I watched the first episode of The Real Housewives of New York City and all I have to say is:Where are the Black people?
Seriously, what is up with homogenity of these shows? Haven't the producers watched Ugly Betty? Wilhemina Slater is one of the most popular characters on that show. You can't tell me that they couldn't find any upwardly mobile Latina/Black/Asian women to feature in this series. Those women who serve on the boards of the Studio Museum in Harlem, Alvin Ailey, or Dance Theatre of Harlem. I know these women exist, all you have to do is read Lawrence Otis Graham's book "Our Kind of People" to know that snobby black people exist. Or call Spike's wife, Tonya, she must know some. Park Avenue Peerage just had pictures of Susan Fales Hill, and I'm sure the writers over at Stuff Educated Black People like know some.
So far in the first episode, the only people of color to appear are the African tennis pro (who looked like he hoped his visa wouldn't be revoked for appearing) and the Filipino housekeeper who complained about having to clean up dog poop, after Countess LuAnn deLesseps (seriously her name is LuAnn) bought her son a westie puppy named Aston after the car.
Okay, I know the conceit is that all these women know each other from the charity circuit in New York and they all summer out in the Hamptons, but heck, people of color summer out in the Hamptons too. Although I suppose I should be grateful that they didn't inflict Kimora Lee Simmons or Omarosa on us, the usual suspects.
I just think that Bravo had the opportunity to really show a broad spectrum of New York City society, but instead they chose to focus on the narrowest segment they possibly could. Still, I'll be watching if only to see thong guy and his wife who are inseperable and Countess LuAnn who next week chastizes little Bethenny for not introducing her properly to the driver of the car they're taking to wherever.
EKM
9 comments:
Very true, Eliabeth. My darling husband said the same thing. So there are no black people there? then he told be about a guy he knows, black, who is 3rd generation Hamptons.
I think this must be by the same producers as the OC and they just picked women who actually hang together and summer together so they could have some drama. It seems most of this will be over the summer and summer is not real life.
It was a shame though. It's fun TV but none of these ladies are real housewives. None even clean their own homes! Ever!
They are not juggling real career/ family things. At least Kimora works her butt off with her lines and is a true business woman.
I will be watching for the crazy couple too. They just annoy me and I'm waiting for that hubby to make a pass at the cute french nanny. He probaly won't, but I can see it.
How wonderful if they tried to do really diverse show with women of multiple races?
I hear you Kwana, that's what I thought to, that it had to be people who hung out together. But frankly do any of these women really seem like they are good friends? I would rather have seen a show about rich socialites of all races, or at least real housewives who actually clean their own homes.
And Miss LuAnn the countess, what do you want to bet that she came from the other side of the tracks in CT?
I bet you're right with a name like LuAnne.
I'm not surprised at the lack of black people on that show. I specifically plan NOT to watch it because when I was sick last fall, I got sucked into The Real Housewives of Orange County, which was utterly worthless. Honestly, I can't explain why I watched, other than that I was doped up on opiate-level cough syrup.
The Orange County version was filled with women, only one of whom was actually a housewife. The entire show was an exercise in conspicuous consumption to an extent that it icked me out. And one of the women had a daughter for whom "moron" would be a compliment.
I'm sure you'll have more luck next week when Top Chef comes back;). That's a far superior Bravo show, and frankly, almost every other Bravo show is as well. I much prefer to watch their shows involving TALENT.
I'll get off my soapbox now.
I agree Laurie, I love Top Chef and Project Runway, because its all about talent. Yes, people play to the cameras sometimes but at the end of the day, its how well your food tastes, or whether or not you have the goods to make a fabulous dress. Already, I'm disgusted by the way they pop up with the price tags for what everyone is wearing and buying. Plus the woman who needed a private plane to go to Martha's Vineyard to take her daughter to a detox center for her arthritis made me cringe.
I started watching this show one night for lack of anything else to do. I'm white and I'm embarrassed by the people on the show. Be glad there is not a black person on it. These people represent everything I despise in human beings. Their shallowness is is so palpable I could scream. Ramona is an example of how money doesn't buy class. Her voice is loud enough to break glass and her parenting skills have a lot to be desired. In fact, her daughter, is the only one on the show that has shown any smarts.
I hear what you're saying about the need for more diversity, but there is a woman of color on the show. LuAnn is Native American. You're right though... more color would be good.
I was wondering about LuAnn. She looked like she was part something. And Jill does have a best friend who is African-American. Still it would be nice to see a show like this that featured a little more diversity. Let's face it, people of color can be just as bourgie and social climbing as anyone else!
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