The old adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” has long been disproven. Now the American Descendants Of Slaves (ADOS) are saying the words on new CBS comedy “Bob Hearts Abishola” are harmful to Black Americans. They are boycotting CBS and have started a petition demanding CBS pull the show from the air.
“This is the most awful, African anti #ADOS sentiment I’ve seen on screen. Understand that ADOS have *NEVER* created tribes to exclude Black immigrants. In the country of our birth, we fought for rights that u enjoy, and get this in return?.” ADOS co-founder Yvette Carnell tweeted.
The comedy centers around a white businessman named Bob who falls for his Nigerian nurse Abishola, who is an immigrant. It was brought to life by producer Chuck Lorre in hopes of encouraging positive attitudes towards immigrants.
Despite having a British-Nigerian comedian on staff and Nigerian actress Folake Olowofoyeku as the lead, many viewers say the comedy is not funny. ADOS is not the only group that feels instead of bringing groups together it, does the opposite due to racist stereotypes.
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ADOS said the show promotes the worst depictions of Black Americans including the “mammy” stereotype, being lazy, being troublemakers and/or exhibiting poor or criminal behavior. ADOS members even confronted writer Gina Yashere at a recent event.
However, Yashere and the show’s supporters said they understand the intent of the creators and writers behind the show as a means to spark conversation to bridge the gap.
