1 post tagged “http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ny/”

I am a huge Food Network fan!! I love to cook, and I love to learn about cooking and recipes I even TiVo Everyday Italian. Yes, I'm that bad. I always noticed that there weren't many people of color on Food Network. That is if you don't count the few self-proclaimed Italians. Still, I suppose my love for food blinded my eyes to the lack of minorities.  That quickly changed when the folks at Food Network gave Tennessee BBQ couple Pat and Gina Neely their own cooking show, Down Home with the Neelys.

I first saw Pat and Gina on Paula Deen's show, and they did a very good job.  A few months later, I'm seeing commercials for their own show. I was super excited!! Black people are famous for our great cooks.  Finally, a chance for people to see what it is we do.

This excitement came to a halt when I caught a commercial with the Neelys saying, "Join us and Food Network as we celebrate Black History Month." That was it. There was no history mentioned on black chefs or black people in general. Yet, we're celebrating.

I don't know who thought of that commercial. It honestly could have been the Neelys or the Network, but it wasn't thought through all the way. Food Network took a step in the right direction by adding them, but took a step back with that commercial.

It seems almost faked, like they were forced to do it or obligated.  The least they could have done is said something about Black contributions to cooking or mentioned some amazing chefs. They didn't do any of that.  It was almost a slap in the face.

I applaud Food Network for the addition of the Neelys, but don't do things half-heartedly.

Food Network Web Site