In order to appease the Black segment of society that screams for more media representation, Comcast will launch two minority-owned cable channels. P-Diddy, will own one of the channels while Magic Johnson will own the other. Cable channels, underrepresented in “minority” (hate that term) ownership must find a big enough pacifier to temporarily appease those complaining about the lack of Black channels on cable. P-Diddy will launch the network “Revolt” and Magic will launch “Aspire.” Revolt (to no one’s surprise) will center on videos and Aspire will cater to “family oriented” and positive programming.
Now, I don’t want to beat up on Magic and P-Diddy too much because I’m sure (especially Magic) they’ve attempted to do some good things for the Black community. But, seriously, an ex-rapper and ex-basketball player? Is that the best they could do? Where are the Black intellectuals? I know Magic is a beloved figure but part of his programming will include gospel and “inspirational” shows. Isn’t that just what we need more videos and more Negro preachers decimating our minds? This was such a predictable and stereotypical response to an affirmative action initiative. “Let’s see, who can we get…quickly?” How about P-Diddy and Magic Johnson? What I’m really hearing is “Ok, Bob, all we have to do in order to stay clear from the radar of the NAACP and other watch groups is give these Negroes what they like best…videos and Jesus and they’ll be good for another decade.”
Poor Magic, I’m sure his intentions are good and he really seems like a very likable person. Magic, though, like the majority of Blacks have been sprinkled with unconscious dust and bitten by the insidious religious bug. Recently, during an NBA game halftime report Magic was featured for his 20th year anniversary since he made the announcement revealing that he had HIV. Michael Wilbon asked Magic to summarize then and now and Magic stated, “God is good.” To whom Magic, you? A.I.D.S. is the leading cause of death between Black women ages 25 to 44. Maybe “god” is partial to Magic because he’s a Lakers fan. We all know how much god loves sports…Tim Tebow proved that.
Most of us are aware that any perceived Black threats or non-conformist Blacks don’t stand a chance to have their own station. Besides, those with the money don’t have the social agenda and those with the social agenda don’t have the money. P-Diddy has the money but the most radical thing he’s ever done is proclaim “Vote or Die.” Not eat correctly, exercise or use protection while having sex but vote or die. Magic has always been the type of Black that the image controllers have felt comfortable with. They gave him a talk show and even created a billboard that said “Magic, The Smile That Stole Late Night.”
Perhaps Comcast and other appeasers know what most conscious Blacks regretfully hate to admit…it is the non-threatening, video watching, Jesus loving Black viewership that pays the bills. After all, they do represent the overwhelming vast majority of Blacks in the United States.