Unfortunately, fangirl behavior can cloud reality when this space becomes how all of life is coped with. For some when life gets hard watch your favorite K-drama…when depressed turn on BTS. I can definitely understand why one would do it; I admit if my morning is rough BTS is a happy encouraging go too. They have been a wonderful addition to my current playlists. However, some of us tend to overlook issues regarding race and racial appropriation when they happen. Furthermore, in this new found love of Korean men…we end up trashing Black men without cause. We can love the culture and its entertainment while still being honest about the state of the world and keeping our identity.

While I love cultures, I tend to stay away from artists that commit the appropriation crimes. If there is an issue whereby there is true ignorance, and that artist does the work to be better humans and that is reflected in their medium of art…I can forgive. However, the blatant appropriation with no regard to the feelings of the people that support your work is unacceptable. We need to be fair in this. If the behavior is in appropriate and disrespectful when we are dealing with White people…then it is the same for People of Color all over the world. If we are not fair across the board, we are sending a message that it is okay for some to not value our culture…this will never be okay as it further chips at respect. I for one am not a Black Pink fan for this very reason…I can’t abide the constant appropriation issue with what looks like no intention to fix the disrespectful behavior. Even if it’s your favorite artist and you choose to continue listening, it is important to be honest about the problematic situation. It’s known that even amongst our artists there are those that choose to separate the music from the individual. However, some of them can admit the individual is toxic and a terrible person. The same situation applies to other groups if you choose to keep listening.

It is important to understand yes there are those that are racist within the groups of whose culture you love. If you go visit those cultures, you may have encounters that remind you of this trust. No, it is not everyone…but again this is about being honest. We cannot equate all the people of a particular group to just what we see in the art of a few. This must also be considered when looking at men. Every Korean man is not the actor you love in the K-dramas. The idea that other groups of men are automatically better than Black men as a whole is a dangerous false narrative to feed yourself. There is good and bad in every group yes but remember this when you scold Black Men for this position regarding other groups of women. If you like what you like there is no need to drag Black men into that. Black men know our plight better than others because they too live it…this is still the truth.

Enjoy engaging in other cultures and meeting the people. Enjoy the art forms if they make you happy. I absolutely love music from all over the world, and it is the same with film & TV for me. However, I am not so far off into any fan girl behavior that I forget who I am, and the truth of the world I live in. These two things can exist in the same safe and both of them be true.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

Different games offer different lessons, depending on what you are looking for. I found that failing was something that has been very difficult for me to deal with, and that goes back to my childhood. Though I’ve gotten better, there was a point when I’d doubt myself so much that I would not be able to begin a task that I didn’t believe I could accomplish. The fear was absolutely arresting…and stifling. If you add to that a difficulty with repetition, you can see the vast limitations lying ahead.

When I started my gaming journey, I found that it did not come easy. From navigating the controller, to being able to see and navigate my surrounding…I found that I was constantly frustrated; more importantly I was afraid I would always lose so I began backing away from gaming. When I couldn’t get past a certain point, I wanted someone to get me past it, or I’d abandon the game. Though we’re talking about a game this behave can be seen in other areas of life.

I decided one night while battling with Smite that it was time to put this game to good use. You see, this wasn’t a life event…it’s game and it should be fun. With that fun, I had to learn to have the patience to learn. I needed to allow myself to lose and play again as many times as it took for me to no longer feel anxious. I realized it was okay to play in front of my friends and lose a match or die multiple times in an RPG. I learned to value the story in some of my games, value the process, and take the time to get better if I wanted to win. Okay, so navigating the controller didn’t come naturally to me…no problem. I needed to work with it until it became natural. If I was stuck on the tutorial for a week…so be it. As I continued to play I began to find my rhythm, and I no longer got that bad feeling in my stomach when I lost a match.

This might sound trivial, but the fear of failure is a real issue for many. How we navigate that fear is different for each individual. I found that gaming was a good platform for me to begin to work through those issues as it was a safe space. I wasn’t learning on something that could seriously affect my finances for career. However, the principles of working through a matter…or a battle until I was comfortable became universal. I began to slow down and allow myself the opportunity to practice, try, fail, and do everything over again. The challenge was to not put the controller down and walk away when I got frustrated. I realized that was the issue in principle in every other area of life. I needed to face my fear and work through my frustration. Gaming has its benefits. It helped me work through my fear of failure…it can still be a challenge, but I can et through it.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

One possible reason why Black women in their 20s are attracted to reality TV is the opportunity to showcase their talents, skills, and personalities to a large audience. Many of these women have aspirations to pursue careers in entertainment, business, or other fields, and reality TV can serve as a platform to gain exposure, recognition, and connections. For example, Cardi B, who is now a Grammy-winning rapper, started her career as a cast member of Love & Hip Hop: New York, a reality show that follows the lives of hip hop artists and their associates. Cardi B used her charisma, humor, and musical talent to attract fans and build her brand, eventually landing a record deal and becoming a global star.

Another possible reason why Black women in their 20s are attracted to reality TV is the chance to challenge stereotypes and represent their communities. Black women have historically been marginalized and oppressed in American society, and have often faced racism, sexism, and discrimination in various aspects of life. By appearing on reality TV, some Black women may seek to counter these negative images and show the diversity, complexity, and beauty of their identities and experiences. For example, Rachel Lindsay, who was the first Black lead of The Bachelorette, a reality dating show, said that she wanted to be a role model for other Black women and break the barriers of interracial love.

Another possible reason why Black women in their 20s are attracted to reality TV is the availability of new and diverse platforms and formats that cater to their interests and preferences. Some of these platforms include Zeus Network and Now That’s TV, which are online streaming services that feature original and exclusive content created by and for Black audiences. Some of the shows on these networks are:

• Zeus Network: This network, founded by TV producer Lemuel Plummer, partners with popular social media influencers and celebrities to produce unscripted and scripted series and videos. Some of the shows on Zeus Network include Baddies, a reality show that reunites former cast members of Bad Girls Club and social media influencers; Joseline’s Cabaret, a reality show that follows the lives of exotic dancers; and The Conversation, a series that features candid interviews and confrontations between famous personalities.
• Now That’s TV: This network, founded by TV producer Carlos King, focuses on producing quality and authentic content that showcases the stories and perspectives of Black people. Some of the shows on Now That’s TV include Big Lex Baddies Collection, South Central Baddies, and Young and Reckless.

By joining these networks and shows, Black women in their 20s may find more creative freedom, representation, and empowerment, as well as more financial and artistic opportunities, than they would on mainstream or traditional media outlets. Unfortunately the “fight culture” has spread at a rapid rate on reality television shows to where auditions are held to just fight!

However, being on reality TV also comes with some drawbacks and risks for Black women in their 20s. One of them is the potential for exploitation and manipulation by the producers, editors, and networks who have the power to shape the narratives, conflicts, and outcomes of the shows. Some reality TV shows may intentionally or unintentionally reinforce the stereotypes and prejudices that Black women face, such as portraying them as aggressive, loud, or jealous. For example, Omarosa Manigault, who appeared on The Apprentice, a reality show where contestants compete for a job with Donald Trump, was often edited to appear as a villainous and scheming character, which she later claimed was a result of racial bias.

Another drawback and risk of being on reality TV for Black women in their 20s is the exposure to public scrutiny, criticism, and harassment. Reality TV stars often have to deal with the opinions, comments, and reactions of millions of viewers, fans, and haters, who may judge, praise, or attack them based on their appearance, behavior, or choices. Some of these responses may be positive and supportive, but some may be negative and harmful, especially if they are motivated by racism, sexism, or jealousy. For example, Tayshia Adams, who was the second Black lead of The Bachelorette, faced backlash and hate messages from some viewers who accused her of being fake, boring, or unworthy of love.

In conclusion, reality TV is a genre of entertainment that attracts many Black women in their 20s, who may have various reasons and goals for joining. Some of these reasons may include the opportunity to showcase their talents, skills, and personalities, and the chance to challenge stereotypes and represent their communities. However, reality TV also poses some challenges and risks for these women, such as the potential for exploitation and manipulation by the media industry, and the exposure to public scrutiny, criticism, and harassment. Therefore, reality TV can be seen as a double-edged sword for Black women in their 20s, who have to balance the benefits and costs of being in the spotlight.

Staff Writer; Mz. Whitsdom

This talented writer is also an accomplished author. One may purchase any of the following books; The Ausome Parent Journal: Your Journey as a Parent of Children with Autism, and Think About the Future!: Goal Setting Exploration Workbook for Students Paperback on Amazon.

Perpetuating Stereotypes:

“Baddies” and similar reality TV shows often rely on sensationalized portrayals and scripted conflicts, perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Black women. Characters are frequently pigeonholed into predefined roles, reinforcing narrow and unrealistic expectations. This can lead to internalized stereotypes and affect young Black women’s self-perception, as they may feel pressured to conform to the dramatic and confrontational behaviors depicted on screen.

Normalizing Toxic Behavior:

The drama, confrontations, and discord showcased in reality TV culture can normalize toxic behavior and unhealthy relationships. Young Black women may inadvertently internalize these patterns as acceptable, impacting their expectations in real-life interactions. Normalizing toxic behavior can contribute to strained friendships, toxic relationships, and an overall erosion of healthy communication skills.

Materialism and Image Obsession:

Reality TV often glorifies materialism, creating an environment where value is placed on external appearances and material possessions. For young Black women, this can foster unrealistic beauty standards and an unhealthy emphasis on physical appearance. The pressure to conform to these standards can lead to body image issues and a sense of inadequacy among viewers who do not fit the narrow mold promoted by the show.

Educating Real from Television:

To mitigate the negative impact of reality TV culture on young Black women, there is a need for proactive education and media literacy initiatives. Empowering individuals to critically analyze the content they consume can help them distinguish between entertainment and reality. Schools, community organizations, and families can play a crucial role in fostering media literacy skills.

Media Literacy Education:

Integrating media literacy education into school curricula can equip young individuals with the skills to deconstruct media messages. This includes teaching critical thinking, helping students recognize manipulative editing techniques, and encouraging a nuanced understanding of reality TV as a form of entertainment rather than an accurate representation of real life.

Open Dialogue at Home:

Families play a pivotal role in shaping the perspectives of young individuals. Creating open spaces for dialogue about the unrealistic nature of reality TV, its scripted elements, and its potential impact on self-esteem can empower young Black women to navigate media influences with a discerning eye.

Promoting Positive Role Models:

Highlighting positive and diverse role models within the community can counteract the harmful influence of reality TV stereotypes. Celebrating achievements in various fields, including academics, arts, and sports, reinforces the message that success comes in many forms beyond the scripted drama of reality television.

Encouraging Critical Consumption:

Encouraging young Black women to consume a diverse range of media that reflects positive and authentic narratives is crucial. Exposure to a variety of stories, representing the richness of the Black experience, helps counteract the narrow and exaggerated portrayals often found in reality TV.

Reality TV culture, exemplified by shows like “Baddies,” can have a profound impact on the perceptions and behaviors of young Black women. By recognizing and addressing the perpetuation of stereotypes, normalizing toxic behavior, and promoting materialistic ideals, steps can be taken to mitigate the negative effects. Education, media literacy initiatives, and fostering open dialogues at home are essential components of empowering young Black women to distinguish between reality and the scripted narratives presented on television. Through these efforts, we can cultivate a generation of critical thinkers who approach media consumption with discernment and a strong sense of self-worth.

Staff Writer; Mz. Whitsdom

This talented writer is also an accomplished author. One may purchase any of the following books; The Ausome Parent Journal: Your Journey as a Parent of Children with Autism, and Think About the Future!: Goal Setting Exploration Workbook for Students Paperback on Amazon.

Influence on Self-Perception: Social media can have a profound impact on the self-perception of black teenage girls. The constant exposure to carefully curated images and highlight reels of others can create feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. It is crucial to emphasize that social media often showcases an idealized version of reality and that everyone’s journey is unique. Encouraging girls to focus on their own strengths, talents, and values can help them cultivate a positive self-image and resist the negative effects of social media.

Amplifying Representation and Empowerment: Social media also plays a significant role in amplifying representation and empowering black teenage girls. It provides a platform for them to express their voices, share their stories, and connect with like-minded individuals who celebrate their identities and experiences. Social media allows them to engage with inspiring role models, learn about their history, and find communities that uplift and support them. By embracing their cultural heritage and celebrating their unique beauty, black teenage girls can use social media as a powerful tool for empowerment and positive change.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: One of the darker sides of social media is the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment. Black teenage girls may face unique forms of bullying, including racist comments, microaggressions, or the spread of harmful stereotypes. This can have a detrimental impact on their mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. It is essential to educate girls about digital safety, promote responsible online behavior, and provide resources for reporting and seeking support. By fostering a safe and supportive online environment, we can mitigate the negative effects of cyberbullying and ensure that social media remains a positive space for self-expression and connection.

Unrealistic Standards of Success: Social media often presents an unrealistic portrayal of success and achievement. Black teenage girls may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to achieve high grades, participate in numerous extracurricular activities, and excel in various aspects of their lives. It is crucial to remind them that success is subjective and cannot be defined by social media metrics or external validation. Encouraging them to set realistic goals, focus on personal growth, and prioritize their well-being can help counteract the negative impact of unrealistic standards and promote a healthy perspective on success.

Balancing Screen Time and Mental Health: Excessive screen time and constant exposure to social media can take a toll on the mental health of black teenage girls. It is important to encourage them to find a healthy balance by setting limits on screen time, engaging in offline activities, and practicing self-care. Promoting open conversations about mental health, fostering resilience, and providing support networks can help them navigate the challenges of social media. Encouraging them to curate their social media feeds, following accounts that inspire and uplift, and unfollowing those that trigger negative emotions can also contribute to a healthier online experience.

Social media can both positively and negatively impact the lives of black teenage girls. By understanding the dynamics at play, we can empower them to navigate the social media landscape with confidence and self-awareness.

Staff Writer; Mz. Whitsdom

This talented writer is also an accomplished author. One may purchase any of the following books; The Ausome Parent Journal: Your Journey as a Parent of Children with Autism, and Think About the Future!: Goal Setting Exploration Workbook for Students Paperback on Amazon.

The Woke Agenda

Oh yes, the both simultaneously-championed and ultimately demonized term, “woke.” The loudest protestors of the casting choice in this movie can also be found tossing around that term in the American political sphere. Terms affiliated with wokeness are “diversity” and “inclusion” and often brew up a bigger issue to them than just a child-friendly, Disney princess. In fact, The Woke Agenda, as it is defined on Quora Politics, is “a person/business/organization who believes they are progressive in their thinking and ideas but are actually backwards, bigoted, and racist depending on the topic.” The definition itself is very polarizing and many people would come to blows with just that alone. So, how can we break this down into more digestible chunks?

My mother had a perfect example for this wokeness definition.

Picture yourself at a beach with a stranger. You both are walking along the stretch and you come across a symbol written in the sand. Someone had drawn a fancy number and left it there as a message to all who come after. “It’s a six,” you say. “No, it’s definitely a nine.” You are on one side and they are on the other. Simple enough, until you add context. Let’s say that you’ve both read individual fortune cookies before strolling the beach. Your fortune said six is your lucky number and you’ll win a million dollars tomorrow. The stranger’s fortune said nine is the number of luck, and six is the number of doom and apocalypse. Now, neither of you are willing to budge from your perspective because budging, to you at least, means losing everything and gaining nothing.

These are the kinds of ditches we walk ourselves into when even our definitions lead us into a place of division. The original term “woke” meant to ‘be alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.’ It was soon broadened in the 2010’s to (much like an alternate fortune) encompass endless other ideals. The people on the beach feel like they are the championed ones meant to demonize the other when they are in fact two sides of the same troubling coin.

Whitewashing and Racebending in Film

We cannot even begin to understand the controversy behind casting a black woman as a fictional mermaid princess without first discussing the impact of changing the race of any character at all. “Racebending,” defined by Wordsense, is an informal term “to describe the act of playing the role of or casting someone in the role of a character of a different race or ethnicity.” While Merriam-Webster defines “whitewashing” as “altering something in a way that favors, features, or caters to white people…white actors cast in a nonwhite role.” To the casual eye, it could seem like racebending and whitewashing aren’t simply two sides of a coin, but the same side and the same coin. Writer Janna G. Noelle notices this and disagrees. In her article she argues that most beloved white characters were never written white at all. For characters such as Hermione Granger and Katniss Everdeen, inexplicit descriptions were used purposefully, opting instead to call them ‘olive-skinned’ or ‘frizzy haired.’ These characters were not white all along, but were interpreted as white much later by the casting directors. Noelle goes on to write “such is our society that in the absence of definitive racialized descriptors…the default human race is white.”

Some at this point may argue, does it even matter? Emma Watson did an amazing job as Hermione, and Jennifer Lawrence is Katniss Everdeen! What does the color of their skin have to do with the story?

Sometimes nothing. Other times, everything.

Noelle explains in her article that “racebending is transformative in the way that whitewashing isn’t.” Racebending adds a richness the same way adding lemon to water changes the flavor but not the water itself. For example, imagine going to see Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman and out walks Angela Bassett as Diana. Gal Gadot is an Israeli actress and did an amazing job as the Amazonian superwoman, but do you deny that a black woman trying to fight in a World War wouldn’t turn additional heads? Walking through that time in America as a brown-skinned demigod would definitely add flavors to the backstory that deepen the experience of the movie for bigger audiences.

Alternatively, what exactly did casting British-American actress Elizabeth Taylor add to the role of Cleopatra in 1963? Aesthetics? Star-power? Maybe. But what did it take away? Quite often the act of whitewashing a role forms a shadow over the very culture the film is tasked with highlighting. Take 2017’s Ghost in a Shell for instance. When Scarlett Johannson was cast to play Motoko Kusanagi derived from the popular Japanese anime-manga series, fans weren’t shouting their praises toward Hollywood, they were protesting. In her article Eliza Berman writes, “in some instances, it is not a case of an Asian role going to a white actor, but a bankable white movie star headlining a story that originates or takes place in Asia, like Matt Damon’s The Great Wall or Finn Jones in Marvel’s Iron Fist on Netflix.” Casting a white actor/actress just because of their star power with no consideration for how it takes away from the story of the minorities featured in it does exactly what racebending does not.

Brandy in Cinderella as the title girl herself, along with Whitney Houston as her magical fairy godmother is yet another instance of racebending adding flavor—not as an insult or shadow over the original, but as something of its own to expand on. No one would say that lemon water is no longer water. So, why would a black princess or a black mermaid no longer be true to the original story?

Princess Tiana vs. Black Ariel

Okay, I’m not naïve. I know things aren’t all kumbaya and happy town over there at Disney Studios. In fact, black people have been known to complain about black characters too. When Princess Tiana was announced to be Disney’s first black princess, there were black women upset about her having to kiss frogs, black people complaining about her screen time being dominated by being a frog, and upset that the Prince Naveen design veered away from traditional black male features. These comments greatly annoyed the animators, one in particular a black man credited with other Disney work like Snow White, causing him to say that overly racialized people take the fun out of animating altogether. By the time that Ariel was announced to be Halle Bailey, it seemed critics of another side issued their complaints as well. But when we take a look at the content of their discomfort, it wasn’t at all about whom Ariel would be kissing, what she’d be singing, or the time she’d get on screen…it seemed like it was just because she wasn’t white.

In an analysis on CNN Entertainment, AJ Willingham accurately debunks claims meant to shield subtle racist protests against a black Ariel. Online trolls said Ariel should be white because she is Danish in origin, to which Willingham politely reminds them that the short story says Ariel is from “far out in the ocean at the bottom of the sea.” No descriptive specificity for her race (and as we’ve established you don’t get to be default white). The next most popular argument against a black Ariel claimed a European monopoly on mermaids! Willingham again refutes this by illuminating the many Asian, Middle Eastern, and African folklore depicting underwater kingdoms, spirits, and ocean beings that take the shape of beautiful women.

While black people were up in arms about the representation discomfort they felt Princess Tiana could bring through the actual plot of the story and character interaction, those online trolls against Halle Bailey acting as Ariel rejected her due to her skin color and hair.

Pot and Kettle Fallacy

Worry not, we aren’t overlooking the blatant racial pandering. We are aware that some big studio versions of “diversity” and “inclusion” (oh no it’s all woke now) means grab the nearest woman and BIPOC actress to redo a role! We know that every interview with Halle is going to center around the fact that some little girl somewhere can ‘see herself and know she can be a princess too.’ We have seen this before, remember? During the release of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, an article from The Associated Press took in the demographic of excitement and found it… surprisingly aged. It wasn’t the children taking photos and jumping on their bedsprings, it was mothers. In 2009, Malia and Sasha Obama were already the norm for kiddos youth, they had that representation, and the article noted “the historic nature doesn’t seem to resonate.” Black mothers who had grown up without that black princess, without a black First Family, without a black mermaid are the ones needing the healing of seeing one now. In an effort to show their children that your skin color won’t hold you back from your dreams, they are igniting more excitement and therefore fanning the flames of pander-minded Disney executives—of whom are still predominantly white and male. This, in turn, reignites the protests of those who smell the pandering and do not find themselves centered in the rewards promised, ushering in their vitriol.

And round and round we go.

The pot calling the kettle black is an idiomatic expression representing hypocrisy and projection. The pot is getting black and greasy just like the kettle is, and yet here they are. Here we are on the beach, staring at the number in the sand. Here we are talking about a movie for kids like it’s the next socio-political battlefield.

The original Little Mermaid came out in 1989. Art is reflected by its current society. It is now 2023. Why is there so much surprise at the change? Why is there so much controversy? Why are we all acting like frown-locked adults lined up against another slippery slope argument? Picture your niece and nephew or your child watching the characters they love come to life on a humongous screen. Ask them what they thought of the movie when it ends, and listen. Dare to become a kid again yourself. Because, when it comes to the socio-political controversy of American media, sometimes it’s better to be “unda da sea.”

Staff Writer; Erica Jackson

One may also connect with this sister online over at; E. Jackson – Medium.

“The skeptic in me would not allow me to be excites, like Chizi. Paulina had spent a lot of money on us and learnt a long time ago that kindness often came at a cost.”

The reader will experience an array of emotions, and the book could cause one to look at their own sibling and family relationships. I was on a rollercoaster while reading this book, but I had to know what would happen next. You’ll find that regardless of how you feel the pages will keep turning. There is just so much to unpack.

“Spear the rod and spoil the child. That was what Mama said when she broke a cane on Cheta’s back. Spare the rod and spoil the child. That’s what Mana said after she slapped Cheta so hard, her ring sliced Cheta’s face. Spare the rod and spoil the child. That’s what Mama said when she flung a frying pan at Cheta’s head and Cheta missed school because she had to get stitches at the hospital. Spare the rod and spoil the child. It was for our own good. That’s what they told us.”

The is a moment where each character could be the villain in the eyes of the reader depending on how your principles align. However, this book can allow readers to have open discussion regarding “Mommy” issues. That is a very difficult topic as mothers are placed on pedestals, and they tend to have the authority to change the narrative in their favor when they are the beloved yet feared matriarch. This is not the same grace given to fathers under any circumstance.  Allowing an open dialog about hurt that has experienced at the hands of ones mother is an opportunity for healing, accountability, and the building of positive relationships.

“You’re a coward. You knew how Mama treated me growing up was not right, but you never spoke up for me. You just sat there and watched it happen and you didn’t care because it wasn’t happening to you.”

The dynamics of the parental relationship can deeply affect that of siblings. The book shows this to be true at every turn. I’m definitely not one to give spoilers, but this is something else that can be flushed out in discussion. “How You Grow Wings” is a book that should be read individually, and collectively. Families can read this book together, it can be discussed in a therapy session, sistah circles can read together, brothers can read it together…this book should be read and objectively discussed in as many groups as possible. One of the beauties of literature is, we can use the text to work through the pains that are a reality. Books like this allow us to identify issues and get an understanding then apply that knowledge to self. This is definitely not an easy read, but it can be a life changing experience; I highly suggest embarking on this literary journey.

“How You Grow Wings” can be found at your local bookstore, Amazon, and anywhere books are sold.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

Granted, my thoughts on diss situations in Hip-Hop and what we’re willing to fuss about is a discussion for another piece. I realized a lot of sistahs are outraged that that Drake decided he’d come for these black women; to be fair there are also many black men that are speaking out, as the are outraged as well. I can’t lie; sistahs my first thought really was, are we surprised?

Let me give my disclaimer, Drake is not one of my favorite artists. I have a handful of songs that I like by him, but I’ve never been able to say there is a Drake album that I just love in totality. My issue with him as an artist has always been what at times appeared to be his misrepresentation of himself. He appears at times to be this hard rapper, but that’s not what we’re dealing with. Granted, I grew up in an era of Hip-Hop where the passive aggressive approach to dissing just wasn’t the way.

Drake is very passive aggressive and its weak to me. He rarely will say a name, and in responding to the diss on Twitter Megan Thee Stallion would make mention of this. Drake as been crying about women for a very long time everyone, and now he’s gone from crying to throwing a fit. It’s not cool, it’s disrespectful, and downright vexing.

I always figured it was only a matter of time before Drake stopped crying about the woman that hurt him, and start taking diss shots. Now, one could say Drake is defending his friend…interesting. However, even if that is the situation there is a criminal case that is currenting active. Why is he speaking on this matter? I’m fair and believe no one should be shooting people…so did he ask his friend why a gun was pulled in the first place? I mean friends should hold friends accountable right? You get where I’m going with that. If you think this water isn’t murky enough, why is he in Serena William’s business? Why is he concerned about what Ice Spice is going? There is so much that one could unpack…if they cared to spend the energy, and clearly, I’m one of those that do not.

Throughout his career, I feel Drake was simply given too many passive aggressive passes. Now he’s finally gone too far. For me, too far was long ago. All I ask is that we don’t be surprised by one of the kings of the passive aggressive whining. If you think I’m being to hard on him…just go back listen to those albums with your current state of outrage. Though it’s on the list of few songs I like by Drake, my introduction to him was “Brand New”. Truth be told he hasn’t changed much. His disrespect of these black women is upsetting, but sistahs unfortunately he hasn’t surprised me yet.

Staff Writer; Adonicka Michele

Oh, and please don’t let them find it in a person that is deemed weird, or “corny” because we must tear them down at all cost. It doesn’t matter if this new person loves them the way they deserve to be loved, and they personify happiness. No, something has to be wrong. Though some of us will celebrate said person…there are those both men and women that will have something to say.

The couple that comes to mind is Russell Wilson and Ciara. Seriously, the hates need to leave these people alone. This couple appears to be doing right by each other and their children. Here we have successful black man and a successful black woman that openly support one another. We don’t see them all over TV making a fool of themselves being toxic and dysfunctional. We are watching as this man loves on his wife and all that can be said is he’s corny. It’s time we start evaluating how we treat each other as a people and way. Russell Wilson is raising another mans son as his own. A man that could be raising his own son, but instead choose to be derelict and disrespectful to the mother of his child. After Future drug Ciara’s name all over the media, and many thought his behavior was out of line, we have the audacity to speak ill of Ciara being loved the way she deserves. Can we understand the level of ugly, envy, and just plan hate we’re dealing with? Again, this couple has done nothing to now one.

However, we see this type of behavior all over Reality TV. No one can truly be happy for another. Black women are willing to smile in each other’s faces while tearing each other down in a manner guarantee to build up to some cataclysmic fall out that is sure to be utter embarrassment. Black men get to shoot down any Brutha that don’t deem hood, down, or street enough, I guess. So of course, Russell Wilson is square, and Ciara must only be in it for the money, right? Wrong, that sistah has a right to be happy, and so do you. However, true joy doesn’t come by kicking another. It doesn’t matter if Ciara knows you, or if Russell Wilson heard you.

What matter is you choose to speak against people that have done you no harm, and you let that negative energy into your own universe. It might seem like simple gossip but its not. Words are powerful and we really ought to stop playing with them. If we can’t re-define Reality TV, maybe it’s far past time to turn it off. Get back to an authentic reality whereby you can build within your village while pouring love & light into self and others. There is so much more that you deserve if only you’d direct your words and the power of your will towards goodness. In that space one can see others like Ciara and Russell Wilson and speak positively. If you aren’t there yet, cool…just leave them folks alone.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

As we speak there is a Noise Ordinance battle waging in New Orleans. That might be very difficult to understand, but it’s what happens when gentrification tries to take home. It’s what happens when too many people move to a place, they visited for a fix but didn’t realize the fix wasn’t seasonal…it’s life. Food will always be available all over this city, as will the unique drinks. New Orleans isn’t a city you come to for bland food, and it’s not a place you move to for “peace and quiet”. In our city its “peace and music”. Brass bands can break out playing at any time. Kids might be practicing their instruments outside.

As schools prepare for parade seasons the neighborhoods get a free show as the marching bands practice through the neighborhoods around the schools. This is our city. Music flows nonstop.  This isn’t something that you will only see for Mardi Grass, Jazz Fest, Essence, and the Bayou Classic. This is our culture, and way of life. It is understandable that there are people that require quiet for peace and relaxation. They like their festival seasons and don’t expect all the fuss on a regular basis. I respect the feeling, and there is a simple fix.

You might be thinking that a stronger enforced Noise Ordinance is the simple fit. No, don’t move to New Orleans is the simple fix. Leaving New Orleans is another available option. The problem is this, the culture should not have to change because someone decided they are more important. There are quieter places in the metropolitan area…move there. There comes a point whereby we must stop asking Black people to adjust their culture and spirit for the comfort of others. It is not fair, and we do not receive the same accommodations when we move to areas dominated by other cultures.

New Orleans is not the city you moved from with a bit of extra fun. It is its own space with a unique culture and Spirit…if it changed in this aspect, it would no longer be New Orleans and that is simply unacceptable. I hope the current Mayor and administration understand the citizens will fight for the Spirit of our City. Just as they had no business trying to put City Hall in Congo Square…they have no business trying to silence the Spirit of our city. Yes, that’s what music, food, dance, language and so much more it…its culture, it’s the Spirit of New Orleans. This culture has been held together by us since the beginning…even when no one wanted to credit our people. Its pretty obvious that the Spirits of our Ancestors are in the ground of this city. The horns, percussion, second lines, and local live music are a part of our way of life. We don’t need an ordinance…we need to be respected.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.