Black and White TV

Regarding “When More Isn’t Much Better,” by Greg Braxton (Oct. 4):

I am an African-American who is appalled by the overall quality (or lack thereof) in American television, particularly in the situation comedy genre. Television programming is not only our most accessible source of entertainment, but also a powerful medium for education and the sharing of cultural nuance with each other and the rest of the world.

Therefore, regardless of ethnicity in casting decisions, network executives need to begin to assume the responsibility of enhancing American culture, rather than being exclusively driven by what they feel will generate larger advertising revenue. We are all being failed, misrepresented, and characterized one-dimensionally at best. It’s not a black thing; it’s a national disgrace.

American communities are in a state of social, moral, economic and political turmoil. We (the American public) do not have the resources or time to wallow through yet another season of shallow and oftentimes destructive images. If there is going to be true healing and positive change in our nation, television will have to join the ranks of theater, dance, literature and fine art and consciously endeavor to develop thoughtful, provocative and intelligent entertainment.

Until them, our culture, in all of its ethnic manifestations, will continue to go up in smoke.

MICHAEL REID

Westwood