Parents' Guide to

BAPs

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Rich African-American reality has stereotypes, pettiness.

TV Lifetime Reality TV 2014
BAPs Poster Image

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What's the Story?

BAPS is a reality series about a group of upper-class African-American people in St. Louis. It stars Anisha Morrell, who was raised in a privileged home but prefers to date men who were not, much to the chagrin of her peers, including former best friend Kristen Gripson Jones, the well-mannered Gina Cheatham, Rai Rai Evans, and Riccarda Lacey. Joining them are Kendrick Evans, Jason Wilson, and Brandon Williams. Referring to themselves as "BAPs" (black American princesses/princes), they follow a code of behavior defined by their high-class upbringing and education. There's lots of drama, but throughout it all they try to maintain their reputations.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The self-described BAPs say they're from celebrated families of the struggle (affluent and educated members of the African-American community), are proud of their high-class heritage, and claim to do their best to behave in a way that reflects their breeding. But much of the series focuses on the competitive, catty arguments among cast members, many of which seem contrived for reality-entertainment purposes.

Cast members attempt to challenge stereotypes about the African-American community by pointing out how they don't wear gold chains, get tattoos, or eat government-issue cheese. Others spend their time comparing outfits and behaviors, all the while reminding themselves and others of their pedigrees. Some folks may find the show voyeuristically entertaining, but the messages it contains are troubling.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stereotypes. Are the generalizations that some of the cast members make about themselves and people who are not like them appropriate? Do you think the cast members say the same things and act the same way when they aren't on a reality TV show?

TV Details

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