Housewives of Atlanta

I'm sorry Nicky. I didn't get a chance to watch it.

Yesterday was my first time seeing it, hell I never even heard of it before I watched it last night. Just happened to stumble upon it while flipping through channels. It was really good. I wanted to watch more. When did I start to air on T.V ?

Yea she is funny. She was sooo upset her name was not on that list. She was so hot about that you could see smoke coming out of her ears.

I think these "Real Housewives" shows are really addictive. But if you watched the Orange County one and the NYC one, maybe you've noticed that these shows really put them in a bad light. I'm not sure if this is the best way to "represent." For the most part, these shows either showcase the women as rich and spoiled or they just feature rich and spoiled women. You can have a lavish lifestyle, but still be nice and philanthropic. Regarding the NYC show, there were stories that the countess wasn't really a countess. This is all about entertainment.

Their attitudes are terrible...with such a sense of entitlement, and they're not really happy. I think the purpose of them is for us to pat ourselves on the backs and say, "See, I may not be rich. But at least I don't have her issues." A couple of these Atlanta housewives might be nice, but I've seen at least 2 so far who have terrible attitudes.

Case in point, this afternoon on the elevator at work, this Caucasian chick remarked to her Caucasian friend that the Black female security guard in our building, who is as nice as daisies, should go as Flavor Flave for Halloween.

No, no. These types of shows make us take a step backwards and have Caucasian folk laughing at us. Who's representing right now? Barack and Michelle and their lovely family..that's who.

Nicky, that's why I wrote that "a couple of them might be nice." Let's see how their stories unfold. I hope that the show highlights the good things that they do instead of focusing on black female stereotypes. I definitely didn't want to see Nene and Sheree start catfighting. Also, personal definitions of success vary widely. I for one, do not define money from a wealthy husband as success, unless you say that they "successfully" married well. In any case, the Housewives of Atlanta don't represent me. Rich people are a minority in this country with a majority of the wealth. Most middle income to upper middle income folk I know are trying to hold onto what they have. Barack and Michelle may have some money, too, but I respect that they don't flaunt it and they have intelligent things to say. That's class.

I go to Minnesota a lot for my job, Minneapolis in particular. We're like a pinch of pepper in a bowl of salt there. When your Caucasian co-worker left, she was probably in awe just to see Black people. The fact that she was "in awe" of their beauty and their houses disturbs me a little. It's kind of like rolling up at a big house and asking the black man and woman with their key in the door if they live there...which has happened to my parents. That's not cute. I can just imagine her going on and on. Yes, we're beautiful. Yes, some of us are wealthy. Next.

Furthermore, the trouble with these shows is that they do have people in awe thinking that's how they should be living too. Nothing is wrong with that except that some try to live above their means buying things on credit that they cannot afford, getting deeper and deeper into debt....just trying to keep up with the Joneses. Heck. Even the Joneses are trying to keep up with the Joneses! I've read so many stories over the past year about people buying houses they couldn't afford then losing them to foreclosure. As a matter of fact, I know a couple with 4 children that lost 2 houses. Now they're separated and each renting an apartment. That's madness. THAT'S REAL.

I DVR'd it because I did not have the chance to look at it the night it came on. I saw only the Housewives of New York, I enjoyed it because it was entertaining, that's it. I'll try and chk it out tonight to see what it is about before I comment more on it.

Yes, we can agree to disagree about the show on some points. You did ask, so I'm giving my opinion. I have gone to the Bravo website and read about them. Some are involved in philanthropic projects. I want to see if and how that gets portrayed. I want to see if the show can move on from the theme of them being rich, spoiled divas with attitude. I'm watching the show with an observer's eye not for just the entertainment value.

We do see how black folk in that income bracket are living all the time. Flip thru the pages of Essence, Jet, and Ebony. Kimora Lee Simmons has a show featuring her "life in the fab lane." Oprah, as you know, has had a show for years, and we see her lifestyle sometimes. Do you remember MTV's Cribs? Then there's Inside Edition, Access Hollywood, and E entertainment channel. How about all the musical artists who portray their fab lives on music video after music video on BET? Real or not.

Three of the four black women on the show have husbands who are either football players or basketball players. Can we show our children that there are other ways to achieve success other than being a baller or a rapper? How many have those skills?

Enjoy the show. I have some guilty pleasures of my own. I just ask that you observe it some more.

I've been asked, if i've seen this show several times today. I guess, I'll have to TiVo it from now on. Must be good.

I hear what you're saying VIPrincess, but this is just entertainment, as far as I'm concerned. Several things I see my people do, infuriates me, but I'm done stressing about it. I do what I can do to make a difference, in my community, to inspire kids to want to be more than a pro athlete. How about being the guy/girl that signs those atletes' checks?

They were also giving it on Oxygen last night ladies. Unfortunately, I DVRed it, so that I could watch it over the weekend when I get back home. I can't wait to see what the fuss is all about!!!

Well I'm with you Ginoue.... I need to tune in to this show. I wanna know what the fuss is about as well.
ISN'T IT JUST A TV SHOW???? OR ENTERTAINMENT AS CINAMIN MENTIONED????

[quote="cmt"]Well I'm with you Ginoue.... I need to tune in to this show. I wanna know what the fuss is about as well.
ISN'T IT JUST A TV SHOW???? OR ENTERTAINMENT AS CINAMIN MENTIONED????
[/quote]

It's a "reality" show and you know those shows base their ratings on the DRAMA! So to me all those shows are just what they are...entertainment.

Well said Soon...thats what I was thinking the case was. Those shows focus in and air what will make people watch. (to get high ratings)

I've seen the preview about a month ago. I loved Housewives of New York ***especially Bethany****, but was VERY disappointed in what I saw here:

1) The New York girls can be petty, but they weren't nearly as obnoxious about showing off their wealth as some of the women featured in Atlanta.

2)I take all reality shows with a grain of salt, but a couple of these women act as if they are auditioning for their own spin off instead of toning it down a bit. It's very distracting.

3)I was extremely put off and offended by how most of the husbands on here were athletes as if that is the only way Black people can make their money. I remember only seeing one entrepreneur and I'm not counting the anonymous sugar daddy.

Sorry ladies, but I'm sitting this one out.

Butterbean, that's what I'm talking about. Just because there aren't many of us on TV doesn't mean that we should accept every sh_ _ty portrayal. Nope. Not all Black TV is Good TV. I don't want to offend anyone, but I would rather see a handful of good programming than a multitude of junk that "they" spoonfeed us. Unfortunately, media is never "JUST ENTERTAINMENT." Media is a powerful tool that shapes society. Many people believe what they see on TV, in magazines, and newspapers. Our children believe it even more.

Why is it that people have become more and more materialistic and never satisfied? Everything is about the BLING BLING, the bigger houses, the bigger cars...and can't afford the lifestyle...personal debt piled high. The national debt is even higher. The economy is a mess...people killing themselves and their families because they can't find a job or their debt is so high....need I go on?

...and these "Real Housewives" shows, especially this Atlanta one, glorify that spoiled, wealthy lifestyle that many cannot afford.

Ladies we can RESPECTFULLY disagree with one another and we are all wise enough to know that often it's not what you say but how you say something.

VIPrincess, you have made some valid points. So has Nicky. Once people agree to disagree, the issue should be left alone. You said you don't want to offend anyone but the more you continue, the more offensive you become. We know your position on this, you articulated it with clarity. You have a right to feel however you feel about these type shows but everyone else is entitled to that right as well.

Can we just leave it alone now?

Well said Pamcrow...Thank You

Pamcrow,

I feel very strongly about this, and I do not feel that I've been disrespectful or else I wouldn't have posted. There's something called freedom of speech. Anyone has a right to any opinion, and they have right to say what they feel. I DO NOT begrudge anyone's right to say what they feel, so don't begrudge mine. I said that I didn't want to offend anyone because I didn't want anyone to take what I write personally. This is a commentary on the SHOW. If I want to make a comment on what Butterbean wrote, that is my right. This is an open discussion. It's very important to hear different thoughts about issues, especially when it has to do with how black people are portrayed in the media. Don't try to censor me. Everything isn't peaches and cream or roses and tulle. Some topics are very difficult to discuss, but it is IMPORTANT to have the conversation just the same, so thank you Nicky for posting this topic.

If you didn't feel what you were saying could be viewed as offensive then there would be no need to preface a sentence with "I don't want to offend anyone , but.....".

And censor you ????? What ever!!! If you don't see yourself as being offensive and condescending in your reply then, oopps my bad. Carry on then.....

Yes, Pamcrow, there is a need to preface the sentence because in this form of media, e-mails/forum, it is very easy to take what someone has written the wrong way. There have been articles written about the subject. It's not the same as face-to-face conversation. I wanted to make it clear that my opinion was a commentary on the SHOW and not to be taken personally. Nicky didn't put the show on the air.

In fact, I wrote, "Enjoy the show. I have some guilty pleasures of my own. I just ask that you observe it some more."

I enjoy hearing others' opinions that differ from mine. I'm sorry that you don't. Nicky, again I thank you for posting this topic. Socio/political discussion is very necessary.

VI,
I don't have an issue with hearing opinions that differ from my own. But it's okay if that's the message you want to take from our little exchange, hopefully, when you're less defensive, you'll take more.

Growing up my mother taught me that being the loudest person in a discussion doesn't make that person any more correct than the quieter one. She also taught me that you have to know when to just shut up. Glad I've learned those lessons. I'm sure there are some articles written on that somewhere as well.

Okay, you both do realize that this is going to get nowhere but two people going back and forth. Both of you are on the defensive now, so nothing productive is going to come out of this exchange. How 'bout we just let this be and move on to happier things huh?......ummm let's see.....how 'bout them Cowboys....ummm...How's the weather over there where you are......okay okay..how 'bout...George Bush is about to leave the White House!!..Hooray!!!!!.....lol.....just trying to lighten the mood....

No, Pamcrow. I got your message loud and clear. You think that I've been disrespectful in my posting. However, I think it's disrespectful of you to try to tell me how to say what I want to say and when I should shut up. What!!!???? You're not the Vibride police. I'm an equal member of this board just like you.

It's NOT my goal to be more correct than anyone. That's why I welcome this conversation. "But it's okay if that's the message you want to take from our little exchange, hopefully, when you're less defensive, you'll take more."

Soon, thank you for your wisdom. This was a discussion about Real Housewives of Atlanta, but Pamcrow wants to turn it into a discussion about me.

LMAO!!!

Next......

Awe man ...LMAO ...I'on even wanna watch the show no more ..LOL

I hate to play ref here ...I just wanna say one thing ...VI, I think (notice I said think) you took this comment in the wrong lighting .."She also taught me that you have to know when to just shut up." ...Pam was saying ...that HER mother taught HER to know when SHE should just shut up. I don't believe Pam was directly telling you to shut up sis. That would be kinda harsh :)

Well Turiya, it obviously wasn't meant for herself, because as you can see, she continued with her banter.

oh aight ...

smh.........smh

End Post

Aw..Turyia and Nicky. I didn't mean to contribute to an argument. I'll give the show a second glance. I'm not above train wreck reality shows. In fact, I watch Bridezilla every sunday night and you cant get any petty and sterotypical than those brats. LOL
I'll try to catch another episode and maybe we can use this thread to snark at what happens. LOL

I was finally able to see the show at my hotel room last night and I must admit to having mixed feelings about it, which I'm keeping to myself. That's all That I'll say on the subject.

I thought Rhony said END POST?

Ginoue, what's up?
I don't want this post to end. I think it's healthy having people debating about this, or any other issues that might show up in here, as adults.

I'm watching the show now that I have gotten over what I saw in the previews. Nene is showing out because she was left off of a list at some party.

Butterbean ..I understand how you feel, however I believe if the Site Admin said END POST then the post is ended.

Yeah we are all adults here ...so let's do the adult thing and respect what ..again ...one of the SITE ADMINS has posted which was END POST.

Rhony if I shouldn't have post this, please let me know. I have seen you End Post before, once that is written by YOU or ROSEY or ELOI, isn't that the END?

Thank you Turiya.

I asked that we end the post because the communication in my opinion had gone beyond a healthy debate to a heated exchange. I don't want to stop anyone from having a healthy debate because this site has been a blessing to all of us.

Rosie has built this site to benefit us all. Let us remember to be mindful of that. I would like to remind everyone to be respectful. If someone feels insulted whether or not that was your intention, sometimes it is best to do the adult thing and leave it alone.

In the past when I have posted an end post, it was honored.

My intentions were pure and I just wanted to keep the peace. All of you ladies are amazing and your presence is a blessing.

END POST AS THE SITE ADMIN STATED

I guess I am just too late to get my stuff in :(

Rhony and Rosie,

Can we delete this thread? I love this site very much and I'd really hate for someone to google key words for the tv show and come across our loving community via this thread. Would it be ok to nix this?

Just a thought.

You guys are overreacting.
Bumblebee, Nicky, anyone else who would like to simply talk about the show, here is a link to a good forum that I use:

Housewives of Atlanta forum

Thanks. I was hoping we could start anew one here at Vibride but this will work. I have missed it again but I hope to catch it soon. Maybe I can get it OnDemand on cable.