On August 5, during the airing of the series finale of "The Game," the Black Entertainment Television network shocked viewers with their announcement of the return of the infamous series, "BET UnCut," on August 11. The series had a short lifespan of five years, starting in 2001 and ending in 2006. Social networking lit up as comments of both support and distaste soared across the Internet. There seemed to be a disturbing amount of feedback that demonstrated excitement and support of the revival of the series that so many fought against. So why are people celebrating its return?
My disgust and irritation with BET for making this decision goes deeper than simply not appreciating the “artistry” of the music that some believe it holds. The series represents the over sexualization and degradation of black American women, which has been an issue within pop culture for quite a while now. The graphic images of half naked women gyrating and engaging in risky sexual behavior with rappers in layers of baggy clothes and oversized jewelry angered women all over the country. Nelly’s video “Tip Drill” caused controversy with the image of him sliding a credit card down the backside of scantily clad black woman and is representative of the videos that were aired on late night BET. It also prompted black women’s groups and institutions like Spelman College to speak out against the misogynistic program.
The timing for the announcement of the return of "BET UnCut" could not have been more inappropriate. In the midst of movements like the Carefree Black Girl Movement, Black Lives Matter, and others that are meant to bring awareness and positivity to the black community, BET has chosen to bring back a show that caused division and pain within the community. There have undoubtedly been several pitches that have been presented to the network, yet this is the one that they decided to move forward with. Essentially, BET could use this platform to take the opportunity to present something relevant and beneficial to the black community instead of moving backwards.
The network has also chosen to air the series at 11:00 p.m. EST, which is earlier than its original scheduling before it was canceled. What does this mean? Well, because the series will be on air closer to the conclusion of primetime television, there is a greater chance that younger kids will be able to see it. This means that our babies, our youth, our future can possibly be tainted with the disgusting images that we were exposed to when we were younger. This means that our babies, our youth, our future will think that this is acceptable and normal.
Sure, many of us may have sneaked to see what was on the series when we knew we should not. But now that we are older, more educated, and more passionate, why are we celebrating the return of "UnCut"? We say that we “love our black queens,” yet we are anticipating and celebrating the revival of a show that has blatantly disrespected, degraded and objectified black women. So the next time you consider tuning into "BET UnCut," I ask that you think about your mother, your aunt, your sister, your niece and your future daughter. And I want you to ask yourself, “Would I want them to be treated or represented like this”?
