What up Nation!  Over the last few year’s I’ve become a huge opponent of the BET networks.  I’m not alone.  Most individuals who protest the outlet assert that the network is ground zero for the proliferation of black-on-black violence and negative imagery within African-Americans society.  I agree however, as a marketing professional it would be hypocritical of me to criticize BET for catering to their corporate backing and marketing partners. I think it is unrealistic and unfair to hold BET to a higher standard than other networks because they have the world “BLACK” in their title.  After all, this is America, we’re all entitled to make money and make it abundantly when given the chance…so I’ll lay low with that.

What does bother however is the inconsistency with which they do it.   On one hand they display videos dripping with sexual imagery and violence but they’ll simultaneously air public service announcement’s combatting the very behavior they promote.  Case in point…. tonight BET News will air their second town hall series special, Hip Hop Vs. America II: Where Did the Love Go?”  Its a discussion focusing on music videos, misogyny within the hip-hop culture, race vs. gender, the strained relationships between black men and women, and the media’s role in shaping the perception of African Americans. It will be hosted by BET News correspondent Jeff Johnson and rapper MC Lyte as all part of a three-part special.

Now my dilema is do I watch?  Or am I feeding into the bullsh*t by doing so.