Blurred lines between Reality and Hollywood

My contention is social media has a lot of people confused. You may be Instagram “friends, ” and you may follow a celebrity on Twitter and Snapchat, but this doesn’t mean you’re true-life friends. Sorry. People are trying to live the life of these stars. Guys are going to the club poppin’ bottles, makin’ it rain on strippers, reproducing like gerbils. Females are starring in home videos twerkin’ like they’re in a music video. Both are spending beyond their means. Celebrities live a different life than we do and is not comparable. They have (apparently) disposable income where they can spend money on trivial nonsense and let us not forget this is social media. People only show you what they want you to see. A lot is going on behind the scenes that we don't see. 

It truly amazes me the way we put on this façade for others. All to what end? What’s that line is Kanye West’s, All Fall Down, “Then I spent 400 bucks on this just to be like n**** you ain’t up on this!” We do it for the blogs, for the ‘gram (Instagram) although we live in a culture with a heightened artificial awareness. It doesn’t take long for us to figure out if a person is disingenuous. We know when someone is “fake” and trying to be “cool.” We give these people accolades not for having the courage to be their true authentic selves but for the opposite. That’s when it becomes a vicious cycle. This plays into a larger issue of an unhealthy obsession with body image. Women are desperately wanting Kim Kardashian’s body and men wanting to look like, I don’t know Zac Efron? People, in my opinion, envy the lifestyle of rappers like Drake and Future more than their bodies. They want the money, clothes, and women (perhaps in that order). 

People are killing themselves trying to accomplish these celebrity looks. I know it’s not fair to put pressure on celebrities to be role models. After all, they are just people trying to live their life just like the rest of us. Only, they aren’t like the rest of us, they are public figures and should take some form of social responsibility. Imagine if they didn’t Photoshop Instagram photos or surgically enhance their bodies and embraced their natural-born bodies. What a trend that would set! 

Sitcoms Ruined My Life!

Disney fairytales didn’t ruin my life – sitcoms did! Well maybe not my whole life but my love life. Dramatic? Ok, so maybe ruin isn't the right word but sitcoms have morphed my perspective of reality. There’s debate that Disney films with their “Happily Ever After” albeit subtly perpetuates stereotypes such as gender roles. Sitcoms, for me affected my expectations in relationships – truthfully it still does!

 Here’s what my ideal guy looks like via sitcoms:

A Different World: Dwayne Wayne

Dwayne was so patient with girlfriend then later wife, Whitley Gilbert. Dwayne’s patience is what I fell in love with. Whitley was a handful but he took his time with her. Dwayne never tried to change her, instead embraced her strengths and supported her.

Boy Meets World: Corey Mathews

Ah, where do I start with the love between Corey Mathews and Topanga Lawrence? I loved Corey’s corniness! At times he was a wee bit socially awkward but it worked for him. Corey wasn’t afraid to be himself around Topanga. He was honest and very forthcoming with his feelings.

Martin: Martin Payne

Oh yes, who could forget the relationship between Martin Payne and Gina Waters-Payne? Not me! Martin adored Gina (on a and off set but that’s another story). He teased her, annoyed her, frustrated her but was totally enamored by her. 

The Cosby Show: Cliff Huxtable

Presenting, Dr. & Mrs. Heathcliff “Cliff” Huxtable! Now, I don’t know anyone who wasn’t envious or admired this relationship. Cliff was all encompassing of all the men in the other sitcoms.  

I can’t believe I’m writing this because my family and friends know I’m not exactly a hopeless romantic. In fact I’m more of a cynic when it comes to relationships. But I guess fairytale’s did have an impact. The little girl in me still believes in a happy ever after. 

   Disclaimer: I wrote this long before the Billy Cosby allegations surfaced. And just as a reminder Cliff Huxtable was character on a television show. He shouldn’t be confused with the actor who played him.   

I'm Back, Let the Countdown Begin!

I know. I know. I’ve been a bad girl. I’m sorry! I haven’t written in so long…it feels good to be back. I promise to be more consistent. Now that we’ve gotten that out the way, let’s get to it!

Let the countdown begin!

I’m extremely excited BET’s show Being Mary Jane is coming back for a second season! I enjoyed every minute of last season. All the actors did a phenomenal job. The show centers Mary Jane Paul played by actress Gabrielle Union. Mary Jane is a successful broadcast journalist, devoted daughter, loving sister, caring aunt and dedicated friend. Yet, her love life has hit a gridlock.

I see a lot of myself in Mary Jane; raise your hand because I know I’m not alone. She is confident, feisty, intelligent and beautifully flawed. To some extend this show perpetuates the idea the more educated and successful a black woman is the probability of her finding a man is least likely. I actually hate the term “find a man” makes me think of Detective Gadget, out on the hunt with a magnifying glass alongside other devices looking for some man. Anyhow, it works for this show because it unravels the complexities of dating.

Oh, a special shout-out to the shows creator, Mara Brock Akil. Akil, by the way is also one of the creators of Girlfriends. You remember Girlfriends? That was a staple to watch on Mondays in the early 2000s. I hope as the creator Akil's given carte blanche to do what she pleases. Hopefully, with this new season the show retains its rawness and authenticity. I’ll be tuning in, hope you do too!

Check out the trailer for Being Mary Jane Season 2 trailer below:

Less than a week to go until the return of Being Mary Jane. TUNE IN Feb. 3rd at 10P/9c!