Before we begin, let me tell you what the show is about for those that did not get to see it. Mary Jane Paul is a high level professional journalist that is the host of the popular CNN- like show called SNC. On the surface, she seems to have it all. But her personal life is a horrid train wreck. She is a rampant whore and seems to pick the right men for her damaged personality. This woman has slept with a married man. Confronted the wife (further touring this woman who already knows her husband is an adulterer) tried to get pregnant from another man(if you didn't see the show, I do not want to go into detail on what desperate measures she took, its horrible) meanwhile screwing another man who periodically comes into town. She has more mileage on that kitty than a train. Her co worker, a producer on the show named Kara is supposed to be a friend. But whoever the writers are, they make Kara appear level headed and more focused than Mary Jane. We are already in season 3 and Kara (as they always do in black shows) is taking a great deal of the storyline. They are making it about the levelheaded Latina. But back to Jane.
Jane is a mean and spiteful person. When things were not going her way she killed a goldfish. Yes on the other hand. She takes care of her stereotypical sister. But she puts she throws it in her face, although you loathe her too so you cannot feel bad when Jane rips into her. Jane also unleashes mean tirades against her friend causing her friend to enact an unreversable fate. (drama!) on the surface she is well spoken an polished. The kind of woman that you would look at and think she has herself together. But her life is completely insane and unrealistic. I really cannot believe that people live this way. I do know that this is a show but my god. She makes you loathe her if you have any self respect. There are alot of great moments in the show where complex topics of black women are discussed, yet at the same time add to the subliminal misery of this show. Colorism, black woman's beauty and place in the world. However this entire show, (as well as many others I will highlight) is an conspiracy to malign and degrade black women.
If anyone is to see a black woman that looks like Mary Jane on the surface. They are more apt to associate her with this image. "chick may look like she has it together, but I bet she is a drunken whore like Mary Jane" you see, no one cares about the shaniquas and sha nay nay's they are not a threat to society, but the Mary Jane's are. They are beautiful, talented, and smart. So what better opportunity than to destroy any iota that this type of woman is not only beautiful, smart and talented,but desirable? Now we cannot even hold on to being professional. we are inauthentic, drunkard, whores and side chicks that are desperate for love and affection at any cost. That is a dangerous message to send. And its being sent by shows like Being Mary Jane, Scandal and How to get away with murder.
Now I'm not saying to turn off your television and stop watching these shows. If you find them entertaining enjoy. But keep your eyes opened to the images and attack to the professional black woman. they are threatened and will use any resource to discredit us.
I haven't watched Being Mary Jane before. I usually don't watch shows like that however I have read similar criticisms about shows like Being Mary Jane and Scandal promoting Black women as sidekicks and Mammies. Needless to say, I am not shocked because the media would do anything to destroy our image and present us in a undesirable light.
ReplyDeleteIt is time more Black women create and own their own outlets that showcast Black women as three dimensional human beings who have feelings and deserve live and comfort.