Category Archives: TV
Four Bites of the Real Effects of Reality TV
While on vacation, I FINALLY got to read Reality Bites Back the Troubling Truth about Guilty Pleasure TV by media activist and critic Jennifer Pozner.
I throughly enjoyed this book which reads as a 300 page expose on the underlying tones and effects of this genre of TV which has gained increasing popularity since the year 2000, thanks cheap & effective non-union programming 
At times the book reads a bit severe BUT I quickly saw that this was a necessary “evil” used to counter the effects of a decade and a half, more or less, of the severe images TV execs and producers have been pushing in “reality” programming.
One of the biggest realizations I had while reading was seeing how even a smart and educated academic in training woman like myself has been effected by “unscripted” programming. I, like many in the US, vilianized Omarosa from The Apprentice Season 1. Reading this book I can see how much the TV execs/producers’ pushing of negative stereotypes about women of color is a problem. I also realized that it is highly probably that I mostly saw Omorsa through their eyes as a Black female entitled diva and that’s the nice version of the summarization. An extension of this realization was my “dislike” of Yaya from America’s Next Top Model. Ironically, many aspects of her personality and her stance on many issues, the non-over -exaggerated TV versions, are closer to me as a Black woman of color born in the United States than not. Bite One.
Bites Two through Three are some of my favorite quotes in the book:
From a Section Titled “China Dolls, Dragon Ladies, and Spicy Latinas”
Second-cycle winner Yoanna House, named one of Latina magazine’s “It Girls,” notably avoided such typecasting [traditional Latina typcasting as "firey" and a "hoochie"]. Since she is fair-skinned enough to pass for white, the show chose to erase her hethnicity, playing into the standard Hollywood convention that positions Caucasians as the “default” American. Most viewers were unaware that she was half-Mexican. Instead, media outlets from NPR and Time Out Chicago to International Cosmetic News refer to Jaslene as “the first Latina” to win the sereis, an assumption ecoched by ATNM‘s fans.
From a Section Titled “Sex: It’s Only Okay if She Doesn’t Really Want It”
For a genre overflowing with casual sex, reality TV is surprisingly opposed to women’s desire. Looking the part of femme fatale is expected; acting the part will earn you a scarlet letter. We learn that women should be continually sexually available…so long as it is for a man’s pleasure, not their own.
From a Section Titled “It’s Not at All about Making Better Television”
In this “bold new era,” well-written TV fiction is more the exception (Mad Men, 30 Rock) than the rule. chasing Survivor-style ratings, networks give scripted series very little time to cultivate audiences, making it hard for new shows to survive. ABC yanked Sally Field’s drama The Court, about a female Supreme Court justice, after only three episodes; they let Geena Davis serve as Commander in Chief for only one season. Networks are not only decreasing the number of slots available for quality scripted programs (which, unlike reality series, offer union writers, crew, and actors fair pay and health insurance), they’re also slashing their budgets.
With that last quote, I have to say RIP Cashmere Mafia, Friday Night Lights, Lipstick Jungle, and Friday Night Lights 
Basically, Pozner’s book really opened my eyes to a problem I began to see on my own prior to reading while giving me solid tools in addition to greater understanding so that I can counter the troubling messages reality TV is putting out there.
If you are reading this post, read this book, and don’t stop there. Share this book with the teens in your life and/or the big reality TV fans in your circles and homes.
To pick up your own copy or copies for others of this must read for men and women alike click here, follow the author on Twitter here and gain access to how you can combat mainstream corporate media’s slanted messages here.
-DNMP
Links of the Week 3 September 2010
Author’s Note
This week’s links are short as I am currently at the American Political Science Association Meeting; therefore I have done a lot more listening this week than I have done reading. So far so good with the conference panels I have attended and I look forward to putting something together in terms of a blog post to reflect on my experience this year.
Is their something that you read this week that I should check out to place in next week’s oldies but goodies section? Please comment and share what you read this week that stood out for you.
Top Five
First-Ever Law Protecting Domestic Workers’ Rights Signed in New York
Why Men Still Get More Promotions Than Women
Does Your Language Shape How You Think?
Amy’s Veggie Burgers added to Denny’s menu, yes they are vegan
Women & Politics
Women’s groups call out political sexism
Politics
Gang Members Accuse Chicago Police Of Unfair Harassment
Hipólito en gira de nueve días por varias ciudades de EE.UU.
Other
At Bookstore, Even Non-Buyers Regret Its End
The Peace List: 10 Must Haves for Fall
This list includes two of my Favs Toms Shoes and Bento Boxes.
Links of the Week 28 August 2009
Top Five
OFA Blog: Remembering Senator Ted Kennedy
Rest in Peace Senator Kennedy! Thank you SO MUCH for your years/decades of hard work. This clip is from the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I was so moved by him during that week. I wish I would have paid more attention to his work and commitments sooner. I know that he and his work-style will be greatly missed! We need more Senators like him! I can’t remember the last time I cried over the passing of someone that was not directly connected to me – he was that kind of public servant!
Study shows food stamps an unhealthy influence on women’s nutrition
Getting out of the way so that women can save the world
This article is a reaction to the NYTimes Magazine’s recent feature concerning Women’s Rights. I agree with what Ann Freedman is saying in her review of the series.
This document is from a grassroots organization I was involved with when I lived in the Dominican Republic.
Six months after the final edition, what have we learned?
Photo of the Week
Source: www.phdcomics.com
Quote of the Week
“My name is Jonathan Emil McCoy and I approve this message.” from Jonathan E. McCoy’s Speech: A New Petition
Politico
7 Reasons Why the Republican Party Will Win Big in 2010
This blog post is written by a GOP supporter but I do think some of the points he addresses are either merited or something the DNC needs to think about as 2010 approaches.
I didn’t think the Town Hall antics would reach my home state of Delaware but sadly it did. An interesting article about those who still do not believe that President Obama is not a US Citizen. I wonder if they would be satisfied if Senator McCain became president considering that he was born on a US Base that is US soil according to law but he was not born in one of the fifty states. Though what is more important is for the US to find out what are some of the Birthers grievances that is causing them to act out so strongly – I think if we can get to the root of this we can end this “movement.”
Skin Deep – Black Hair Still Tangled in Politics
Other
Reaching the next generation with ‘Muppet diplomacy’
Check out this link to hear Sesame Street song from Palestine.
Mujeres
Black Women Should Lighten Up? On health, optimism and bias
This article is from the recent New York Times Magazine issue focused on Women. Though I do not think that the world’s women need to be saved (see Top Five) just simply given an opportunity to contribute this is a good series overall.
Finances
So as I was reading an old NYTimes article Sunday I came across an article about financial advise for recent graduates and though I graduated college 5 years ago I decided to check out the article. Well Beth Kobliner, Ramit Sethi and Madison Nipp all answered questions from people dealing with finances and I learned A LOT. So please click on that article and follow these people, if you are on Twitter, or buy their books or read their blogs. I saw a few other articles on the NYTimes website and decided to link all of them here. I hope you learn something and take steps towards financial stability.
Your Money – Financial Advise for Recent Graduates
Your Money – A Day Off to Tackle the Financial To-Do-List
Your Money – It May Be Time For You To Find A New Credit Card
Oldies But Goodies
Markell Signs landmark energy legislation
Looks like DE is trying to be a leader when it comes to Green Policies.
This trend started during the 2008 election and I think it was the biggest mistake he made, loosing the one thing that drew people (well independents) to him.
People of Influence – Delaware Today
Delaware State Representative John Kowalko, who I know through his daughter, is featured. He was instrumental in getting the Wind Energy Bill passed in Delaware. I am glad that my home state is left in good hands.
Links of the Week 29 May 2009
Top Five
2009 Spelman Fulbrighters
Both Spelman and my Fulbright changed my life… 
A fair balance for consumers on credit card reform
An op-ed by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE).
Do Women Dare Play in the Leadership Sandbox?
Book Review of Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe’s new book Follow Her Lead.
Rolle dreams big, works even harder
This is the kind of pro player I would want my kids to admire…well when he makes it after being a Rhodes Scholar.
Quote of the Week
“OMG LOL!! ROTFL!!!! (Obfuscatingly Messy Graphs, Lacks Older Literature, Research Objectives Totally Flimsy, Lazy)” from PhD Comics: ‘If Research Papers Had a Comments Section’
Photo of the Week
(President Barack Obama fistbumps a graduating Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation ceremony in Annapolis, Md., Friday, May 22, 2009. Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
Politico
Annapolis
This article has video of President Obama’s remarks to the Naval Academy as well as some photos.
Newt Gingrich: Sonia Sotomayor a ‘racist’
Congressional Black Caucus Fasts for Darfur
Top 10 TV Feuds
Have to say I am a fan of the Olbermann v O’Reilly feud which is why this is listed under politico.
Obama’s Battle with the Liberal Wing of the Democratic Party
Overselling “Climate Conflict”?
House Leaders Throw Bluedogs a PAYGO Bone
What Will America Stand for in 2050?
I almost didn’t post this because there is so much I disagree with in this article. What I will say is this what about the US cultural & political invasion in Latin America? Cable in some parts of Latin America (where I have lived) had more US channels than local channels. Not enough room to go into the disgust I felt while reading this article.
Women
Yours Truly Makes Ms.
International
Biden’s Unfinished Balkans’ Business
Why Iran Fried Roxana Saberi
If I Still Lived Inside The Beltway…
Decided to start this section because as a person who used to live in the DC Metro area, I miss all of the events and access to information you get by being ‘inside the beltway.’ So if I still lived inside the beltway, I would go to: Renewing the Partnership Between the United States and Mexico: Shared Responsibility and Shared Strategies on June 8th at the Wilson Center for International Affairs.
Sports
Charles Barkley and Dwayne Wade Play a Game of One-On-One
NFC East Loaded with Unheralded Linebackers
Other
Nazi film wins top Cannes prize
Diddy Hits a Million Followers on Twitter; Mild Backlash Ensues
Doing Good On Sabbatical in Africa
Oldies But Goodies
Subverting the Swiffer
Got this link after a discussion surrounding the Swiffer commercials.
