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'Where Did Our Love Go' Top Ten Playlist

By
TheBurtonWire
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Gil L. Robertson, IV edited the book, "Where Did Our Love Go," which explores love and relationships in the African-American community. (Google Images)
Gil L. Robertson, IV edited the book, “Where Did Our Love Go,” which explores love and relationships in the African-American community. (Google Images)

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, Gil L. Robertson, IV recently released a book entitled, Where Did Our Love Go, which features interviews from a bevy of notables who wax poetic on love and relationships in the black community. Featuring the work of  writers (Danielle Belton, Jimi Izrael and Byron Pitts), celebrity couples (Anthony and Tarsha Hamilton), well-known commentators (Clay Cane) and legendary radio personalities (Dyana Williams) and poets (jessica Care moore, Lita Hooper, Tanya Gipson), the book is a combination of poetry and essays that tackle the issue of what it means to be single, married, divorced or somewhere in between and what this means for the black community.  What does it mean for a young person to grow up with a mother and father in love or at war? “Where Did Our Love Go” addresses this overarching question and many others.

The theme of parenthood is found throughout the poems and essays. On Father’s Day weekend and in celebration of Black Music Month, we caught up with the book’s editor Gil L. Robertson, IV to find out his top 10 list of love songs and why? While you’re listening, share with us (in the comments section) the songs that come to mind when you think about love and the black community.

Gil L. Robertson, IV’s Top Ten Playlist

  1. “Breakup to Make Up” – The Stylistics – The Stylistics were the ultimate “love group” with a string of hits that personified what the experience of being in love was all about. This is one of my favorites!
  2. “Always and Forever” – Heatwave – No one can forget this song if you are of a certain age. An ultimate crowd pleaser.
  3. “Never Knew Love Like This Before” – Stephanie Mills – Mills is one of my favorite singers and they way she sings this song makes me want to believe in love forever.
  4. “You Are Everything” – Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye – A toss up between these two veteran song stylists and The Stylistics, but the combination of Mr. Gay and Ms. Ross together is unbeatable!
  5. “I Love You” – Donna Summer  – The disco queen was more than about dancing and this song speaks to everything you want to feel on and off the dance floor.
  6. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston – What can be said… Ms. Houston at her best!
  7. “I’ve Been Loving You To Long” – Otis Redding – Perhaps the ultimate love song, sung by a true soul legend.
  8. “If this World Were Mine” – Luther Vandrose & Cheryl Lynn  – A Facebook favorite, this song resonates the true meaning of the “love” experience.
  9. “Butterflies” – Michael Jackson – How can you do any list without Michael. Brotherman made a serious comeback with this effervescent tune.
  10. “The Island”  – Patti Austin – Regardles of whose singing this song, it’s the ultimate love song for me.

 To find out more about “Where Did Our Love Go?” check out Facebook at www.facebook.com/blackloveisforever or follow on Twitter @wheredidrlovego.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire. 

‘Where Did Our Love Go’ Top Ten Playlist

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Gil L. Robertson, IV edited the book, "Where Did Our Love Go," which explores love and relationships in the African-American community. (Google Images)
Gil L. Robertson, IV edited the book, “Where Did Our Love Go,” which explores love and relationships in the African-American community. (Google Images)

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, Gil L. Robertson, IV recently released a book entitled, Where Did Our Love Go, which features interviews from a bevy of notables who wax poetic on love and relationships in the black community. Featuring the work of  writers (Danielle Belton, Jimi Izrael and Byron Pitts), celebrity couples (Anthony and Tarsha Hamilton), well-known commentators (Clay Cane) and legendary radio personalities (Dyana Williams) and poets (jessica Care moore, Lita Hooper, Tanya Gipson), the book is a combination of poetry and essays that tackle the issue of what it means to be single, married, divorced or somewhere in between and what this means for the black community.  What does it mean for a young person to grow up with a mother and father in love or at war? “Where Did Our Love Go” addresses this overarching question and many others.

The theme of parenthood is found throughout the poems and essays. On Father’s Day weekend and in celebration of Black Music Month, we caught up with the book’s editor Gil L. Robertson, IV to find out his top 10 list of love songs and why? While you’re listening, share with us (in the comments section) the songs that come to mind when you think about love and the black community.

Gil L. Robertson, IV’s Top Ten Playlist

  1. “Breakup to Make Up” – The Stylistics – The Stylistics were the ultimate “love group” with a string of hits that personified what the experience of being in love was all about. This is one of my favorites!
  2. “Always and Forever” – Heatwave – No one can forget this song if you are of a certain age. An ultimate crowd pleaser.
  3. “Never Knew Love Like This Before” – Stephanie Mills – Mills is one of my favorite singers and they way she sings this song makes me want to believe in love forever.
  4. “You Are Everything” – Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye – A toss up between these two veteran song stylists and The Stylistics, but the combination of Mr. Gay and Ms. Ross together is unbeatable!
  5. “I Love You” – Donna Summer  – The disco queen was more than about dancing and this song speaks to everything you want to feel on and off the dance floor.
  6. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston – What can be said… Ms. Houston at her best!
  7. “I’ve Been Loving You To Long” – Otis Redding – Perhaps the ultimate love song, sung by a true soul legend.
  8. “If this World Were Mine” – Luther Vandrose & Cheryl Lynn  – A Facebook favorite, this song resonates the true meaning of the “love” experience.
  9. “Butterflies” – Michael Jackson – How can you do any list without Michael. Brotherman made a serious comeback with this effervescent tune.
  10. “The Island”  – Patti Austin – Regardles of whose singing this song, it’s the ultimate love song for me.

 To find out more about “Where Did Our Love Go?” check out Facebook at www.facebook.com/blackloveisforever or follow on Twitter @wheredidrlovego.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire. 

U.S.: Minorities Under Age Five Grow to Record Number

By
TheBurtonWire
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0
Minority youth in the U.S. make up 50 percent of all children under age 5. (Google Images)
Minority youth in the U.S. make up 50 percent of all children under age 5. (Google Images)

Al Jazeera English is reporting that as of July 2012, ethnic minorities make up 50 percent of youth under the age of five and and that number is expected to grow, according to census estimates. The author writes:

“For the first time, America’s racial and ethnic minorities make up about half of the under-5 age group, the US government has said.

The historic shift, announced on Thursday, shows how young people are at the forefront of sweeping changes by race and class.

The new census estimates, a snapshot of the US population as of July 2012, come a year after the Census Bureau reported that whites had fallen to a minority among babies.

The population younger than 5 stood at 49.9 percent minority in 2012.

‘More so than ever, we need to recognise the importance of young minorities for the growth and vitality of our labour force and economy,’ said William H. Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution who analysed the census data.'”

Fueled by immigration and high rates of birth, particularly among Hispanics, racial and ethnic minorities are now growing more rapidly in numbers than whites.

Read more at Al Jazeera.

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Barbados: Govt Introducing Renewable Energy Legislation

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TheBurtonWire
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0
Barbados' government is introducing a renewable energy policy. (Google Images)
Barbados’ government is introducing a renewable energy policy. (Google Images)

Caribbean 360 is reporting that the Barbados government will soon introduce legislation to facilitate renewable energy generation on the island. The author writes:

“We expect, within the next few months, to have the legislation passed for independent power producers,” said Energy Minister Darcy Boyce, adding “we’ve done this in consultation with the Barbados Light and Power (BL&P) because we do have to maintain the [standard] of the grid in this country”.

Speaking at the launch of Barbados’ first Solar Carport and Electric Vehicle Charging Station Boyce said all efforts were being made to ensure that the BL&P supported this policy. The policy will include retrofitting public buildings.

Read more at Caribbean 360.

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'Forever Jones': Using Reality TV to Spread the Gospel

By
TheBurtonWire
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0
'Forever Jones' is a reality television series debuting on Bounce TV that gives viewers a sneak peek into the lives of a family of musicians living a Christian life. (Google Images)
‘Forever Jones’ is a reality television series debuting on Bounce TV that gives viewers a sneak peek into the lives of a family of musicians living a Christian life. (Google Images)

Primetime reality television has evolved into spotlighting gospel artists like Mary Mary and The Sheards. Viewers are given candid access weekly into these musical families balancing their recording careers with caring for their loved ones.

Dewitt III and Kim Jones, now married 35 years, are no exception. The Shreveport couple leads a band of seven, forever JONES. The band features the couple’s five children: oldest daughter D’Jeniele, Dominique (or “Doe”), eldest son Dewitt IV, Judah and Mya.

The Grammy Award-nominated family’s story is now a self-titled, non-scripted series. Presented by Walmart, forever JONES is a six episode spinoff from the family’s holiday special.

Debuting on Jun. 5, forever JONES is the first program of its kind on Bounce TV, which primarily broadcasts nostalgic black programming and cinema. Kim says forever JONES is an intimate portrait into what makes a family work.

“It’s really an honor for us. Watching [Bounce TV] is like watching black history everyday. We’re a big family that travels together and works together,” says Kim.

forever JONES chronicles the band on-stage, in the recording studio and at home. Each member plays instruments, writes songs, sings and deals with personal revelations. “We don’t know how it’s gonna be edited. It was not a natural thing to have a camera in my face, lighting from the ceiling and in my bedroom,” says Kim. Adds Dewitt IV, “We’re all nervous,” he says.

On the pilot episode, forever JONES is trying to promote their sophomore effort, Musical Revival. Kim and Doe are both asked to consider solo careers. Judah heads to Kansas State on a full scholarship.

Like most parents, Kim is a nervous, protective mother. “It’s difficult. I just don’t want my baby to go so far,” she says.

Growing up, Kim recalls her children banged on pots and pans. She says each member developed its own spiritual identity and interest in music. The family still huddles and prays together at 9:00 a.m. everyday.

“They have their personal space. It was about worship and entertaining the presence of the Lord. We gave the kids their freedom with their instruments,” says Kim.

forever JONES offers another glimpse into a working class African American family.  Doe says the family is often interrogated about their target audience. She is optimistic about the series building its own following.

“Hopefully, this will allow us to create that demographic. The entire family can sit down in a room and watch,” says Doe. Known for their 2010 chart topper, “He Wants It All,” the band’s Stellar Awards-winning gospel stylings blend rock, R&B, funk, pop, country and electronica.

“It aligns with what The Bible teaches you about life in general. You have to involve Him[God] in your decision making process” says Doe.

Kim adds, “When you hear their music, you hear their lives. Take your gift, and talk to him about every challenge that you have and any challenges that you face. I want them to do and be what they really believe that God is calling them to do,” she says.

Considering illness nearly threatened Kim’s ability to have any children, forever JONES  acknowledges the power of prayer. “I celebrate the fact that we’re still in this. We’re not afraid of our own faith. That’s who we are,” says Kim.

Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

‘Forever Jones’: Using Reality TV to Spread the Gospel

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
'Forever Jones' is a reality television series debuting on Bounce TV that gives viewers a sneak peek into the lives of a family of musicians living a Christian life. (Google Images)
‘Forever Jones’ is a reality television series debuting on Bounce TV that gives viewers a sneak peek into the lives of a family of musicians living a Christian life. (Google Images)

Primetime reality television has evolved into spotlighting gospel artists like Mary Mary and The Sheards. Viewers are given candid access weekly into these musical families balancing their recording careers with caring for their loved ones.

Dewitt III and Kim Jones, now married 35 years, are no exception. The Shreveport couple leads a band of seven, forever JONES. The band features the couple’s five children: oldest daughter D’Jeniele, Dominique (or “Doe”), eldest son Dewitt IV, Judah and Mya.

The Grammy Award-nominated family’s story is now a self-titled, non-scripted series. Presented by Walmart, forever JONES is a six episode spinoff from the family’s holiday special.

Debuting on Jun. 5, forever JONES is the first program of its kind on Bounce TV, which primarily broadcasts nostalgic black programming and cinema. Kim says forever JONES is an intimate portrait into what makes a family work.

“It’s really an honor for us. Watching [Bounce TV] is like watching black history everyday. We’re a big family that travels together and works together,” says Kim.

forever JONES chronicles the band on-stage, in the recording studio and at home. Each member plays instruments, writes songs, sings and deals with personal revelations. “We don’t know how it’s gonna be edited. It was not a natural thing to have a camera in my face, lighting from the ceiling and in my bedroom,” says Kim. Adds Dewitt IV, “We’re all nervous,” he says.

On the pilot episode, forever JONES is trying to promote their sophomore effort, Musical Revival. Kim and Doe are both asked to consider solo careers. Judah heads to Kansas State on a full scholarship.

Like most parents, Kim is a nervous, protective mother. “It’s difficult. I just don’t want my baby to go so far,” she says.

Growing up, Kim recalls her children banged on pots and pans. She says each member developed its own spiritual identity and interest in music. The family still huddles and prays together at 9:00 a.m. everyday.

“They have their personal space. It was about worship and entertaining the presence of the Lord. We gave the kids their freedom with their instruments,” says Kim.

forever JONES offers another glimpse into a working class African American family.  Doe says the family is often interrogated about their target audience. She is optimistic about the series building its own following.

“Hopefully, this will allow us to create that demographic. The entire family can sit down in a room and watch,” says Doe. Known for their 2010 chart topper, “He Wants It All,” the band’s Stellar Awards-winning gospel stylings blend rock, R&B, funk, pop, country and electronica.

“It aligns with what The Bible teaches you about life in general. You have to involve Him[God] in your decision making process” says Doe.

Kim adds, “When you hear their music, you hear their lives. Take your gift, and talk to him about every challenge that you have and any challenges that you face. I want them to do and be what they really believe that God is calling them to do,” she says.

Considering illness nearly threatened Kim’s ability to have any children, forever JONES  acknowledges the power of prayer. “I celebrate the fact that we’re still in this. We’re not afraid of our own faith. That’s who we are,” says Kim.

Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

'Mistresses' and 'Devious Maids': Is There Hypocrisy in TV Democracy?

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Is ABC's 'Scandal' that different from 'Mistresses?' Why are we focusing on mistresses when 'Devious Maids' is going unchecked? (Photo credit: Barton J. Taylor)
Is ABC’s ‘Scandal’ that different from ‘Mistresses?’ Why are we focusing on mistresses when ‘Devious Maids’ is going unchecked? (Photo credit: Barton J. Taylor)

ABC‘s show ‘Mistresses’ has been criticized for celebrating mistresses, known in many married circles as home wrecking harlots. Based on the BBC’s hit show ‘Mistresses’, ABC puts an American spin on the drama following the lives of four women who sometimes reflect the traditional definition of a mistress, while falling into the category based on life’s circumstances. What I found to be interesting is the folks raging against the show for celebrating deviant behavior, some of whom are the same people that rave about the show, ‘Scandal’ whose lead character is the ultimate mistress. Kerry Washington convincingly plays the role of Olivia Pope, a D.C. “fixer” who has carried on a long-term affair with married President Fitzgerald ‘Fitz’ Grant played brilliantly by Tony Goldwyn. I wondered why the same people who are enamored with ABC’s show ‘Scandal’ which centers around a sophisticated, highly accomplished and intelligent mistress reject ABC’s new entry ‘Mistresses.’

I also wondered aloud on Facebook (June 4), why people were so caught up in critiquing ‘Mistresses’ but were pretty much radio-silent on Lifetime’s new entry ‘Devious Maids,’ a Marc Cherry and Eva Longoria production (both of Desperate Housewives fame). The show features four Latinas playing the role of devious maids, some of whom are also mistresses. I found it interesting that people were so interested in the representation of wayward women, but not in the continued representation of Latina women as “hot” maids. The thread that followed is worth re-presenting on this site in an effort to further discuss the challenges of television programming for viewers of color. The thread even inspired a graphic from The Burton Wire friend and supporter Barton J. Taylor. Check out the graphic above. Check out the thread below. What are your thoughts on this matter. Please share in the comments section and please keep it clean.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news site The Burton Wire.

FACEBOOK STATUS (JUNE 4, 2013)
Wondering why folks are up-in-arms over ABC’s Mistresses which is based on a BBC show of the same name which was on years ago, but radio silent on Lifetime’s new show Devious Maids featuring an all-Latina cast playing, well devious maids. I suppose folks are so focused on JLo’s “The Fosters,” (the first episode was decent), that they haven’t been paying attention to this obvious slight against Latinas. Trot out JLo and maybe they won’t pay attention to how Latinas in the industry are being treated. I know it’s a Marc Cherry show but still. Back to Mistresses – I can’t not believe the nerve of the many Scandalites (Scandal fans) dissing Mistresses over the title. I thought celebrating mistresses was just great drama – right? #startingishtoday

THREAD RELATED TO FACEBOOK STATUS (JUNE 4, 2013)

  • TAB:  Preach, cousin!
    June 4 at 1:51pm via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • KH:    You knew it was coming…
    June 4 at 1:51pm · Unlike · 1
  • SMW:   I would sat that it is b/c no one has seen the ad for this show on Lifetime. Everyone gets ABC. A few get/watch lifetime.
    June 4 at 1:52pm · Unlike · 1
  • TC:   My thoughts exactly!!
    June 4 at 1:55pm · Unlike · 1
  • MAC:   Oooooh! You love starting stuff! I’m looking forward to the dialogue!
    June 4 at 1:57pm via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • TM:  THANK YOU, Nsenga!…just….thank you…Think I’ll share…lol…
    June 4 at 1:58pm · Edited · Unlike · 1
  • MK:  Haaaaaaa! Yeah this is very true. I knew with the success of Scandal that the envelope would continue to be pushed. When I saw the preview for Mistresses I was like…well here we go. I like Scandal. But I’m also not blind to what’s going on. We live in a society that is increasingly diminishing the sanctity of marriage. We trivialize divorce and make adultery (as you said above) great drama. Fantasy is tearing down our standard and destroying the family. So no I don’t celebrate a show like Mistresses that glorifies this type of thing. Scandal is bad enough. No More! Hahaha!
    June 4 at 2:02pm · Unlike · 2
  • KW:  Mistresses — Ain’t nuttin’ wrong with that
    June 4 at 2:06pm · Unlike · 1
  • KW:  Here’s a question…why is marriage so “sanctified” in the first place?
    June 4 at 2:16pm · Unlike · 1
  • BTS:  I’ve actually seen some commentary focusing on Devious Maids and disappointment in Eva Longoria for being behind its production.
    June 4 at 2:16pm via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • KW: And when did it stop being held up in such esteem and why.
    June 4 at 2:17pm · Like
  • MK:  @Karl because it was instituted by God.
    June 4 at 2:17pm · Like · 2
  • KW:  Meka, what if one doesn’t believe in God, but does believe in the concept of marriage?
    June 4 at 2:19pm · Like
  • SAH:  Ouch!! The truth can sting!!!!
    June 4 at 2:20pm via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • KW:  or vice versa…
    June 4 at 2:20pm · Like
  • KW:  as for devious maids…downside — This could be a minstrel show waiting to happen… upside — Susan Lucci
    June 4 at 2:24pm · Like
  • MK:  Hahaha well to me that’s like saying I’m drinking this bottle of Fiji water but I don’t believe that Fiji exists. HA!
    June 4 at 2:25pm · Unlike · 1
  • KW:  Maybe so…but I wonder sometimes, do well laud and/or santify the idea of marriage…or the discipline involved with marriage…That is what I question.
    June 4 at 2:28pm · Unlike · 1
  • MK:  I think it’s all sacred: the concept, the order, the structure, what it takes to live it out…all of it.
    June 4 at 2:53pm · Like · 2
  • KW:  MK, I agree with you, but a majority unfortunately, like the idea and the fantasy of the concept…but don’t embrace the real of the process…and that’s the work involved. Those vows are unbreakable…or should be.. If they are breakable in a person’s mind then that person should not engage….however, I do disagree with you on the idea of “Fantasy is tearing down our standard and destroying the family.”….A TV show can’t do that…We invididual human beings do that by our actions…ultimately we control that fantasy machine and we control what happens in our households and our relationships.
    June 4 at 3:21pm · Unlike · 3
  • WL: Ndeed! Considering the lead on Scandal is a WHAT? mistress, side chick, side piece, etc. BTW u doing something right Nsenga keep up the good work and con’t engaging your readers.
    June 4 at 4:11pm · Unlike · 1
  • KL:  Thanks Nsenga Burton. I can say this without the “black”lash. I do not like Scandal. It’s entertainment for masses. And if that was REALLY going on in the White House between the president and a white woman, African American women would lose it. There’s nothing entertaining for me about seeing a depressed African American character home wrecker act out on TV. So I don’t.
    June 4 at 4:16pm via mobile · Unlike · 4
    JAB: Never liked Scandal from the beginning, won’t look at Mistresses either. I think it is just another show that negatively portrays intelligent women. The institution of marriage has been attacked enough with other shows that are on television, won’t look at one that intentionally does it. No thanks.
  • June 4 at 4:28pm · Unlike · 2
  • MK: Oh Absolutely! I am not taking the responsibility away from the individual at all. But that’s also one of those “Guns don’t kill people, people do” arguments. While fantasy may not be holding a gun to your head and making you step out on your marriage. It does plant seeds in your mind and heart and causes you to romanticize desires that are contrary to what you should be feeling or seeking as a married person. Same thing with kids and video game violence. Fantasy definitely plays it’s part. We can’t diminish that.
    And yes…some people are stronger than others. Unfortunately sometimes you don’t know your strength or lack thereof until it’s too late…
    June 4 at 4:30pm · Like · 1
  • KL:  Yeah… I dunno. People make mistakes. We deconstruct and construct this behavior as artists, audience, storytellers, actors. I just wonder, to Nsenga Burton Nsenga’s point. WHY are we telling these stories to each other as women of color? Why is Jlo and Shonda and Eva Longoria telling this story. We don’t even have to have some white male executive hypersexualuzing us anymore! We tell that story ourselves! And does it make it better? Cause we are making money off of it ? Cause its a Black woman doin’ the President ? Isn’t it the ultimate “Massa-slave” complaint I hear black women make abut black men who date inter racially? Don’t get me started… Can’t wait for Scandal to get cancelled. Cannot. Wait.
    June 4 at 4:36pm via mobile · Unlike · 2
  • JAB:  The typical jezebel role.
    June 4 at 4:38pm · Edited · Unlike · 2
  • MAS:  This post did not disappoint! Thank you Nsenga Burton! The diatribe between MK and KW is great reading! Great point about the Figi water, MK! I was going to make a similar point about Christmas. Anyways, as you were! Carry on!
    June 4 at 6:17pm via mobile · Like
  • Nsenga Burton Great comments. BTS: – thanks for adding the point about Eva Longoria. KL:  pointing out that now we’re doing this to ourselves as opposed to having it done to us. What is this about? An acknowledgement that this is what it takes for black and brown women to succeed and stay in Hollywood or the privileging of material success over social responsibility? MK:  and KW:  make interesting points. Can we give entertainment this much power over how we live our lives? Is the institution of marriage broken because of television or because we’re broken?
    June 4 at 7:39pm via mobile · Like
  • KL:  I dont actually believe that any of these women believe they are putting material success over being responsible. But no one in Hollywood feels like they have to be socially responsible. Not even Oprah.
    June 4 at 8:07pm via mobile · Like · 1
  • ST:  Unfortunately I think many of us know a bright, beautiful, successful, intelligent woman who for some reason or another has chose to play the role of ‘mistress’ in her own version of ‘scandal.’ If such a title makes the viewing masses uneasy, maybe we’…See More
    June 4 at 8:31pm via mobile · Unlike · 2
  • PC: Heck, between Basketball Wives and Real Housewives I would have thought we already had this covered.
    June 5 at 6:56am · Unlike · 1
  • JAB:  @Nsenga the institution of marriage certainly has its problem with the percentage rate being what it is. However, I don’t thing the institution is broken as long as people want to and continue to get married. It is just a matter of perhaps re-evaluatin…See More
    June 5 at 12:41pm · Edited · Unlike · 1
  • Nsenga Burton Hilarious and true PC! Thoughtful JAB. I especially like what you wrote about ratings.
    What are your thoughts Burton Wire readers? Share them in the comments section of this post!
    Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

‘Mistresses’ and ‘Devious Maids’: Is There Hypocrisy in TV Democracy?

By
TheBurtonWire
-
0
Is ABC's 'Scandal' that different from 'Mistresses?' Why are we focusing on mistresses when 'Devious Maids' is going unchecked? (Photo credit: Barton J. Taylor)
Is ABC’s ‘Scandal’ that different from ‘Mistresses?’ Why are we focusing on mistresses when ‘Devious Maids’ is going unchecked? (Photo credit: Barton J. Taylor)

ABC‘s show ‘Mistresses’ has been criticized for celebrating mistresses, known in many married circles as home wrecking harlots. Based on the BBC’s hit show ‘Mistresses’, ABC puts an American spin on the drama following the lives of four women who sometimes reflect the traditional definition of a mistress, while falling into the category based on life’s circumstances. What I found to be interesting is the folks raging against the show for celebrating deviant behavior, some of whom are the same people that rave about the show, ‘Scandal’ whose lead character is the ultimate mistress. Kerry Washington convincingly plays the role of Olivia Pope, a D.C. “fixer” who has carried on a long-term affair with married President Fitzgerald ‘Fitz’ Grant played brilliantly by Tony Goldwyn. I wondered why the same people who are enamored with ABC’s show ‘Scandal’ which centers around a sophisticated, highly accomplished and intelligent mistress reject ABC’s new entry ‘Mistresses.’

I also wondered aloud on Facebook (June 4), why people were so caught up in critiquing ‘Mistresses’ but were pretty much radio-silent on Lifetime’s new entry ‘Devious Maids,’ a Marc Cherry and Eva Longoria production (both of Desperate Housewives fame). The show features four Latinas playing the role of devious maids, some of whom are also mistresses. I found it interesting that people were so interested in the representation of wayward women, but not in the continued representation of Latina women as “hot” maids. The thread that followed is worth re-presenting on this site in an effort to further discuss the challenges of television programming for viewers of color. The thread even inspired a graphic from The Burton Wire friend and supporter Barton J. Taylor. Check out the graphic above. Check out the thread below. What are your thoughts on this matter. Please share in the comments section and please keep it clean.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news site The Burton Wire.

FACEBOOK STATUS (JUNE 4, 2013)
Wondering why folks are up-in-arms over ABC’s Mistresses which is based on a BBC show of the same name which was on years ago, but radio silent on Lifetime’s new show Devious Maids featuring an all-Latina cast playing, well devious maids. I suppose folks are so focused on JLo’s “The Fosters,” (the first episode was decent), that they haven’t been paying attention to this obvious slight against Latinas. Trot out JLo and maybe they won’t pay attention to how Latinas in the industry are being treated. I know it’s a Marc Cherry show but still. Back to Mistresses – I can’t not believe the nerve of the many Scandalites (Scandal fans) dissing Mistresses over the title. I thought celebrating mistresses was just great drama – right? #startingishtoday

THREAD RELATED TO FACEBOOK STATUS (JUNE 4, 2013)

  • TAB:  Preach, cousin!
    June 4 at 1:51pm via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • KH:    You knew it was coming…
    June 4 at 1:51pm · Unlike · 1
  • SMW:   I would sat that it is b/c no one has seen the ad for this show on Lifetime. Everyone gets ABC. A few get/watch lifetime.
    June 4 at 1:52pm · Unlike · 1
  • TC:   My thoughts exactly!!
    June 4 at 1:55pm · Unlike · 1
  • MAC:   Oooooh! You love starting stuff! I’m looking forward to the dialogue!
    June 4 at 1:57pm via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • TM:  THANK YOU, Nsenga!…just….thank you…Think I’ll share…lol…
    June 4 at 1:58pm · Edited · Unlike · 1
  • MK:  Haaaaaaa! Yeah this is very true. I knew with the success of Scandal that the envelope would continue to be pushed. When I saw the preview for Mistresses I was like…well here we go. I like Scandal. But I’m also not blind to what’s going on. We live in a society that is increasingly diminishing the sanctity of marriage. We trivialize divorce and make adultery (as you said above) great drama. Fantasy is tearing down our standard and destroying the family. So no I don’t celebrate a show like Mistresses that glorifies this type of thing. Scandal is bad enough. No More! Hahaha!
    June 4 at 2:02pm · Unlike · 2
  • KW:  Mistresses — Ain’t nuttin’ wrong with that
    June 4 at 2:06pm · Unlike · 1
  • KW:  Here’s a question…why is marriage so “sanctified” in the first place?
    June 4 at 2:16pm · Unlike · 1
  • BTS:  I’ve actually seen some commentary focusing on Devious Maids and disappointment in Eva Longoria for being behind its production.
    June 4 at 2:16pm via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • KW: And when did it stop being held up in such esteem and why.
    June 4 at 2:17pm · Like
  • MK:  @Karl because it was instituted by God.
    June 4 at 2:17pm · Like · 2
  • KW:  Meka, what if one doesn’t believe in God, but does believe in the concept of marriage?
    June 4 at 2:19pm · Like
  • SAH:  Ouch!! The truth can sting!!!!
    June 4 at 2:20pm via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • KW:  or vice versa…
    June 4 at 2:20pm · Like
  • KW:  as for devious maids…downside — This could be a minstrel show waiting to happen… upside — Susan Lucci
    June 4 at 2:24pm · Like
  • MK:  Hahaha well to me that’s like saying I’m drinking this bottle of Fiji water but I don’t believe that Fiji exists. HA!
    June 4 at 2:25pm · Unlike · 1
  • KW:  Maybe so…but I wonder sometimes, do well laud and/or santify the idea of marriage…or the discipline involved with marriage…That is what I question.
    June 4 at 2:28pm · Unlike · 1
  • MK:  I think it’s all sacred: the concept, the order, the structure, what it takes to live it out…all of it.
    June 4 at 2:53pm · Like · 2
  • KW:  MK, I agree with you, but a majority unfortunately, like the idea and the fantasy of the concept…but don’t embrace the real of the process…and that’s the work involved. Those vows are unbreakable…or should be.. If they are breakable in a person’s mind then that person should not engage….however, I do disagree with you on the idea of “Fantasy is tearing down our standard and destroying the family.”….A TV show can’t do that…We invididual human beings do that by our actions…ultimately we control that fantasy machine and we control what happens in our households and our relationships.
    June 4 at 3:21pm · Unlike · 3
  • WL: Ndeed! Considering the lead on Scandal is a WHAT? mistress, side chick, side piece, etc. BTW u doing something right Nsenga keep up the good work and con’t engaging your readers.
    June 4 at 4:11pm · Unlike · 1
  • KL:  Thanks Nsenga Burton. I can say this without the “black”lash. I do not like Scandal. It’s entertainment for masses. And if that was REALLY going on in the White House between the president and a white woman, African American women would lose it. There’s nothing entertaining for me about seeing a depressed African American character home wrecker act out on TV. So I don’t.
    June 4 at 4:16pm via mobile · Unlike · 4
    JAB: Never liked Scandal from the beginning, won’t look at Mistresses either. I think it is just another show that negatively portrays intelligent women. The institution of marriage has been attacked enough with other shows that are on television, won’t look at one that intentionally does it. No thanks.
  • June 4 at 4:28pm · Unlike · 2
  • MK: Oh Absolutely! I am not taking the responsibility away from the individual at all. But that’s also one of those “Guns don’t kill people, people do” arguments. While fantasy may not be holding a gun to your head and making you step out on your marriage. It does plant seeds in your mind and heart and causes you to romanticize desires that are contrary to what you should be feeling or seeking as a married person. Same thing with kids and video game violence. Fantasy definitely plays it’s part. We can’t diminish that.
    And yes…some people are stronger than others. Unfortunately sometimes you don’t know your strength or lack thereof until it’s too late…
    June 4 at 4:30pm · Like · 1
  • KL:  Yeah… I dunno. People make mistakes. We deconstruct and construct this behavior as artists, audience, storytellers, actors. I just wonder, to Nsenga Burton Nsenga’s point. WHY are we telling these stories to each other as women of color? Why is Jlo and Shonda and Eva Longoria telling this story. We don’t even have to have some white male executive hypersexualuzing us anymore! We tell that story ourselves! And does it make it better? Cause we are making money off of it ? Cause its a Black woman doin’ the President ? Isn’t it the ultimate “Massa-slave” complaint I hear black women make abut black men who date inter racially? Don’t get me started… Can’t wait for Scandal to get cancelled. Cannot. Wait.
    June 4 at 4:36pm via mobile · Unlike · 2
  • JAB:  The typical jezebel role.
    June 4 at 4:38pm · Edited · Unlike · 2
  • MAS:  This post did not disappoint! Thank you Nsenga Burton! The diatribe between MK and KW is great reading! Great point about the Figi water, MK! I was going to make a similar point about Christmas. Anyways, as you were! Carry on!
    June 4 at 6:17pm via mobile · Like
  • Nsenga Burton Great comments. BTS: – thanks for adding the point about Eva Longoria. KL:  pointing out that now we’re doing this to ourselves as opposed to having it done to us. What is this about? An acknowledgement that this is what it takes for black and brown women to succeed and stay in Hollywood or the privileging of material success over social responsibility? MK:  and KW:  make interesting points. Can we give entertainment this much power over how we live our lives? Is the institution of marriage broken because of television or because we’re broken?
    June 4 at 7:39pm via mobile · Like
  • KL:  I dont actually believe that any of these women believe they are putting material success over being responsible. But no one in Hollywood feels like they have to be socially responsible. Not even Oprah.
    June 4 at 8:07pm via mobile · Like · 1
  • ST:  Unfortunately I think many of us know a bright, beautiful, successful, intelligent woman who for some reason or another has chose to play the role of ‘mistress’ in her own version of ‘scandal.’ If such a title makes the viewing masses uneasy, maybe we’…See More
    June 4 at 8:31pm via mobile · Unlike · 2
  • PC: Heck, between Basketball Wives and Real Housewives I would have thought we already had this covered.
    June 5 at 6:56am · Unlike · 1
  • JAB:  @Nsenga the institution of marriage certainly has its problem with the percentage rate being what it is. However, I don’t thing the institution is broken as long as people want to and continue to get married. It is just a matter of perhaps re-evaluatin…See More
    June 5 at 12:41pm · Edited · Unlike · 1
  • Nsenga Burton Hilarious and true PC! Thoughtful JAB. I especially like what you wrote about ratings.
    What are your thoughts Burton Wire readers? Share them in the comments section of this post!
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Brazil: 31 Student Arrests in Protests Over Rio Bus Fares

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TheBurtonWire
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Students are protesting an increase in bus fares in Rio de Janeiro. (Google Images)
Students are protesting an increase in bus fares in Rio de Janeiro. (Google Images)

Ben Tavener of The Rio Times is reporting that protests over the increase in bus fares in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil have resulted in 31 arrests, after demonstrators clashed with riot police. Tavener writes:

“Police reportedly used rubber bullets, stun grenades and pepper spray against the protesters, who are accused of causing damage to public and police property. Protesters set light to traffic cones, threw stones at cars and buses, and damaged a building belonging to telecom company Embratel.

One student also allegedly damaged a police motorbike. At least some of the students are from the city’s main federal university, UFRJ.

Around 250 protesters are reportedly to have blockaded roads in central Rio, including Avenida Presidente Vargas and Avenida Rio Branco, which led to severe traffic congestion in the areas affected.”

Students are protesting a 7.27 percent in bus fares (R $2.75 to R$2.95). Sao Paolo saw protests last week as well due to bus fare increases.

Read more at The Rio Times.

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South Africa: Mandela's Family Denies Barring ANC Visitors

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TheBurtonWire
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Reports that Mandela's family has banned visits from the ANC and other government officials have been rebuffed. (Google Images)
Reports that Mandela’s family has banned visits from the ANC and other government officials have been rebuffed. (Google Images)

The Mail & Guardian (South Africa) is denying reports that former South African president Nelson Mandela’s family has barred the African National Congress and other government officials from visiting the ailing icon. The author writes:

“We have spoken to the family about this report and they deny that they issued such an instruction or spoke to the media on barring the ANC and government from visiting Madiba,” said spokesperson Jackson Mthembu in a statement.

“What we know is that given the pressure associated with the admission of president Mandela, there are general restrictions that permit only relevant people to have access.” 

The Star newspaper reported on Monday that the Mandela family had taken charge of the 94-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner’s hospital stay, banning everyone – including government leaders and senior party officials – from visiting him.

Read more at Mail & Guardian.

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