. Despite the negative showing among their test audience; Strong and co- creator Lee Daniels still decided it would be better to air the episode. “Why should we take this off just because people are uncomfortable? We wanna push buttons with this show, we wanna deal with real issues.’” said Strong.
Maybe I’m not dealing with the real issue. It is quite possible that I’m searching for decency in the midst of filth. Better yet for morality in an immoral society. However I don’t think my position is that extreme. Despite my disagreements with those who choose to live a gay lifestyle; I’m not suggesting the dismissal of gay characters on the screen. In fact I agree with Danny Strong with the assessment that homosexuality and homophobia are real issues that should be addressed. No what I have problem with is the propaganda not the exposure of the gay lifestyle. I believe that the children of this generation are a lot more desensitize to things than generations were in the past. While having lunch with my sister who is a high school senior; she mentioned that “most of the boys in her school are gay.” So I do understand that society is changing; and that shift is taking place now.
When Bill Cosby created The Cosby Show and A Different World; his intent was clear. He was trying to promote a positive image of the Black life and Black experience. When Spike Lee created Do the Right Thing; it shed light on the racial tension in New York. When these images came out I was a young kid and then fully grasp the significance of what I was watching. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized how important it was to see those visuals. It made me want to go to college and find a wife like Clair Huxtable. It made have a sense of self pride and self worth when I encountered other races. Now I ask you; what is the agenda of shows like Empire and Scandal? They are entertaining; yes, but what will they inspire your kids to do when they get older? Think about that for a second.