The Realness of Tia and Tamera

In a world where reality television is king and black women arguing and fighting each other doesn’t cause anyone to bat an eye, it was SO refreshing see twins Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housley with their own reality show on the Style Network.  “Tia and Tamera” was my Monday night guilty pleasure.  We’ve always loved these twins since “Sister, Sister” and have watched them grow up, from Tia’s currently starring role on “The Game” and Tamera’s run on Lifetime Network’s “Strong Medicine”. 

Not only did these sisters have each other to lean on, but they also had friends and their mates.  I SO fell in love with Cory Hardrict (Tia’s husband) after last night’s episode.  He was so supportive during Tia’s pregnancy and was definitely the calm one.  He also was so excited to see his son and encouraged his wife every step of the way.  When Tamera and her husband, Adam, were faced with racism from “fans”, Adam told Tamera, “That’s their issue; not ours”, it showed that he loved her no matter what. 

Now, just like all sisters, Tia and Tamera did have their disagreements.  Especially when it came to Tamera’s wedding.  I totally felt that Tia was being selfish.  And I’ve never been pregnant, but I felt like that was Tia’s excuse for EVERYTHING!!!  And I thought she was wrong when she didn’t want Andrea, Tamera’s friend, to be the Maid of Honor.  But all things worked out in the end, and that is what’s important.

I’ve always enjoyed the Mowry sisters and was excited to see them get their own show.  And I’ve even more excited that “Tia and Tamera” was picked up for a second season.  Hopefully, we won’t have to wait that long!  To Tia and Tamera, on behalf of Black women in this country who truly value what’s important, family, friends, and sisterhood, thank you for showing the world that not all of us are celebrity hungry, coattail-riding, angry, bitter women.  Until next time, I’m just as Southern girl…in the city!

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“They Call Me LaQueefa”

Unfortunately, people, I can’t make this stuff up, even if I wanted to.  Lifetime’s show “Dance Moms” recently had an episode where dance student Nia, the only African-American girl on the show, was required to do an “ethnic” dance complete with a tight leopard catsuit and black afro.  Of course, Nia’s mom, Holly, voiced her concerns with dance instructor Abby.  But I’m not sure what good that did; Nia still performed in the showcase.  When Abby suggested to Holly that she take her resources and find her own choreographer for Nia’s performance, she backed down. 

First of all, it says a lot when a Caucasian woman can get on national television  in 2011 and can tell a Black mother that she IS stereotyping her daughter.  Abby’s excuse was that Nia has to be able to perform when she appears at auditions where they are looking for “ethnic” dancers.  This is the biggest load of crap I’ve heard in awhile.  If I were Holly, I would have gotten my daughter, gathered up her things, and walked out of the studio.  You know what was even more offensive than the outfit?   It was the dance itself along with the music, which had no type of ethnic beats or moves.   Are we that hard up for fame that we sacrifice our children now?  Not only that, but isn’t Holly concerned about the ramifications this performance may have on the psyche of Nia?   

I understand that parents have dreams for their offspring.  But what is little Nia going to think 10 years from now when she sees this tape?  And if she’s lucky, it may not even take her that long to realize EVERYTHING that is wrong with this episode involving her and her mother. 

Does racism still exist in this country?  Absolutely.  And this show proves it.  It’s just really disheartening to see a child used in this way.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

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The Growing Empire that is “Basketball Wives”

It seems like everybody and their mama (or their baby’s mama) is showing up on the growing franchise that is “Basketball Wives”.  Shaunie O’Neal and Shed Media hit a reality tv gold mine with the creation of this show.  And if you’re  a reality tv junkie like me, I’m sure you watched “Basketball Wives: LA” this past Monday.  The one good thing I can say about this show is that it has a one uppance on its predecessor-more of the women are wives or actually involved with a current NBA player.  These chicks in Miami have been “formerly linked to (insert name of a retired player)”.  But, just like their cohorts in the F-L-A, these women love to fight.  For an educated woman, Laura Govan, former fiancee’ and baby mama of 4 to Gilbert Arenas, is slick at the mouth and is quick to fight.  And Compton born and bred Malaysia is not one to back down.

In any event, is this what we have been reduced to as Black women?  Bitter exes who will do whatever it takes to be on television to get a few bucks?  I guess I can’t knock Shaunie’s hustle, but I can say that these women give others a bad name.  I’m no expert, but I’m sure not all NBA girlfriends and wives behave the way these women do and these women are the exception, not the rule.  But I have to wonder how accurate I am when Allison Mathis, baby mama to Chris Bosh, is in talks to appear on the next season of BBW.  It appears that the new thing is to date/get pregnant/engaged to a baller to become famous.  It doesn’t take talent or a real work ethic to get ahead in this country, which is highly unfortunate.

So, I’m sure those of you (well, us) who tuned in this past Monday to catch the premiere of BBW: LA will tune in next week to watch the tomfoolery.  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city.

P.S. And as much smack as Gloria talked about Shaunie, I am not surprised she turned up on the spinoff (and is turning into Shaunie’s mini-me)!

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Black Television-The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Earlier today, I was all set to write about the Black sitcom and ask where it went.  But after a lunchtime discussion with my co-workers, I realized I underestimated a few of the shows that have Black stars that are currently on the air.  So, let’s begin this discussion.

The Good

“Hawthorne”- You know, the show starring Jada Pinkett-Smith that comes on TNT has its 3rd season premiere tonight.  I have to admit, I’ve never really watched this show, but I did catch the 2nd season finale when Christina told Tom that she was pregnant. (Yes, I had to look up the character names. #dontjudgeme)  I’ve always been a Jada fan, ever since her days as Lena James on “A Different World”, so I will make a conscious effort to watch the premiere tonight. 

“The Game”- Despite horrible writing for its inaugural season on BET, “The Game” of the CW was a force to be reckoned with.  It was great writing and great acting with believable characters.  The fourth season left a lot to be desired, but hopefully the writers will see the error of their ways and step their game up for season 5.  The great thing about this show is that the fans stuck by the show and followed the characters to their new channel.  We should all touch and agree that “The Game” has a wonderful new season in the fall. 

The Bad

“Braxton Family Values”- You all know I love reality television, but this show is a bit much.  It seems like the only person who has their life halfway in order is baby sister, Tamar, and for her to be spoiled, narcissistic, and bossy, that’s saying a lot.  Yes, Toni may be the more famous of her siblings, but she’s having financial troubles…again.  And after watching this clip of their mother go off on their dad, I see where the girls get their crazy antics from!  Now I know we all like a little messy, but the Braxtons put all of their dis-functionality (is that a word?) out for the world to see. 

Any Tyler Perry sitcom- Now I know I have praised TP on this blog before, but I’ve also stated I don’t like his sitcoms.  They’re awful, but somebody’s watching them.  I don’t think I really need to say too much more.  If you’ve seen one, then you know what I’m talking about.  If you haven’t, you’re not missing much.

The Ugly

“Basketball Wives”- This show is a bunch of ex-wives and girlfriends who are angry, bitter, and ready to fight somebody.  Need I say more?

Did I miss any shows? 

Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!

I Can Relate, Aubrey

OK, I admit it.  I’m a Danity Kane fan.  I watched ALL of their seasons of “Making the Band” and had my favorites.  I was really sad when the group got dismantled, thanks to Aubrey’s outlandish and selfish behavior, but am still a little salty that Wanita (aka D. Woods) got kicked out, too.  Since I haven’t watched television in a long while, I was all too excited to see that Aubrey O’Day, former wild child and front woman of Danity Kane, had her own show.  (And you guys know I’m a reality tv junkie.) 

During my night of insomnia on Saturday, I came across Oxygen and saw “All About Aubrey” was coming on.  Since I had nothing to do, except braid my hair since I decided to wash it so late, I thought maybe I should watch this to see what’s going on.  Because I hadn’t heard her voice recently, I totally forgot that Aubrey could sing.  While she was trying to get her record deal, she was also focusing on love…or least finding a mate, as most of us start doing in our mid-late 20s.  I can definitely relate to her on working on her career.  I’m at a point where I want to do something TOTALLY different than what I’ve done in the past, and I’m working my tail off to make things happen.  But the most important thing, well maybe not MOST important but it’s high on my list, is having a mate.  I hate dating-I hate meeting new dudes only to find out you and he are on different pages. 

In the latest episode Aubrey is on the hunt to get  a man.  She meets one guy who turns out to be a complete jerk.  The other guy is a producer she’s worked with.  She sent him a 5 page love letter after their first meeting and ran him away.  She incidently ran into him while she was out with the jerk.  I know you guys are thinking “How in the heck can Elle relate to Aubrey?” Well, I’ll tell you.  Because guys are different, Aubrey adjusted her actions to what she thought each guy wanted.  I’ve done that, too-behaved in a manner that I thought would be appealing to a guy to get his attention.  That never works.  It’s always important that we, women and men, stay true to who we are when meeting people, whether it’s for a personal or professional relationship.  It’s not fair to us to “adjust” our actions because we think it’s going to impress someone else.  Plus, if we begin behaving a certain way in relationships in the beginning, our mate is going to expect us to behave that way forever.  And I can pretend for only so long.  Admittedly, Aubrey noted with producer where her missteps were, and ol’ boy told her that he wanted to take things slow (and I would imagine so after receiving a long behind letter.) 

Have you guys ever behaved in a manner not normal for you in order to get someone’s attention?  Did it work?  Do you think it’s ok for people to do something they normally wouldn’t do in order to attract the opposite sex?  Or should people love you for being you, without you having to do anything extra?  Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!