BET and the jackal blinked first. All references to 'Hot Ghetto Mess' have been removed from their website.BET decided to change the name of the show to 'We Got To Do Better'. The details of the backchannel communications are described on the WhatAboutOurDaughters blog.
The name change does the following things:
- It removes the direct and obvious connection to the pornographic website upon which the show is based.
- It removes the denigrating reference ('Hot Ghetto Mess') that would be inevitably tied to the African American community.
- It removes the irritating HGM logo from the network.
- Most importantly, it demonstrates again the power of Black bloggers if we are strategic and direct in our approach.
In my view, the next step is to see which corporations purchase advertisements on the show. If the show doesn't treat our community with dignity and respect ... then I anticipate that the campaign will move towards those advertisers. It is difficult for me to understand how respectable corporations will have their name associated with a show that degrades our people.
Much love to Gina McCauley for the time and effort that she placed into this protest effort. Gina has never visited our blog ... however, she is now an OV (Original Villager)!
Well villagers, what are your thoughts on this latest development?
