Source: xfinitytv.comcast.net

By Marquita Green

It’s 2012 and you would think there would be a somewhat accurate, better depiction or realistic TV show for the African American woman today. Sadly, there is not. Instead, I see more stereotypes than ever.  The lack of consideration and understanding of the woman of color today is very obvious. Black women are constantly bombarded with ads for television shows giving platforms to women who are relevant because of whom they have slept with, who they married, who they divorced and got paid by, had kids by, what videos they were in or trying to launch a music career for the 20th time. Sorry BET, VH1, Bravo and everyone else. We as black women are saying we cannot relate to that. We are asking and petitioning for you to stop falling on these stereotypes and saying it speaks to “black women.”

The only show in  which black women could call their own and completely relate to was “Girlfriends.”  Yes, it was a breath of fresh air. It did not go over the top. At the same time it did not degrade and stereotype. They addressed real issues that the woman of color faces in her professional life, love life, personal life and identity issues. They even (take note Gwyneth Paltrow) addressed the use of the “N” word flawlessly. This show is and was highly underrated. So point blank… we need it back.  I understand that many of these ladies have moved on in their careers. However, I think given a network like VH1 with high profile advertisers, there are some networks out there who can afford to get these women back.  I love Mara Brok Akil as a writer/creator on this show. Each character represented something very unique and significant and they were all relatable. Here’s why: