My Daily Battles: Black Women Role Models

Is it me, or does it seem like there is a shortage of Black female role models. I'm not saying that there is a shortage, because I don't believe that that to be the case... But what I'm saying is that it sure seems like it.

Why does "the media" (whoever that is) insist on showing these unrealistic portrayals of Black women?

Why do the Black women that expose themselves to these media outlets allow themselves to be exploited in such a way?

I guess the answer is simple... IT SELLS!

Next question... Why does it sell?

Well, I have my opinions, but for now, I'd like you to know what you think... Leave it!

*I have more to come on this topic, because there is so much more to explore... This is one of my daily battles.

**Also, by using the image above I'm not implying that the women pictured are not role models in their own right, I'm just using those pictures as an example of the type of imagery that is used by various media outlets (although I would argue that some of them are not and/or should not be considered role models by a long shot, but that's for a separate post).

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Wreckless Love... Or Homewrecker Love?

It's simple. Married men are off limits. Period. Dot.

I try to keep the gossip to a minimum here, but for some reason this story struck a chord with me.

No, I have never been married, and no, I don't know what it feels like to have another woman destroy what I believed to be a beautiful and unyielding union of which I was one half. But, I'd imagine that if feels quite awful.

So... 2 things:

1. Listening to the interview with Mashonda, it stood out to me when she said she realized that it is not her fault...

So many times we (women in similar situations) blame ourselves for the mistreatment that we arbitrarily receive, whether it be verbal, physical, or psychological abuse... I could go on and on about what I believe causes the mental chains that lock us into believing that we inherently deserve to be misused, but I won't... Instead, I'll just say that we (women) need to learn to love ourselves. Love ourselves as deeply as we love the men that we seek, so that if we do come across a man who chooses to mistreat us, we can simply walk away (as hard as it may be), because we will love ourselves enough to know that our own mental, physical and emotional health is more important than that unhealthy relationship... We also need to respect ourselves, which will unintentionally yield respect for other women and the sanctity of their romantic relationships. If we gain a greater sense of respect for ourselves then we will not allow ourselves to be disrespected by being some body's side piece... And in regaining these simple virtues, we will become better role models to the little girls who will come after us.

2. Say it ain't so Alicia... Not the Alicia Keys that I know (in my head). Not the Superwoman, A Woman's Worth, singing Alicia...

How many of us thought that Alicia Keys would break up some body's happy home?... I sure didn't. I mean, I know it's all hear say right now, but if you ask me, it's pretty convincing hear say. But I guess, it just goes to show that you can't judge a book by it's cover, or a celebrity by their public persona... I mean, who would've thought the Chris Brown's little adorable self would nut up on Rih Rih... but let's not go there.

OK, so 3 things....

3. Because I like Alicia, and because, aren't we all just trying to find true love?....

What if your one chance at real, true love is with a married man?... What if he is your soul mate?...

Yea, that doesn't even make sense, because if he were your soul mate then you wouldn't have to steal him from another woman, right?... Well, I tried to give A. Keys the benefit of doubt... but hey, there is only so much bs'ing a person can do.

Conclusion=Unacceptable!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Longstanding Tradition in the South :-(

Segregated Proms. I guess I just don't understand. When I was in high school, about 30% of the students that attended my school were Black, about 60% were white, and the remaining 10% identified with other ethnic groups. However, I distinctly remember that we all hung out with each other, especially during and after big events. I can't imagine not spending Prom night with all of my fellow classmates, who helped to shape my high school experience, all in the same building on the same night.

However, according to an article that appeared on the NY Times website the other day, segregated proms are longstanding traditions in towns across the rural South.

Yes! Still! In 2009. In the era of our first Black President. People continue to purposely practice segregation even today. 55 years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson decision, in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case, ruling that the separate but equal policies of the past were unlawful.

In my opinion this (segregated proms) is the perpetuation of racism, although those who stand by these segregated events call them tradition. I, however, pose a question to those who hold the belief that this is tradition... From where does this tradition come?...

I also have an answer: It comes from racist practices of our past. From the Jim Crow laws that prohibited Blacks from occupying the same space as Whites. It comes from the antebellum era when Blacks were enslaved and sold as chattel. From a belief that Blacks are only 3/5 of a person.

And you know what?... It just ain't right... tradition or not...

Sincerely,

TSH

* To view the article, click the link above.

Leia Mais

Bring Back the Cosby's!!!

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the nationally acclaimed Cosby Show --which I still love to this day!

The Cosby show is hands down my favorite sitcom of all time. The show was ground breaking in that it displayed a different view of the African American family than what was being shown on television in the early to mid 80s. The Cosby Show transformed the view of the African American family from an obscurity to be viewed as simply an American family.

Check out the link below to watch the Cosby's cast reunion which took place on the NBC's Today Show.

• Bill Cosby is still hilarious!


• Phylicia Rashad is still beautiful and her demeanor emotes sophistication.


• And I was cracking up at the clips of the show in the beginning!


• I think we need a 21st century Cosby Show!!!!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30823062#30823062

Leia Mais

A Woman's Work: Where Do I Go From Here?

Most of the decisions that I've made in my life up to this point have been in a effort to make it to this point. I am a college graduate and a bona fide career woman, as I have been working for almost two years and am on my way to having a successful, lucrative and rewarding career. However, now that I've reached this point in my life, on the cusp on 25 years, my question is, where do I go from here?

Lately, when talking with my closest friends, our conversations center around this question. We are now realizing that being a working, career-oriented woman, who aspires to have a family is a real balancing act... I would have to say that currently my most prevalent goal is to become very successful in my career. I see the next five years as being VERY important for me when it comes to professional development. But, where does marriage and a family fit it?

I also want to get married and start a family within the next five years. But I don't want to have to choose. I want to reach my career goals and my personal goals without compromise. Pondering these questions often leaves me perplexed, but hey, I am woman. It's been done before. Resilience flows through my veins.

In the mean time, here are some of my short-term, everyday goals that I hope will help me reach my career and personal goals (without compromise). Maybe they can help you as well. Let me know what you think.

1. Wake up earlier. - God knows I'm not a morning person, but there may be something to that old saying, "The early bird gets the worm." So I'm gonna give it a try.


2. Stay abreast of current events. - Knowing what's going on in the world will assure that I'm never left speechless in the presence of clients or co-workers.


3. Exercise daily. - Exercise promotes better overall health and is proven to improve ones mood. Physical health is very important to me, as it allows for me to get things done.


4. Take at least 15 minutes to prepare for the following day. - Proper planning prevents poor performance.


5. Take at least an hour a day to do what I want to do! - Whether it be reading for leisure, visiting with friends, blogging, or just taking time to clear my mind.


6. Make sure I talk to my Boo daily! - I'm still working on that marriage ;-)

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

What do you STAND for?

Check out Tavis Smiley's latest documentary, STAND, set to air May 24th on TV One. You can also purchase a copy of the 90 minute documentary from the official STAND site, http://www.standthemovie.com/home.htm.

Below is a clip of the official trailer, followed by a synopsis of what you can expect from the film... I'll be back with my thoughts once the film airs.

STAND

It was the summer of 2008 in Memphis, birthplace of Blues. America was
commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr., against the backdrop of then Senator Barack Obama emerging as the
first African American to become the Democratic presidential nominee. As America approached the historic presidential election, the national dialogue and debate intensified about race relations, politics and the legacy of the civil rights
movement.

Broadcaster Tavis Smiley dissects this national discourse with ten
Black male friends over several days during a special road trip through Memphis
and Nashville. While visiting places like the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King
died, and Stax records, credited with laying the roots of southern soul, Smiley
and friends explore the diversity and complexity of the Black male experience in
America past, present and future.

STAND reveals the journey of a unique group of scholars, musicians,
comedians and social critics as they gather for a rare reflection of brotherhood
while confronting their own roles and responsibilities as pioneers of social
progress.

CAST: Tavis Smiley, Dick Gregory, Michael Eric Dyson, Cornel West,
Cliff West, Eddie Glaude, BeBe Winans, Wren T. Brown, Daron Boyce, Robert Smith
and Raymond Ross. Special appearances by Sam Moore, Isaac Hayes and David
Porter.

Runtime: 90 minutes

Sivat ProductionsDirector/Executive Producer: Tavis SmileyProducer:
Sasheen ArtisSupervising Producer: Adriane HopperEditor: Stacy Goldate

-Source

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais

Ignorance of the Day: Does this really come on TV???

Seriously, WTF? Come on people... get it together. Like I really don't know what to say. SMH!

Sincerely,

TSH

Leia Mais