BOYCOTT A&E

The following is a letter I wrote to the CEO of A&E.

July 16, 2008

Abbe Raven

President & CEO

A&E Networks

235 E. 45th Street

New York, NY 10017

Dear Sir:

Recently I was viewing your network and a promo was aired touting the return of “Dog The Bounty Hunter.”  I was extremely disturbed and appalled upon hearing this.  It has been less than a year (November 2007) since Mr. Chapman was heard making racial slurs and his show was suspended.  A person of Mr. Chapman’s character does not deserve to be reinstated.  By bringing back his show what kind of message are you sending?  It’s okay to be a racist as long as you catch bail jumpers and petty criminals? Not only is he a racist, he is also a religious hypocrite.  It was people like Mr. Chapman who invoked the name of God in one sentence, then spouted the word “Nigger” in the next who were responsible for the institution of slavery in the so-called “New World.”  I am left to wonder that if Mr. Chapman had spouted the words “Kike” or “Hebe” if the outcome would be different?  Would he still have a television show?

On the evening the promo aired I decided to never watch your network again.  Although the loss of one viewer is not going to hurt your ratings, I am content knowing that I am standing behind my beliefs and principals.  Hopefully other conscientious individuals of all races will do the same.  I definitely intend to let anyone who will listen know why they shouldn’t watch A&E.

Several days after I decided to stop watching your network I noticed my fiancé watching the First 48.  It prompted me to research murders statistics in the United States.   I’ve watched the First 48 dozens of times, yet I’ve only seen one case that involved Caucasians.   The FBI Uniform Crime Reports that in 2005 “59.0 percent of persons arrested for violent crimes were white.”  It also states that 4,955 Whites were arrested for murder and non-negligent manslaughter as opposed to 4,898 African-American arrests.  These statistics force one to ask why over 95% of the cases you air on the First 48 involve Hispanics and Blacks?  Are the theories that the media intentionally portrays Blacks in a negative light true?  Are you attempting to do the same to Hispanics?  If one were to use the First 48 as their measuring stick, the answer would have to be yes.

After serious consideration I am convinced wholeheartedly that your network has no concern for African-American sensibilities.  Arts & Entertainment is a misnomer.  Apathetic & Exploitative is more fitting.

A recent Harris Poll published in the June 2008 issue of Esquire Magazine found that 53% of those questioned found the word “Nigger” extremely offensive.  With that said I wonder what new programming you have slated for the upcoming months; a Michael Richards Comedy Hour?

Sincerely,

Brett Orr