(The Root) -- Rarely do I argue for taking a television show off the air. I honestly believe that there is something for everyone and there is a reason for the hundreds of channels that we now have, thanks to evolving technologies. The channels exist so that diverse audiences can be offered diverse programming. We all know that this doesn't always happen, given the onslaught of syndicated shows and never-ending repeats of current programming, but the possibility is there.

When it comes to television and other media, issues of taste and class often surface, particularly when people are deeply divided over what qualifies as high-quality programming (see message boards for all of Tyler Perry's movies and TV shows). It can be a slippery slope because someone's specific taste in entertainment should not necessarily be allowed to override someone else's taste.

And the same person can enjoy a wide range of programming. It is actually possible to like The Game and Downton Abbey, two very different shows. Besides, if there is a television show that you don't like, then you are free to turn the channel. Right?

Well, in all of my years watching and critiquing television, I have found a show that I feel has absolutely no entertainment value and should be taken off the air. What show is this? Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, which is an example of when turning the channel just isn't enough.

This show, which I will no longer watch under any circumstances, even for purposes of reviewing, is truly a travesty: an exercise in men abusing and humiliating women whose self-esteem is so low that they would allow themselves to be mistreated for the purposes of stardom in the reality-TV world.

Stevie J is a de facto misogynist -- cheating on the mother of his child (Mimi), getting another woman pregnant (Joseline), initially denying paternity, coaxing his mistress into having an abortion, threatening said mistress whenever she tries to establish any autonomy in her life or career and engaging in physical altercations with her. The level of physical and mental abuse exacted on these women by Stevie J is just as terrible to watch as their unwillingness or inability to separate themselves from this monster.