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Keeping It Real

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November 30, 2011 | 10:49 pm

Jews & Blacks on Reality Television

Posted by Ilana Angel

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I love reality television.  By love of course I mean I am addicted to it.  Even though most of it is useless, I cannot stop watching.  Reality television is like drugs.  You try it once at a party, and before you know it you are in front of the television watching a Kardashian rerun over any other offering.  I’m not a drug user, but I’m guessing it’s more like crystal meth than a joint.

I wrote this week about The Real Housewives of Atlanta.  I got many angry emails based on the following statement:  These ladies live a life that I like to watch because I am unfamiliar with it.  The southern and African American aspects are new to me, but the best thing about these women is that unlike any other city in the franchise, they will not pretend to be friends when they are not.

People were mad I thought the ladies of Atlanta were a true representation of African American women.  Really?  I don’t think, nor did I say, that Sheree is like all Black women from the South.  I learned about a prayer shawl and that is Southern.  I saw an elaborate funeral with a band and a horse and carriage, and that is African American.

I learned about weaves and wigs, but that was from Kim so that lesson does not apply.  I understand the frustration from the African American community that these women are not representative of who and what they are.  If anyone can understand, it’s the Jews.  We’ve got Patti Stanger spewing her crap fest and everything thinks she is what Jewish women are like.

The Jews of reality television are never cool.  They are either weird, nerdy, obnoxious, and always stereotyped.  Or, they are fun and great, until they do something people don’t like, then they are attacked and everything is blamed on them being Jewish.  Reality TV has not been kind to Jews or Blacks.  We need a new reality show that properly depicts how fabulous we all are.

I think 6 women, 2 Jews, 2 Blacks, and 2 Latinas would be great.  Educated and normal women who are not fame whores, but just cool chicks who want us to see into their cool lives.  I’m trying to think what city would work and I’m not sure. The Real Housewives of Los Angeles makes the most sense but with Beverly Hills and Orange County already out there, we need to head east.

RHOA does not show the world what it means to be a Black woman, just like Patti Stanger is not someone the Jews are proud of. I can’t comment on the Latinas of reality TV because there aren’t any.  The only real thing about reality TV is our addiction. If these shows are what people base their opinions of Jews and Blacks are then God help us because Bravo is not keeping it real.

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Ilana,My you have had quite a rough week between RHOA and the LH blog.I have no words but I am giving you a big momma hug in my heart.

Comment by billie on 12/01/11 at 1:10 am

I like what you’re thinking.  How about Chicago?  Great city.  How about we add in some Native Americans and Asian-Americans? Also under-represented in reality TV and also stereo-typed beyond all recognition.

Comment by jimmygirl on 12/01/11 at 11:28 am

ILana ..
I totally understand the problem with these shows. I don’t think people that sign up for reality shows are like the majority of any of us.  You have to be a certain type of personality to want to do it.  I grew up in NJ, and ever since Jersey Shore, and the NJ HWs appeared, I’ve been embarrassed to admit it… And most of them, on both shows, are originally from other states.

Comment by Rosie on 12/01/11 at 4:16 pm

RHOA does show things that are unique to black women living in the Southeastern region of the United States—that is the entire point of the franchise, to highlight regional differences amongst the women (or “housewives”) from Orange County, NYC, NJ, etc., while at the same time showing their similarities—the fighting, money issues, gossip, etc.

Comment by Missy on 12/01/11 at 8:29 pm

I giggle when Phaedra claims ‘all southern women know’ I just take it as something Phaedra has grown up as tradition and maybe a few do and a few don’t.  It is like Teresa Giudice claiming ‘it is an Italian tradition’, listen I am from Italian descent, my husband is full blooded Italian, his parents are ‘off the boat’ Italians and many of the things Teresa says I shake my head laughing and some things,well, I can relate.  My point, use common sense people, no one totally represents a culture.  Oh, I totally understood what you were saying.  I think the people reading you lack a level of understanding.  I call it ‘twisting your words’ or misconstruing them.

Comment by Terri on 12/02/11 at 6:30 am

Sorry, but we Italians get it the worst.  Between RHONJ, Jerseylicious, Jersey Shore and Mob Wives, we look like a bunch of slutty, loud-mouthed criminals.  I am 100% Italian and from NJ and I don’t know anyone like these people.

Comment by Sandi on 12/05/11 at 7:43 am

I think that is what I love about the HW’s franchise. To see the difference geography makes. Whether it’s the puffed up lips and frozen faces of Beverly Hills and the OC, or the understated chic of the DC women, to the over the top devotion to labels in NY-we know EVERYBODY in that particular city isn’t just like the small group of women on each franchise! We’re not that dumb. Most of us have travelled or have relatives that live in these areas. I think everybody just needs to calm down lol.
Watching how other people live and being able to comment on it with other people from all walks of life is what makes it so addicting…

Comment by camkid on 12/05/11 at 8:37 pm

How do you think the Eskimo feel with Sarah Palin representing them.

Comment by mary on 12/12/11 at 9:52 pm

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