Our last post sparked a lot of discussion about the image of black women on television and our culture. The post centered around the fictional characters named in the title, plus a few of the reality television “stars”.

This was a great discussion, but we thought it would be a great idea to continue and broach the subject of if there is anything “Good” in these television shows. As I mentioned in the previous article, I don’t watch all the shows, but have done some research. The only one I watch faithfully is “Scandal”, but that is mainly because the writer/creator/producer, Shonda Rhimes, is amazing. I have been watching her shows for over a decade now.

Read the previous article here: What Do Mary Jane, Olivia Pope, Basketball Wives, Love and Hip Hop, The Game, and Single Ladies All Have In Common?

You probably have noticed in this article the reality shows of “Basketball Wives” and “Love and Hip Hop” have been removed. That is because honestly, I can’t find much “Good” in these shows. Maybe the growth of the people involved is something people see, but I think most watch it because of the train wrecks, ratchet behaviors, and fights.

What’s So Good About Mary Jane, Olivia Pope, Single Ladies, or The Game?

Nevertheless, let’s get down to the crux of the matter and discuss the “Good” in these shows.

1. Successfully, Ambitious Black Women

These shows are centered around black women who are on top of their game professionally. They either own their own businesses, which is something we preach at Urban Intellectuals on a consistent basis, or on top of their career and profession. With the barrage of negative images of black women being slung around the media and Internet, it is wonderful to see our sisters handling their business.

I believe many women watching these shows are inspired by powerful, black women in positions of control and authority. These images serve as motivation and a reminder that despite the negatives in their lives, people trying to hold them back or tell them they can’t achieve their dreams, THEY CAN! A wonderful message for anyone, especially our black women.

2. Educated And Articulate Black Women (Non-Ratchet)

As mentioned above, the negative images of black women in the news, media and on the Internet is crazy. If you didn’t know any better, it is easy to assume all black women are food stamp slanging, World Star twerking, ebonic speaking, baby mamma hoodrats that depend on the Government or some drug dealing man to take care of their needs.

These shows shatter that mold as they show black women in positions of power, control and ownership, who are able to string together coherent sentences in an articulate and professional manner. These black women fight all the stereotypes the Fox News wants us to believe about our women.

Yes, at moments, they will go there and put another character in their place with a few snaps and some attitude, but isn’t that real life? All people have layers. No one is one way at all times, but these shows do a good job of presenting the well spoken, educated, and insightful black woman that is sexy in the eyes of most black men.

3. Love Their Family And Friends (Loyalty)

There is no doubt the women in these shows love their friends and family. This is something all black women can relate to as well because for so long they have been the cornerstone of the black family.

Often times left with no man in the home due to jail or poor choices by both parties, they have to suck it up and make it work for the family. And for decades, the black woman have done just that.

The women of these shows may be single with children or not, but the common denominator is love of their friends and family. This is a strong trait of black women because once they are on your team or love you, they will be there for you an have your back sometimes at the detriment of themselves.

4. Real And Relateable (Family, Work, Life Balance)

These shows reflect the reality many black women and people see in their lives. This is what makes the shows real. They can relate to the characters. Life is tough, difficult at times.

You might be knocked down, but you have to pick yourself up, lean on friends and family, but keep on keeping on because you have goals, dreams and other people depending on you.

The black woman has never had an opportunity sit back and take a break because if she didn’t get it done, no one was going to give it to her. These stories, situations, and characters relate to black women, in my opinion, but what do you think?

What’s So Good About Mary Jane, Olivia Pope, Single Ladies, or The Game?