The Media Elitist Speaks: The Pepsi Commercial Controversy

For many, the Superbowl is about the final match up between the two best teams in the NFL.  I am not one of those people. For me, it's all about the commercials.  After all, the commercial are a major part of the game.  Advertisers spend exorbitant amounts of money on their spots and they're hoping that their ad will be unique enough to capture shopping dollars from viewers.  With all of that on the line, it's a battle to see the biggest, funniest, flashiest, and most outrageous commercials.

Sunday night's Superbowl was no different--the commercials were full of gimmicks and celebrity endorsements.  One commercial, however, has generated a lot talk that I'm sure the ad executives didn't anticipate.  If you somehow miss the cries of outrage from African American women everywhere, here is the ad in question:

I won't lie to you all, I didn't see anything wrong with this Pepsi ad the first time I watched it.  The beginning sort of confused me but when the couple ran after hitting the white woman with the can? I laughed. I watched it again Monday morning and still didn't feel much.  I wasn't outraged and I didn't feel like suddenly running out for a Pepsi.  I just chalked it up to a Three Stooges style of comedy and moved on.

Apparently my first reaction fell into the minority.  I soon realized that many people were offended. Offended? But why? I asked myself (and a friend I knew wouldn't judge me) these questions and soon learned the answer. Angry black woman stereotypes + physical abuse + white woman lust=indignation and frustration.  So I thought about it and watched the commercial again.  I recognized all the elements.  Far too often, African American women are portrayed as sassy and snappy in the media.  Must we get hit with this notion over and over and over again?!? Is there any doubt that the commercial would have been equally effective if the woman gave her man a "no you don't" look and replaced his junk food with a healthier option? Couldn't a mischievous look from her, play off of a bewildered one from him and still lead to comedy gold? Wouldn't a different twist be the man catching his woman drinking something unhealthy and mimic her behavior by switching it with a Pepsi Max? If the scowls, kicks, and googly eyes at another woman were gone completely, would the commercial simply fall apart? We may never know.

I have another confession--while I see and understand the issues, I am still not outraged.  I feel sort of bad that I'm not bonding with sisters over this issue but it hasn't really hit me in that same way. However, I completely agree that the media desperately needs to diversify the way African American are depicted. We're constantly shoved into a box that will never bring to light all that we are.  It may be easy to brush it off by saying, It's just a commercial or It's TV-It's meant to entertain but for those with no real insight to who we are, it becomes an assumed reality. And that's something I just can't brush off with ease.

This was the (relatively) easy part: identifying and discussing the problem. Now for the tough part: finding solutions.  How can we start to see changes in the way we are depicted? My theory? We need to start grooming our young people to not only work in media, but also to seek out higher level positions(I know, I know--I have such big dreams).  Perhaps large scale letter writing campaigns to major ad companies would become a persistent enough voice to get heard (in time).I also hope that students studying media in school(whether it's PR/Advertising, radio production, or television/film) are learning that techniques that can lead to success in their field and ways to execute them without compromising our public perception.  These ideas may not be feasible right now, but the reality is that we need to find some way to inspire change unless we want to have these same discussions 50 years from now.


 So Dear Readers, it's time to get your feedback: What are your thoughts on this Pepsi commercial?  Has your opinion changed in any manner? Do you have any idea on how we can diversity our public image?

I'd love to hear from you!

Tyler Perry Slated to Star in NONTyler Perry Studios Production

I was browsing through my timeline on Twitter Tuesday morning when I saw Tyler Perry’s name appear in a few tweets.  Assuming it was something funny, I read a little closer.  Phrases like, “Tyler Perry as a leading man” and “Idris Elba should not lose roles to Tyler Perry” jumped out at me.  I didn’t know the full story but I knew it couldn't be good.

                So like the glutton for punishment I am, I did a quick Google search for Mr. Perry. My search brought up one article and the headline jumped out at me: “Tyler Perry to play Alex Cross” Okay, this was bad and getting much worse. I read on: Tyler Perry has signed on to play the role of Alex Cross -- the crime-solving D.C. detective in James Patterson's seemingly never-ending series of popular novels -- in a new movie called "I, Alex Cross." The article later made a passing reference to Idris Elba who was originally slated to take on the title role.

I admit that I've never read a James Patterson novel. I didn't even see the first Alex Cross film that starred Morgan Freeman. I don't think it's that relevant. Here is the main issue at hand: Tyler Perry is set to star in a movie that he didn't write, direct, or produce(for now—who knows if that'll change). He is set to star in a movie that takes him outside of Madea's orthopedic shoes and gray wig. Perry is set to star in a movie that will require real acting. Real acting...from Tyler Perry!! Much like Spike Lee, Tyler Perry has a tendency to cast himself in just about every film he released. This is unfortunate because, well, Perry's acting leaves a lot to be desired. His performances rely on lots of grinning and laughing. That is not exactly the foundation of an effective actor.

I don't mean to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but something about this whole situation seems suspicious. Idris Elba is highly regarded in the acting community as a outstanding performer. So how did he end up losing a role to Tyler Perry?! Did someone look at the two and honestly think, “Never mind Elba's impressive resume. Tyler Perry is our man!” I'm sorry. I can't believe that. I refuse to believe that. What I do believe is that Perry's bank account coupled with his clout are powerful resources in Hollywood. And I will leave it at that.

Needless to say, if this movie does come out I probably will not see it. I'm trying to imagine Perry playing a detective and I'm drawing a blank. That can't be a good sign. But like I said, I'm a glutton for punishment. I'll read all the reviews and, if I can suspend my disbelief, maybe I'll spend a dollar to rent it from Redbox. Maybe.

Dearest readers, what are your thoughts about Mr. Perry getting more involved in the world of acting?

Would you consider seeing this movie?

Am I being too hard on him/too cynical?

I'd love to hear from you!

* Source

The Media Elitist Recommends....ANACOSTIA:The Series(Sex, Betrayal, Kidnapping, and a Dog Named Pussy)

Photo By: The Media Elitist

This blog is entitled I Am...The Media Elitist because I love all forms of mass media. Whether it is television, radio, movies, or internet, I love diving into them and seeking out the educational or entertainment value. I also have a tendency to be quite critical and set the bar high in terms of quality. Every now and then, something comes across my radar that is so outstanding that I fall in love. When I find a new blog that I enjoy, I will go back and read the archives. I will eagerly anticipate sequels of movies I love. Basically, once I become a fan, I'm a fan for a long time.

Currently, I am intrigued by the web series ANACOSTIA. Created by native Washingtonian Anthony Anderson, ANACOSTIA is quite possibly the juiciest series you may ever watch. Seriously. This show has everything. There is a “who done it” murder mystery, kidnapping, resurrections from the “dead,” infidelity, romance, betrayal, alcohol abuse, a pimp, and a dog named Pussy. The fact that ANACOSTIA is shot on location in the Washington, DC area(with a great deal of it taking place in the namesake neighborhood in Southeast DC) and includes a majority African American cast makes the experience even more enjoyable.

ANACOSTIA truly is an experience because it goes far beyond just watching an episode and going on with my day. Here is how things usually go: I see a message on ANACOSTIA's Facebook fan page or Twitter page announcing that a new episode is available for viewing. Then I rush to the Vimeo page to watch it. Usually, I am pausing several times throughout to gasp/laugh aloud and many times I have to rewind to make sure I didn't miss anything. On average, the episode are about 15 minutes so you have to pay close attention so you don't miss any key plot points. Now, the best part of the experience is interacting with other fans via Twitter. Many of us tweet while we watch the show, expressing shock at character antics and theorizing on what is to come. Sometimes another fan notices something I missed or has a feel about the motives of a character that differs from own. So much occurs in the episodes and part of the beauty of ANACOSTIA is that you're always left with tons of questions and wanting more(I'm convinced that Anthony Anderson is the king of cliffhangers). I'm sure that our tweets about the show are extremely confusing to anyone who doesn't watch. That is why I'm always pleased to educate anyone who messages me asking, “What in the world is this ANACOSTIA that you keep talking about?!”

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the ANACOSTIA brunch and award nomination celebration. Held at Twelve Restaurant & Lounge, the event was sponsored by Mr. Briggs Management, LLC (Interesting note, I went to high school with the founder of Mr. Briggs Management. Go SWW!). It was a laid-back scene with mimosas flowing and delicious food being served. Attendees watched select episodes from season 2 and then engaged in a Q&A session with the cast. It was inspiring to learn that one reason why Anthony Anderson created the show was to fill the void of limited job opportunities for actors in DC. Because he saw an issue and was proactive enough to work towards fixing it, many actors in our area are able to further pursue their craft. Phenomenal!

I can wax nostalgic about how much I love ANACOSTIA(which I really do) but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the outstanding cast. You can see growth from week to week, as the actors push their characters just a bit further. The on-screen chemistry—whether it is between friends, lovers, or enemies—has an intense level realism. My final note about the cast of the cast of ANACOSTIA is this: They are truly genuine people. Instead of witnessing a lot of overly inflated egos, I saw a group of people who really get along. I watched the way they interacted with each other—they danced and joked around with the comfort of lifelong friends. They were also extremely appreciative of all the fans for their support.

Dearest readers, The Media Elitist highly recommends watching ANACOSTIA. The show is not only entertaining, but it also tackles very real issue with a lot of heart. Catch up on previous episodes here and be sure to tune into the Season 2 finale this Friday!

30 Day Letter Writing Challenge

I have a confession: Starting and keeping up with this blog is very difficult for me.  While I love to write, I often question my abilities.  This is especially true when I know someone else is going to read my work.  Wondering if they'll enjoy it or understand it makes me obsess over every paragraph, sentence, and word. It's actually quite annoying.

So, despite my initial apprehension, I've decided to take on the 30 Day Letter Writing Challenge to challenge myself and what I think I am capable of accomplishing.  I'm taking on the challenge because the writer in me is hiding and I need to let her know that it's time step out proudly into the world!

Below are the details for the challenge. Try it yourself--you don't have to send them or share them.  Just write them and see where the process leads you.  And, of course, check back here for some of my letters that will be posted. Dearest readers, you are also my witnesses--I will start and complete this challenge! *nods firmly and puts foot down*

The 30 Day Letter Challenge
WRITE A LETTER TO THESE PEOPLE :
Day 1 — Your Best Friend
Day 2 — Your Crush
Day 3 — Your parents
Day 4 — Your sibling (or closest relative)
Day 5 — Your dreams
Day 6 — A stranger
Day 7 — Your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush
Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend
Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet
Day 10 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to
Day 11 — A Deceased person you wish you could talk to
Day 12 — The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain
Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you
Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from
Day 15 — The person you miss the most
Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state/country
Day 17 — Someone from your childhood
Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be
Day 19 — Someone that pesters your mind—good or bad
Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest
Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression
Day 22 — Someone you want to give a second chance to
Day 23 — The last person you kissed
Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory
Day 25 — The person you know that is going through the worst of times
Day 26 — The last person you made a pinky promise to
Day 27 — The friendliest person you knew for only one day
Day 28 — Someone that changed your life
Day 29 — The person that you want tell everything to, but too afraid to
Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror

How to Ctrl+Alt+Delete Yourself Right Out of A Marriage

      When we think of the sanctity of marriage, we often think of trading in “me, myself, and I” ways of being for an inclusive “us/we.” We think of joining into a union with someone we love and respect. Somewhere along the line Michigan couple Clara Walker and her husband Leon lost this in their own marriage. While the accounts that the now-divorced couple gave to ABC Nightline reporter Bill Weir differed, the one thing they agree on is that their relationship was rocky from the very beginning. 

      The couple met and fell in love in the workplace. After welcoming a daughter into the world, they decided to give the family life a try and get married. Early on communication proved an issue and many of their conversations took place via email. During a time when the two were essentially living as roommates, Clara reopened communication with her second husband(who she filed a report against during their marriage for physically assaulting her in front of her son) and allegedly began an affair with him.

      Now this is where things get dicey. On the Nightline report, Clara says that when this took place, her relationship with Leon was at a low point(she did not, however, say they were separated or making strides towards dissolving their marriage). When Leon became aware that his wife was communicating with her ex-husband, he went through her email to gather more information. His reasoning was that because of their violent history, the safety of a child was on the line.

      As a result of his actions, Leon Walker faces a possible sentence of 5 years in prison for reading his wife's email. Prosecutors are citing a Michigan statute that is usually applied to cases of identity fraud and trade secret theft. There is argument as to whether or not Clara left her email passwords in a public place, or if Leon was able to guess them. Either way, Clara Walker's legal team are likening Leon's actions to that of a hacker.

      Now that the facts are on the table, can I be completely honest with you? I have a few issues with this whole situation. First of all, a married person seeking legal representation because their spouse read their email on a computer in their shared household seems a bit extreme. Yes, privacy is just as an important to a married person as it is to a single person. But it seems like the action of a guilty person. If you have nothing to hide and your behavior is on the up&up, why should it matter that your emails are read? Secondly, I just don't trust Clara Walker. There, I said it. I watched her interviews on Nightline really closely. Her tears seemed...forced. Like the kind a child squeezes out in an attempt to not get in trouble. Considering that all this greatly impacts her children(specifically her daughter with Leon), it would have been nice to understand just why she felt so violated. What exactly made her want to try this out in the legal system? Nothing she said seemed to get to the heart of the matter. Finally, the potential punishment does not fit the crime. 5 years in prison?? Calling the man a hacker? I know I don't know much about law but that seems outlandish.

      I was still feeling indignant over this story the day after watching the special. Then one of my married friends said something that made me go hmmm....

“Internet snooping is wack, even between spouses. Get your self-esteem up. You look for something, you find it.”

     Well tell us how you really feel!!! ;-) That made perfectly good sense to me(although I still don't trust Clara Walker) and made me wonder: Did Leon Walker ever try talking to his wife before going through her email? Did Clara try talking to Leon before seeing a lawyer? Were their actions fueled by their crumbling marriage and a desire to end things?

Dearest readers, what are your thoughts on this case? 

For those of you who are married(or close to it) is internet spying a deal breaker between you and your significant other?

Would you/have you ever gone through a significant others email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.?

Do you think this case needs to be tried out in court?

Have you seen interviews with the Walker's? What was your impression of them?

I'd love to hear from you!

Crazy About Committed

My name is The Media Elitist and I am addicted to watching clips of Committed(from NBC's The Sing Off) perform. *Crowd says, “Hi Media Elitist!”* Are you confused yet? Have no idea what I'm talking about? Okay, let me back up a bit. On NBC's series The Sing Off, a capella groups compete against one another for a cash prize and recording contract. The groups come from all around the world and have diverse musical styles. An undeniable talent is the tie that binds all competitors.

On the December 6^th Season 2 premiere of The Sing Off, viewers were introduced to the 10 teams competing for their chance in the spotlight. Among them included a high school team, a jazzy group of teachers,and a legendary musical group from Yale University. For me, the breakout team was a group called Committed from Huntsville, Alabama. At first glance, they didn't seem super interesting—a 6 member group that got their start in church singing gospel music and selected their name because they're committed to God and one another. Um, yawn. With an introduction like that, I wasn't confident that these guys would be particularly entertaining. Then they stepped on stage to sing Maroon 5's This Love and all doubt was erased from my mind.

Now, I don't know much about music so I won't use a lot of technical terms. To put things simply and honestly, the men of Committed can sang! No, not sing. Sing isn't powerful enough to describe the magic this group can create with their voices. During their debut performance, Committed dazzled the audience with a vibrant show of vocal genius.  Throughout the show they've proven that together, they blend and harmonize so smoothly that you're left in awe. As solo performers, each member can truly hold their own and has their specific contributions to the overall sound. Seeing how they shared the soloist responsibility from week to week was always a treat.  It is important to note that being an a capella group doesn't just mean that they sing without music. It also means that they create their own instruments using their voices. Seeing them recreate string instruments for Apologize one week and then switch styles and duplicate the synthesized instruments that drives Usher's music conveys how challenging it is to sing and maintain the instrumentation.

I love Committed because I think they are immensely talented. They've proven that they can go from soulful R&B to boy band pop with ease. Committed maintains their unique style through each performance and I think it's important that they continue that trend. It was their faith in God and dedication to one another that got them on the show in the first place. Hopefully, it will also take them to the very end of the competition. The finale of The Sing Off airs tonight at 8/7c on NBC. I know I'll be glued to my sofa watching every moment—won't you join me?

Talk to me readers: Have you ever watched The Sing Off? If so, what do you think of the competition? If not, what music oriented reality shows do you enjoy? Never heard of Committed? Check them out:

Top 10 Sexiest R&B Videos (Keri Hilson--Take Notes)

By now I’m sure that everyone has seen Keri Hilson’s video for her new single The Way You Love Me, heard about all the drama surrounding it, it or both. In case you’ve somehow managed to avoid this issue all together (perhaps you were out of the country? Or maybe living in a cave?), here is my summary of the song and video:

Song: In short, Keri is telling her man exactly how she wants him to lay in down in the bedroom while applauding her own sexual prowess.

Sample Lyrics: “Love me, love me—it’s the way you love me…touch me, touch me—it’s the way you touch me…f*ck me, f*ck me—it’s the way you f*ck me” & “ So good I make ya think my bed is my work place…you can’t overwork me, baby don’t hurt me”

Video Plot: Keri and her all girl gang are setting her man up for something that is never really explained. Faith Evans, Jojo, and Dawn (of Making the Band/Diddy Dirty Money fame) make cameo appearances. More importantly than the “plot” is the “dancing.” I use the term dancing loosely as it really just boils down to Hilson gyrating about wildly wearing what amounts to a bra and panties. There is a lot of pelvic rolling, p-poppin’(not on a handstand though), and one confusing part where she licks a vault door.

In hindsight, I wondered just why Keri was able to cause such uproar. Personally, I disliked it for 2 main reasons. 1) It was just poorly executed. Cringe-worthy acting? Got that. Uninspired lyrics? Check. Cliché video elements? Yup. Less than stellar singing? Of course. I just feel that if you’re going to do the very most in life, at least do it well. 2) I found the lyrics unnecessarily crude. Say what you will, but I don’t find it sexy or empowering to repeatedly yell about getting f*cked. Personal feelings aside, I think it is safe to say that Keri Hilson didn’t exactly reinvent the wheel with her latest release.

There is a long standing tradition of women in R&B/hip-hop taking their sexuality in their own hands and expressing their wants and desires through music. But for whatever reason, they didn’t insult my sensibilities the way Keri did. Contemplating what made their songs/videos more intriguing or cutting edge, I decided to compile a list of women who did the sex/sexy thing in their music and did a much better job than Miss Keri Baby.

 

10) “Rock the Boat” Aaliyah: 

Why It’s Better Than Keri’s: First of all, it’s Aaliyah—she’s in a league of her own. Secondly, I’m sure we all knew what she meant when she sang about “rock the boat” and “change positions” but her angelic purring added an air of subtlety that music today lacks. Thirdly, she always had the hottest dance routines in her videos and everyone wanted to learn them. I’m sure people out there still remember the Rock the Boat routine and it’s 9 years later. I doubt The Way You Love Me will be relevant 9 months later. 

9) “Video Phone” Beyonce: 

Why It’s Better Than Keri’s: Beyonce rarely broaches sex topics in her music, so for her to openly sing about getting videotaped during her sexual escapades was mildly shocking. This sassier side worked in her favor and translated over to the video where we got gum smacking, gun wielding Beyonce. The video had tons of fun visuals including men with cameras for heads, shoutouts to pinup girls of the 50’s, and a dance-off between her and Lady Gaga. Anything that has Beyonce and Lady Gaga going toe to toe has to be made of win, right? 

8) “My Love is Like…Woa” Mya:

Why It’s Better Than Keri’s: I won’t lie—this song and video are one of my personal faves. I love the confident nature of the lyrics—there is just something empowering about declaring your love, kiss, touch, ass, and body to be “like woa.” Mya’s various costume changes prove that you can be just as sexy in shorts and sneakers and you can be wearing a dress and heels. Keying in on Mya’s strong dance background also makes this video great—the tap number stands out as a highlight. 

7) “Comeback” Kelly Rowland:

Why It’s Better Than Keri’s: In perhaps the sexiest track we’ve heard from Kelly, she’s telling the guys that her “comeback” has a lifetime warranty guaranteeing that they’ll never leave. She wins with that line alone because it sounds a heck of a lot better than Keri’s declaration of having the kind of p*ssy that will keep guys out the streets. The video is beautiful to watch—the way it was filmed gives a glamorous feel and Kelly looks especially gorgeous thanks to fabulous styling. 

6) “Good Good”

Why It’s Better Than Keri’s: Oh Ashanti. She’s not particularly impressive at singing or dancing but she always manages to release a catchy song. Good Good is just that. It’s one of those songs that you find yourself humming to yourself after a few listens. It’s also another song that exudes confidence that a woman is well equipped to keep her man at home. The video is campy with super bright coloring, over-the-top styling, and some of the lyrics splashed across the screen. And let’s not forget Ashanti doing household chores in tight clothes and high heels. Somehow this all works together and is entertaining(and perhaps a guilty pleasure for some).

5) “Dip it Low” Christina Milian:

Why It’s Better Than Keri’s: It’s late at night/He’s coming home/Meet him at the door with nothing on/Take him by the hand, let him know it’s on. Christina Milian certainly gets points for being direct. Like Good God, Dip It Low is catchy and the Asian inspiration in the music makes it a bit unique. In the video, she gives viewers a lot at certain points, but manages to pull back before it goes too far. She suggestively shows off in a bra and panties, but still wears a silky robe over it. She dances around in what appears to be a black leather bathing suit and rolls around in black oil—yet somehow it doesn’t seem too scandalous.

4) “Milkshake” Kelis:

Why It's Better Than Keri's: I love that of all the things Kelis could use as a metaphor to describe what makes women special, she chose a milkshake. She takes the milkshake theme literally in her video (which is set in a diner), as she sips on one in a seductive manner with various milkshakes overflowing in the background. That visual could take the video in a completely different direction(if you catch my drift) but you have Nas as a cook, sexy waitresses prancing about, and Kelis’ flirtatious dancing to focus on instead. 

3) “Rude Boy” Rihanna:

Why It's Better Than Keri's: With Rude Boy, Rihanna flips the traditional script and questions whether the guy can meet her needs and is granting him permission to be with her. Love it! The video is a technicolor dream with Rihanna gyrating all over the place, seducing all the guys, and riding animals typically found on an African safari. Rihanna looks fabulous throughout the video and the red, yellow, and green skirt she wears is to die for.

2) “Oops (Oh My)” Tweet:

Why It's Better Than Keri's: This song ranks high on the list because it is wildly believed that she is singing about female masturbation. It’s not a topic you hear often in R&B so it certainly earned a ‘wow’ factor when it was released. With lyrics like, Oops there goes my skirt droppin’ to my feet/Ooh some kinda touch caressing my legs, the video could be very racy. Instead, a more simple approach was taken—Tweet and her background dancers melting down an ice castle with their steamy dancing. This song and video are great examples of music having sensuality without being trashy. 

1) “Ride” Ciara: 

Why It's Better Than Keri's: Okay. I know this selection may raise some eyebrows. Before we all lashed out at Keri, this video garnered a lot of discussion and the reviews were mixed. Personally, I didn’t like it at first. I felt she left nothing to imagination and I really couldn’t see beyond that. Now I’ve had time to consider it and here is why I think Ciara actually scores with this song: She’s boastful, but in a brutally honest way. How many of us would blatantly say that our mate likes the way we sex them? Seriously—would you make this declaration? Additionally, the video is largely danced based and we all know that dancing is her strong suite. Would her dance routine fit in at strip club? Probably so, but so many women admired the routine and even more wanted to learn it. Forceful and in-your-face sexuality can be uncomfortable at times but being comfortable in your skin is more important than that. With Ride, Ciara took the topic of sex and her sexuality and put it on the table—in an upfront and unapologetic manner.

So now I'd love for my readers to weigh in on the topic. What are your thoughts about Keri's song/ video? Did you find it sexy--yes or no? Why do you have that stance?

Do you think I have a pretty good representation on this list? What songs would you add or take away from it?

Should it matter how explicit artists get in their music? Are concepts of "going too far" only applied to women in music?