Lane Bryant

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Reality TV???

Last evening I had the opportunity to attend the Love and Hip Hop Atlanta reunion show viewing party. As always, Studio Couture looked amazing and so did all the gorgeous guests. The main viewing area was elegantly set and our BFF Blogger Corner was in a prime location to see and be seen. Although, I have to be honest with you, I had only watched one other episode of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta prior to this viewing party.
Studio Couture & Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Guests

Blog Fab Fashionitas and Guests

I personally found the first episode to be draining. It was only 30 minutes long but the range of emotions that I experienced during the show were so extreme, that I chose not to continue watching. I found the depiction of black women in Atlanta to be deplorable and very damaging to our image. Many of the women on the show are portrayed as emotionally unstable, opportunistic and overly aggressive. Because of my initial feelings about the show, I was unsure that I would be able to offer an objective review of last night's events.

However, after reflecting and pondering, I thought to myself, "shame on me for being so judgemental." "Who died and left me chief of the morality police?" I ultimately determined that there are two sides to every story and I needed to see how real, is reality TV? I am so thankful that I put my preconceived notions aside and attended the event.

Meeting Momma Dee, mother of rapper Lil' Scrappy and breakout star in her own right,  was definitely memorable. She is a very self assured, confident woman who has taken advantage of this Love and Hip Hop "opportunity" and is using it as a catalyst to build her own brand.  She was a very composed and gracious hostess, and took the time to make sure that all her guests were contented. She was also clear that if we wanted something to eat or to drink, we would do it before the show aired, because there would be no walking during the viewing because everything would be done in decency #andinthatorder, #yaheardme!
Me and Momma Dee #andinthatorder #yaheardme


In addition to Momma Dee, reality TV star Neffe, of the Frankie & Neffe show, also lent her star power to support this event. Meeting Neffe was like running into an old friend that I hadn't seen or spoken to in 10 years. The familiarity that her personality exudes was both inviting and refreshing, definitely not indicative of the way she was portrayed on her own "reality TV" show. Lil' Scrappy was also on hand to support his mother at this event and was very attentive and considerate.
Me and Neffe

Momma Dee & Neffe

With all that being said, I really had to sit back and wonder, if someone took 24 hours of my life and sensationalized the most unflattering parts and edited it into a 30 minute show, is that really and accurate portrayal of who I am? Of course not, because at the end of the day I AM HUMAN.  I am multi-faceted and experience a wide range of emotions daily. I make mistakes and I have certain aspects of my life that I would like to remain private. The only thing that makes me different from a celebrity is that my indiscretions are not the topic of public conversation.  When considering myself in their shoes, I can definitely empathise with the cast of the show. We only see an edited snippet of what is taking place in their lives, therefore leaving way to much room for us to gather unfair presumptions of their character.

From this day forward, I am choosing to be a lot less judgmental and much more open-minded. I am coming to realize that if you give someone the benefit of the doubt, they just might surprise you.

xoxo-

<3 Parker S.

Image Architect, Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds and Me

Blog Fab Fashionitas, Lil' Scrappy, Momma Dee & Neffe


14 comments:

  1. I'm a REALITY TV Junkie... LOL!!!! It's my guilty pleasure! :))

    It was great hanging out with my BFF's!!!! Fun time as always...

    Xoxo
    Lynn

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    1. :) Great seeing you too, Lynn!! Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. I know you ladies enjoyed yourselves. Parker, I also passed judgement on the show based totally on what I saw, and after a reality check, I also realized that reality tv only shows the part of reality that increases its ratings and makes money. I finally watched the reunion show last night and I can honestly say, I was kind of disappointed, because even then the ladies acted nothing like ladies. The bickering and attempts to fight were disappointing. I think I was expecting the ladies to make it clear that the show only showed them at their worse, but naaah. And despite of my opinion, the season was entertaining for sure. I didn't tune in every Monday, but I had it set for record on my dvr. And yep, I'm waiting for season 2, lol. #BFF

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    1. We missed you last night, Portia. And yes, I also found parts of the reunion show to be disappointing, but we are all human. I have acted in ways that have even surprised myself, so I can not stand in judgement of someone else. Thanks for leaving your thoughts! :)

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  3. Hey Parker! First a bit of encouragement: You are doing exactly what you were born to do. Your perspective is relevant, insightful and introspective. Your concise thoughts are delivered with vivid depiction. With all that being said, I am glad that you gave us the real on reality/unreality tv. If we all thought about it, we could fit any role, stereotype or generalization over a course time that is edited into 11 minute segments. I found myself in the judgmental mode as well but with your perspective I can see more clearly that there is another side to each person.

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    1. :) Thanks Adbake! I really appreciate your encouragement and continued support. I'm glad my humble perspective was able to encourage you to see the show and it's cast in a different light. Like I said, if you give someone the benefit of the doubt, the just might surprise you.

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  4. Having never watched the show or any other reality tv for that simply fact of... I guess being judge mental. The commercials about the shows never pulled me in but you can't knock it til you've tried it....I guess. Glad you got to experience them without a camera in tow and could see their other side.

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    1. :) Thanks for leaving your feedback, Just Write. I am also glad I got to experience some of the cast members in a more organic element.

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  5. Parker I agree on what you said!! Who are we to judge right!!! All in all I had a great time with the BFF's!!! Thank you for posting and thank you for all your help!!!

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    1. Nikka, Thank you so much for the opportunity to be in the BFF group. Since meeting you, you have opened so many doors, like this one and I am truly grateful for all of you support and kind words. I will forever be indebted to you for all that you have done for me.

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  6. I love your perspective, Parker! Great job!

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    1. Thanks Kiva! I really appreciate your positive feedback. :)

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  7. Great recap. Sorry I missed you all!

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    1. Thanks Dea!!! I hate we missed you, too. You are a busy woman, always on the grind, so we understand! See you soon! :)

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