one of my resolutions was to resurrect this blog. two posts a week minimum people! so here we go.
i saw the premiere episode of VH1's "Let's Talk about Pep" the other day and i'm hooked. it's damn good. It's the black SATC, focusing on four "celebrity" 30s-ish black women and their experiences with dating and relationships. We have Pep, obviously from Salt n Pepa, as our protagonist, and her bffs Joumana (Jason Kidd's ex-wife, she's innocent with a thing for bad boys....cue Charlotte), Kitten (obviously her "character" parallels Samantha's...it was revealed that she was the voice of Cita from Cita's world, BET's first mouth popping teeth sucking 3-D cartoon... but don't pre-judge her!) and Jacque (Reid...former BET Nightly news anchor and radio personality...HELLO Miranda).
(Top: Pep L to R: Joumana, Jacque, Kitten)Now at the end of the Salt n Pepa show that aired last year, Pep was confronted with her core relationship issues and insecurities - I always wondered what would come of her tearful acknowledgement of these issues in counseling and if she would make positive changes in her love life as a result. and, hell, what those changes would be exactly since "stop dating assholes" is kind of vague, and um, some of us need to heed that same advice. Pep announces that she is looking for Mr. Right, and seeking to break a FOUR YEAR (!) celibacy/relationship/dating spell. The Tribe (my close circle of friends) refers to this phenomenon as having COBWEBS! The women talk about their dating escapades and the swell film editors cut back to footage of said dates - hilarity ensues.
When I excitedly shared the link with some friends, some we're hesitant about even giving the show a whirl. I get frustrated when people don't give the shows I like a chance with an open mind (ironic, ain't it?). One friend said that she wouldn't touch the show with a ten-foot pole because Kitten was the voice of Cita (that show was a serious stain, admittedly) - but c'mon. Vh1 is KILLING the reality show game - the producers, editors, and writers have the quickest wit and best timing, hands down. Has VH1 produced trashy shows starring Ray J, New York, and a host of other degenerates in the past? Yes. Will it continue to follow that trend and will I secretly watch? Yes. Still, this show is nothing like that.
I think we're tired of the media bashing black women's perpetual and inevitable singledom, tired of the bulk of the blame for the decline in black love and marriage placed on our shoulders, tired of seeing ourselves shat on in the entertainment sphere. i get that. but something about this show seems different. not saying it will be revolutionary. but combining comedy with actual relationship advice, seeing imperfect characters fumble and possibly succeed in implementing that advice = golden. just as it's important to stay up to date with current events... it's also important to find balance and learn about yourself, love, and relationships (via your own personal experiences, soledad o'brien (just for kicks), or this show - watch with a critical eye...but watch, damnit!) the real housewives of atl show was addicting, hilarious, and......that's it. it didn't teach us anything. it served its purpose. this show has the potential to entertain and teach us a thing or two about ourselves. why shy away? i'm a fan because so far the show is providing us space to laugh at ourselves without cringing. that is KEY.
What, exactly, do black women want from "black women" shows? I mean I understand what your professional interests are, but what would you like to see around 8pm any given weekday?
Further, I think relationship shows are GREAT teaching and learning tools for all of us. We can't pretend we're all so much better or knowledgeable than these chicks. One of my longtime FAVORITE bloggers/Essence Relationships Editor (i mean i followed her honeymag bootleg blog for the longest pre-fame) A Belle in Brooklyn is featured in Episode 2 and takes Pep and Kitten on a "cutie run" - bar hopping specifically to interact (or practice interacting) with attractive men in social settings. Um, I'm definitely tuning in to this one. This same blogstress gives her readers bangin dating advice on the regular and I try to implement it when I go out with my own girlfriends.
there will DEFINITELY be an episode review blog next monday. Tune in or catch episodes here! Thoughts?
