Why We Need Our “Girlfriends” Back

June 19th, 2012 - By madamenoire

Source: xfinitytv.comcast.net

By Marquita Green

It’s 2012 and you would think there would be a somewhat accurate, better depiction or realistic TV show for the African American woman today. Sadly, there is not. Instead, I see more stereotypes than ever.  The lack of consideration and understanding of the woman of color today is very obvious. Black women are constantly bombarded with ads for television shows giving platforms to women who are relevant because of whom they have slept with, who they married, who they divorced and got paid by, had kids by, what videos they were in or trying to launch a music career for the 20th time. Sorry BET, VH1, Bravo and everyone else. We as black women are saying we cannot relate to that. We are asking and petitioning for you to stop falling on these stereotypes and saying it speaks to “black women.”

The only show in  which black women could call their own and completely relate to was “Girlfriends.”  Yes, it was a breath of fresh air. It did not go over the top. At the same time it did not degrade and stereotype. They addressed real issues that the woman of color faces in her professional life, love life, personal life and identity issues. They even (take note Gwyneth Paltrow) addressed the use of the “N” word flawlessly. This show is and was highly underrated. So point blank… we need it back.  I understand that many of these ladies have moved on in their careers. However, I think given a network like VH1 with high profile advertisers, there are some networks out there who can afford to get these women back.  I love Mara Brok Akil as a writer/creator on this show. Each character represented something very unique and significant and they were all relatable. Here’s why:

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  • Childfree Diva

    I have to admit that when this show was on the air, I watched it maybe once or twice. I actually thought it was Sex and the City’s cheap, weak, wack, ghetto cousin from the wrong side of the tracks and looked down my nose upon the show. However, recently, I began to rediscover the show through the internet and as I watched the first few episodes from the beginning of the series, I realized that this was pretty good show after all. Tsk-tsk, I said to myself, as I continued to watch the rest of the seasons. I might watch it if it were to come back and pick up where it left off and everything remained as it was prior to being cancelled.

  • DoinMe

    I would like to see Girlfriends come back, but I’m leery. This is 2012 where ratchetness and stereotypes get huge ratings. When Single Ladies first aired, I was stunned by how many people didn’t like it, but tuned in faithfully to watch the horrible BBW. Really?? I say, make Girlfriends a movie and be done with it. Some things are best left alone with good memories. I would really hate to see Joan and the rest of ladies be turned into stereotyped characters just to get ratings.

    • Spiral_Curlz

      I agree. I wouldn’t want their characters to be blown all out of proportion just for ratings sake.

  • TxnProud

    I was just watching the reruns on Centric last night and realized how much I REALLY miss this show as I’m now in the same age range of the show characters and can relate much more to mid-30s women issues.

  • Rayven

    Like everyone else I loved Girlfriends and watched from the 1st to last season. Sadly, most fans didnt start watching the show til it aired on BET, then it was too late and canceled by CW, during the writers strike with no real finale.
    I would love to see it back with the same writers, actors, set etc with out all of that it will be a disaster just like The Game is on BET, a different show with same characters!

  • IllyPhilly

    OMG! YES I had said the same thing a few months back way B4 Paltrow’s mouth vomit!! That episode was priceless with Lynn’s sister!! They also covered “colorism” issues classy as well!! Girlfriend’s was and still is that business!!

  • coles2

    The petition and twitter page is at the end of the article!!! Pass it on

  • Chocolate_Babe

    Girlfriends IS the best show to date especially for black females. It showed the normal things that females go through. Very realistic and relatable. However, look what happened to The Game which was a spin off of from Girlfriends. It has become a different show, they brought in more money and now everybody is wearing name brands looking, fancy houses, looking all good and expensive. I dont watch the Game anymore because of what it has a becoming. I feel like if they bring Girlfriends back it wont be the same so its best it does not come back. We def. do not want what happened to the Game to happen to our beloved show.

  • Yvette

    This is a great article. I just loved this show and would be very happy to see it come back. There is nothing on TV today that even comes close. Although I do like the show Single Ladies, the acting by LisaRaye is horrible and the storylines are not always realistic to the everyday woman.

  • sabrina

    I just remember Persia White (Lynn) having an interview on the Wendy Williams Show back when she was still on the radio. Girlfriends was receently cancelled and they were discussing it. Apparently, Tracee Ellis Ross (Joan) had that diva ‘tude and was becoming too hard to work with. I believe it was her and Jill Marie Jones (Toni) who kept clashing, which led to Jill leaving the show. So if they were to get back together, they’re gonna need to put their attitudes in check!
    But I still love Girlfriends to this day. SUCH a good show. Bring it back someone!! (I just might have to get on this actually.)

    • Coles

      at the end of the article is the petition and twitter page. Pass it on!!!!

  • mrsurban

    aaaww How could you not talk about William!!! I loved them all.

  • car1

    I miss girlfriends i hope they do a movie so we can get some “closure”, please BET don’t touch the series b/c u will mess it up like you messed up the game.

  • Niecie

    Wow reading this article almost made me cry! It reminded me once again how much I love and adore this show! I would so love to see it return!

  • PoetDiva

    I love Girlfriends. Even now when I watch the reruns it is as funny as it was the first time I saw the episode. Definitely bring the show back, but of course with the orginal Toni.

  • Nell

    I think “Single Ladies” tries to follow the same concept but it fails. After watching the premiere of the 2nd season I haven’t tuned back in since. “Girlfriends” was truly refreshing, I miss it too.

  • Dtn

    Girlfriends is my FAVORITE SHOW OF ALL TIME. God I wish they would bring this show back. With the ORIGINAL CAST AND WRITERS.

  • TRUTH IS

    We can keep dreaming about that. It seems the only thing these media giants want to promote is drama and bottom of the barrel behavior when it comes to black folks and hv us in a negative light; as if rappers & athletes aren’t enough. If ppl dodnt watch/support these show they will be forced to stop it. I can barely find a good show to watch and one I can relate to. I miss the monday night line up on UPN & CW11 (good black shows) The dumbing down continues!!

  • IamJustCandy

    As a black woman I have to also agree, mainstream media clearly does not have a clue as to how we do things and associate with each other they are stuck on stereotypes. The fact of the matter is we love each other and have an understanding that doesnt HAVE to be explained. We dont all have diva fights or baby daddies or purse addictions there is just so much foolishness out there but what are we to do when shows like basketball wives contradict who we really are, but thats what they want to see. Thats there black woman not us.

  • Kasey

    I was just discussing this yesterday. You described the importance and significance of each character exactly. I will forward this to my sister. She was trying to figure out Lynn’s character. Very Good Post. Keep the petition moving.

  • Miami Chica

    Girl, this article is too true and too on point. You described the importance of each character to a T. So true about Lynn I never thought about that. Her character being stagnate for a reason. I will be signing the petition. I miss this show. Thanks for this. I love this post!!!!

  • Sweet_yams

    Totally agree with this article….Girlfriends was such a great show…it’s sad there is nothing close to girlfriends on TV these days

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