Black Women Not Fighting

18 Feb

Image

From the $300-weave-pulling fights on Real Housewives of Atlanta to the ridiculous relationship drama on Love and Hip Hop, it’s no secret that the representation of black women on TV is dangerously limited.

Recently, people and news outlets have been buzzing about the roundtable discussion “The State of Black TV.” Notable black actresses, writers, and producers Andrea Lewis, Numa Perrier, Issa Rae, Ashley Blaine Featherson, and Lena Waithe discussed the prevailing images of black women on the screen.

“This is black women not fighting,” says Andrea Lewis, at the end of the discussion.

It’s a shame there’s so little of that on popular TV shows that she had to jokingly point it out.

As Lina Waithe explained, black women on TV are usually represented in 2 extremes: bougie or ratchet.

So what about those of us who don’t fit these extremes?

The women at the roundtable suggest we look to the web to find those women on the screen. Black web series feature a “by us, for us,” more authentic representation from black writers, producers, and actors who create their own image of themselves.

So here’s a few sites with handy lists of black web series you might enjoy if you’re looking for some drama other than that featured on reality TV:

Black and Sexy TV
Hello Beautiful’s Sista Cinema: Best Black Web Series to Watch
Complex’s Best Black Web Series

Top Blogs to Follow During Black History Month

5 Feb

20010129 BLACK HISTORYHappy Black History Month Everyone! Last year, I created your Top Reads for Black History Month—but I know some of y’all didn’t even bother to turn a page during the entire month (yes, I’m shaming you). You can check out that list if you need some reading suggestions. However, if you need something short and sweet, might I suggest a few blogs and sites that may have some of the most interesting content during the month:

Racialicious-the intersection of race and pop culture.  I always turn to Racialicious when there’s a race-related debate going on. Their writers and editors are on point and always present perspectives that other news/blog outlets gloss over. (And I’ve written for them before so I’m definitely a fan!)

Twerked presents great conversation on women of color, their sexuality, their interests and their love of hip hop. Twerked gives an educated black feminist view on twerking. So you can stop watching those stupid twerking segments on nighttime news; this blogger’s got you covered.

The Gradient Liar -Black Women + art, media, social media, socio-politics, and culture. If you’re trying to upgrade your knowledge of womanist politics during this month, check out The Gradient Liar.

The Crunk Feminist Collective– The name is pretty self-explanatory. The site is a place for hip hop generation feminists to express their thoughts.

Colorlines -Though not technically a blog, Colorlines is a daily news site where race matters. Check them out for almost any topic of your interest.

Media Diversified tackles the lack of diversity in UK media. The organization has an army of writers on worldwide topics and news.

Rap Rehab is a popular site for music-lovers that want to know more about race and politics in the music industry.

Hood Feminism– creators of several trending hashtags on twitter (#fasttailedgirls, #solidarityisforwhitewomen, and more), Hood Feminism is bound to stir up some good conversation during Black History Month on both twitter and the blog.

TransGriot provides news, opinions, and commentary from a proud African American transwoman who is an award-winning blogger.

And of Course: A Womyn’s Worth will bring your weekly black history month insight when you need it. On the days when I’m not posting, check out some of those blogs I mentioned above.

P.S.: if you’re looking for some Black History Month comedy—watch SNL’s “28 Reasons to Hug a Black Guy.” I couldn’t stop laughing.

Tags: , ,

How to Date a Feminist

29 Jan

DATING A FEMINIST

How to Date a Feminist in 6 Easy Steps


My boyfriend Ryan and I have had countless very loud and heated feminist-related discussions/arguments. I’ve called him out on male privilege, he’s claimed I’m a separatist, and we’ve had intriguing debates on Juicy J’s Twerk Scholarship, #Solidarityisforwhitewomen, #Blackpowerisforblackmen, and cultural appropriation. After disagreeing on Grand Theft Auto’s need for playable female characters, we had to reconsider whether or not this relationship was going to work out.  

Needless to say, my black feminist politics has impacted our relationship, bringing us closer together, while at the same time, fostering lots of disagreement. But somehow, we’ve managed to survive. So here’s our 6-step plan to dating a feminist (by feminist, we mean feminist of any gender).

Step 1: If you’re considering dating a feminist, DON’T. Plain and simple. If you can avoid dating a feminist, by all means, do so. Otherwise, you might end up in a relationship with a partner who, if they practice what they preach, treats you like a human being, brings up interesting topics at dinner, cares about other people in the world, and maybe even helps you pay the check every now and then. God forbid it!

Instead, run and hide.

RUN AND HIDE

However, if find yourself in a situation where a feminist happens to be the object of your affection, we’ll try to help you traverse the waters that are feminism in your relationship.

Step 2: Know the definition of Feminism (the real one).  Feminism is not just for women.  If your significant others thinks feminism is only about women’s issues, they’re wrong. Feminism also addresses the human condition, and is more than simply a woman’s ideology.

RULES OF FEM GIF

Step 3: Think about the ways in which you expect your partner to obey certain gender norms…then get rid of those expectations. That’s kiddie crap. Gender norms are for old school Disney characters; you are dating a real person.

Step 4: Be ready to defend your beliefs and prepare to be wrong. If you are dating a passionate feminist, they will call you out on your sexist/racist/homophobic/privileged ways. So have well-thought-out answers and questions.

Step 5: Do not pacify discussion. If your partner happens to be on a feminist rant (or a light discussion, depending on their temperament), listen up. You might actually learn something new about yourself or about something pretty freaking cool. It won’t benefit either of you to end the conversation with “Okay, you’re right.” Instead, when you feel your partner is blatantly wrong or isn’t making sense, call them on it. Discussion only helps you better understand.

Step 6: Accept that feminist ideology will creep into your thoughts and make you a better person…you’re welcome.

YOURE WELCOME GIF

Tags: , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →