Why have I never heard about this show until a few minutes ago?
Black America should be ashamed of itself, especially when you have young black actors in this show that could be talked up and made huge like young white actors and actresses.
What are we doing being quiet about our own?????
Talk about the show
Enquire about the show
Talk about the actors
DO SOMETHING!
First off, the show has a cast. It is a "reality" show, and while I do not think everything that happens on the show is completely organic, the cast are residents of Baldwin Hills, not actors. They may, however, use the show as a springboard for other avenues, such as music (Sal) or modeling (Gerren, who was modeling professionally long before the show). There was an ad on Craigslist soliciting Season 3 participants between 16-24 within the past week, and it specifically sought Baldwin Hills residents.
The reason why "Baldwin Hills" has been "kept under wraps" is because it a show about Black American youth who are upper-middle class, educated and not falling into the stereotypical categories that most Americans place Black people in. A lot of these children have both parents in their lives, whether their parents are married or not. Their parents own homes. The kids receive nice cars for their birthday or graduation presents. They are all presentable, educated, nicely dressed, seemingly modest/not overly spoiled like a lot of their white counterparts in shows like "The Hills" or "Laguna Beach."
I am probably past the age demographic for BET's target "Baldwin Hills" audience, but I love the show. I'm proud of the Season 1 cast, especially for the kids who've moved on to attend colleges and universities.
My favorite cast member is Staci. I think she is a really beautiful young lady with a kind heart and a good spirit. She appears to be the one who will have it the hardest in life, but I root for her as the "underdog" and I urge her to continue working hard, persevering, educating herself and staying out of trouble and away from people who are not on the same path as she is. Sometimes not having as much as your counterparts will be what motivates you to do that much better and attain that much more.
America wants to pigeonhole Black people, especially Black youth. Anyone who is tired of the gratuitous sex, violence and serial degredation that we see on TV on a daily basis needs to tune in to "Baldwin Hills" to get a different and more authentic perspective about REAL Black life. Like they said in the intro, we don't all live in ghettos and projects. We have manicured lawns with vistas of beautiful views. We are sons and daughters of affluent people who are making a positive contribution to society and to the world. If that's boring to people or even stupid, then you're probably not that smart.
I wish the Season 1 kids all the best and I hope the Season 2 kids do the show justice. I'm concerned about Lo'Rena, her sister and Moriah's girlfriend perpetuating the stereotypes of Black women as "loud," "ghetto," "hostile," "hating," etc. If that happens, BET just might lose me. I sincerely hope BET continues to serve Black people justice by bashing some of the many stereotypes placed against us by showing the positive side of Black life and Black families.
Once again, the race card reels it ugly head....
"If that's boring to people or even stupid, then you're probably not that smart"
^LMAO, so the same can be said about people who think Laguna Beach and The Hills is nothing but a dumb and boring show. My fault, people HAVE to like Baldwin Hills, if not, they are not only a racist, but dumb...
BTW: why on earth do Baldwin Hills fans always compare this show with Laguna Beach? Laguna Beach has NOTHING to do with why mainstream America isn't watching Baldwin Hills.
Thank you for being a friend Estelle!
Wow, Shane Is My Homegirl, you took this in a totally different direction. You are the only one in this thread talking about any "race card" or what people have to like. Your posts say more about you than about anyone else.
shareLMAO! My god, warmfire, can you actually READ?! When have I said what people have to like, according to your friend shoplot, people have to like this show or else they are racist and dumb, Again, the same could be said about Laguna Beach... what a typical double standard. You both have been playing the race card and it's quite funny how you guys always ready to whip out the card, off of a T.V show... once again, whites get blamed for everything... re-read her post THEN try to have an good conversation with me later...
My god, you can read can you? I was being saracastic in response to shoplot's stupid claim that people have to like this show or else they are racist, but I see because she hates anything white, you go on attack mode at me because I just happen to disagree with what she said. You don't have to be Einstein to figure out that I was mocking her...duh.
So according to you... since my posts say more about me then the whiny BH fans, i'm an oreo... wow... go black unity(rolls eyes).
BTW: It's just a T.V show, you and your friend don't need to get bent out of shape over it... if people don't like this show, it has nothing to do with race NOR how smart somebody is.... maybe they don't like BH because it's boring... duh.
Thank you for being a friend Estelle!
Just because a black person can like Laguna and hate BH doesn't make them an oreo I for sure as heck am not an oreo but I think the direction and the editing of Laguna is done on a much higher scale than BH which in turn makes it more attractive. Perhaps BH should increase its budget.
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Shopalot, thank you for writing such a clear, mature, well-written post about your take on this show. You've raised interesting points. Unfortunately, the response has not been so mature or well-written, yet your interesting post pointed out the value of seeing two sides of African-American life in and around Baldwin Hills. Thank you for posting.
shareOh be quiet warmfire, liasophia is right, you are just causing trouble. Her points aren't well written, blaming white people for the lack of coverage is playing the race card, something you do so well. My response was just as mature, playing the race card isn't mature..it's stupid, you and shoplot, are the same person... it's pretty clear since shoplot hasn't responded back and you jumped in causing trouble, it's clear to other posters that i've talked to, are the same person.
Just stop writing to me, seriously, I do have a right to disagree and just because I don't fall for the old race card, that doesn't mean i'm being immature or dumb, you really need to STFU.
Thank you for being a friend Estelle!
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Myself, like Shopalot, is waaay past the targeted demo for the show (I'm near 40).
And after years & hours of seeing TV and being very critical of programming period and especially for folks of color, I've seen my first episode ever today and this show is rather well done.
It has reality, conflicts, moral angle, cultural landmarks, etc. that keep the show moving. I have no beef with it.
And anybody who's dissing probably spends their time watching too much Degrassi, 90210, Saved by the Bell, OC, Laguna Beach, etc. or any other crap white folks toss out. Get your head out your anus and support better Black programming.
Daktor- I love you!!! my point exactly... I'm 28 years old, and when I was younger and up until 2 years ago they have put black shows on air. College Hill doesn't count, that's more of the most ignorant show I have ever seen. Baldwin Hills have drama as with any reality show. But it also has substance unlike the other show's. But you are the only one with some sense on here!!!
shareLove you too Keisha. ;>
Good to see somebody on here thinking critically; props to you & Shopalot.
I truly believe that because of past questionable to downright embarrassing programming of shows with Black folks starring, folks are conditioned to attack our own images on sight like trained dogs. I'd venture to say it's symptom of white supremacy and our collective mental enslavment. Do you hear white folks screaming about how Jackass presents white teens? No.
I saw this happen when 'Sex in the City' was all the rage and 'Girlfriends' came along soon afterward. I happened to catch the second season of 'Girlfriends' and was impressed by how funny, deep & layered the plot & characters were (and yes, the ladies were fine).
Nearly every sister I knew was a fan of 'Sex...' but critized 'Girlfriends' as "unrealistic" and that it "didn't represent them" or did not have "'real Black women'" on the show.
Hunh? So Carrie, Miranda & those other homely broads were 'real' and represented you? Please. But they later caught on to 'Girlfriends' over some time.
My hope is that will happen with 'Baldwin Hills'. It's reportedly doing excellently in the ratings and inspiring folks which is what truly matters.
It's so sad to see how America has brain washed us to make us believe that White show's are better, The white show is the one to watch.Yes Baldwin Hills got there concept from other show's like The Hills. But unlike that show this show has substance. But we have a positive show and we down it. It's just crazy. But your so right on the nose about it.
shareI have to disagree somewhat. While I think people certainly have been influenced by the dominant culture, I feel both shows have substance. They are different but just as intriguing. I like to watch and enjoy both "The Hills" and "Baldwin Hills".
While "Baldwin Hills" may have been inspired by "Laguna Beach", it took that inspiration and built a new concept upon it. Unlike "Laguna Beach", we get to see some of the cast interact with their parents and that some cast members are not from "Baldwin Hills" but Watts and the J's. BET took one concept and broadened it which is what gives "Baldwin Hills" its own signature on the formula.
I'm looking forward to the next season.
Good points.
I've never seen "Laguna Beach" but the idea that they communicate with their parents and have cast not from the area is innovative.
Dok you have expressed your points very well and although I do enjoy watching Laguna Beach (THE FIRST SEASON) and the hills i can see why some might like BH. One for the fact they do interact with their parents BUT it seems very fake. I mean having heart to hearts nearly all the time, let's get real.
For one note I will compare graduation episodes. I was freaking anxious for the seniors in Laguna the first season to graduate, it was a very touching episode. This show, not so much. I mean who is there on the show to like? Justin, maybe that's about it.
And how hypocritical is Staci. Her relative gets pregnant then so does she! It just keeps reinforcing stereotypes.
One for the fact they do interact with their parents BUT it seems very fake. I mean having heart to hearts nearly all the time, let's get real.
Perhaps I was wrong to say that it is reinforcing a stereotype but isn't she still a teenager?
So wouldn't that make this a teenage pregnancy?
I might be different than most in this, but when I think of a teenage pregnancy I think of a highschool student not yet graduated who has blossomed before her time, so to speak. While Staci is 19 and technically still a teenager, she has graduated from highschool, is working, and is in a committed relationship. While her circumstances are not ideal, it's still not as dire as if she were, say, 15, unemployed, and not yet finished with highschool. Plus, while Kevin's reaction may not have been the best, he's still around as far as we know. If Staci is adult enough to finish highschool, maintain a committed relationship, and find her own apartment while holding down a job, I'd say her pregnancy, while unexpected, doesn't fit any stereotypes.
I just see Staci's pregnancy as different than what I would consider a "teenage pregnancy".
tomatoe tomato she is still very very young, and young-minded. She has graduated, big deal, she has a boyfriend who has gotten another girl pregnant by the standards of today, not a big deal. Now she is pregnant with that fool's child. He's obviously not with baby mama number one so what makes her think he's going to stick around? yes she has a job but many kids out of high school do too.
Staci is nowhere near the mind set to have raise a child I see no stability in her live other than the fact that she will be pregnant for the next nine months. The boyfriend the job and the new apt could all go....
I agree that the circumstances are not ideal, but I wouldn't say she's reinforcing stereotypes or that her situation is the typical idea of a teenage pregnancy.
As for her thinking he's going to stick around, I'm not convinced she thinks he's going to as she hasn't said that. People generally know that relationships are mostly in-the-moment prospects. Even marriage is no guarantee of relationship longevity as evidenced by the current divorce rate. Most of life is never guaranteed or perfect or ideal. People are generally doing the best they can with what they've got. Staci deserves a break. To be fair, I've known two women who had babies at a young age and worked hard to become stable with parenting as their main motivation. While you feel Staci's situation isn't stable now, Staci may surprise you. I know these women surprised me.
A little off-topic since I don't know if Staci and Kevin were using anything: This situation is an excellent example of the best laid plans of mice and men. No matter what contraceptives are used or precautions taken, having sex always carries a chance of pregnancy. Period. If one doesn't want to have a baby, then the only 100% prevention is abstinence. No one wants to hear it, but it's so true.
I don't think Satci deserves a break because the headache of raising a child is all her own fault. Like you mentioned before, abstinence is the 100 percent way of not getting pregnant.And while some kids don't follow that method hey, this is what happens so really I have zero sympathy for her.
shareWhile I disagree with you somewhat, I can see your point. In fact, Staci stood in judgement of her pregnant cousin just the way you are standing in judgement of Staci so you are clearly not alone. Many feel as you do, and I daresay I used to feel the same way. Experience, maturity, and living life taught me to broaden my perspective a bit.
I must point out, though, that raising this child is not all Staci's own fault. It took two to make this baby. Additionally, Staci is a 19-year-old adult woman, and it happens to be just as normal for an adult to have sex as it is for them to choose abstinence. Sex is a natural, normal part of an adult's life, and one can only avoid it for so long within a long-term relationship. It would have been smarter for Staci to avoid having a serious relationship at all. Then again, she's had a difficult life, and love in those circumstances would be seriously difficult to deny oneself. After all, it is a natural human need.
I've learned to have some compassion toward some people when they make less-than-desirable decisions since, as a human being, it won't be long before I'm on the other side of the coin.
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Jose, my wetback friend is back, say.... have you checked out the nuthouse THIS early? You claim that you aren't gay, but they way you have following me around, you are swimming in denial. Tell me, Natalie Wood called, she wants her STD results back.
Douchebags of the year: Gabby01 and NNZForever
How often do you watch BET because every single commercial break during every single show, they show the commercial for the upcoming season. They even show the sneak preview episode almost every day...
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