Read a Book

The New Controversial Video, "Read a Book."



Ok.

To be completely honest, I flinched. My initial/gut reaction to this video was, "This is a sad day for black people." But, I watched it again and I realized that I agree with the messages of the video:

1. Read A Book
2. Raise Your Kids
3. Drink Water
4. Fiscal Responsibility
5. Brush Your Teeth
6. Wear Deodorant

And not only to I agree with these messages (obviously), I agree with the medium and the intended audience...but maybe not the TV channel.

I've always been a fan of satirical social commentary. Being a dedicated follower of the Boondocks for years, I was thrilled to see Adult Swim turn the comic strip into a cartoon. I believe cultures and communities cannot grow or improve without looking at themselves critically - and with a bit of humor. The Boondocks and this video do just that.

Critics are seeing this move by B.E.T. (an organization that is tirelessly lampooned in the Boondocks) as succumbing to its already tainted image as the primary machine force feeding this country (and the world at large) negative images of black people.

Now, I believe B.E.T. to be apart of the problem, the devil even (watching it makes me sad inside). Which is why it's hard to see this commercial as a satire or commentary when it airs in between a Chamillionaire video, and Akon's new venture into relationship psychology. And because of that, it makes this commercial look like a symptom of a bigger problem instead of the provocateur of the solution - which is what I believe the creators intended it to be.

If "Read a Book" aired on Adult Swim or Comedy Central I don't think it's purpose would have been confused. It would have joined the ranks of other satirical cartoons. But, would that be a good thing? Or is the dialogue happening now around this cartoon better?

The irony of it all is that if this was an actual cartoon video made by 50 Cent's camp, and the cartoon version of himself was rapping about sex, money and the subjugation of women, it wouldn't be today's hot topic for debate . It'd be up for a Moon Man, or VMA.

Yes, it targets children. Yes, it airs when kids could see it. So does TRL. And frankly, I'd prefer kids hearing the messages of "Read a Book," than Britney's Gimme More, or Avril's Girlfriend.