The Love and Hip Hop franchise has been under hot water after a recent clip of an altercation between two cast members has gone viral. In the clip, cast members Erica Mena and Spice got into a heated argument which resulted in Mena calling the dancehall artist a “blue monkey.”
Standing up Against Love and Hip Hop
Fans of the show all across the internet have been up in arms about the use of the slur. One woman in particular, entertainment reporter Dorissa White, decided to take her anger straight to the woman in charge. She penned a letter to Mona Scott Young, executive producer of Love and Hip Hop, about her disappointment in the show as well as a request to remove Mena from the cast.
“In the climate of social media, it’s easy for Black millennials to become distracted and dismissive, but I am of the strong opinion that we cannot afford to be complacent. The term “Monkey” is not just a word; it’s a degrading slur with roots dating back to slavery, meant to dehumanize and demean Black people,” White said to 21Ninety.
She believes that enough is enough when it comes to the disrespect of Black people and the traumas they’ve had to endure throughout history. According to her, it’s time that Black people stand together against these issues and not just write them off because it’s on an entertaining television program.
“I’ve witnessed how other racial and religious groups refuse to let slurs or injustices slide, they band together and make sure that those responsible are held accountable, she continues. “It’s my hope that the Black community across the diaspora unite the same way.”
Social Media’s Reaction To The Slur
Elsewhere throughout social media, many users are singing a similar note as White. There are people who are either calling for Mena to be replaced from the show or for Love and Hip Hop to instead be canceled. The lack of care towards Black people for the sake of entertainment seems to have everyone tired of the show’s antics.
“Paramount’s decision to allow that clip to air without reprimanding Erica Mena inadvertently sends a significant message to a broader community,” White explained. “Which suggests that it’s okay to use anti-Black slurs and still maintain your employment and livelihood without any consequences.”
The trend of “toxic TV” is an issue for many. Some users have even gone to lengths to request the cancellation of shows similar to Love and Hip Hop.
“Nah they really should cancel Love & Hip Hop. Toxic a** TV Basketball Wives, all that,” one user tweeted.
White believes that Scott Young’s role as the executive producer of the Love and Hip Hop franchise does not make her a bad person. In fact, she supports the producer’s hustle. However, she feels that she does have to step up to the plate when it comes to protecting Black women.
“I’m not mad at Mona Scott Young getting her coins,” she explained. “Though Mona is undoubtedly capitalizing on the drama, it doesn’t exempt her from the responsibility of removing people who engage in racist behavior.”
She concluded with one final say on the matter.
“I definitely don’t speak for all Black Americans, but I know I am on the right side of history and will never ignore injustices no matter how insignificant it might be to some,” she proclaimed.