Source: teawithhunni.com

Only one episode of a likely 10 of “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta” has aired on VH1 and already some viewers have had enough. Following in the footsteps of the viral anti-”Basketball Wives” petition, Erin Harper of Atlanta, GA, has launched a petition on Change.org to boycott LHHATL.

The petition reads:

Stop Dealing Crack and Tell True Stories

After we made a ruckus about Basketball Wives, sponsors began to pull ads. Well, it’s that time again, folks!

While we should respect the perceptions and experiences of the men and women featured on “reality” television shows, networks are airing stories that could be very helpful for people to hear, but in EXTREMELY dangerous ways.

We all know premium digital crack rock is ‘slanged’ in more digital hoods than VH1. We also know the problem is not just TV–it’s is a big, mean, social monster that we’ve gotta shoot down one non-violent bullet at a time. Nevertheless, somebody’s gotta be the face of this lovely movement. And since VH1 has chosen to give us yet another beautifully-blinged jewel of commercial exploitation (Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta), they might as well be the face of change. By the way, shout out to all African Americans who received Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta as their Juneteenth gift! You won and lost at the same time!

As we work toward national- and local-level change, let’s tell VH1 and their sponsors (again) why people from a broad range of backgrounds will NOT stand for the exploitation of the lived experiences of people who may not even know they’re being exploited. This isn’t a “Black or White” thing, this is a HUMAN thing…and we should all understand.

P.S. That “turn of the TV/your kids’ TV if you don’t want to watch” argument doesn’t work here, VH1. A good number of the kids who are most at risk don’t have the luxury of living with parents who can just “turn off the TV”. Why? Because their parents are out working multiple jobs (thanks to this lovely thing called poverty), both parents are dead or in jail, or they’re raised by ill grandparents, relatives who aren’t that interested in their future, or foster parents who abuse them and only foster to collect a check.

So far, 377 signers are e-standing with Erin to eliminate this “digital crack” as she calls it. Some of the comments on the petition include:

Just tired of the media taking advantage of our people…we do have strong role model in our community and this level of rachet-ness isn’t the norm for a lot of us…Another prime example of the cycle of breaking down our relationships and the constant struggle to maintain them…There is no Glory in exploitation…VH1, Jive record and Mona Scott need a lashing!

It seems that the only time a network is interested in backing a television show about Black men and women is when we behave the way we’re “expected” to instead of how the overwhelming majority of us actually do. Shows like this make the climb a little steeper and more slippery for those of us women trying to be seen for who we really are instead of how that Black woman behaved on television last night…..

Negative images create negative perceptions and sends a poisonous message to the masses about black identity.

I’m signing because I’m tired of “reality” television exploiting people – especially people of color. Shows like this demean all of us. I do my best to support businesses that demonstrate an interest in social responsibility, and for those that don’t, I hold them accountable! Straighten up VH1!

Only time will tell if this effort gains the same national attention from public figures and advertisers as the BBW petition. Will you sign it?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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I don’t know what type of relationship Evelyn Lozada and Star Jones have but it’s odd.

Yesterday we told you about the Vibe cover with the reality TV “role models”, and in the issue the ladies were asked for their opinion on Star Jones, who has been vocal about the negative portrayals of black women on such shows and wants to create a larger petition to get them off the air. Evelyn responded to that question by saying, “I think she’s going to have to get a whole lot of names. Actually, I like the petition and I like the controversy because I’ve learned controversy is good. But I think she’s irrelevant. And she’s using our coattails to get relevant again. Nobody gives a f**k about her.” But by the time the presses rolled around and the issue went viral, Evelyn decided to take it all back.

Yesterday she sent this tweet of apology out to Star:

The ladies were apparently brought together by media personality Jawn Murphy, and when Star saw Evelyn’s tweets, she responded with a couple of retweets from Ev and Jawn and then her own joking message:

So I guess that means they’re cool now and Star won’t be attempting to put Evelyn out of work anymore? I’m all for dialogue and seeing other people’s side but I think it’s interesting that this Vibe interview and photo shoot was less than a month ago and these two have suddenly become buddy buddy now. Maybe all the adoration is just a Twitter front but I think I just saw Star Jones’ anti-BBW coalition idea go poof and disappear into thin air.

What do you think about Evelyn and Star’s new-found relationship?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Source: Bossip.com

VH1 and Shed Media may be a day late and several dollars short now that viewers and advertisers have started to pull out of “Basketball Wives” and the “Chad and Ev” spinoff. The Change.org petition to boycott the shows is now up to just under 26,000 signatures and news that Summer’s Eve has pulled out of the series has finally prompted the companies behind the shows to respond—even if they are lying.

On VH1′s blog, the network and its parent company promised the violence would end, or at least slow down, on the next season Here are the statements from both entities.

From Shed:

“Shed Media US is fully committed to telling the compelling stories of the Basketball Wives in a balanced way. Our producing partner Shaunie O’Neal feels strongly about this, and we fully agree with this stance. We support her as she encourages the cast members to work out issues in a non-violent fashion. We look forward to working with her and the rest of the cast on conveying more balance in the next season.”

From VH1:

“Our viewers opinions always matter a great deal to us at VH1. Lately, there has been a lot of conversation about Basketball Wives, a series featuring strong, intelligent women with very passionate viewpoints which can sometimes escalate.

“We at VH1 agree with and support Shaunie and the show producers’ “no excessive physical confrontations” policy on the series moving forward. We are all committed to balancing the candid, bold excitement that the viewers have come to love in the series with storylines and representations they can be proud of. Shaunie has been a strong advocate for a more balanced approach to the show and we, along with our producing partners at Shed Media, are all in agreement about moving forward with that goal.”

Anyone want to take a guess at what that excessive qualifier means? At the very least, it suggests there will still be some form of violence on the show, which I have a feeling most protestors will not go for.

During the “Basketball Wives” reunion taping this weekend, Shaunie was also asked for her thoughts on the situation and she made a similar promise about cutting down on the violence and she also says she and the producers take responsibility for the backlash she receives—although she makes it seem as though she’s been advocating for this change of heart all along.

Check out her clip and tell us if you’re buying her spiel. Do you think VH1 and Shed will really listen to viewers for the next season or are they blowing smoke?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Things are a lot less fresher on the “Basketball Wives” set because according to the anti-”Basketball Wives” petition on change.org, Summer’s Eve has pulled its advertising during the show and its expected sponsorship of the spinoff, “Chad and Ev.”

Petition creator Alexis M. posted the update on the change website yesterday along with an announcement that another company would be pulling its ads soon too.

“Just received a phone call from Summer’s Eve. They have decided to PULL ALL THEIR ADS from ‘Basketball Wives’ and upcoming ‘Eve And OCHO’!!!! YAY!

One other company has decided to pulled their ads from ‘Basketball Wives’ & ‘EVE And OCHO’ but they ask me not to announce it yet. I will name that company next week.”

Popular Critic points out that advertisers pulling out of the shows is only half of VH1 and Shed Media’s problem. Viewership of the once-popular series is also declining. Basketball Wives’ ratings have slipped from a season 4 debut of  2million viewers, to an average of 1.87 million viewers and now 1.74 million, according to Futon Critic. A lot of women probably stopped watching the show on their own after the slap heard around the reality TV world aired, but the notoriety of Alexis M.’s petition is no doubt playing a huge part in the decline. Just a few weeks into its effort, the boycott has already garnered 23,500 signatures.

These ladies might want to start exploring new career options.

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Source: Mrsgrapevine.com

In only a matter of a week, Alexis M.’s petition to boycott “Basketball Wives’” spinoff “Chad and Ev” has gone from 691 signatures on day 1 to 17,546 and counting, and now the creator is ready to turn up the heat.

Initially, the goal was simply to have supporters sign the petition and send e-mails to VH1′s CEO, now Alexis is attempting to not only hit Chad and Evelyn where it hurts but the entire network by going after its advertisers. She’s asking those who want to see this program off the air to send letters to companies that support the show through advertising or to stop buying these company’s products all together. Advertisers include Summer’s Eve, Garnier, Twix, Progressive Insurance, Bounty, Pepsi, Proactiv, General Motors, and Burger King, who Alexis reached out to personally. In a petition update, she wrote:

“I’m currently waiting on Burger King’s president to return my phone call. I sent him all the video footage of the ‘Basketball Wives’ violence. Burger King didn’t even know what ‘Basketball Wives’ is. The secretary was polite enough to view some of the video footage of the violence.”

There were reports that all of the organized backlash that’s come against the show since Jennifer Williams announced her lawsuit was prompting VH1 and Shed Media to file a counter suit against her for contract violations regarding bad mouthing the series and doing press without permission, but Alexis says she’s contacted VH1 and found out those rumors were false. So, without any official word from VH1 or Shed yet on these movements, it’s hard to tell what will come of the efforts but VH1 has to be just a little bit—or a whole lot—nervous about losing their “Basketball Wives” empire at this point.

Will you boycott products from these advertisers that support the show?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Source: Necolebitchie.com

I’m a tad indifferent to all the backlash “Basketball Wives” has been receiving lately and though I’m not totally sure the show has to go off the air entirely, one thing that I know needs to end for certain is Tami Roman’s tired excuse that the drama we see is totally the producers fault and not any of the cast members’.

Tami is clearly trying to keep her job and making a sad appeal to minority entrepreneurship with comments she’s made about the recent boycott movements against the show. She recently told Sister 2 Sister magazine:

“I think that the opposition to call for the show to be cancelled will end the employment of several African-American women who have no creative control. Why not call out the people who make the decisions about what is aired. Call out Shed Media. Call out VH1 because I will join that battle. Why call for several people to be unemployed that really have nothing to do with the creative process?”

Well, Tami I think I have that answer for you. It’s because despite not having any creative control, you and your cast mates keep signing up to be made a fool of onscreen.  Unless the producers created a 2pac-like hologram of the ladies, the people we see fighting, slapping, and drink throwing are actually them, and yes people are frustrated with VH1 for exploiting it, but I think most people are mad at the fact that the creative team was even given this type of material to exploit in the first place.

The somewhat-reformed basketball wife goes on to spit that same line about wanting the same thing as the public when she says:

“I come with my storyline and things that I want to introduce and lo and behold what they want to show are those dramatic moments. There is more to us.

“What they are seeing is a part of my personality. I’m not trying to take back my actions, but that’s not who I am all the time.”

I understand the point she’s trying to make (again) but at some point you have to be accountable for what you sign up for. I think that was my issue with Jennifer’s lawsuit. Four seasons in these ladies are still acting like they don’t know how the show works. I’m not saying anyone signed up to be assaulted for good ratings but if Tami and whoever else she claims have tried to present different story lines to VH1 know that the network is going to “misrepresent” them, why keep coming back? What’s that saying about being the change you want to see in the world? I’m sure Tami needs a source of income as a single mother, as do the other ladies who don’t quite have careers per se, but if these ladies were really worried about how they were portrayed on the show they would threaten a walk out and demand that the network tell the full story about who they claim to really be. I’m pretty sure we’ve already seen that for  the most part though. Tami claims a walk out could in fact be her next move but I’m doubtful. She told the magazine:

“I have thought about leaving. I would love to see a season 5 where VH1 and Shed Media are called out to show more positive things that we’re doing and show us how we are 90 percent of the time, instead of how we are 10 percent of the time. I would love to see the brand in and of itself go out on a more positive note.”

That means the onus is all on them. Since Tami claims to have changed her ways and regretted the situation where she had an altercation with Meeka Claxton last season, why not school your girl Evelyn and tell her to have a seat next time she talks about sending a b**** every time she sees her? That type of  hypocrisy is the other issue I take with Tami’s statement and even Shaunie’s last week. How is it that this behavior bothers you when you watch the show from home but you’re cool with it when it’s going on right in front of your face? These ladies act as though VH1 is holding a carrot on a stick above their heads telling them to put on a minstrel show once they say action. Maybe Evelyn does feel like that’s the case and that’s why she’s acting up so much this season but, again, if there is no violent foolishness going on, the producers have none to record, edit, and release and that is something these ladies have control over.

I could respect Tami for saying look, this is how I get down, it is what it is, and not caring about her reality TV persona but playing both sides of the fence just doesn’t work here. If this was the first season of the show she might get a pass but at this point she and everyone else knows what the show is about and if you still choose to participate and give the producers what they want then the problem is you and them.

What do you think about Tami’s damage control attempt?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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hypocrisy

Source: Poptower.com

The blow Nia Crooks took to Jen’s face on ‘Basketball Wives’ is really becoming the slap heard around the reality TV world because it seems to be the final straw in four seasons of frustration over the VH1 franchise.  We told you about the grassroots campaign to stop Chad and Evelyn’s new spinoff yesterday but media personality Star Jones said she’s taking things a step further by putting together a group of women to tell the truth about women of color in the media. Here’s what she had to say about the show when she went off about it on Twitter:

“It may be ‘comfortable’ to be quiet when women of color slap the crap out of each other & run across tables barefoot, but #ENOUGHisENOUGH

“About to put together a group of sisters to finally ‘tell the truth’ about the image of women of color in the media,” Star, said, adding that she had just had a pow wow with Black Girls Rock! creator, Beverly Bond.

“And the thought that the woman from #BBW who was smacked doesn’t have the RIGHT to file assault charges is LUDICROUS! You NEVER give up your right not to have your ‘person’ intentionally assaulted unless you are participating in an agreed physical activity.”

Shortly after, Star switched gears a little bit to talk about rap music and the poor messages it sends about women, then she wrapped it all up with a call to action from women who feel the same.

“Then we have music filled with misogyny, self-hate & WOMEN calling THEMSELVES Bs and Hs & white rappers are using the N word.

“…little black girls deserve more than what we’re giving! It sickens me @lov3lylina85 when young sis think that behavior is acceptable. U can’t get a REAL JOB acting like an animal

“I’m asking all my high profile, platform having conscientious sisters who STAND FOR SOMETHING to just say #ENOUGHisENOUGH & call folk out! Be mad. But think about what I said. WE ARE BETTER than that. You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.”

With Star Jones and Beverly Bond behind this initiative, and Sherri Shepherd who has spoken out against BBW several times, this coalition really could gain wings. Shaunie and VH1 might be getting more than they bargained for.

What do you think about Star’s words? Is this coalition necessary?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Source: Realitytea.com

Uh oh. Evelyn’s shenanigans are starting to catch up with her. Viewers of “Basketball Wives” who are tired of the table hopping and bottle throwing are attempting to get Evelyn where it would hurt the most—her wallet. Seeing that it’s unlikely VH1 would get rid of it’s lead character on BBW, these fans want viewers to boycott the reality TV star’s new spinoff show with fiancé Ochocinco, “Chad and Ev.”

Alexis M. is the creator of the Change.org petition encouraging people not to watch the upcoming show, and here’s why.

“Evelyn Lozada is a bully. The violence on ‘Basketball Wives’ is horrible and disgraceful,” Alexis wrote on the petition. “This is not a hate petition against Eveyln Lozada. We simply will not support violence. It hurts to see violence amongst women on television for entertainment purposes. It is not OK for women to hit each other on TV.”

Yesterday, Sister 2 Sister reported that 691 people had signed the petition. Since the site is down for scheduled maintenance today it’s not clear if that number has increased, but considering the amount of criticism “Basketball Wives” has garnered from the beginning and the increasingly erratic behavior Evelyn has displayed in the past few weeks, I’m sure it has. A couple of signers also left comments with their signature, calling out Evelyn and Chad for their foolishness.

 ”[Ocho] has young children, and this woman has thrown glasses, bottles and ran across a table like she’s a part of a wild animal park,” Carolyn pointed out. “Will she put on her fake smile and act the proper stepmom? Too late, she’s already shown her true colors and they are ugly. She deserves no show.”

“Evelyn is an embarrassment to women and she has no morals. She’s a bully and attacks people who are afraid of her. If VH1 supports her i can no longer support VH1. She is a low class, gold digging bully.”

“I find it strange Evelyn is boycotting Jennifer Williams for doing the right thing. I’m happy she’s being boycotted for doing the wrong thing.”

Beyond the petition, the creators are also asking viewers to contact VH1′s parent company Viacom to express disgust with Evelyn’s actions. Guess we’ll have to see how quickly the word spreads—and how Evelyn reacts. Considering her and Ochochinco are supposed to earn $300K a piece for this show, I can guarantee she is not happy.

Will you sign this petition to boycott “Chad and Ev?”

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Source: Hiphopstan.com

News of Jennifer Williams’ lawsuit against Nia Crooks—and the pending press conference—has reached her BBW cast members and the ladies aren’t too thrilled. According to TMZ, they’re boycotting the reunion special which is supposed to tape fairly soon.

Sources at VH1 told the site that the castmates are convinced Jen’s lawsuit was “filed out of spite and desperation to dredge up drama around her character — in the vain hope of securing a spot on the show next season.” They also say Jen claiming emotional distress as a result of the slap is complete BS, considering she never missed a day of shooting for season 4.

If Jen attends the reunion show, “several prominent castmembers” have threatened to stay home. They also plan to shun her completely and not speak to her at all. I’m pretty sure she won’t mind that, especially since these “prominent castmembers” are probably Tami and Evelyn.

Beyond these ladies thoughts on her lawsuit, Jen may not have a legal leg to stand on, as the contract signed by the ladies specifically states, “Participant expressly assumes the risk of any physical or emotional injuries participant may suffer as a result of participant’s participation in the project.” In other words, at this point you know what you’re signing up for. Jen doesn’t care though, she wrote this response after the fight aired on her blog:

“After the event took place I felt very violated. I had never been slapped in my face and even though my mind was still trying to process all that went down I knew what I had to do to get some justice. Don’t think because I didn’t physically fight back doesn’t mean I am not doing anything about this incident or I am a punk. I am doing this the right way and using our legal system to seek justice. I am a businesswoman and an entrepreneur; I cannot represent myself fighting in such a manner. Corporate America would never take me serious.”

I’m pretty sure the other ladies are calling VH1′s bluff about not attending the reunion, especially if bonuses like the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” get are involved. I have a feeling this could end up like the “Love and Hip Hop” reunion though, with everybody doing one-on-one interviews instead of being in one room together.

Do you think a reunion will happen?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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There is no Christmas cheer between African American leaders in Dallas, Texas and Asian-owned businesses this year. Outraged African-American leaders are calling for a ban on Asian-owned businesses, claiming the store owners are racist.

“We will no longer be disrespected as a people when we spend our money,” Rev. Ronald Wright said to local NBC station.

The protest started in front of the Diamond Shamrock store in downtown Dallas where protesters claim the owner insulted an African American customer. Civil rights leader Peter Johnson says he hopes it will send a message to all of the other businesses in the downtown area as well.

The trouble started earlier in the month when Minister Jeffery Muhammad from a Nation of Islam mosque stopped at the Diamond Shamrock to buy $5 worth of gas on his debit card. The store’s policy requires a $10 debit or credit card minimum, and Muhammad complained to the store owner.

“He said ‘you’re a slave and you all should go back to Africa,’” Muhammad said to local NBC station NBC-DFW.

The store owner than says that Muhammad “called him a ‘Chinaman’ first and told him to go back to China,”

Muhammad doesn’t deny he made these remarks but claims that the store owner’s remarks came first.

“We do not need a green card. We do not need a citizenship test. We do not need a visa. We were born here. We’re American and we will stay here,” Dallas NAACP President Juanita Wallace said to NBC-DFW.

Demonstrators say they will be back to stage another protest at the convenience store. Despite the call to boycott the business, many African-Americans still visit the Asian-owned store regularly.