Written Analysis

One of the most controversial reality TV shows to ever be considered to air on the TV network Oxygen was a show called “All my baby mama’s”.  The reality TV show was set to air this spring but because of the many nerves it hit within the African American community, it was stopped dead in its tracks and prevented from airing on the network.  The show would feature a long lost rapper named Shawty Lo, all 10 of his baby mamas and 11 of his children.  It was set out to capture the hard ruff life he lived while dealing with all of the complications of being a father to 11 children, all of which whom had different mothers.  Showing the hard times he faced when dealing with life situations ranging from birthdays, holidays, child support, quality time all while dealing with baby mama drama. 

Shonda Lamb an advocate of Color of Change was outraged when she saw the video trailer for the promotion of the show.  The reason for this is because she felt the show was a disgrace to the African American community and was a depiction of the already assumed stereotype of African American men in society. Men who have unprotected sex with various women, having babies left and right, not having a steady job to care for them and not paying child support.  And on top of that children caught in the middle not having a voice to speak up for themselves about the embarrassment and humiliation they would face from having parents who care nothing about their reputation but everything about making a quick dollar.  Lamb was so outraged by the show she went on to create a petition which was eventually signed by 37,000 individuals.  After the petition reached the 37,000 mark, TV network Oxygen decided that it was best to resign the show from airing and canceled the show.

This show like so many reality TV shows all have stereotypes of some form that viewers have created and categorized them as.  For instance, Jersey Shores “Guido’s and Guidettes” all imply a stereotype Italian which is a sad excuse of a male, or a woman who has breast implants and wears tight clothing.  Another is Basketball Wives which has been accused of displaying a stereotype of African American women as ghetto, loud, rude and ready to fight at the drop of a dime.  These are all stereotypes that have been adapted by society and many feel are now being magnified through the use of TV networks and people willing to put on a show.  When it comes to rituals, all reality TV shows follow a ritual of airing on the same network, on the same day every week at the same time.  And many individuals have also adapted to the ritual of making sure they are on their couches at a certain time on certain days tuning in to watch and be entertained. 

The insight that I gain by applying these theories is that stereotypes are inevitable.  Whether we like it or not they will always be around and as long as there are people willing to contribute to the truth of stereotypes we will never see progress or growth.  As individuals we have to go against stereotypes and be unique and different in our own way.  After all why would you want to be categorized as a certain “type” of being?  Seeking individuality and being your own person is important, not giving into the pressure of proving ignorance right can be a hard thing to do but I believe it is important in order to grow and see change in the way we see and communicate with each other.