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Every Black Woman’s Worst Nightmare
Due to some unexplainable cause, New York City, where I am humbly based, has been drenched with torrential downpours for the better part of the summer. Although, this particular summer of rain benefits the many jobless folks dreading the combination of sunny summer days and empty pockets, overall it's a tad depressing, something like the recent trend of celeb make-ups to break-ups. Be forewarned, this post is for my ladies.
So a couple weeks ago, I read about Richard Jefferson, the NBA player who stood up his bride on their wedding day!! Yeah, so um needless to say, my heart sunk as I began to read all the sordid details. No, I've never met Kesha Nichols a day in my life, but as a woman as well as a future bride, wife, and mother (God Willing), I cannot begin to fathom just what I'd do if my husband-to-be stood me up on our wedding day and left me to break the news to my family and friends. Stop the press!
Subsequent reports have attempted to separate the facts from fiction, one of which has Richard Jefferson offering up his own version on what led to the wedding day fall-out. “We'd been arguing non-stop,” he stated at a press conference. “There was a lot of screaming and crying.” Yes, that sounds like somewhat of a legitimate excuse. However, the conspiracy theorist in me believes it could have been compounded by a little more than pre-wedding-day tiffs.
I'm not sure about you guys, but this recession has forced me to rethink all the things in my life, which I had previously deemed necessary or significant. Besides rethinking my weekly run to Chipotle for a burrito bowl with all the trimmings, which has subsequently become a monthly run, it also forced me to reevaluate the people in my life, especially those closest to me.
Did Richard Jefferson have this same sudden recession-induced epiphany? Were the would-be newlyweds arguing about a few trivial details related to the wedding, which led to the NBA player reevaluating his future vows? Or could it be—like a good number of Black men before him—he was "pressured" into to this engagement because Kesha was too busy fortifying her own agenda, namely settling down as quickly as possible during these difficult times?
Six figure settlement or not, the former cheerleader is going to have a chip on her shoulder for some time to come. You just don’t get up and “brush the dirt off” when you’ve been stood up by your NBA player fiancé. With some media reports speculating that he could be playing for the other team, literally, which he vehemently denies—“That’s the furthest thing from the truth, and it sort of pissed me off"—I think we should give Richard the benefit of the doubt, and chalk this one up to the recession… at least partially.
This past week, a fellow blogger pal, NWSO, wrote a blog entitled “Recession Depression,” where he talked about the effects the recession has had on him as a single Black male. Coincidentally, a recent BBC article highlighted a study conducted this year by the Mind charity group in the UK, which found that 40% of men admitted to exhibiting a severe case of “recession blues.” The study also concluded that men were less likely than women to seek help for their depression. Furthermore, Black men were much more likely to suffer disproportionately than their white counterparts, not only mentally but also emotionally.
I wonder if this could have happened to Richard Jefferson in the month preceding his wedding. I’m not excusing what he did at all, but the NBA player was, in fact, traded to the San Antonio Spurs this past June. Could the uncertainty about his future, like so many of us in the recession, caused him emotional stress and subsequently led to the wedding cancellation? It’s possible.
But what are your thoughts on this incident? Do you think Richard Jefferson could have showed a little more tact in breaking off the engagement? Would you have accepted the six-figure settlement if you were Kesha Nichols? How do you think you would have handled being stood up on your wedding day?
~Trés Ink
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Title: D.O.M.: Death of the Urban Magazine
With VIBE Magazine following an unfortunate trend, recently folding after almost 16 years in circulation, it seems as if urban print journalism is on its way to a slow, agonizing death.
Steve Aaron, CEO of VIBE magazine, has put the blame of VIBE’s closing on the recession and the lack of advertising. VIBE's Editor-In-Chief, Danyel Smith, has released a statement focusing instead on the affect she believes VIBE’s closing will have on the overall music industry. "It's a tragic week overall, but as the doors of VIBE Media Group close, on the eve of the magazine's sixteenth anniversary, it's a sad day for music, for hip-hop in particular, and for the millions of readers and users who have loved and who continue to love the VIBE brand."
Earlier this year, King Magazine unveiled its final issue, less than a month after celebrating the release of its 50th Anniversary issue. Long-running urban teen magazines, Right On! and Black Beat, also abruptly stopped printing this past spring and have since entered the digital realm.
So could this be the end of urban print journalism as we know it? Yes and no. On one hand, blogs, such as the one you are reading at this very moment, will continue to thrive with opinionated musings on everything from LeBron James’ "it" factor to the lack of Brown girls in Hollywood. On the other hand, it is important to note that blogs, for the most part, are clearly biased and based solely on the author's personal views on a particular subject. Journalism, however, is built on the foundation of unbiased, objective reporting. So where, oh where, will urban entertainers head for unbiased reporting? Essence, XXL, Ebony? Most likely. But just how much of the general public do these publications reach? Will urban publicists start to look at the "fairer" counterparts of urban publications and begin pitching them the countless stories that affect Black America? Will said fairer counterparts even be interested in these stories? It all remains to be seen.
Sometimes I wonder if the "death" of the urban entertainment magazine can be placed solely on the lack of advertising coupled with the influx of blogs. Sure, there's been a number of magazine foldings throughout these last couple years, not limited to urban publications, but it does seem as if the current urban music landscape has contributed, somewhat, to the downfall of the urban magazine. Who really wants to pay $3.99 - $5.99 to read the same rehashed story about how much jewelry this rapper owns or why that singer has beef with that one over yonder? In all honesty, you can pretty much read the same details in nicely packaged newsbytes (for free) on 10+ blogs, with hi-res pictures to boot.
I used to believe that some people would pay money for a print magazine just to have something tangible to hold onto, as opposed to surfing the blogosphere, but it seems like most people are counting their pennies nowadays and I can’t blame them. Although, I do wish I could have foreseen the future back when I was a lowly sophomore wondering how I could make money off my passion and not just as a side hustle. Roar.
Earlier this year, I was talking to a publicist and a fellow writer about the changes in the urban entertainment industry in these last few years—record sales declines, the increase in blogging/bloggers, the overall decline in journalistic integrity—and the tremendous negative domino effect it’s had on us all. At the end of our conversation, we decided to meet at a later date, pool all of our contacts together, and begin to discuss what, if anything, could be done to salvage, not only our careers within this industry, but urban print journalism as a whole. We never got around to actually having that discussion, but with VIBE’s recent “death” and with some people looking to Twitter and various gossip blogs as viable news sources, the time couldn’t be more appropriate.
So what are your thoughts on the recent foldings of urban print magazines such as VIBE and King? Do you prefer readings magazines or blogs for your entertainment news? Do you believe urban print journalism is nearing its death or getting ready for a major rebirth—once the recession finally ends?
~Trés Ink
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Dear Janet,
More than likely, you may never get a chance to read this, but just in case this does reach you, I want you to know that everything contained in this letter is real. I feel a sort of kindred connection to you and Michael. Perhaps, it is because both you and I share the same astrological sign, or because we both have brothers, whom we love and cherish.
First, I would like to offer my sincerest, most heartfelt, condolences to you and your family for your loss. It’s difficult to communicate the shock that has consumed everyone since Michael's sudden passing a week ago today. For my parents, who immigrated to the U.S. and for my brothers and myself, your brother, Michael Jackson, was and is the true personification of the American dream. Watching him grow from that beautiful brown boy with that big voice to the global phenomenon with the golden touch will forever remain with us.
When I saw you walk on stage at the BET Awards this past Sunday, I could see and feel the pain in your eyes. I cannot begin to fathom how it would feel to lose either one of my brothers, so I can only imagine what you are going through at this present time. The world can mourn aloud and pay their respects to Michael with various tributes, but, like you reminded us on Sunday, he was your blood, your family. No one can ever take that away Janet. I guess in some weird way, many of us feel as if your brother belonged to us. We are eternally grateful for the music that he created, along with his tireless devotion to us—his fans. Michael gave 110%, even though some of us—his fans—turned against him during his time of need. In these last few days, much of the press coverage has been positive, but still some choose to focus on the insignificant. But who are they to judge? Your brother accomplished so much positive in this world, while bringing together people of ALL races, nationalities, and creeds through music.
I remember the first time I saw the video "Scream." The first thing I thought was, "Wow, I really wish I could dance like her." My next thought was, "Well, I guess Michael's ready to tell us why he's mad, and Janet's got his back!" It was so refreshing to see you two on screen together. Besides the scene where you danced in unison with your brother, my favorite part of the video was at the very end, when you leaned in close to hug Michael and he, in turn, cradled you in his arms like the ever-protective big brother watching over his baby sister. I could see at that very moment that yours was a bond that went beyond the glitz and glam of Hollywood. There was no faking that connection.
Just two days after your brother's passing, my mother called me and told me she needed to speak with me. Naturally, I was somewhat worried. When she sat me down, she told me that what she was about to say was serious and was not a joke and so I listened intently. In her thick homegrown accent, she instructed me to go on the Internet, "write to all the websites" I could get a hold of, call upon “every singer, rapper, and musician,” and ask them to donate money to your niece and nephews. Apparently, she heard a number of news reports about Michael having landed in debt. “All of them owe Michael,” she said, “for everything that he’s done for them.” I agreed. I'm pretty certain, had it not been for your brother, many Black musicians with fan bases in places like Europe, Latin, America, Africa, etc. would not be where they are today. “Michael’s children should not be in debt,” she concluded with final authority. I told her I would get the word out, and she told me she would hold me to it.
Earlier today, I read that Michael’s music is breaking records and dominating the charts all over again. I'm sure that once I tell my mother, it will grant her some relief to know that, at least financially, his children will be fine. However, I am filled with even greater pleasure to know that Michael’s musical contributions will, indeed, live on and that he is undisputedly the greatest entertainer of all time. I hope that fact gives you some minute sense of contentment during this time Janet, and I pray that God gives you and your family the strength to carry on. May your brother, Michael Jackson, rest in eternal peace.
Respectfully Yours,
Trés Ink
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Usher & Tameka: Where Did The Love Go?
Photo Credit: BET.com
R&B singer Usher files for divorce from wife. I can honestly say I did not see this headline coming. Forreal, forreal. Despite the ever-churning rumor mill surrounding these two uncommon lovebirds during the past few months, I still couldn't have predicted that this would happen. Perhaps I was reeled in by this unconventional fairytale love story, "Former teen heartthrob falls for older woman, throws caution to the wind, and follows heart's desire." It just seemed like their love was a love that was supposed to flourish and thrive, if not to prove everybody wrong, including Momma Patton, than to keep the hopeless romantics out there still clinging to the notion that marriage is much more than this null and void "institution."
But let's backtrack for a second and look at the facts (with a few romantic embellishments along the way). Tameka becomes Usher's stylist and eventually falls for him. She decides to play it safe in the background, while Usher climbs the charts, and fills up on a steady diet of supermodels, fellow singers, and more models. Some time passes before he realizes he’s missing something in his life. After moving a few mountains, low and behold that “something” is revealed and it is none other than the girl woman whose held him down, been his loyal confidant and clothed him when he had nothing to wear... literally. The two decide to get married, she becomes pregnant with their first child, and then a second, and before you know it, they become a family of seven, along with Tameka’s three other children.
Now let us fast forward to June 12, the day that Usher files divorce papers in Atlanta less than six months after Tameka gets nipped and tucked following the birth of their second child together. Was it really that bad Ur-sher? I'm not going to pretend like I've been married. I haven't. Nor am I going to pretend that I have kids. I don't. But I do think that some people are a little too quick to file divorce papers without rationalizing and contemplating their current circumstances (Kelis anyone?). Yes, Usher's rash decision may have been brought on by one of a number of countless unknown factors, but was the situation dire enough for him to disregard the fact that there is a completely innocent 6-month-old baby in the mix? Judging from the various unnamed sources who've been keeping a watchful eye on their marriage, it doesn’t seem so.
One source told People.com, "No one I've spoken to is surprised," adding, "As bad as this is gonna sound, it was never a matter of 'I wonder if they'll divorce,' but more like 'I wonder when they'll divorce.'" While another source claimed, "They've been going their own way for a while. They don't spend a lot of time with each other. When they were together, it was all about the boys." If that was the case, take a break, look into some counseling, get the pastor involved, but to file for divorce when five children are involved? It’s really unfortunate to say the least. I’m just trying to figure out what happened to the doting husband on that Essence Magazine cover, the same love-struck fool, who proudly waved his left ring finger on MTV to all the haters?
I guess at this point there are more questions than there are answers. And it's definitely a sad situation all around. But I'm pretty certain all will be revealed in the coming months. So what are your thoughts on Usher and Tameka Foster-Raymond's impending divorce? Did you think the pair would last? What do you think is the cause for the split? Do you believe they should try to work it out for the sake of the children? Lastly, will Usher’s personal troubles affect the way you view him as an artist?
~Trés Ink
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Brown Is Back?
I cannot believe that I am actually sitting here drinking honey and lemon tea on a hot pre-summer's night. Roar at this crazy flu season! (And no it's not swine flu... hopefully). Anywho have any of you seen the billboard advertisements for Tyler Perry's TBS sitcom, "Meet the Browns?" Well, if you haven't, allow me to describe it. On the poster, is the main character, Leroy Brown, donning his usual multi-colored threads, with mouth wide open, alongside the words, "Brown Is Back." As per usual, I beg to differ with this proclamation.
Perhaps I'm looking into this a bit deeper than need be, but I understand the phrase "Brown Is Back" to be a double entendre of sorts, one that refers to the actual TBS series and the other alluding to brown skin. Now brown skin will always be "in" to me (and India.Arie), but if you look at mainstream media—movies, commercials and music videos—it seems brown girls are always the odd color out.
I remember hearing a few people proudly proclaim, "Light skin brothas are back," once Barack was elected. While it may have been in jest, it was a clear sign that the light skin/dark skin issue is still a sensitive, yet prevalent, topic of discussion amongst Black people. (I've been on the receiving end of the non-compliment, "You're pretty cute for a dark-skin girl," more times than I can bare to recall.)
This past weekend, I was perusing Netflix for a last-minute Friday night flick, when I happened upon this movie from the U.K., "Life & Lyrics," a modern day hip-hop version of Romeo & Juliet, if you will, where the two main characters, Danny and Carmen, are brown skin. From the very beginning of the movie until the closing credits, I just could not stop grinning, all because I was able to bear witness to Danny and Carmen’s budding romance in all their chocolate glory. I had to really ask myself why in the world was I cheesin' so darn hard, to which the other half of Trés Ink responded, "It’s because you're not used to seeing this much brown-on-brown action!"
The advertisement, for the film, "A Good Day To Be Black & Sexy," pictured above, elicited the exact same Kool-Aid smile the first time I saw it a year ago. A dark-skin girl, rocking a natural ‘do with the word "sexy" prominently displayed across her body? It couldn’t be. Oh, but it was! And it certainly was a moment of subdued pride on my part.
Let me clarify by stating, I love ALL my Black people the same, light, dark, mixed, etc. I also love Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union, just as much as the next person, but where is it written, that a movie featuring two handsomely dark actors and actresses cannot be shot unless it features Morris and Gabby? Idris Elba and Gabrielle. Will Smith and Gabrielle. LL Cool J and Gabrielle. Is the crop of talented brown actresses in Hollywood really that small? Is Gabrielle Union the only young, talented brown skin actress? (Obviously not, but she is certainly the most recognizable.) Or is it because mainstream media just isn’t interested in shining the light on more than one “pretty brown skin girl” because they’re still stuck on this “light is right” mentality? What are your thoughts about the lack of brown girls in mainstream Hollywood?
~Trés Ink
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Breaking the Bank: Celebrity Charity During the Recession
It seems like it’s been forever since I posted. I sincerely apologize for the delay, but better late than never right? I just finished watching "The Real Housewives of New York” reunion special part deux. And yes, I really just typed that. Before you hang me out to dry, I'm going to preface this blog by publicly stating, “The Real Housewives of New York” is unequivocally one of THE best reality shows EVER. Trust me, the fact that it revolves around six well-off middle-aged white women has very little to do with the reasoning behind its awesome-ness. (I'm Black/African and proud of it, obviously). Nonetheless, the show is ridiculously entertaining, “housewife” Bethenny Frankel is the older white version of myself (I'm convinced) and a good number of the issues and topics covered on the reality series are universal, except for the fact that, of course, their tax brackets are up, up and away from the average 9-to-5er.
During a segment on part one of the reunion special, the host poses a question from a viewer to the housewives: "Do you feel guilty about living such a lavish life in a recession?" Real housewife, Jill Zarin, responds honestly stating something to the effect of, "No, I do not. I didn't cause [the recession], and we work hard for our money." She then goes on to talk about her charity work throughout the season, making sure to bring up the $150,000 she raised for her non-profit organization, which doesn’t really make up for the fact that she’s also seen forking over five figures for a custom-made handbag. However, it is a lot easier to stomach knowing that she’s donated money to charitable organizations. I am all for philanthropy/charity, especially when you can afford to give away "free money," and actually do so.
Looking back on the last year or so of this recession, I've heard certain black celebs talk about cutting back on spending, trying to save more, or even not wearing as much jewelry. (I kid you not, a popular southern rap artist did, in fact, state this to me during an interview I did for my former magazine!) What I haven’t heard enough of, is exactly what they are doing to help their fans in their time of need. Don’t get me wrong, I'm not counting anybody's money or anything. But it does get to me when I see a movie earn $28.5 million its opening weekend, and I then begin to guesstimate the number of zero's the lead actress/singer is expected to reap on top of her already lucrative Forbes-ranked brand. I can't help but think that some 16-year-old literally scraped up the $11.50 in order to see her favorite singer's latest movie—despite the fact that her mother just got laid off. (The unemployment rate is currently at 8.9%, up from 7.6% this January, so this isn’t some random unlikely scenario.)
Then again, there are a few celebs, who are stepping up to the plate. Just last week, I stumbled across an email blast with a news bit about hip-hop artist will.i.am's new scholarship fund. He unveiled the “i am Scholarship program” on “Oprah” earlier this month, surprising four Black male teens with full-scholarships to the colleges of their choice. Sri Lankan artist M.I.A. also opened up her wallet less than a year ago, by funding the creation of two new schools in Liberia, West Africa, using a $100,000 paycheck she earned from an MTV after-party performance. Just think, if we had more artists that were willing to put their wallets where their mouths were at this time, I’m pretty certain we’d have a lot more people willing to shell out some cash money to actually purchase an album. I’m just sayin’.
Sure, celebrities do not have a moral obligation to help those in need during this time, but if you’ve been blessed with good fortune, why not invest in a local community, the creation of a new school or some kid’s future? Like will.i.am said on Oprah, “You can get your money and put it in the bank, or you can put it in the youth.”
What are your thoughts on giving back in the recession? Do you feel like celebrities have a duty to give back during these times? Should they be held to a different set of standards than the rest of the world? How are you giving back in your local community?
~Trés Ink
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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Reflections on Neo Soul
I literally just woke up from a dream, where my former infatuation, D'Angelo, was about 30-pounds lighter, donning the same gear from his Voodoo music tour—a black tank top, black leather pants and a black bandana tied around neatly pleated cornrows. (I think it was in anticipation of this blog, or perhaps I just miss his music that much.... sigh.)
It was 2001, I was in high school and my favorite uncle had escorted me to see D'Angelo live at Radio City Music Hall. At the time, I had the biggest crush on the "Brown Sugar" singer and despite what most of my friends and the media were saying, I didn't love him or his music simply because of the oiled-down pectorals prominently displayed in his infamous "Untitled" video. It was much deeper than that.
I "loved" him because I truly respected and admired the time and effort he put into his craft, and it showed heavily in the music he put out. D’Angelo played more than one instrument, he wrote most of his own songs and his music actually had a message. (See "Africa" lyrics.) Simply put, he was the embodiment of Soul music. D'Angelo, along with Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and a host of other soul artists, ushered in a new era, where the music had substance and the messages behind it could be applied to just about anyone.
In recent times, however, it seems as if the lack of neo soul artists has led to a steady decline in the amount of genuinely good music. In 1999, you could not—and probably would not—have released a single like Bobby Valentino’s "Beep, Beep" alongside Maxwell's "Fortunate" and honestly felt as if you'd accomplished something major. "She gonna let me beep beep beep beep" vs. "Never seen a sun shine like this, never seen the moon glow like this, never seen the waterfalls like this... never heard a song quite like this." I mean, really?
Now, I'm not going to sit here and knock some of these current R&B "artists" out there, but it really is time to step their pen game up. Sure, you need your club music, but you also need a balance of the good and the bad, and right now, with the current trend of pop and R&B fusions, along with a bevy of new singers with image, but no talent to match, the music industry is headed in the direction of ugly.
Don’t get me wrong, I still have some lingering hope that we will be saved, thanks to some recent finds. Philadelphia bred artist, Jazmine Sullivan, along with a few more artists, are silently making their mark on the scene, including Grammy Nominated, DC-based singer Wayna, an independent soul artist of Ethiopian descent, who touches on everything from police brutality ("Billy Club") to domestic violence ("My Love") and the immigrant's longing to return to their native land ("Home") on her latest CD, Higher Ground. I was able to catch Wayna perform live in New York City recently and, needless to say, she did not disappoint.
Backed by a full band and two background singers, the curvy songstress performed to a packed crowd filled with people of all backgrounds, ethnicities and ages. The music was even better live, and Wayna’s set was amazing. By the end of the night, I left the place with a sense of urgency and a newfound call to action.
It seems that neo soul music is alive and well, but currently buried underneath hoards of trash. It is our, yes our, duty to dig through the trash by scouring the internet/blogosphere and unearthing this new crop of indie neo soul artists for our fellow good music connoisseurs. As a matter of fact, just the other day, I was reintroduced to the music of Atlanta-based artist, Algebra, who is signed to Kedar Massenburg, the same man responsible for developing Erykah Badu, D'Angelo and India.Arie and coining the term "neo soul." Ironically, I also happened upon a blog, which featured some stills of a spankin' new Maxwell video that will be released in the coming weeks! Perhaps, 2009/2010 will be the year of the indie soul artist and the neo soul artist comeback, after all. We can only dream…
Which indie soul artists or neo soul artists do you support? How many of you still purchase albums? What are your thoughts on the current state of R&B music? Lastly, which soul artists would you like to see make a comeback?
~Trés Ink
What Do You Think?
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Photo Credit: TIME magazine
So, I recently realized within my last three blogs I was a little harsh on some folks, I called out a few others and I even managed to put a few "women" out on front street, but if you knew me outside of this virtual reality, then you'd know that overall, I'm a positive-energy-wielding, forward-thinking type of gal and if there's one thing that I truly admire, love and respect, it is a GOOD Black man. So right now, I'd just like to take some time out to give due props to one such man, Mr. LeBron James. (Hold applause.)
Now given the fact that the last time I watched a complete game of Basketball, I was rocking a head full of bo-bo's and dookie braids, yet I still know enough about the Cleveland Cavalier's player to draft a mini bio on him is a miracle in and of itself. But after reading his cover story in GQ magazine earlier this year, watching him on the CNBC special "NEWBOs: The Rise of America's New Black Overclass," and then again on "60 Minutes" last week Sunday, I believe he truly is a modern prototype of what the men in my generation should aspire to become: intelligent, loyal, ambitious, articulate and humble.
But to say that I'm just a bit intrigued by what I've seen and heard so far would be a bit of an understatement. LeBron James is a pretty great basketball player, he happens to be cool with Jay-Z and he can poke fun at himself on national media outlets (Vogue, "SNL" etc.) and still be taken seriously, but there's "something" else about the 24-year-old and this "something" runs deeper than the "multi-millionaire" tag and his envious basketball stats. It's also kept his name on the tongues of everyone he comes into direct and indirect contact with, including little old Trés Ink.
For one, he's not the conventional portrait of the "tall, dark and handsome" NBA player most women fawn over. There is no Kobe-chiseled-face-bedroom-eyes sex appeal, but there is this captivating "quiet confidence" off-the-court and a sexy-arrogance on-the-court in its place. Though some naysayers would probably attribute this captivating aura to his physical stature alone—standing 6'9" and weighing in at a whopping 268-pounds—others like GQ magazine, and myself, are more spot-on with their theories. "There can't possibly be another 24-year-old in the world more at ease with who he is and where he's going than LeBron James... I imagine there are plenty of times when that quality comes off as arrogance, but at least in our time with him... he came across as the anti-Jordan—extremely smart and likable and interpersonally generous, not the imperious empty suit everyone knew Jordan was but was too afraid to say." (GQ’s words not mine!)
Beyond the modest arrogance, however, is a true sense of loyalty. Sure, he has two little boys with his High School sweetheart, Savannah, but I know a good number of NBA players, especially those with as long a career as LeBron's destined to have, who would probably be playing the field, running in and out of every model-esque chic out there, instead of settling down and raising and supporting a family at the tender age of 24. Shoot, I'm not sure about you guys, but if I became a multi-millionaire before the age of 25, there's no telling what I would be doing, but I know it probably wouldn't include a husband and two mini-me's running around.
Furthermore, unlike his fellow players who were basically given a crop of agents, publicists, and marketers to choose from once they were drafted into the big leagues, LeBron opted to hire his childhood friends to manage his career and basically gave them the tools needed to be a viable company on their own. Now, the company, LRMR marketing, has a stable of successful clients and the money continues to pour in. In effect, LeBron's literally shared the wealth. Again, if that doesn't say a lot about his character, I don't know what does. What is pretty safe to assume, is that if he keeps doing exactly what he's been doing at the steady pace he's been doing it, he will, in fact, reach his goal of becoming the first billionaire athlete brand. (If Barack can be president, LeBron can be a billionaire!). And even if I'm not there to share in LeBron's wealth, I'll be there to share in his glory. (Resume Applause.)
What Black men are you guys intrigued by? Who do you feel deserves some props for their achievements? Do you believe a Black athlete can hit the billionaire mark? If so, do you believe it will be LeBron or do we have a ways to go before that can happen?
~Trés Ink
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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I love Michelle Obama. No, really, I do. I love everything she is, what she stands for and the overall strength, character and grace that she brings to the White House. But most of all, I love the fact that she's not the stereotypical, media-driven image of what a modern Black woman is supposed to be or act like. I remember watching her on "60 Minutes" with the president and paying close attention to her mannerisms, her voice inflections and the subtle interactions between her and Barack. She was somewhat soft-spoken, but clear about what she was saying at all times. When Barack poked fun at her, she gave him the infamous side-eye, followed by a smirk to let him know, she understood it was all in good fun.
It was so refreshing to watch this as a 20-something, "real" first-generation, African-American woman. Yes, Mrs. Obama has an Ivy League education and she happens to be married to the one of the most admired and respected men of our generation, but there is still an unmistakable sense of humility and a genuine authenticity that shines through. You can tell it isn't an act. This is who she is and who she's always been... an authentic, down-to-earth, Black woman, which brings me to my next point.
Who exactly is behind the casting decisions for the "real" Black women on some of these reality shows?? Don't get me wrong, I understand the purpose of a reality show is to entertain, draw in ratings, etc. etc. I also understand, that for the most part, "entertaining" an audience has come to mean editing down an episode to only include drama-filled and/or sexually explicit moments, but I'm sure there's got to be some middle ground, where you can squeeze in a few humble, and simply put, round-the-way, cool, girl-next-door types. I mean come on!
I recently got around to watching the premieres of two new reality shows with a few Black female, 20-somethings, BET's "Harlem Heights" and E's "Candy Girls." While watching both of these shows in their entirety with my best friend, who also happens to be a first generation African-American woman, we both came to the same conclusion. Since when did being a Black woman come to mean you have a “stank” attitude, you're from the 'hood, and you've been arrested at least once or that you're obsessed with name brand fashion, you're "bougie" and that you're catty/petty?? Did I just completely miss the memo that you're supposed to fit into either one of these categories?
On "Candy Girls," video girl Terrica is a single mother, has been arrested and is known to curse out her boss behind her back or to her face. Some people would refer to her as the "tell it like it is" Black woman. To me, she's tacky, disrespectful and has a real problem with authority. While on "Harlem Heights," TV producer, Brooke, along with some of the other girls, clearly have this air of "I'm better than you," because “I wear Prada this or Gucci that,” and they seem to think that because they are "pretty," have college degrees and are "independent" Black women, that gives them the right to go around acting like "divas." (One of my male friend’s calls this phenomenon, “Sex In the City” Syndrome. I love Carrie and the series, so I can’t cosign, but I do know what he means.) Newsflash ladies! There are thousands of other Black women, who have degrees and are also independent, but they don't go around with this condescending, elitist attitude, believing that the world should revolve around them.
While discussing it further with my best friend, we also came to the conclusion that "real" Black females, probably wouldn't want to be cast on reality TV, so this very well could be the reason as to why there is such a lack of us on these shows. But, then again, as I mentioned before, it could also be a conscious decision on the part of the casting executives.
But what do you guys think? Have you watched "Harlem Heights" or "Candy Girls"? What are your thoughts about the Black women on these shows? Do you believe that these girls are accurately portraying today's young Black woman, or are they giving "real" Black women a bad wrap?
~Trés Ink
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Where In The World Have All The Black Sitcoms Gone?
I admit, I'm not much of a network television fanatic. Nowadays, save for my date nights with Jack Bauer ("24”) on Monday’s, I'm much more of a cable TV head. As a matter of fact, up until recently, I routinely watched forensic science shows (anything truTV), investigative reporting programs ("Dateline","48 Hours Mystery") or whatever else was next up on my Netflix queue.
But ever since I became a victim of this dreaded recession, I've found myself searching out more positive television programs, comedies and sitcoms in general. Besides the fact that I grew up in the '90s, where I bore witness to multiple examples of positive Black television (read: "Living Single", "Family Matters", "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire", "Sister, Sister," etc.), I figure if there’s one thing that’ll help distract me from the reality of our grim economic future, if only for a little while, it’s a sitcom, where my beautiful Black people are front-and-center. (Truth be told, Khadijah made entertainment journalism “sexy” way before Sydney did.)
Sadly, aside from Tyler Perry's "House of Payne," CW's "The Game" and a handful of other Black sitcoms, it seems as if there has been a gradual downturn in the number of Black TV shows on network television as a whole, let alone shows that represent and portray us in a positive light. Instead we're being saturated with pointless copycats and remakes of '90s prime time soap operas—with one or two token Black faces for good measure. (If I see one more show about privileged/upper-crust trust fund babies, I'm going to scream... very loudly!) Apparently, I'm not the only one that feels this way. Actor Hosea Chanchez, of CW's "The Game," recently sat down with a Black online gossip blog and basically mirrored my thoughts with a conspiracy theory of his own.
"Back in the day, the people that I looked up to were Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Will Smith and Bill Cosby. I look back on a time when most of these guys had a show on television... I look back to when there was so much variety, and all of these shows represented our culture in such a positive way. . . Not buffoonery. I look back on those times and I say, ‘What’s changed?’ The only difference between now and then is that everybody was willing to fight for it . . . We don’t do that anymore. We leave it up to mainstream America to dictate what we like. . . we’re all too afraid to lose what we have . . . They have us so secluded in television and film that anything that comes by, we salivate at it. When you’re deprived of something, when something gets before you, it looks like steak. But, no, you [actually] eatin’ chitlins. But, it looks like you got the prime meat."
Truth hurts, doesn't it? Now, I'm no pork eater, but I'll admit, when I first learned of Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis' Oscar nominations, my heart swelled with pride for my fellow sisthren. Now upon further reflection, with some thanks to Hosea's comments, I feel like I've been got. I mean here I am "salivating" at not one, but TWO Oscar nominations for these talented Black actresses, when in all actuality, we should have hundreds more roles that are readily available to our Black actors and actresses—reality dating shows excluded.
Towards the end of Hosea's interview, he points out the responsibility, we as viewers have, to make our voices heard. At the conclusion of the post, a link to a website—with the contacts for various network television stations—is provided, along with a not-so subtle call-to-action. But is that enough? How do you think we should go about demanding better Black programs on our stations? Should we boycott and/or write to our local TV execs? Do you feel as if now that President Obama is in office, network television will gradually begin to reflect more positive Black Kulture (Sidenote: Is it just me or has there been a sudden and drastic influx of Black actors/actresses in commercial advertisements since Barack's nomination and subsequent win?) Will we ever revisit the "golden era" of Black sitcoms or has that ship sailed? Lastly, should we rely on current TV execs to produce these shows, or should we create our own programs and TV stations, ala Tyler P. and Oprah?
~Trés Ink
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I just inhaled a tasty recession-friendly dinner (for one) on what is supposed to be "the most romantic holiday" of the year. Yet, as I sit here typing, I can't help but think that there is at least two other people in my shoes on this very evening. Sure, those shoes are a tad more expensive, but this Valentine's day, our story is practically one and the same.
A week ago today, Chris Brown and Rihanna were virtually inseparable. The two were spotted canoodling at several pre-Grammy celebrations, preparing for the music industry's biggest showdown and were probably thoroughly enjoying the satisfaction of knowing that they were number one (debatable) in their respective fields. Now one week later, Rihanna is left attempting to recover from physical and mental wounds, while Chris—and his team—are probably scrambling away trying to come up with various strategies to save what little reputation he has left. It's heartbreaking to say the least. Just how did it come to this?
Like most people, I have my theories. Before you shoot the messenger, hear me out. About three years ago, when I was an intern at a popular teen magazine, my editors happened upon this new 16-year-old triple threat from Tappahannock, Virginia, a super-talented boy by the name of Chris Brown. After serenading a room full of magazine editors with his dreamy voice and school-boy charm, it was apparent he was the next big star in the making. My editor immediately scooped him up for a 5-page cover story, and thus began our wordy love affair with the teen sensation. Just a year later, however, when it came time to request another cover story from our beloved Chris Brown, we received a resounding "no" from "his people." It seems as if he'd outgrown us.
A similar story unfolded with Rihanna. Before she landed that coveted endorsement with Covergirl, she was the magazine's go-to cover girl of choice. But by her third album, Rihanna's “people” had set their sights on greener pastures, and apparently we were a few shades too dark. Once again, we were left standing by the wayside.
Now some platinum-album sales, endorsement deals and millions of fans later, the chicken has come home to roost. And this, my friends, is what happens when you have too many “yes men/women” around you saying "yes" to the wrong things and "no" to the right things, i.e., "Yes, Chris, that platinum plaque gives you the right to do as you please. Yes, you can hit a girl if she doesn't report it the first few times. No, you don't always have to listen to your mother. Yes, she gave birth to you, but we made you a superstar." The same goes for Rihanna. "Yes hun, just stand there, sing this note, wear this dress and look cute. No, you don't have to smile at the paps. No, you don't have to grace the cover of this magazine. Yes, you can date Chris Brown."
Frankly, it's appalling. Just think, this whole unfortunate incident could have been avoided had these two young people, who haven't even reached the legal drinking age, had parental supervision at least half the time they were out gallivanting around the world. Now instead of performing in Malaysia or enjoying the All-Star festivities this weekend, Rihanna and Chris Brown are in self-imposed exile as the media, fans and anyone else with a mouth and two lips, chime in on how this could have happened to two of America’s most adored pop stars.
But what do you guys think? Does the root of this incident stem from Chris and Rihanna’s “yes men”? Do you believe all the allegations that have been leveled against Chris Brown? Can Rihanna share in some of the blame? How can we address domestic violence issues amongst our young Black youth? Lastly, what will it take for you to "forget this ever happened" or have we passed the stage of forgiving and forgetting?
by
Trés Ink
Originally written on February 14th, 2009
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