So 3 Things: 1. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I am no more outraged about Sorority Sisters than I am any other reality television show that produces a certain narrative about Black women. My relationship with reality television is complicated: I watch some shows and refuse to watch others. However, I do not separate this show from the larger production of images that are being circulated about Black women. To do so would suggest that college trained Black women should be seen and treated differently than other Black women. Our degrees and greek letters do not protect us. College educated and Black Greek women are present on other shows as well. Im not interested in simply critiquing one show, Im interested in having a full conversation about all images. 2. Im amazed at the number of women who are embodying a politic of respectability around their letters like they dont know ratchet sorors. #notea #noshade Some of the very folks that hit me up in outrage over the show would have made great stars. Our membership spans the gamut of Black women because there is not one way to be a Black woman. There is diversity within our body, as well. 3. ALL THAT BEING SAID: Im not mad at Mona. Shes let us know what she thought about Black women a long time ago. And I even, on some level, understand the economic/social/cultural benefits and advantages of becoming a reality tv star. Yet do you know who I blame the most?! I BLAME US, as prophytes and women who were supposed to lead younger sisters in the right ways of our organization. EVERY Soror I have encountered and learned from (from Alpha Psi to Omicron Psi Omega to Phi Omega) taught me how to love and respect Alpha. They instilled in me a pride for this sisterhood that causes me to think twice before I do certain things. Out of love and respect for what THEY gave me, I do right. Even when I hiccup now, Sorors lovingly pull me back into the light of the right way. At some point, we (all BGLOs) began to select members and educate them in a way that caused them not to think twice about auditioning and starring in a show like this or any show that produces an unproductive narrative about Black people. I dont blame the show. I blame who made them members.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 12:19:36 +0000
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