ough for prime time networks. ...In 1992 nearly one out every five characters on prime-time network entertainment programs was African-American. Last season, that number dropped to one in 10, (Ebony Magazine, 83). Sitcoms are not the only place were African-Americans should be cast. There needs to be more serious dramas with African-Americans living an everyday life in the real world. On shows like 90210 and Dawsons Creek, viewers rarely see an African American person. America is made up of so many types of cultures, yet some shows make it seem like it is just made up of spoiled, rich white kids. The public needs to know African-Americans have issues in their lives as well. Producers need to show African Americans going through relationship problems and family problems just like white kids in white shows go through. African Americans have at least been shown in different dramas. There have been lawsuits done by the nations oldest civil rights organization because there were not enough African-Americans on dramas. Reports say new Black characters will be added to NBCs Law &Order, ABCs Wasteland and Foxs Manchester Prep (Ebony Magazine, 83). The drama shows portray African Americans in a more positive, realistic way. On the popular show, ER there is ha Eriq Lasalle, who plays one of the doctors on the show and goes through the same types of dramas the other characters do. On Felicity they have Tangi Miller, who plays one of Felicitys best friends. She is trying to get through college taking the same types of hard classes the Caucasian people are taking. Basically African Americans need more serious roles on television. African Americas should have sitcoms on television, but there needs to be a balance between the sitcoms and the dramas. Dramas would help to show African Americans in a more day-to-day, realistic role.Many broadcast executives believe whites rarely watch shows, particularly sitcoms, with largely black casts. ...
