ABC Show "Work It" Insults Puerto Ricans, Now It's Cancelled

Courtesy: ABC

It didn't even get to the third episode and ABC has already cancelled its new show "Work It."  According to Zap2It.com, the ratings were not that great.   But was it just poor ratings that took down this cross-dressing comedy or did the backlash from angry Latino viewers do the job?

Well, the power of the viewer is alive and well.  Whether they prove it by not turning to a certain TV channel or by lashing out on the web; you have a voice.

In my last blog "ABC's New Show 'Work It' Doesn't Work for Puerto Ricans", I told you about BellaVida Letty who started a petition right after she saw the show.  Did her petition reach the big wigs at ABC?  We'll never know.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation  better known as GLAAD had complained about the show's insensitivity to the gay and transgender community long before it even started airing.  But for some reason, it appeared that ABC execs were not listening.

Here's GLAAD's reaction to the cancellation:

“While many of ABC’s positive and groundbreaking portrayals of LGBT people have been critical and popular successes, the public had little interest in this outdated show." 
--- Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs and Communications at GLAAD

I applaud Bella Vida Letty for not just complaining about a show that obviously took a low blow at the Puerto Rican community; she took action.

Bella Vida Letty

In a few days she was able to get more than 700 people to sign her petition for an apology from ABC.  That's 700 people who told their friends and family, and those people told their friends and family, and you know the word spread.

Letty is proof that you can't just sit around and complain about something that you don't agree with, you must speak up. Whether small or large, Letty made her mark.

My hope is that ABC learned from this controversial show.  Next time ABC execs and writers have what they believe is a brilliant idea; test it with a group of viewers. Not just one group but several.  Get feedback from the outside, and then see if its funny enough to put on TV.

You can even contact me.  I can get a group of Wise Latinas to tell you the real truth.  We don't hold back our feelings and opinions.  Right Letty?

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Rebecca Aguilar is the founder of Wise Latinas Linked, a social networking group for Latinas on Facebook and Linkedin.  It has a membership of more than 3,000+. 

ABC's New Show "Work It" Doesn't Work For Puerto Ricans

Photo: ABC

Not long ago, I blogged about ABC creating a show called “Devious Maids.” It’s supposed to be about a bunch of Mexican maids who work for rich white people in Beverly Hills. 

 I’m not sure when this show will start airing on television, but it bothered me that Latinas were being stereotyped as maids. I guess ABC doesn't see us as lawyers, reporters, business owners, doctors or any other profession.

 "Work It" Doesn't Work

Well ABC has insulted Latinos again, specifically the Puerto Rican community. Writers for ABC’s new show “Work it” took a low blow in their pilot episode.  Now Bella Vida Letty is demanding an apology to the Puerto Rican community, and rallying support for a petition to get that accomplished.  

Here’s what she posted on the Wise Latinas Linked Facebook page:

Bella Vida Letty

“Buenos dias wise Latinas. I'm asking your support today to help create change in the way we are presented in the media. Please join me by signing and sharing this petition

.

Ask ABC executives along with Work It show creators to: apologize to the Puerto Rican community for the racist and degrading remarks broadcast on the pilot episode of Work It airing January 3, 2012 and as one of the biggest television networks in the US to stop attacking the Puerto Rican community with negative stereotypes”

Roll The Video

Latino Rebels posted the clip of the show on YouTube, and it’s gone viral. 

I know actors have to work, but the actor who read the lines could have spoken up too.  What are these actors—just puppets on a string?

When Will ABC Learn?

What’s wrong with ABC? I get the feeling that these shows are being created by a bunch of people who know nothing about Latinos.   

There is humor and then there are insults.  Maybe it’s a fine line in some cases, but this was just wrong. 

This is why diversity is needed behind the camera.  So someone can stand up and say “Wait a minute? Do we really want to say it that way? Will there be a backlash?”  ABC needs to diversify its writing teams.

A smart move would have been for ABC to show the pilot episode to a group of Latinos and get feedback.  Why not take that extra step, before you lose viewers and threaten the loss of advertisers who don’t need the bad public relations connected to them.

Oh and by the way, the transgender community is also furious with “Work It.” Check out the video clip.  I don’t expect this show to last very long. 

Comments and questions can be directed to: ABC Contact Us.

Kudos to Bella Vida Letty for not being afraid to take on Goliath! Sign the petition today. 

Rebecca Aguilar is the founder of Wise Latinas Linked on Facebook and Linkedin.com.  The virtual group has a combined membership of 3,600+ Latinas..