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2/27/2004
Angry Black Women Heat Up TV
 The Washington Post published an article recently around the portrayal of African American women as "angry" on reality television. It seems television producers are having a field-day clipping, editing, and stringing together unbecoming moments of some of reality tv's African American women to portray shall we say, a hard-hitting, ruthless, and stereotypical example of what I like to call "The Angry Black Woman". One in particular catching a lot of flack is woman named Omarosa from NBC's the Apprentice. I have a confession. Although I talk much "smack" regarding reality television (translation of the vernacular "talk smack": to speak ill of; to speak against; to say negative things concerning), I do watch the Apprentice. Yes, it's true. I too was sucked in like Al Roker's tummy. I watch it every week like a bad habit and trust me, I feel very bad about myself. I repent (to myself) even as I watch. It's really the business aspect that interests me. I could do without the drama and without Donald Trump's hairpiece and self-inflated reality (the man puts water bottles with his picture on it in his hotel rooms....Gag me with a spoon. Come down from the mountaintops Mr. Trump).
I lay much of the blame on these women themselves. They chose to subject themselves to the hands of TV producers who are only after ratings. What did they expect? In the article, Omarosa, who I think has made many poor judgment calls in her behavior, plus she formerly worked for Al Gore's campaign, which I WILL hold against her, emphasizes the point of clever editing seeking high ratings,
'Most of the women who complain about her on the show, she says, are now her very good friends. "This show is about ratings," and The Donald pitted her against the other women, she says, because he was "just being dramatic."'
Aside from what's already been stated about her poor choice of words, I don't have a problem with Omarosa. I think her attitude stinks sometimes, but I also think she's misunderstood.
Again, I place blame on the women because they in fact did do the things portrayed on television, however disjointed they may have been and they should be accountable for their words and actions. I am also aware of the ever-perpetuated stereotype on both television and film of this "angry black woman" who is ready to explode and "tell someone off" at any minute. This image is made worse by actresses who are willing to "play the role" like Whoppi Goldberg and Queen Latifah. It can get to be as bad as a modern-day minstrel show. I suppose part of my empathy for Omarosa can be attributed to the fact that I myself am often misunderstood. Heck, even my blog is misunderstood. I write in my blog similarly to how I think; only much more toned down. (If one could only imagine). I'm extremely direct in speech. I don't usually mince words but I don't lack compassion (most of the time). Compassion took a lot of growth on my part. Unfortunately, I often say the first thing that comes to my head, which is usually cold or insensitive, although sometimes true. I realize this is part of who God's created me to be but it is not always a good thing. It needs to be developed and balanced. Being a former actress and teacher, I also have a stage voice. This usually means that with or without a microphone, I can get my message across. I grew up in an educational household where we were taught to think for ourselves and engaged in political dialogue at the dinner table. Heated conversations. So it is nothing for me to engage in a head-on, fact-based debate (if the other party is willing). I have learned not to cast my pearls before the swines. I am not one of those people who go around looking for debates. In fact, I generally dislike them; especially debates about the Bible. I'm not an Apologetics person. My general attitude is "when Jesus returns, we'll see who was right you little Heathen." Okay, that's a horrible attitude to have, but I often think it.
[Caveat]: most of those people (looking for debates) reside on the internet by the way and can usually be found in chatrooms, message boards, and often posting unnecessary comments on other peoples' blogs. Beware them. [/Caveat]
Combine all that with the fact that I was raised in what I'd call "the African American tradition" and you have a potentially scary person. Liken it to the "Greek Family Tradition". We can be loud; we often eat a lot, have big family get-togethers, speak our minds, and give lots of verbal feedback. Per the feedback issue, even to this day, I shudder sometimes when I think on how I used to go to the Ballet or some other "high-society" function with my mother and she'd yell out at an unsuspecting dancer, "Alright now, you better dance!". I'd shrink in my seat and think, "God please just let me a white kid, they don't usually have to deal with this".
Now these are all GROSS generalizations of course. I'm not trying to establish new sociological theory here. In my short years on the earth my personality has rubbed people the wrong way. This is inevitable for us all. I myself have felt lumped into the "angry black woman" category for being able to hold an educated and balanced discussion. My quick-wit can often be misconstrued as "anger". It takes a lot to get me angry. I do not doubt that perhaps those who like to make these generalizations have encountered some angry black women in their life. I have too. They do exist. And I agree, they're scary and sometimes downright belligerent. I've encountered angry white women too, a couple of angry white men and a lot of crazy West Indians. (It's a Seattle thing I'm certain). It is unfortunate however, that we categorize people based on our one (or many) negative experiences. The media plays into this and often even believes the myth they themselves have helped further.
There are many cultural nuances that need to be understood if we are heading anywhere towards becoming a true multi-cultural society. These nuances exist in the workplace, in ministry, and in relationships. Not all of these nuances are great. Some need to pass away. But many have something unique to bring to the table. That said I really am a nice girl. One of the nicest you will ever meet actually. Just don't cross me or else I'll cut you with my pocketknife.
posted by ambra at 2/27/2004 01:17:44 PM | link to this entry |
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