Black Women in Entertainment

Where in the world are black women in today’s entertainment? There is a significant slump in quality images of African-American women in television and film.

It wasn’t always like this. In 1968, Diahann Carroll starred in the series “Julia”, which one of the first of it’s’ kind. Dubbed as being the first series to star a black woman in a non-stereotypical role, “Julia” produced 86 episodes and Carroll earned a golden globe for her performance.

In the 70s, Pan Grier played a character that went against the typical African American female type. In 1974, Grier starred as the character in Foxy Brown, a sexy yet independent black woman who was capable of running down criminals and saving the day.

The 1980s and 90s saw the birth of the black upper-middle class in entertainment. In The Cosby Show, Claire Huxtable was the epitome of a strong, dignified, and intelligent black woman, as well as great mother that rarely was seen on television before and has been somewhat absent since.

Though Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire was a fun, silly sitcom, the show had depictions of black females that were far from typical of Hollywood entertainment. Whether it was Vivian Banks’ strength and discipline in the first couple of seasons or Hillary Banks’ ditzy, spoiled rich girl routine (which is normally depicted as an upper-class white female), America was witnessing a more diverse spectrum of what the African American female is in this country.

But something has happened in Hollywood. A regression has occurred. Black women have been marginalized or altogether phased out in popular culture.

“I don’t think that we have been completely margalized, but I do think we have a bad image. I model in videos, but I don’t think that I am a part of the problem. I would more so blame producers and directors for this,” said Bre Long, a video model (or extra).

Maybe the problem is the image of the black woman herself in mainstream culture. Though our society has become overly-sexualized in general, it seems that the depictions of black women are such that they are incapable of being seen as a girlfriend, wife, FBI agent or hero, but instead as overtly sexual eye-candy.

Though it may be difficult to name 10 significant black female characters in the scripted television landscape, one would certainly have no problem rattling off names that reside in “reality” television. Black women are plentiful in music videos as they wear next to nothing and entertain male viewers during a four minute musical peep show. Black women are also very much in demand in reality television. VH-1, which is home to shows such as The Favor of Love, I Love New York, and Charm School. All of them showcase black women in a raunchy, profane, and explicit nature. The problem, it would seem, is that Hollywood is simply choosing to sell certain images of black women to audiences around the globe.

“I think that people take entertainment too serious. I don’t think anyone really sees these reality stars and think that they are a real depiction of how black women act in real life,” Taj’hiya Harper said, a 25-year-old mixed (black and white) college student. “These people are actors! If they do, who cares? That is their own ignorant fault.”

Television and film are entertainment, after all, so who cares how anyone is portrayed as along as one is enjoying what they are watching? The problem is that entertainment can create stereotypes. There is no denying that. There are some people who are grow up in segregated areas of the country, or world, where they are not exposed to people who look different from them. People get their information and opinions from television, whether it’s the news, a comedy show, or a reality program. If what’s being pounded into people’s consciousness is that black women are loud, raunchy, sexually-explicit, ghettoized objects of affection, then opinions will be formed around those images that one sees on television.

The truth is that depictions of people do matter. In The Cosby Show, the show was historic in nature because it showed America that blacks can be successful, as well as cultured, intelligent, family oriented. Past sitcoms often dealt with the “struggling black family.” The black family in programs like Good Times was depicted as ones that were doing their best just to get by. In shows such as Different Strokes and Webster, black children were being adopted by white families.

While interracial family life can certainly be celebrated, the subtle implication of these programs was that black families were so broken, poor, and unfit to care for their offspring that upper-middle class white families had to save these black children from their downward spiral. If one thinks that The Cosby Show wasn’t monumentally important in the way African Americans were viewed in society, you are fooling yourself.

As it stands, black women appear much in need of a similar breakthrough type of show or film. A piece of entertainment that is much more than entertainment. A vehicle that carries the image of the black woman out of the small prism of just music videos and trashy reality television and into a realm that’s positive, as well as more realistic. Only then can change occur. Only then can respect and appreciation for African American females in entertainment evolve.

http://bitchmagazine.org/

Sources: Taj’hiya Harper- 734.301.8227 (college student) / Bre Long  (video model)- Strawberry558@aol.com

 

How To Restore Journalism

Every since I have been taking journalism classes, rather it’s a simple intro class, to an advanced magazine writing class, the theme has been the same: journalism is dying a slow death. Now you may be thinking, what exactly do you mean when you say that journalism is dying? To be more specific, let’s just focus on the newspaper aspect of journalism. Let me give a few statistics so you can fully understand what I mean:

• Audit Bureau of Circulations show average weekday circulation fell 8.7 percent in the six months (from September 2009 – March 2010)
• Sunday circulation (of all newspapers in America) fell 6.5 percent (from September 2009 – March 2010)
• The San Francisco Chronicle’s weekday circulation dropped nearly 23 percent from 2009 to 2010
• The Washington Post, average weekday circulation fell 13.1 percent to 578,482 and dropped 8.2 percent to 797,679 on Sundays.
• USA Today lost 13.6 percent of its circulation

Circulation

If you are not sure what circulation is, it’s simply the number of copies a newspaper distributes on an average day. Circulation is not always the same as copies sold since some newspapers are distributed without cost to the reader. Also, it is assumed that the actual readership stats (the amount of people who just read the paper) are higher than circulation stats (the amount of people who purchase the paper) since one paper is typically read by more than one person. For instance, Dad picks up the paper at the gas station. Mom reads the gossip columns, kids read the funnies, and grandpa checks out the sales on a tool kits.

Why journalism is dying

Now that we have the statistics out of the way, the question to ask now is why? Why are all of these newspapers failing? It’s actually a simple answer: technology. Technology has completely changed the way that people receive the news. How easy is it to get online and access your local news with the click of a button? Very! And how much does it cost you? Nothing! The internet, cell phones, even I-pods allow you to get news without having to subscribe to a publication or buy a paper, period.

Why the newspaper is important

News obviously can be obtained elsewhere, not just from the paper. The TV and radio also gives you reports. But what about the classified ads? A lot companies still use this section to post ads. What about the funnies that we all read as a child? Of course times are changing, but the newspaper is a classic component to American history. Online news is very convenient and fast, but it’s not always accurate. Not to mention that our older generation is not savvy like our “now” generation. While a lot of seniors are becoming more familiar with the internet and computers in general, a pretty high number of our parents and grandparents have no idea what a “browser” is.

What’s replacing the newspaper?

The paper consists of a lot more than just hardcore news. Let’s revisit the topic of the classifieds again. Internet sites such as craigslist and ebay have pretty much taken over when it comes to selling. In the Ann Arbor news (a paper that is slowing failing) they have a section called “Spotlight”, which gives the readers an outlook on local events. With social media such as Facebook and Twitter, the newspaper can’t hold a candle. Events, parties and other social events are the sole reason some people create their account, since you can access thousands of people so easily. Even checking the weather in the paper has been replaced by I-phone and Blackberry apps, as well as the advice columns, games and sport updates.

How to bring the newspaper back

Many have attempted to restore the journalism economy, but none have successfully succeeded…yet. However, there are a few online publications that have already started using a pay model:

• Newspaper: Daily Gazette
City: Schenectady, New York
Average paid circulation: 44,242
Pricing plan: Online-only subscriptions are available for $2.95 a week; while print subscribers, who pay $3.00 a week for home delivery, can pay an additional penny each week to also get unlimited access to the website as well as to an electronic edition. Blogs, AP stories, TV schedules, photo galleries, and breaking news remain free.
When pay wall was introduced: August 2009, although the paper was already charging readers to access the electronic edition
Results: Website traffic has plummeted by 40 percent in the three weeks since the Gazette started charging for most of its online content, including obituaries, managing editor Judy Patrick tells us. But she says “online subscriptions are slowly building.” There are 670 online-only subscribers.

• Newspaper: Valley Morning Star
City: Harlingen, Texas
Average paid circulation: 23,294
Pricing plan: Online-only subscriptions are available for 75 cents a day, $3.95 a month, or $39.50 for the year. Daily print subscribers get free access to web content and also to an e-edition of the paper. Weekend subscribers have to pay an additional $3.16 per month for online access, while Sunday-only subscribers have to pay $3.56 a month. Event listings, obituaries, AP stories, video, blogs, and classifieds all remain free.
When pay wall was introduced: July 2009
Results: A representative did not respond to a request for comment, but since the Morning Star started charging for online content in mid-June, another Freedom Communications daily, the Lima News, has followed suit. Traffic to the Morning Star’s website was actually slightly up in July.

• Newspaper: Albuquerque Journal
City: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Average paid circulation: 101,810
Pay model: The Journal charges $110 a year (or $38.25 for three months) for full access to the paper’s website, along with an electronic edition of the paper. Readers can also pay $185 a year for a subscription to the print edition, the electronic edition and online access. Alternatively, they can pay $153 a year for home delivery and online access.
When pay wall was introduced: 2001
Results: Assistant Managing Editor Donn Friedman says that between 1,500 and 2,000 people pay extra each month for some sort of additional online access—a number that he says has “remained fairly consistent” over the past eight years. Each month, about 300 people who go to the site and then see a notice saying that they need either an online or print subscription to access online content sign up for some sort of subscription, he says. Paid daily circulation is down about 6 percent since the newspaper instituted the pay wall. Asked whether it has been a success, Friedman says, “We are still committed to the print retention model and the idea that our content has value.”
Comment: The rival Albuquerque Tribune was shut down last year, although the Journal still competes with the Santa Fe New Mexican, although it has a smaller staff.

These are just a few examples of papers using a pay model. They haven’t exactly reached The New York Times circulation of success, but it is a start.

Here are some other ideas to jumpstart the journalism economy (that are easier said than done, of course):

• Start buying the paper on your own! Every time you stop at a liquor store or gas station, find some loose change and grab a paper
• Encourage others around you to buy the paper as well
• Subscribe to an online publication, even if it’s just the Sunday paper

 

 

Magazine Essay: College

I never understood why my parents encouraged me to go to college. One of them dropped out of the University of Michigan after a few semesters, while the other one didn’t make it past sophomore year of high school. To top it off, I had the most cushy, worry-free childhood. Bicycles here, Barbie dolls there. College? For what?

During the fall of 2005, I began my senior year of high school. I walked into what I thought was the last chapter of homework, mid-terms and bitchy, menopausal teachers. I was mistaken.

In a short four month period, my life drastically changed. I was seeing the demise of my worry-free life. My grandmother, who always spoiled me, babied me, and gave me the best advice, decided to up and leave Michigan for good. Her destination: cloud nine, out of her mind, and into the arms of the male version of her.

Strike one.

My mother, who worked in plants and other physical labor jobs all of her adult life, starting experiencing the hardships of that “R” word that we all love so much: Recession. No more handouts, safety nets or patent leather Gucci bags.

Strike two.

My father, who I always looked at as the sole provider, began experiencing a mid-life crisis. His business was failing, his 24-year-old deadbeat son moved back home, and his 10-year-old daughter was growing breasts. That alone may be enough trauma for a father. On top of all of this, he started experimenting with drugs. Lightheartedly, we laughed and joked about this (which was a very serious matter), saying that he should have been over that phase 30 years ago.

Strike three.

By that January, I was turning 18. No longer was I a child, legally, mentally and metaphorically.

“You must go to college. Not only for the education, but for the experience, unless you want to end up like us,” my mom said.

She laughed, but I never thought it was funny.

Every monumental figure in my life somewhat abandoned me. No more time for my minor, immature issues. I went from the highly-favored middle child, to the highly neglected invisible individual. Now it was about rehab for the dad, job hunts for the mom and brother, and putting a chastity belt on the baby. I didn’t fit anymore.

And in my conceited and selfish mind, I wanted to show my family that I was better than them.

All of this was a blessing… In a disguise, of course.

Indeed, I needed a new experience. And I took there advice about going to school. Not only did I not want to end up like them, I needed to force myself to become a more disciplined, responsible adult. Had my home life would have stayed what I considered perfect, I may have still been there, five years later, not progressing or blossoming.

The thought of this makes me sick.

Fast-forwarding to five years later, I am a senior, and more than ready to close the college chapter of my life.

I never forget where I came from or what I went through to achieve success today. It makes me who I am, and will continue to mold me. I am very happy about this journey. I began my journey for all the wrong reasons; now I’m finishing it for the rights ones.

 

The Sundial, Atlanta

Ever wanted to dine 723 feet above Atlanta’s streets, while the restaurant itself revolves, giving you a panoramic view of the city?

We have the perfect place for you!

Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View is Atlanta’s only tri-level dining complex featuring a revolving upscale restaurant, a rotating cocktail lounge and an observatory view level offering an amazing 360-degree panorama of Atlanta’s skyline. Thousands of locals and tourists board the Sun Dial’s scenic glass elevators each year to climb the hotel’s 73 stories to The Sun Dial for its breathe-taking views of Atlanta, classic American and European entrees, live jazz and the relaxing ambiance the restaurant offers.

Atop of the tallest hotel in the western hemisphere, the Westin Peachtree Plaza, the elevators whisk you up to the clouds in an unbelievable 85-second long trip. Your trip to the sky is always accompanied by a lovely elevator attendant, who may also serve as your host/hostess to seat you in the restaurant.

Some of the sights to gawk at include Centennial Olympic park, the CNN headquarters, and an array of other breathtaking monuments. If you want to see more, for free, you can find an unoccupied set of binoculars and spy on different suburbs of Atlanta. Some of those include Buckhead, Dunwoody/Chamblee, and Atlantic Station

And this is all before you actually experience their exquisite cuisine.

A popular item for their Sunday brunch includes the “flight of french toast” which comes with strawberry preserves, apple compote, caramelized banana and maple syrup, all for one to completely indulge in. And for dinner- “mushroom, pine nut and spinach ravioli” in wild mushroom broth.

Prices range from about $10, to about $50 per entree.

From spectacular views to tantalizing menus, the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View truly create the ultimate Atlanta dining experience.

http://www.long-weekends.com/Main/Home.aspx

 

H1N1.. What’s that?

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A year ago, there was beyond a craze on H1N1. Even though it’s been prevalent in the past few months, everything is starting to dwindle down. People aren’t getting the vaccine for H1N1 like they use to. I think this is worth writing about because I have always thought that people where blowing this whole thing out of line. Sure, people are dying from it and of course it’s sad, but think about way worst things aren’t a pandemic. On top of that, the shot is killing and injuring people. I mean, HIV rates are steadily on an increase and people aren’t freaking out about it. Everybody is still having unprotected sex. Now, this new flu comes along and people want to walk around with gas masks on there faces to church and school. Please. I’m over it.

 

Republican Rumble

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Is the Obama administration another Bush administration? From what Obama has accomplished, one could definitely feel that way.

So far, the Republican party (particularly Cheney) has been doing a lot of bashing on the Obama administration.

“It shouldn’t be trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in civilian court; it shouldn’t be trying to close Guantanamo Bay; it shouldn’t rule out waterboarding.”

These are just a few of Cheney’s complaints. Coincidentally, all of these above issues (and more) can be related to the Bush administration. 

“When reporters ask politicians why they’re attacking the other party for things their own side has done they deny that there is any double standard, and find some distinction.”

When Cheney was interviewed about the similarity, he surprisingly told the truth, stating that he didn’t agree with Bush when he was for/against certain issues then, and he still doesn’t agree with it now, regardless of what party it is.

This news story/interview serves a purpose to enlighten about political parties and discrepancies that they may face. This article tells the unusual story of a member of one party not agreeing with the “leader”. Who would have thought that Republicans could disagree with each other?

The story was informative and bold, and I do not think that it could have been written any better. The facts were right there in your face, and if you needed any more detail, information was obtainable else where. Information was precise and risky, stating that, “it’s almost as if there have been three presidencies since 9/11: 1) The Cheney administration (2001-2003 or 2004), in which the vice president got Bush to pursue a war on terror largely outside the law.” Wow.

Overall, this story was an eye opener, especially to one who is not up to speed with what is going on within the world of politics and policies. After reading this, I was inspired to read up on what is really happening with our new “pedestal” president.

 

Nonprofits, foundations to the rescue?

CANTON, Mich – After reading through a few of these, here are few that I have feelings for:

“Public radio and television should be substantially reoriented to provide significant local news reporting in every community served by public stations and their Web sites”

This idea sounds like it’s forcing people to watch or listen to the news. It almost sounds like others’ are making the decision of what we should want to know, or what a viewer considers news or worthy. I don’t think it should be “substancially reoriented”, but there could be a few slight changes. If people want local news, I don’t think we should have to be bombarded with it; the viewer/consumer should have a choice.

“Philanthropists, foundations, and community foundations should substantially increase their support for news organizations that have demonstrated a substantial commitment to public affairs and accountability reporting.”

I don’t think this is a bad idea simply because these groups of people could potentially benefit from increasing their support for news organizations. This idea seems less forced, and doesn’t necessarily effect a large amount of people. If an organization or foundation chooses to support a news organization, kudos to them.

“Universities, both public and private, should become ongoing sources of local, state, specialized subject, and accountability news reporting as part of their educational missions. They should operate their own news organizations, host platforms for other nonprofit news and investigative reporting organizations.”

Wow. I do not like this idea at all, and I do not think it will happen. Keep the news reporting in the journalism department only. For a journalism major or an aspiring news reporter, this idea seems golden. But to others who don’t particularly care about news, it’s horrible.

 

Trying to brainstorm, but my brain is storming

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Ok, for a second I thought that is this blog niche was a bad idea. But, after really taking the time to brainstorm (which I never do) I think I came up with a couple ideas that are suitable for my week of blogging. Here they are:

My first idea is to interview some college promoters who have parties are different venues, lounges, restaurants, etc. There is so much hype around college promoters these days, that they seem to “run” the campus more so than the jocks and frats.

Next is about a particular venue being shut down. The name escapes me, but it happens so frequently in Detroit. The owner either stops paying for the place, or they serve some 19 year-old and lose their liquor license. So I’m curious about this place closing.

 

Final Blog Idea

ATLANTA, Ga. – I decided to stick with my first idea of the creating a blog niche about nightlife in the Detroit/Metro-Detroit area. Although I had no feedback, I personally think this is the best idea for me because it’s something that I’m really into, and I like to experience new venues.

Sticking with this idea is best for me because I think that this blog is definitely one that I could continue to work on in the future. There are always new places that open (or re-open if you’re talking specifically Detroit) that I’m sure could use some publicity. What’s better than a blog to give the inside scoop on the place?

 

Blog Niche: Drinks On Me

CANTON, Mich. – I want to create a blog about the nightlife in the Detroit/Metro Detroit area. I think this is a good idea because I like to go out quite often, so this is definitely something that I am interested in. Not only that, I think that there are a lot of nice places that go unnoticed. People are so mainstream these days and only stick to what they know. From living in downtown Detroit for a short period to moving to the suburbs, I’ve noticed so many different nice nightclubs/bars that don’t get much business solely because they aren’t mainstream.

I want to do posts about new places, or “lowkey” spots that don’t get as much attention. I would go to different places around town that I have never been to, and report about it. I would blog about what type of people come, what’s the best drink, what’s the best night to come, as well as what type of music they play and if they have a live band or not. I don’t want it to be limited to just these ideas, but those just a few that I came up with for now.

My next options would be to write about tattoos. Personally, I have like a million (I call them “professional tats” since none of them are visible with regular, everyday clothes on) and I just love them. There is alot of local talent in the Ypsi area, so I would want to focus on them.

My last option would be to have a blog niche about reality TV. I am such a fan of everything that is considered reality television, from “Real Housewives of Atlanta“, to “Keeping Up With the Kardashian’s“. In this blog, I would blog about what happened in the shows (sort of like a commentary blog) as well as schedules for all shows “reality”, and much more.