MTV’s ‘Dogs’ at the Center of Controversy

    MTV finds itself
    back in the spot light this week, and it has nothing to do with the VMA’s or reality TV. Industry Ears has taken offense to the
    new MTV show, Where My Dogs At? and one particular depiction of Black women.

    “Viacom’s
    MTV continues to justify the exploitation of African American
    women by hiding behind words like satire and parody.  The animated
    portrayal of two African American women scurrying on all fours with leashes
    around their necks, defecating on a pet shop floor goes far beyond the
    pail of acceptability.  It is not art, it is an assault.  The justification
    given by stating one of the animated dogs points out his disgust by saying, ‘I
    find this a bit degrading and I’m a dog’ does not eliminate the harm. 
    Actually the point is countered by the other dog who states, ‘Are you
    joking?  What’s cooler than a two-legger who treats other two-leggers like
    four-leggers?’  Emphasizing and reinforcing the treatment of black women
    as dogs as tolerable behavior,”
    the press release states.

    The statement also expresses its dissatisfaction with the
    program being aired on weekend afternoons where it can be easily accessed by
    children. 

    Industry Ears is
    also urging media consumers to take action if they feel offended by the show’s
    antics.

    “We call on
    responsible corporate citizens to condemn the airing of this program and any
    program that propagates harmful racist stereotypes and misogynistic
    images.  We think this is wrong and we respectfully ask the President of
    MTV, Christina Norman and other Viacom executives to rethink the manner in
    which they depict African Americans and women.  We urge all parties
    concerned to email Christina Norman (Christina.Norman@mtv.com ) and their local cable providers
    and demand the removal of ‘Where My Dogs At’ and any other programs that
    exploit African Americans and women.”

    Industry Ears was
    established in 2004 by Paul Porter and
    Lisa Fager
    as new generation think tank to focus
    on media’s impact on children and communities of color.

     

    One thought on “MTV’s ‘Dogs’ at the Center of Controversy

    1. I know it’s a little late, but I thought I would throw in some facts. Of course, Snoop Dogg did take two women with leashes and dog collars to the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards with no complaints from Lisa Fager , Stanley Crouch or anybody else in the media. The awards were watched by 10 times as many men, women and children then the cartoon ever was. The poop stuff was based on the 2nd season premiere of “Flavor of Love” when a woman named “Somethin” took a dump on Flavor’s floor. Lisa Fager, who always says she does not believe in censorship, did succeed in her campaign to cancel the show. So now all the kiddies can watch “16 and Pregnant”, Yo Momma”, “Jersey Shore” etc.. on MTV and parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their kids are safe. Check out Lisa Fager’s Facebook page and you will find her favorite show is “The Boondocks”. “The Boondocks” 2nd episode(aired 6 months before “Where My Dogs at?” premiered)was called “The Trial of Robert Kelly” that showed a 14 year old black girl being constantly urinated on and enjoying it. I wonder why Lisa didn’t launch a campaign to get that show cancelled?

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *