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| Cast member of VH1's |
Uh -Oh, it seems that viewers have had it with the VH1's reality chain. Finally, they have gone to drastice measures. As you know on Jun.18th the reality show debuted it's first episode of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. The episode was drama filled, as it featured, ATL's own rapper, Lil Scrappy and his mom who is by the way an ex madam. An by Madam I'm not speaking in terms of royalty; In this episode Lil Scrappy's Mom, Mama Dee revealed that she was a female pimp. She also revealed to the world that she has a roaring disliking for the former Crime Mob member, Diamond. Apparently, Diamond supposedly cheated on Lil Scrappy, with Soldier Boy.
I think it was a bit much for her to attack Diamond's character without her being able to defend herself. Fans were extremely dissatisfied with that part of the footage; and the footage of an up an coming rapper by the name of Joseline; who the show exposed as Producer Stevie J's side piece. Meanwhile, the Stevie J is in a full blown relationship with his baby mama; of whom he shows no respect. However, the most shocking parts of the episode, was yet to come, as ATL's own K. Michelle finally tells her story. In this episode K.Michelle revealed that an abusive relationship with an ex Jive exec. almost ended her life. K. Michelle, didn't reveal the name of this producer that she accused of womanizing and stealing her money in the episode. However, she would go on to reveal that her womanizer was none other than Toya Carter Wright's current husband, Mickey "MempHitz" Wright. Viewers are extremely upset with the way the character's came across on television.Viewers don't feel that these characters represent real ATL royalty. Instead, they argue that it makes the city look bad.
According to *Change.org, an organization that lives up to its name, is going after VH1′s newest ghetto show, “Love &Hip Hop: Atlanta” with a boycott petition.
And for good reason as far as a lot of folks are concerned. Think about it. In just the first episode alone, the show introduced viewers to a former crack dealer and pimp, a victim of domestic abuse, and a former stripper who had to try and prove her womanhood by tweeting a full blown nude photo of herself. And on top of that, she’s also a possible mistress to music producer Stevie J.
The petition reads:
After we made a ruckus about Basketball Wives, sponsors began to pull ads. Well, it’s that time again, folks!
While we should respect the perceptions and experiences of the men and women featured on “reality” television shows, networks are airing stories that could be very helpful for people to hear, but they’re telling these stories in EXTREMELY dangerous ways.
We all know premium digital crack rock is ‘slanged’ in digital hoods other than VH1. We also know the problem is not just TV–it’s a big, mean, social monster that we’ve gotta shoot down one non-violent bullet at a time. Nevertheless, somebody’s gotta be the face of this lovely movement. And since VH1 has chosen to give us yet another beautifully-blinged jewel of commercial exploitation (Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta), they might as well be the face of change. By the way, shout out to all African Americans who received Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta as their Juneteenth gift! You won and lost at the same time!
As we work toward national- and local-level change, let’s tell VH1 and their sponsors (again) why people from a broad range of backgrounds will NOT stand for the exploitation of the lived experiences of people who may not even know they’re being exploited. This isn’t a “Black or White” thing, this is a HUMAN thing…and we should all understand.
P.S. That “turn of the TV/your kids’ TV if you don’t want to watch” argument doesn’t work here, VH1. A good number of the kids who are most at risk don’t have the luxury of living with parents who can just “turn off the TV”. Why? Because their parents are out working multiple jobs (thanks to this lovely thing called poverty); one or both parents are on drugs, dead, or in jail; or they’re raised by ill grandparents, relatives who aren’t that interested in their future, or foster parents who abuse them and only foster to collect a check.
I don't think that they will be successful in having the show cancelled simply because, drama sells, and VH1 intends on collecting the big check from yet another reality series filled with Drama. It's sad but true. What's your take on Love and Hip Hop Atlanta? Will you be signing their petition to take the series off air?
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