Watchdog Takes Aim at Fox Reality Series

ColorOfChange believes that long-running Fox series “COPS” presents a distorted image of African Americans and other minorities, with real-life repercussions, and is seeking to have the show removed from the schedule.

The program is currently aired Saturday nights, and has been on the air since 1989.

Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of ColorOfChange, said “COPS has turned the criminalization of Black folks and other communities of color into entertainment for millions — all while lining the pockets of Fox with advertising dollars. The show has contributed to an American culture which has to come view young men like Trayvon Martin and Russell Davis with unwarranted suspicion.”

Robinson added, “Research has shown that programs like COPS create warped perceptions of Black folks and communities of colorand the criminal justice system. This relic should have never made it to air — let alone survived for 25 years.”

The organization has placed ads in Adweek and Daily Variety to make its point.

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