We are signing this petition in hopes that ABC will reconsider airing its new sitcom "Black-ish" this fall. We find it racist, socially damaging and offensive based on its concept that nonstereotypical black people are less their race than others, that hip hop culture is all blacks are supposed to embrace, and that culture and race are one in the same. 

This series is damaging and offensive for the following reasons:

1. It perpetuates the stereotype that culture is solely derived from your ethnicity and not your personal experience. Giving the impression that race is a natural indicator of behavior and continuing the outdated beliefs of racial devisions. 

2. Its ridiculous title gives the impression that unless you're a racial stereotype, you're someone less than your race. 

3. It gives the impression that black people are only "black" is they embrace the negative stereotypes of hip hop culture. 

4. It gives the impression that non stereotypical behavior is an attempt to be another race, and discourages minorities from rising above negative/stereotypical expectations. 

5. It continues the damaging tradition of minorites only being on TV is they're talking about being minorities. In 2014 we should be beyond color on TV. Do shows with white leads base their stories around being white? 

6. It perpetuates the damaging "one drop" rule, that if someone is of biracial heritage they must only adhere to the stereotypical behavior of the minority side of their background, rather than not basing their behavior on their race at all. 

7. It will inevitably lead to minority children who don't live in or come from stereotypical backgrounds, to be ridiculed and made fun for not adhering to stereotypical behavior. 

While we understand that diversity on TV is lacking, this is not the way to do it. ABC, you have to do better than this. In 2014 we want to move beyond such basic, outdated, and offensive humor, and continue the progressive programming you're known for. 

PLEASE NOTE: THAT THE SIGNATURE GOAL GROWS WITH THE AMOUNT OF SIGNATURES WE GET. IT WILL RAISE AS WE REACH EACH MILESTONE.