Chad Ochocinco's Reality Show Bothers Some Black Women... Why?

Cleveland sports fans are pissed. So are black women. This is a familiar emotion for both groups. But oddly enough, this time around it's for similar reasons. Both feel that they've been abandoned by black men behaving badly – more specifically – superstar athletes who chose to exercise their options. One of the men in question was born and raised in Ohio, but now plays in Miami. We'll call him Lebron. The other was born and raised in Miami but plays in Ohio. We'll call him LeChad. The symmetry is uncanny. That noted, I don't believe the angry mobs in Cleveland or black hair salons across the country take much solace in the similarity of their situations.

But at least Jesse Jackson, in full firebrand form, came to the defense of Lebron and unleashed himself on Captain Dumbass, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. LeChad, on the other hand, has yet to have a 1980's icon come to his defense after drawing the ire of black women for not casting more of them on his new VH-1 elimination dating show, 'Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch.' The comical irony is if LeChad was a white man, Whoopi Goldberg would have come to his rescue by now – example one and two. Then again, if Chad was white, I guess black women wouldn't be pissed. To the contrary, the editors at Essence would present him as eye candy for their bi-monthly story affirming black women and their decisions to date white men. But LeChad is a black man. And I think I may have said it before – black women are pissed. Well, at least some black women are (see: Wendy Williams). Others have gotten over the syndrome of reacting to this notion that black men everywhere are brushing them aside like mangy mutts. It's simply not the case.

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Just stroll down your cable corridor and you'll find another dating show on TV One featuring the ball-busting Omarosa and her cast of black men, of all complexions and careers, pining for her attention. What does this show say about the true interests and intentions of black men? Actually, it doesn't tell us anything. Just as LeChad's show doesn't tell us anything either. All of these dating shows feed our voracious appetites for crap and, ironically, are the furthest thing from "reality".

Nonetheless, it is curious that LeChad doesn't have more black women on his show, and it certainly warrants questions -- but not a full broadside attack. It's really not that important. We're talking about a reality show starring a professional football player who changed his last name to "Ochocinco". Let me change my name to "Mason Unocuatro" and tell me how serious you are going to take me.

It's interesting, but I've yet to hear any chirping from black men about Halle Berry,Sanaa Lathan, Aisha, Tyler, Stacy Dash, Zoe Saldana, Naomi Campbell, Kim Wayans, Paula Patton, Venus Williams, Kerry Washington, Thandie Newton, Tyra Banks, Diana Ross, Shari Belafonte, Alice Walker, Kelly Rowland, Alfre Woodward and Garcelle Beauvais (to name a few) that have all dated and/or married white men. It's a non-issue for us. The sky isn't falling. Yes , I know, I know. We're not concerned because supposedly big-chested blondes and brunettes are lined up waiting to have group sex with us and cater to our every whim. That's not even remotely true. If I said we wish that was true would that satisfy your suspicions? ~~Because we don't.~~

Look, can't we all just move along? Well, I mean right after open season is declared on me in the comments section. That is what happens next right? But that's what I get for smacking the hornets nest with my bare hands. It's cool; Black Voices actually pays me just enough to stand in front of the firing squad (every now and then). In the words of 'The Wire's' Stinger Bell, "let's get on with it (expletive)!" Until next time.

Mason Jamal writes about men, women and popular culture. For more of his musings, visit www.masonjamal.com. To have his commentary delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here. Keep up with Mason's daily thoughts and observations by following him on Twitter @masonsays.