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
