I totally agree with her comments, it is about time the real Atlantans voice their contempt for being portrayed as hootchies and thugs , we’re about much more than that.

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“If you’d like to make a reality show about prominent housewives, I’d suggest doing a retrospective on the wife of Alonzo Herndon”

Huh??? Hard to make a reality show about someone who is no longer with us… Yes, in “reality”, he’s dead and has been so since 1927.

That being said, I have lived in the A-T-L ALL my life and the portrail of Atlantians, especially within the black and hispanic commuities is pretty accurate. It is a Hip Hop town for all its good and bad. Atlanta celebrates it blackness and African Americans are pretty in your face about it.

Oh and those strip clubs… They are everywhere… Skank and upscale alike!

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Man, the truth hurts doesn’t it Proud Atlantan. You can’t have it both ways……..

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Excellent article. The Atlanta-based reality shows are a disgrace to ALL Atlantans. People, stop watching that crap and they will go away!

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Yeah, and if they had reality shows in the 50s and 60s, the world would have seen the racist, redneck side of Atlanta. Nice, law-abiding citizens of ANY color make for boring TV.

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As a native Atlantan and a WHITE MAN, I say GO SISTER GO!. Her essay hit the nail on the head. We should all be ashamed of the RHWOA show and the way it portrays our city. They could not have found six or seven more trashy people (including Kim) to represent our city…..If she wants to march on the network, send me the info and show me where to sign up. Way to go Kelly….good for you!

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I agree. Where are the smart, educated, decent acting, well-rounded black people portrayed on TV?

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I agree with the feelings of this lady. The problem is that TV would not want to provide the examples of black success by the people she mentioned. It would not be watched. Reality TV is about the absurd behavior of the people on the show. They want to paint the people and the town they live in as the worst of the worst. She is in line with Bill Cosby about what is going on in black America. Just in a different way. Go Girl.

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If it weren’t for her racial slant on her comments, I would agree. I’m white and this issue goes beyond color. It’s more than just portraying Atlantans or even blacks in a bad light. Far more. We as a society should be shunning the vast majority of the idiots and losers on reality TV and I don’t care if they’re black, white, red, yellow, plaid, striped or polka-dotted. Color doesn’t have squat to do with it. If we WERE a decent society, these shows wouldn’t get any viewership. The fact that they do is a reflection on our society’s current values…..which are basically none. If we began shunning these freakin’ morons instead of making them millionares (such as with the TOTAL LOSERS on ‘Jersey Shore’ and the like), these shows would stop being made. You can thank the millions of people that watch them for the further decline of our society. Personally, I say ‘boooooo’ to Kelly for only giving a crap because of race.

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I’ve never seen “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” but have seen snippets of Bravo’s (what a name for that network that used to present quite a bit of cultural programming) apparently similar trashfests like Orange County and New Jersey and there’s no way the black women on the Atlanta show are any trashier than the white women on those other shows. I don’t know why anybody from Atlanta would take it personally, there are trashy people everywhere.

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i knew someone would have something really stupid to say on this subject. and im talking about you asd.

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I am also a white man from Atlanta, I travel a lot and sometimes very reluctant and yes even ashamed to say I am from Atlanta. It was not always this way. I am proud of so many of our citizens of all races and their accomplishments. We have a lot to be proud of. To portray Atlanta the way these programs do is doing a major dis-service to our lovely city and state. Those who make these programs, thouse who watch and support them should be ashamed and speak out. .. sad thing is they are not and they just don’t get it.

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By the way, if we’re going to progress past racial stereotyping maybe we can agree with an educated, articulate black woman with something other than “You go girl! and “GO SISTER GO!”

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I love watching another black reality show based in Atlanta. Its called “Bait Car”.

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Native Atlantan, don’t you have a Klan meeting you need to get to?

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As an Atlantan-in-exile, I’m glad to see someone finally standing up for the decent citizens of our city. This is long overdue. Someone said Atlanta has trashy people and these reality shows are the tip of the iceberg. Go to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington or any city in New Jersey, and you’ll see trashy people. Atlanta should be the creme de la creme as far as the urban south is concerned.

Not totally related, but still, I’ve also noticed that in other cities which are larger, more advanced and more progressive than Atlanta, the media and the citizens refer to the city as “our city” and not “the city”. The residents of Atlanta need to take ownership of our city and support our city and do things to better our city. Too bad we can’t extricate our city from the cesspool known as Georgia, though.

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While i believe that white “culture” is clearly superior to black culture, i am not a racist. In fact my girlfriend is a beautiful African American who has given up on black men because shes tired of being beat and controlled. In fact shes the 4th black girl ive known who refuses to date black men. I guess the real question here is, why are the more intelligent black women giving up on black men? And i damn sure believe in white pride. Just like Jessy Jackson believes in black pride.

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be serious, who would watch a show without any drama? Unfortunately America thrives on other people acting a fool. Reality shows that don’t have any drama won’t be on the air long.

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When someone expresses a negative statement about black people, like “Native Atlantan”, it doesn’t mean it is true. But there is usually some truth there, or it wouldn’t continue to be seen as a stereotype.. And everyone that says such things is not a Klan member or a bigot. But I agree with what Ms Beaty says. Some disgustingly bad behavior on these shows which enforces negative stereotypes.

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[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

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I can’t help but wonder how an organization called “White Women for White Girls” would be received? I doubt it would be as readily accepted as “Black Women for Black Girls”. It’s called a DOUBLE STANDARD folks.
Grobbbbbbbbbbbbbbb

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DP, massa has always had his concubines

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Back in the day, I remember in a twenty day period when former Mayor Jackson’s son “Buzzy” was arrested for woman beating… Then former mayor Young’s son “Bo”was arrested in a car with a gun… Then former police commissioner Napper’s son was arrested for robbery and stolen credit cards in his possession.

And they be worried about some fake TV shows?

The ATL is what it be!

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Reality TV Producers can find minstrels to act any way they want. Jersey Shore shows lowest common denominator Italian descendents. Shahs of Sunset finds the worst Persians. MTV is developing a show now in West Virgina to exploit their stereotypes and there’s a line of white people willing to do whatever the producers want just to be on TV.

Most intelligent people know that these are all gross stereotypes. The only way to make it go away is to stop watching.

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It appears that people who really care about Atlanta, actually grew up in Atlanta…it’s not hard to figure out…If you do not remember Jelly-Bean skating rink or the era of Mr. V’s Figure 8 Night club, and the THRIVING of Greenbrier Mall circa 285 east…you AINT (Country Ebonics deliberately inserted) from Atlanta. You may have moved to Atlanta, but you are not from Atlanta if your memory is jaded by pole-swinging, gun-toting, and the proliferation of the “negative side of Hip Hop.” The Maynard Jackson era is so profoundly etched into my brain, I did not think anywhere existed outside my peach state that could be more lovely and exciting. Atlanta was more than a black mecca – I knew nothing of the economical benefits as a child. Atlanta, as I muse in retrospect was a place where black people were connected, we got it. Southern, but not country, educated but not “boogie.” Religious but not extreme…oh yeah, and we had the racial situation “in check.” Through the 80’s our lives were turned upside down in lieu of the missing and murdered children’s serial killings and the Chattahoochee river became our worst winding nightmare. We rebounded with the Olympics, but it was a Pyrrhic victory apparently when all the riff-raff came to town, and like the circus never returned to “from whence they came.” The illegal immigrant mentality form other “hoods” that migrated into Atlanta is the cause, I believe of the paradigm shift from sweet and peachy to tasteless and artificial. I can tell, you are not home-grown because uncouth was not a part of the fertilizer. You are cheap hybrids, masquerading as the real thing and unfortunately TV execs benefit from the folly and fodder that is portrayed.

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Native Atlantan,

So you know 4 black women. And these 4 black women represent what all black women think.

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but Atlanta IS full of tattooed , hip hop thugs and booty hoes. just go downtown at night and see the gangs that roam around. go to any of the dance clubs or strips clubs and they ARE full of wannabee rappers just looking for a fight and hoes looking to hook up the a rich “baby daddy”

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If given the chance and the proper paycheck, all those complaining would air their dirty laundry and even perhaps ramp it up a bit to be on “reality” television. The truth of the matter is, though, that once the cameras are off, those people go to their families and take care of business.

Pretentiousness is a big part of the culture here in Atlanta. Those who are able to top the pretentiousness of others just happen to have more eyes on them. Eventually, we will start seeing Middle Easterners, Native Americans, Asians, etc…having their own reality shows…

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It appears that people who really care about Atlanta, actually grew up in Atlanta…it’s not hard to figure out. If you do not remember Jelly-Bean skating rink circa 285 east or the era of Mr. V’s Figure 8 Night club, and the THRIVING of Greenbrier Mall you AINT (Country Ebonics deliberately inserted) from Atlanta. You may have moved to Atlanta, but you are not from Atlanta if your memory is jaded by pole-swinging, gun-toting, and the proliferation of the “negative side of Hip Hop.” The Maynard Jackson era is so profoundly etched into my brain, I did not think anywhere existed outside my peach state that could be more lovely and exciting. Atlanta was more than a black Mecca – I knew nothing of the economical benefits as a child. Atlanta, as I muse in retrospect was a place where black people were connected, we got it. Southern, but not country, educated but not “boogie.” Religious but not extreme…oh yeah, and we had a unique racial balance that other cities still marvel at, and construct workshops around to contemplate duplication. Through the 80’s our lives were turned upside down in lieu of the missing and murdered children’s serial killings and the Chattahoochee River became our worst winding nightmare. We rebounded with the Olympics, but it was a Pyrrhic victory apparently when all the riff-raff came to town, and like the circus never returned to “from whence they came.” The illegal immigrant mentality from other “hoods” that migrated into Atlanta is the cause, I believe of the paradigm shift from sweet and peachy to tasteless and artificial. I can tell, you are not home-grown because uncouth was not a part of the fertilizer. You are cheap hybrids, masquerading as the real thing and unfortunately TV execs benefit from the folly and fodder that is portrayed.

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I agree with Ms. Beatty, and the way that Atlanta is portrayed on these Reality shows is a disgrace, but I also agree that ALL of the Reality shows show people on a whole in a negative/ bad light….even the Reality Cooking shows (Hell’s Kitchen, 80 Plates, etc.). It’s the nature of the beast and as long as we keep watching these shows….the beast will continue to get fat.

@ Native Atlantan: you don’t have a Black Girlfriend and she’s definitely not your 4th. And I know this, because I’m a Black Woman…and no Black Woman in her sane mind would resort to Modern Day Slavery, which is what your comment eludes to…hmmm the White Race is superior, all the Black Men do is beat their women, but you’re laying down with a Black Woman…so you’d have us to believe. BULLS*#@….your posts show your character which more so falls inline with that of a Grand Wizard and definitely not one of intellect, acceptance and tolerance, which are a few of the traits you’d have to possess to have a Black Girlfriend.

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Natasha has stated our case rather eloquently. Atlanta used to be being a “Grady baby”, skating at Jellybeans on Sunday nights and enjoying having a growing modern southern city that still had a small town feel.

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Maynard was gay

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It’s about time. I am so sick of the superficial nature of these shows. It appears that the only thing black people in Atlanta are good for is gossip, backstabbing, shopping, and fighting. It is ridiculous. What about issues around education, politics, children in parts of Africa that are starving, girls in parts of Africa and even in Atlanta that can’t afford tampons. There are too many issues that black Atlanta needs to concern itself with other than this shallow bickering back and forth about who has more bling or drives the better car. It is establishing an image for our young people that is very deceptive. It also continues to divide our race. We need to boycott these shows, and demand that blacks in Atlanta be portrayed in a more positive light, and appear more multi-dimensional than what is currently displayed on Housewives of Atlanta.

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While we’re at it lets consider how Hard Core Pawn portrays the good, but downtrodden, people of Detroit.

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These are not ‘reality’ shows. They are entertainment shows. The people of New Jersey, Orange County, Miami, DC, NYC could all have the same complaint. The ATL version is just the media extending equal opportunity to ATL. If people stopped watching, these shows wouldn’t exist. ALL Americans now have the equal opportunity of being turned into clowns for the sake of ratings. So, congrats as we’ve finally reached equality on at least one level.

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Young women uneducated with no work skills. Still live at home with mommy. Mommy always took care of everything. Upheld them when they were clearly wrong.. Let the boyfriend spend the night. Everyone smoke out stay up late. Sleep until 12 the next day and do it again. The 22 to 30 age group is lost. This fantasy world that they live in is fueled by videos and hoes

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If we would stop chasing the dollar at any cost then we could demand to be shown the way we see fit.

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I expected to read a lament about the reality show “Bait Cars,” which often, if not exclusively portrays the Atlanta Metro Police’s auto theft team and their cars. More than a reality show, it is an inconveniennt reality show because it doesn’t portray blacks in the area negatively, they do it to themselves, comprising almost 100% of the perpetrators.

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Enter your comments here

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I often read these post and laugh at them. Never comment just laugh but this one I had to because it is sad. I am an entertainment attorney in Atlanta and also an African American female. I represent cast member of a reality show. The first thing I think people need to understand is a lot of these shows are scripted to draw in viewers (and since people are still talking about it 2 days later it is safe to say that was a success). Secondly for people to think that all these people in any way make up the majority of Atlanta’s African Americans population clearly have not spent anytime in the city. Lastly anyone who believes that racism is not still very much so alive in the United States need only read the comments on here. It is absolutely amazing to me how the comments went from talking about how people are portraying themselves in a television shows to how one race is superior to the other, to why one person chooses to date outside their race to how ALL men of one particular race are abusive…….. the things people say.

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Well Legal Eagle, if you represent a client for one of these shows, you yourself are contributing to the stereotype the show is portraying. Yes we all know the show is scripted, its WHAT being descripted thats at issue. I surely do not need a law degree to conclude that. Obviously, you being such a fine upstanding professional can see how this is being relayed to young African American teen girls. And finally this show is broadcast globally, so its affecting every AA in every corner of America and beyond. Yes you are correct racism is alive and well and doing just fine, but as a responsible African American male and female we should not be feeding racist/stereotypical machine to keep it living. What they view on television is how they veiw all black women, and thats the problem with these shows, they are not just affecting folks in Atlanta its breeding a mindset for other races to conclude how black women behave.

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Gotta love the ones that try to sneak racist, one-sided comments in. Crazy comes in all colors, Grand Dragon!

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There are plenty of shows on TV with trashy white people; towing cars, living in a swamp, pawn shops, etc… I work with many well educated professional black people and I don’t think any of them would go on a reality TV show or be very interesting to watch if they did. Here in The ATL we have plenty of trashy losers from every race who don’t mind going on TV and acting stupid, I don’t really see how you can control this?

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An interesting thing to note about RHOA and the other RH trash shows is that they air on the Bravo network, which is part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is in turn part of General Electric, one of the major companies bailed out by the taxpayers during the 2008-09 financial meltdown. The CEO of GE, Jeff Immelt, was appointed about 18 months ago by President Obama to head his Jobs Council. That was a strange choice given that during Immelt’s tenure as CEO GE had reduced its number of jobs in the U.S. by 36,000.

Not content with just being bailed out by U.S. taxpayers in 2008-09, in 2010, while reporting net income of $5.1 billion in the U.S. and $14.2 billion worldwide, GE not only paid ZERO in U.S. taxes, it claimed a tax benefit of $3.2 billion.

Our tax dollars are subsidizing GE and the trash it produces like the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

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Lets be real. Lets get to the bottom of everything. And the question is…Why are these people giving consent to put themselves on t.v. to act like a total donkey in the beginning? Once you can get an answer to that,then go from there.

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Well I’ve given this much thought. It seems that a large % of blacks in America embrace the “Thug Life” mentality that black media emerces the culture in. I bet it safe to say that MLK ,Mr Herndon and countless others that fought (& I mean went to a war in the streets,real life and death stuff) for Civil Rights didn’t want a society that is one big self fufilling sterotype. Why must you all want to be Tupacs and Snoop dogs instead of Washingtons., or Herndons or Cosbys. Put down the guns & weed and pick up a book and make the sacrifices that were made for you stand for something..

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To J.B. Stoner: have you taken a poll which justifies your conclusion that “a large % of blacks in America embrace the “Thug Life mentality that black media emerces the culture in? I don’t believe your percentage would apply to blacks 60 and older. Too often ” Civil Rights” is emphasized over gaining some “economic rights.” If people take what a reality show depicts as a fact of life, then this society is going over the cliff.

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Natasha…I couldn’t say it better myself. I too, can recall the days of Dion’s Club 21 and Mr. V’s. Great times I must say. Just the mention of Atlanta, made people from other places smile with envy because of the opportunities Atlanta presented. Don’t get me wrong…opportunities are still available…notwithstanding, now it’s about who knows you and fakin’ it, till you make it. The young lady who wrote the article made some really valid points. Personally I don’t watch the show she is referring, however, I have seen clips, and yes these ladies do portray themselves as high-class buffoons. In a world of look good and feel good…these woman are doing an injustice to themselves. Under the right conditions many people can and will sell their souls to the devil for fame and fortune, be it temporary or for any length of time, because money represents the “God” of many people, though most would deny this fact. These ladies and many of the other so-called Reality Stars bear witness to this. At the end of the day, God gives us all free will to live life that way we see fit. You have to make the choice of what team you are going to roll with…God’s or Satan’s.

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If you do not like the shows do not watch them. The same people complaining are probably the same ones watching. The shows would not exist if people did not watch them.

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J. B. Stoner. Where are you getting your observations from? ” It seems that a large % of blacks in America embrace the “Thug Life” mentality ” and ” Put down the guns & weed”. I would suggest you stop watching so much tv and emerse yourself in the rich African American culture of this city.

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I was a long time Atlantan until just recently relocating to Dallas. I am proud and honored that you wrote this piece. Atlanta is a city full of professional,unpretentious and classy African Americans. I applaud you for bringing this to light. I have no idea whose reality they are portraying but it certainly isn’t mine.

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[...] See the full article from “Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)” [...]

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Really want to stop this madness? It’s simple, organize a boycott of the advertisers of RHOA and Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. Forty years ago we got together with picket signs and protested and it made a difference. Today, we have Facebook. Create a “boycott RHOA and LHHA’ page onf FB. Get a significant number of people to “like” the boycott, and then stop buying those products. Hit Bravo where it hurts….in the wallet and you’ll see a change in the programing of these shows. Money talks and BS……..

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This topic has been covered by other ATL women; here are three articles posted at Psychology Today (written by the ATL author of a book addressing how these social issues and negative images can affect black women’s psychological and even physical health). See:

Are Black Women Really as seen on TV?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/black-womens-health-and-happiness/201104/are-black-women-really-seen-tv

Pheneomenal Black Women Doing Phenomenal Things:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/black-womens-health-and-happiness/201112/phenomenal-black-women-doing-phenomenal-things-part-i

Is “The Help” [movie] for White People?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/black-womens-health-and-happiness/201201/the-movie-the-help-is-white-people

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Atlanta is famous for white strip clubs as well. A show about the life insurance guy would have to be a history show. A show about modern day black Atlanta would have to be two pronged. I have friends whose children are going to Westpoint, USAFA and starting small businesses. Unfortunately, the thug culture is much too prevalent with muggings, shootings, break-ins and rich rap “stars” shooting each other.

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And haven’t seen many whites lately with their pants down around their knees either and if you do see a white boy doing this he is a black wanabee

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I totally agree with her article and her views. But the only reason these garbage shows thrive on tv is because of the huge ratings. I remember awhile back it was reported that the Tiny & Toya season finale had more viewership than CNN’s Black in Amerca when they aired on the same night. How pitiful. It’s ashame that so many people tune in to see negative portrayals and grown adults acting like pure fools. It seems like these shows are here to stay because there are so many folks who just can’t get enough of them. Do what I do. DON’T WATCH!!!

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Kelly Smith Beaty should come home and apply for employment @ Atlanta based 1380 waok radio. The perverted Uncle Toms working for that station among others believe that, although we have roughly 2 million criminally perverted integrationist black people living together with 2 thousand outstanding black citizens, the image of Atlanta should be portrayed in the media as exemplary, moral, and decent as evidenced by the 2 thousand outstanding black citizens.

Amen?

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The truth does not ring hollow my friend…we are as serious as a heart attack.

Amen?

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I just wish that the media would quit using Black, White, Hispanic, etc., in their descriptions of any persons or shows. Do away with any show that is based upon race/color/creed/religion/orientation/etc! We are all PEOPLE and the more that you base shows on a person’s color/etc., the sooner we can do away with prejudice!

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I’m not sure what the objection is. There are both types: people of substance and people who don’t make it a point to be a blessing to others. Why object to it? If you’re upset about it, develop your own show. I see good blacks every day, I seed imperfect ones. It’s not like taking things off TV will change that…

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[...] Essay blasting reality shows’ portrayal of black Atlantans goes viral | The Buzz Angry Black Woman speaks out about show….very interesting. [...]

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I am a 40 year old white man and I have always thought that they could have easily gotten classier, high society, black (African-American) women to showcase on the Housewives show and know it does not represent the true high society here at all.

We have many top Black Universities here and then even more beautiful and intelligent black women go to UGA, GA. State and even Georgia Tech ( mostly guys there so low %).

The sad truth is that if the TV Show DID select classy women with great intelligence, education and accomplishments then it would be more of a smaller market that watched (sad). They need the ladies that married into wealth, get drunk and bad mouth others and that IS ONE reality, but go to the Fox, Atlanta Opera, etc.. and see if you hear any loud drunkards, see any scantly clad hoes (I say this with caution as not all of the cast come off this way), etc..

A TRUE ‘HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA’ show would have a few Prominent Black Women, a few Prominent White Women and then perhaps a few Soccer Moms that married into money and manage their kid’s lives all day. Perhaps Asian and Indian women also and might include Interracial Marriages as through education we have been shedding our racist ignorance that gets passed down from the older generations that would not listen to things with open minds and were quick to judge. I ONLY PRAY THAT MY 8 YEAR OLD SON TRULY LIVES IN A WORLD (at least a city) THAT MERITS PEOPLE ON WHAT THEY SAY, DO AND HOW THEY TREAT OTHERS, PERIOD.

We respect and admire women of ALL ETHNICITIES that start charities, feed the hungry, champion a cause, rise to the top on their own, etc.. and NOT simply marry an athlete, musician or others to gain their place in High Society.

TV is TV and it is all about ratings so my only TRUE regret about the show is that they did not have Halle Berry, Toni Braxton, etc.. so we could see some extremely hot, classy, educated self-made B-A-B-E-S. Then the ratings would be crazy! Oh and add in Rudy from the Cosby show… WOW! Amazing!!

Peace to All and there are many good old Southern Sayings to live by and one of the best is

‘Worry About Your Own Front Porch before Sticking Your Nose Into Others’

Obviously fix your own flaws before judging anyone and let GOD judge. Including Gay Marriage, Christian Ways, whatever, let GOD be the judge and if two women, two men, a dog and a man (only if the Dog consents!), etc.. want to build a life together and combine their wealth then let them, who really cares as it is between those two.

For the people that want to blast anything here and have hate and anger in them from being taught to be AGAINST things by a church’s pastor, their parents, etc.. INSTEAD of OPEN to understanding a more complex and beautiful universe and finding that through acceptance of ALL that we grow a more beautiful world.

I do not believe in nothing ANAL as it should only go out, but do I care if two guys want to go at it and live together, NO, and do you know why you should not either, BECAUSE IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS and if you want to quote the Bible just remember that was 2,000 years ago and the church came into existence to control chaos and gain control of regions and wealth.

My God just a few hundred years ago everyone thought the Earth was Flat, and earlier the Earth was the center of the Galaxy/Universe, etc..

Really Amazing when you challenge beliefs and use logic, reasoning and facts to come to your own conclusions instead of believing everything you hear. Heck I believed OJ would never have done something like he was accused of as I saw him as a Football Star, Charismatic and Jovial person, movie star and extremely likeable guy, but when you say NO to a person that gets everything they want then they can SNAP. And the blacks that say OJ did not murder his wife and her lover are not looking at the FACTS, MOTIVE, LOGIC, etc.. The same for Casey Anthony – my God all the facts show she did it and who in the world would wait a month and not have concrete proof of someone caring for their kid or be able to show where her kid slept at night, every night, pure lies and true evil. But you know what, I do apologize for getting off topic, but I really want a better world for the next generation and I teach my son that BLACK/BROWN skin is on some people as their ancestors lived in a hot region on the Earth and it provides protection against the SUN.

I love my Dad, but he has a few beliefs based from biggotry due to his era and I really hope that 12/21/2012 is when the Alien Race(s) reveal themeselves and takes us to a new level of Enlightment and World Peace.

If you can not teach LOVE and UNDERSTANDING, DON’T TEACH!!!!!!
Peace 2 ALL

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I’m so glad someone finally said something about the Black Crap on TV. Well done, Kelly Smith Beaty. I am a Black man and I really wish someone would do such an article on the weakness of the Black Man. They are by far the weakest link in our race. They do not raise or lead their children. They are so absent in Our Black Communities. And as soon as the Black man does well . . . what does he do? He marries a White Woman or a Kardashian.

Wake the Hell up Black Man . . .hmm . . .maybe I’ll do my own essay. With footage . . .show them how they roll.

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Unfortunately, 3 successful people in 100 years is nothing to brag about.

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Hey Jake, I live out in Cobb Co and I have to say here, at least, there are many, many black men working and taking their kids to karate, basketball, etc.. Everywhere I look there are clean cut black men in shirts & ties, being fathers. Probably because they understand how it was to grow up with an absent father (do not know as they might have had a full functional family) and the BEST thing I see now is that even the lower class level of black men here (in Cobb Co) are shopping at stores for food, clothes, etc.. at the local park and so on with their kids so I believe growing up without a father makes many blacks aspire to not have that hurt and void that they had growing up.

I understand it is still a big problem, but am glad to see black men being fathers. The black women are extremely strong and do well being both mother & father, but obviously a healthier society needs ALL MEN with children to step up and support their children and be parts of their lives. Even if they can not stand being around the mom or like to play the field…

If you can not make two or three hours for your kid to do simple things that are FREE even, like play ball with them, take them to the park, pool, etc.. then the children are actually better WITHOUT SORRY FATHERS.

Again you have to be impressed with the entire black culture due to everything having to be fought so hard to get (freedom, votes, equality, etc..) and some even have to live in gang areas and fight to stay alive and get into college to get away and have a chance for the American Dream.

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Atlanta is a fake city with fake expectations…its way overated and dumb poor uneducated blacks buy into the hype…its the new Detrioit in the makin…why folks are drawn to fakelanta..suprises me

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Beaty has accomplished her goal many times over here. as i read the essay i couldn’t agree with her more. even on these blog comments that was her and “THE” goal to get people aware and enlightened. yes even some of the comments entered by obviously white, mean spirited men. i hate to admit it but some of those off comments have validity, and we give them the ammo to use words and thoughts against us! we hate to be called out on things that really exist in OUR community. i’m afraid @SP hit the nail on the head “just stop watching,” but sadly the damage is already done, and black atlantans created the express lane for it to happen here in this town! most of the comments i’ve read here are right on. this is my HOMETOWN, born and raised. i also miss the true essence of what atlanta was to me. and i know many other black atlantans do too.

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@ David . . .I’m sure you see Black Men in Cobb county doing that, but the real problems are in inner-city areas. I’m also sure that most of those Cobb County dads are married to White women too . . .or women that are not Black.

BTW David . . .you’ve made some valid points but what I know and see in my Race is the weakness of way too many Black men. We had more respect for each other when we were oppressed.

The Black man needs to step up.

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folks from the slums of the north..Detroit,Chicago,GARY ,IND.St.louis,east st louis,Newark,nj,New york moved here(wasnt anything wherever they came from and not anything once they moved here)…bringing thier non educated ,thuggish , loud ,nasty attitude,never had nothing never will attitude to this once gleaming progressive ,proud city making it a version of detroit down south..after the olympics and never left,making Atlanta a crime infested congested,blighted,version of the cities they left..bringing down property values as the buy homes they cant afford and never owned a home and dont know how to take care of ,barbecuing in the front of the house ,with cars parked on the front lawn,with chairs in the garage or front of the house drinkin beer,or cars parked on brinks with oil leakin from it..with green mold on the sidin of the house ,brand new caddillac in the driveway washed and waxed while house falls apart from neglect

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I agree whole heartedly. My family moved here from NC after years of telling my wife how great my home state was. Once we got here we saw something completely different from what I was raised in. PLEASE return my home back to normal, because this is CRAZY…

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Since this is a “Black City” why as a white person do I have to pay taxes. Its clear the whole agenda is for blacks not me. Some America we live in.

Atlanta is a loser.

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It’s life in the ATL and it’s real.So pull the vibrator out of your ass bitches.

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can everyone quit trashing Atlanta, I moved here in 94 moved to another state for a short time in 2011 still read the ajc everyday was so homesick for my beloved ATL moved back last month, don’t watch real housewives, they are not real or housewives,they are ho’s (rented mansions…REALLY) the real housewives can be found in the Publix or the dog park, guess that is too boring for tv

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I agree with Kerry. I heard about the story on V-103 and I immediately had to do a search on the article. I’m happy someone has spoken up. I REFUSE to watch shows like “Housewives of Atlanta.” I don’t even know what Love of Hip Hop or what ever the title is about. I do understand drama and sex sells. The networks don’t care who is on television making a fool of themselves. All they care about is the ratings. As for us African Americans “especially African American woman” we need to ask ourselves, for how much will we sell ourselves to devil for? What’s your five minutes of fame when it really defames you to begin with. These kind of shows takes us back to a time when they use to “have us on television with the our faces painted black, always being the joke of the show.” If you look at old black and white shows “our” meaning African Americans only role was there to merely sing, dance, and smile. Oh not to mention we were the maids and butlers on these shows. I guess these shows were alright for the time that these movies/shows took place. But why after “we have supposedly overcame” are we going back? Because of rap videos, strip clubs, and the media African American woman are portrayed as “sex symbols.” Our only purpose is to shake it, make it pop, and bend over so it can be smacked. During slavery times “white men” were known to go and have their way with African American slaves. Well in this present time our own African American men are treating African American woman in the same way. They don’t care how educated, or kept up you may be. They “meaning white/black men still only see you there for their personal pleasure. However that’s a whole another article all in itself. I can go on and on about things like this…but I digress. Thanks again Kelly for scraping the surface with an article such as yours. I know it will blow over after a week or so, and all the shows will still be on television. These shows aren’t going to go away until the ratings drop! I personally don’t see that happening until we find another way to degrade ourselves.

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[...] Though, Beaty never mentions “Love and Hip-Hop ATL” or “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” it’s becomes very clear that she’s aiming her gripe directly at these types of shows. Per AJC: [...]

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This isn’t just an issue that affects Atlanta; it’s the general problem with reality television in that “high drama” makes anyone rich and famous now, particularly women. If pulling hair and engaging in non-stop cat fights is the ticket to fame and short-term financial success then I would rather the women in my life be unknown and earning their money the right way.

How is it that the ENTIRE Kardashian family has become so rich and so famous? The only two members of that family, Robert Kardashian (famous lawyer) and Bruce Jenner (famous Olympian), are the least famous and endeared by the public.

It’s all disgusting.

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Why don’t black people see a problem with all the black on black crime? Everyday ALL day! People stand up & put marches together when a white person kills a black person BUT it is ok for black people to kill themselves? Black people baffle me! Reality TV is the very LEAST of your worries! Trust me!
Atlanta was a HOT MESS way befor

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natasha, that was well-said.

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I have lived in Atlanta since 1985. Watching the reality shows based in Atlanta I can honestly say they accurately portray the real inhabitants (majority) of people that I see in Atlanta. I don’t go to strip clubs so I am not sure how the people are there, either do I go to bars/clubs so not sure there either. But walking down the street, in the park, in the shopping mall, driving around in my car, movie theaters, the gym, the people portrayed in these TV shows are exactly like the people I encounter. Atlanta is full of lazy, inconsiderate of others, pretentious, irresponsible, uppity, uncaring, no future, no education, blame everybody else for their problems, chips on their shoulder people, there is no denying it. The people that complain about it are a good example of these people, people with nothing more important to do other than whine and complain. Nothing really comes from this behavior, nothing will change. Maybe some volunteer work might make a difference; the whiners probably think themselves above that though. Change comes from within, whether it is yourself or a community. It is what it is. Telling the truth isn’t racist, and the truth hurts sometimes.

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If minorities ever remove themselves from the groups and sub-groups the politicians have put them in, all of us will be able to focus on the difference between good and bad and right and wrong. Because that’s what this and almost everything is really about.

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Maybe they should have a show called The Real Golfers of Piedmont Driving Club. Now that would be funny. There are idiots in every segment of society and that is what reality shows prey on.

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** TYLER PERRY IS JUST AS BAD **

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The bottom line is that Americans love a train wreck and there is no better train wreck than the RHOA. Times have changed and the black culture, particularly in Atl, is flooded with NeeNee’s and in need of more people like Ms.Beaty. Hopefully Ms.Beaty doesn’t run into NeeNee anytime soon; bitch might knock her out….now that would make for good reality tv,

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I certainly agree with the author, but I recently had a similar conversation with an outraged New Jersey native on the subject of Jersey Shore. It’s unfair, it’s untrue, but it’s television. As a white Georgian who has lived with the caricatures of The Dukes of Hazzard and similar shows, all I can say is, welcome to the party.

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doesn’t it . . . if you can find one lie in her article, then please point it out to me. Different strokes for different folks, but it’s sad when just for a buck we defer to the lowest common denominators of our culture and race. I’ve felt this way forever, but people justify all kinds of madness existing today because it makes money. Too bad freedom in America also means the freedom to be dumb, indecent, illogical, unreasonable, unethical, immoral. When true freedom means power with responsibility. At long as you are deferring to the almighty dollar, people will continue to be mentally enslaved. Yes, so take that money, make that money and make sure you spend that money because you’re gonna have to drop it off before you get to where you’re going justifying this madness and nonsense. People who stand for nothing will fall for anything. Anybody think that bad behaviour and dysfunction are entertainment are mentally ill — yes with your millions, you are still mentally ill and a liar. There’s nothing entertaining about negativity and dysfunction. Nowhere . . .where did this start? MTV AND JERRY SPRINGER!!! Grow up already and bring back the values of the 20th Century because this 21st century nonsense is leading you all down the wrong paths . . .

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One thing we have to remember is that there is very little that is “REAL” about any of those “REALITY” shows. Those people know that there are cameras filming them all the time and they have to do or say whatever makes the show interesting. They will probably argue about something while filming an episode and then go out and have a celebratory drink afterwards. They have to keep the ratings up or the show fails. It’s that plain and simple. They don’t represent anyone but themselves, and viewers should not thake the whole thing so seriously. These people are laughing all the way to the bank. It reminds me of how viewers first reacted to soap operas. Many people thought that garbage was real life, and some still do and never miss an episode.

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I hear the Crabs are upset at how they are portrayed on deadliest catch. The stupid crabs being caught in the pots do not represent the smart crabs who avoid such traps.

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Well said. Very positive ..and I am white.

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I experience black people in Atlanta all the time. I ride Marta and walk the streets. I think things are a lot worse here than people wish to admit. Maybe this lady complaining is one of the nice people in Atlanta. But I think she is a minority nice person.

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NEWSFLASH: REAL folks DO NOT DO reality tv shows… celebrity-wannabes do reality tv shows and they do not represent AT ALL the city in which the show is taped.

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Leave it to the AJC to gin up a limp controversy about something so vapid and useless as Reality TV and then slap it on the front page as if it is an important story. This “news” paper has become a huge joke. Just shut it down already and save yourselves anymore embarrassment.

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They can (do) have “tha ATL”. I’d not live down there for a million bucks. Furthermore, “reality” TV is for sheeplized lemmings.

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I don’t mean this in a racist way at all, but why should Real Housewives of Atlanta be exclusively about blacks(except for that idiot Kim)? I hate how Bravo is trying to brand Atlanta as black. Sorry people – the city and the suburbs are at least half white. And, the RHOA is not even set in the city! I live in the city, and that tv show has nothing to do with the city. I’m white, so I don’t know, but does it irritate the black ladies of the city that Bravo has picked Atlanta to be its token African American housewives show? It irritates me.

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It’s a sad commentary about the direction Atlanta has taken since this person moved from the city she grew up in.
Maybe she should come back to Atlanta and become reaquainted with the “new” Atlanta.
It has changed over the past twenty years and it is NOT pretty. So much violence and hip-hop wannabes.
Come back and visit but don’t go to the exclusive highend areas. Visit the real Atlanta.
Your eyes will be opened and you will be very disappointed by the lowering of standards and personal morals..

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Rose,

Metro Atlanta is 60% white, 30% black, 7% hispanic, 3% asian/pac isl – about the same as NYC (more hispanic) & Washington (more black/asian).

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Isnt if funny how people who claim to deplore racism always seem to desire to be collectively judged for the good deeds of their self appointed racial identity group? Try just being yourselves or just a plain old American. It opens many more paths than the narrow identification you are giving yourselves. Another interesting point is Blacks that are not native (Africans, Jamaicans, European Blacks)to the US but became US citizens usually take it as an insult to be called African-American. They usually just prefer American. I found this out the hard way but it was a lessoned learned.

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I have an idea of a reality show, RHOM, real hoes of Metro, saw it a birthday party for a child that had 3 other “baby mamas” there that had slept with the same man & had his children too and they all were best friends that live off my dime. White women are trashier than black women in my book

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The problem with Ms. Beaty’s essay is that it implicitly assumes “reality” shows are meant to portray something like reality. They do not. They are not about ordinary people; they are about people who entertain us, either because they are celebrities or simply dysfunctional. The problem lies not with what the reality shows portray, but in the misguided assumption people make that the reality shows portray anything like the reality of what they portray.

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The people on this show are all HAS BEENS who at one time were married to people with money, and almost all of them are dead broke now. REAL Georgians and Atlantans would never be on that show.

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This is how I felt when Jimmy Carter was president and the nation thought everyone from Georgia was uneducated and wore overalls!

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I get what she’s saying, and I agree to an extent, however, let’s put the blame where it’s due and that’s on the viewers of these reality shows. If they viewers weren’t there, then they wouldn’t exist. Reality shows make stars out of people with bad attitudes and worse morals. Look past all of the flashy clothes and the sketched-out drama, and you can see these shows for what they truly are: human car-wrecks. It’s human nature for people to want to watch car wrecks.

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For men in their early thirties, African-Americans are about 7 times more likely to have a prison record than whites.

In his book The g Factor (1998), Arthur Jensen cites data which shows that, regardless of race, people with IQs between 70 and 90 have higher crime rates than people with IQs below or above this range, with the peak range being between 80 and 90.[86] Jensen and others have claimed that the average IQ of African Americans is 85, to be compared with 100 for White Americans and 106 for Asian Americans.

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Many of the reasons listed above detail exactly why I do not tell people I live in Atlanta. I tell them in which state I was born and in which community I live – (NOT Atlanta!). To identify with Atlanta would be to identify with all the racism and bigotry espoused by ALL the races. I claim no “Black”, “African-American”, or “Minority” friends, relatives or co-workers, rather I have Friends, Relatives and Co-workers. Isn’t that the dream that MLK Jr. told us about?

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Well said, Bluto. Those smart crabs will live on to produce more smart crabs until eventually no more will end up in the pots.

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Folks, these shows are “entertainment”–not documentaries! These people are paid, they get scripts and they TRY to act. That reality sometimes overlaps with these scripts is incidental, but that does not make these shows “reality”. Do you really believe that all Italians in New Jersey are identical to the “Jersey Shore” cast? Do you think “Professional” Wrestling is real? It’s all entertainment, because the executives know there are LOTS of people in America that love this mindless form of entertainment. If it makes you laugh, then I suppose they’re doing their jobs. If it doesn’t make you laugh, then turn the channel.

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THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN AFRICAN AMERICAN!!! Unless you were born in Africa and then moved to the USA and became a citizen you cant claime to be one.

This is only a term to distinquish your ethnicity. So if you are so hung up on your own ethicity that you want to proclaim it everytime you speak of yourself then arent you in turn discriminating yourself?

Ingor Please!

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She puts it right on point. Excellent essay.. and I completely agree with her. You can’t sit back and watch these modern day minstel shows and then carry on about the state of the community. It’s like sitting around in Berlin in 1936 and saying.. ahhh its got nothing to do with me!!!

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If you want to know how blacks REALLY act in the “ATL” just watch this video posted on the AJC today of four black guys mugging and car jacking a woman who coming home from work:

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/youtube-video-shows-atlanta-1462300.html

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People, we are forgetting something. Television is a business. They make profit off of viewership. Americans (not just blacks) love drama. However, it is sad that black culture fits the bill. If I was the CEO of VH1, I’d make money off of money hungry, trashy black chicks and “all-we-do-is-sports-music-sex-and-babies” black men too!

Then I’d go home to my beautiful wife and kids who live somewhere nice like Canada, and train my children to make money off of lazy Americans and trashy, money mismanaging blacks just like everyone else does.

Sad. But true. And I’m black.

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I wonder what the response would have been if all references in the original article to blacks/african americans were changed to white/caucasion? Seems to me that instead of yet another black/white story, why not just say people in general? Pretty much everyone is portrayed poorly on reality shows to some degree. I’m just tired of seeing everything be a black or white issue. I am constantly confused as to whether I should accept everyone, or make EVERY issue black or white.

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“Will the real Atlanta please stand up?”

Lets hope not. Black on black crime topped by no other city.

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I have sampled the other Real Housewife’s and seen nothing but thuggary,chaos and trash. With this type of show , what did you expect for Atlanta. You wanted equality, you got it.

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Actually if you go back far enough , we are all African Ameicans.

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More and more women in Atlanta now act and behave like the fools portrayed in these reality shows. Over the last 2yrs I have seen more women having in your face arguments in public,and act and treat others like they are queen bitch divas. Yet they are all broke have the worst credit and lost their homes trying to copy those fools. Atlanta the home of financially broke phonies acting rich bwaaaah.

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I agree with her comments but the problem is Good Quality Reality doesn’t sell! THE PUBLIC demands trash so the problem isn’t with the participants but with the viewers! Put on quality and the show wouldn’t even make it past the first 6 weeks

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The truth hurts doesn’t it? This is the world that you people have created and glorified. The show doesn’t scratch the surface. It’s much worse. The same types of people committing the crimes and bringing down this city are the same ones that run it. Very sad.

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A reality show that would hit a nerve would be Detroit flushing a giant toilet and the contents landing in Atlanta….because from the perspective of most transplants, that is exactly what happened… and the toilet keeeps flushing….

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Since the Real Trailer Trash of Atlanta went on the air I’m ashamed to say I’m from Atlanta anymore. just call me Chuck from Lilburn.

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Good article. But don’t get too analytical about it.

Justice does not drive our culture anymore.

If sterotypes are profitable, they will be extended. The marketplace for sensationalism abounds with our culture. The sexualization of our youth seems to ever-end.

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@Natasha
You said a mouth full………… Alot of people dont’ even know the real Atlanta, and it’s sad they don’t even the History of our Town. SomETHINK THE STREET MLK HAS ALWAYS BEEN MLK, THE REAL NAME IS HUNTER ST. SOME DON’T EVEN KNOW WE HAD A BLACK HOSPTIAL OFF CHAPPELL RD. OR A BLACK DENTIST OFFICE ON HUNTER ST. YEARS AGO. Yes i’m a real GRADY BABY…It’s so sad how this mess on TV MAKE OUR CITY LOOK MESSES.

Morris Brown College HOMECOMING WAS A BIG EVENT, NO FIGHTING JUST FUN.

Riding the Bus downtown to pay bills and shop, yes we had some drunks on the corning, but no problem.

Our parents catching the buses going to work everyday, and still ran the house and had rules.

Friday night, Jelly Bean hear we come, a fuss break out hear and their, but no problem.

The REAL OLD SCHOOL ATLANTA FAIR GROUND

THE REAL WESTSIDE YMCA ON OLLIE ST.

Zayre’s, Otasco, Woolworth , THE REAL KESSLER, Richies & The REAL Davison, These place ment alot to Atlanta.

I will say DRAMA, SEX & BEING FAKE REALLY DO SELL, And you wonder why our children or all messed. Parents raise your kids, stop letting them look at mess like that on TV, TALK TO THEM ABOUT GOING TO COLLEGE AND EDUCATING THERE MINDS. WE got more Mothers & Grandmothers in the club than at home. RHWOA IS NOT REAL……….!!!!!!!!!! FAKE FAKE FAKE.
WE GOT TO EDUCATE OUR YOUNG MEN & LADIES.

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I went to high school with Kelley Smith Beaty at Sandy Creek.

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It is really not that serious. If you are educated in the A you know what the A Town is about. Most of the people they are showing are well off people so you see the success that happens here. But when I sit down to be entertain do I want to see a lawyer working on her cases or do I want to see a little drama? It is just entertainment.

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The reality is Bravo and other networks are in the business of MAKING MONEY with the shows that they broadcast. They have a formula for making the show successful. That formula consists of casting personalities or characters that are confronational, loud and obnoxious. They are not going to cast a bunch of laid back individuals or “normal” folk to star in these shows; that would be a total snooze-fest. You cannot look to these shows to be shining examples of your hometown, these shows are meant to shock and somehow entertain people.

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About time the true feelings of Black Atlantans are voiced. I now live on the West Coast but lived in the ATL for 15 years. When I arrived there during the boom (the Olympics), Atlanta WAS hip, and hop, a Black professional’s dream. Everyone was working, money was to be made…. Then came the recession and predatory lending, foreclosure, UNEMPLOYMENT. The Black Dream turned into a nightmare and now the wannabes have taken control. We must admit that fact. Our once proud and prideful positions and incomes and degrees faded and now the “fast” money has replaced it. With that, crime and under-achievement are king and with that comes this attitude. Our past professional successes are that, unfortunately, in the past. Amazingly, the article stresses the importance of depicting successes, and most would agree fully agree with that, however, we have allowed our current millionaires to be fodder for hate. They are surely not going to show the true lives of Black millionaires or successes. They prefer a minstrel show. Pay attention Atlanta.

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Hey Pat Buchanan here is my snapshot of Atlanta you live in Gwinett yes your home is higer than 60,000 it is 60,001 and you have a rebel flag and a Universty of Georgia flag flying beer cans and soiled diapers all over the yard because we all know you guys allow your kids to stay in diapers too long and speaking of stench I love the way your hair smells like dog when it’s wet (sarcasm)yes we do own I Phones but why would you that technology is a little more than you can handle stick to what you know whistling and yelling out the window and why lease a Benz just keep repairing your Ford (Found on road dead) Also you guys always seem to find that loving wife that overlooks that nasty little habit you have of messing with little boys and girls and yes you belive Elvis is alive and Rush wasn’t doctor shopping that is my snapshot

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I was born and raised in ATL. The best thing I ever did was move away 2 years ago. Aside from everything else said, the traffic is bordeline insanity with 1hr and 2 hr commutes being the norm. I now work 3 miles from work in VA. Yea Me!

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I am not African American, but I have worked with plenty of these kids in elementary schools in South Fulton and East Point and I can tell you firsthand that these kids do not wish to be doctors, lawyers, or teachers… they wish to become rap stars and athletes. They glorify the “gangsta” culture, threaten each other with violence and have no sense of consequences or… reality. That is the truth… and to whine that some reality show is making this community look bad is naive. Dig in deep and see what is really going on… it is scary.

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If your tv market audience is made up of brain dead fools then you market your program to brain dead fools. We have programs that show the herndons of the world, they are on the History channel and CNBC. The people that watch the History channel are not the people that watch brain dead reality shows. I would suggest to Kelly Smith Beatty that she produce her own show and see what market share a show about Herndons wife would deliver.

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she’s absolutely right about he portrayals, it’s just that Bravo is selling commercials, and American’s LOVE watching trashy idiots.

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@Sara-I remember an article in the AJC about 10 years ago regarding bankruptcy. It was based on a white couple in Alpharetta. They went through bankruptcy 2x and had remodeled their home, she had plastic surgery, luxury cars etc…So, it’s not only people of color who act this way.This was one of the main reasons why the bankruptcy laws have changed.I made the following statement because all people do this crap. You have stupid shows like Swamp people, Rednecks in the Hamptons, Hoarders,American Gypsy wedding…This crap comes in all forms!

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fyi – when folks say “Atlanta” please kno that Atl is all of 20 minutes wide so when folks say “Atl” it mostly includes many surrounding cities (Marietta, Athens, Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Decatur etc.

I am a Native Chicagoan but I left Chi when the violence became 2 much for me after I had my daughter in ‘94. Yes, I 2 ran 2 Milwaukee, WI & spent 10+ years dealing w/the racism & the “Cheeseheads” of WI. I was traveling through Atlanta visiting friends and the beauty & colors simply overwhelmed me. I say colors because I found ALL SHADES OF COLOR in the peoples of Atlanta no matter what “side of the tracks” you’re on! The other day, a guy walked past me who I just knew had to be a skinhead, i tensed up & i grabbed my purse closer as he approached and the guy said “Good morning! How are you today!?” and gave me the most beautiful smile. I had to check myself then on my own incorrect “perceptions” of people I find in Atl.

Saying Atlanta has “some of the worst of the worst.” I would agree. BUT so does, Chicago, Jamaica, Canada & London. People saying “they flock here and destroy our city” I would agree. But also MANY of us flock here and LOVE & treat Atl as if it were our “hometown” as well. Everyday I ride the MARTA and soak in the beauty of the landscape & architecture, the scenery of the cities I pass from Stone Mountain to Sandy Springs and still, EVERYDAY I get that feeling of just how Awesome ATL is as I did that very first day I was just “passing through” and decided this would be my next “hometown”.

I resent anyone who say’s its “our fault” the city is so ran down. ALL society’s go through change for better or worse. I resent anyone who says “this is reality” because even though IT IS, IT IS NOT THE ONLY REALITY OF LIFE IN ATLANTA.

Like or not, all stereotypes are based in some form of reality. Human nature dictates one must SEE before we can adopt a response. I believe the nature of the essay begs us all to SEE & DO BETTER.

& to my fellow African-Americans there IS a double standard WE must acknowledge & deal with in Order to DO BETTER AMONGST/FOR OURSELVES. We do find it “racist” when there are “white pride” organizations but happily attend our “Black is Beautiful” events. We get upset when “they” call sister’s “Trash” but no one can tell me in private, we 2 dont look down our nose at the “hood folk.” Fact is Fact. We must either get past the color divide or accept that in 2012 society IS diverse. I blame the terms “black/African American” my skin is brown & my parents are not from Africa. I can claim 1/100th Indian just like 1/100th African. I also blame the term “white” as white is the background of this page & I’m sure most “whites” can lay claim to a better ancestry term i.e. Irish, Polish, Italian.

sorry for venting, but racism is getting pretty outdated on both ends of the spectrum.

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As an Atlantan born and raised, I can say that this is definitely a true portrayal of what’s going on in Atlanta. The city is overfilled with homosexuals and down low men that women will do whatever to keep and hold onto a man. Additionally there is like 40 strip clubs in the metro Atlanta area…The culture runs deep and regular hardworking women have to compete with plain whores. In our parents generation the men used to cheat on their “wholesome” wives for the “whore” Nowadays these men will leave the “nice girl” and marry the whore. I hate that we are depicting “truth/perception” on reality tv to corrupt another part of the world that isn’t dominated by strip clubs, drugs, hip hop & broke rich people.

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I don’t watch these shows, so I don’t know how folks are portrayed on them. Unfortunately, the article doesn’t explain it, either.

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it’s about time someone spoke up against this trash. the sisters on this show are pitiful. the two people who should be above this garbage are the former model and attorney. the model is a wreck and the attorney is married to a former drug dealer. great role models! spelman and atlanta university are brimming over with talented sisters; educators, administrators, etc. the big boned woman looks like a horse, but she thinks she’s fine. walk down marietta street or on spelman, au’s campus, there you will find “fine.” what is the standard now for attractive, interesting sisters? women who spend more money on clothes, jewelry and cars tha some of the people who live in this city earn in a year’s time. the record producer belittles herself. but like they say, “bad pub is better than no pub.” have the women of this show do a sit down with the sisters from spelman, au, gsu and any other local school, televise it! so they can see themselves for what they are and portray.

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If it were so cool to be black,then why aren’t African immigrants joining the NACCP ? Supporting Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson ? Attending Ebenezer Baptist Church,New Life,Creflo Dollar Minisrties ? How come you don’t see 4 Ethiopian guys standing on a corner in Clarkston with white T’s on,sagging pants,dreads,wearing grills selling crack ?

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I find it interesting that Ms.Beaty is just worried JUST worried about how Atlanta is being depicted as opposed to how Black women are being portrayed. In most of these shows if not all we have been cast as money grubbing, back-stabbing, loud & confrontational. Perhaps the outrage should be pressed upon these one sided depictions as opposed to just he city of Atlanta.

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Bravo, Ms. Beaty.

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[...] the point Atlanta native Kelly Smith Beaty was trying to get across when she wrote the essay, “Will the Real Black People of Atlanta Please Stand Up?’ , which has since gone viral.Lovette Russell – A Real Atlanta HousewifeIn the essay, Beaty [...]

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well, I’ve been in Atlanta for years and it somehow slowly evolved into a flashy place for African Americans, blacks, etc. Now that there are reality shows, it’s magnified, but obviously not for good reasons. I’m positioning myself on relocating to another state because I’m over Atlanta period and looking fwd to a new start and branching out. My entire family relocated here over the years.

It’s not really a generation thing because you have young and old alike acting the monkey on tv. Come on now; do you REALLY act like that in your every day life? Do you really spend your days attending events at night and shopping during the day? I’m sure every major city has a clusterphuck of wannabees and negroidian behavior though. A lot of blacks have gotten away from the idea of heritage and grand history, settling for hustler mentalities and gettin’ it in or gettin’ theirs. Negroidian ideas and mindsets begets negroidian behavior.

I dont have or want any part of the social scene here. Imagine a place where everyone’s boasting about who has the highest bills (u didn’t think all that s*** was paid for did you) and out of wack priorities. I never got black folks running to any place or state anyways. Hell, no matter where you move u have to work hard. I’d move to a large metropolitan city because of opportunities and options, not because it’s this or that for black people. crazy.

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Asking for the makers of a ‘reality show’ to put their main characters in a positive life is more than just a little naive. Has Ms. Smith Beaty ever watched any besides the ones she complains about. ALL of them are about people acting like morons and for the most part for other morons to watch. I understand her concern, but this genre of TV shows is an equal opportunity abuser. People watch these shows because they are so outrageous not because they put a particular sub-group in a good light.

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See previous AJC article (as also discussed on CNN HLN): “TV portrayals bad for black women” http://www.ajc.com/opinion/tv-portrayals-bad-for-926082.html

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The ajc would rather have this garbage as front page news instead of what should be: The Eric Holder/Hussein Obama/Fast & Furious cover up. I wonder why the ajc has still NOT reported anything on it. Something tells me they want to hide the truth from the American people, just like this socialist administration. Just watch msnbc and cnn edit quotes and tapes to cover for Hussein since he’s their candidate. The ajc is the same.

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RWHOA lowers the already low decorum of our community. It’s in-your-face rude and aggressive – and relentless – even while in your car. It’s an embarrassment. The show should be sued for slander – but you can sue for slander if it is true.

But the show makers don’t play favorites. Jersey Shore is the Italian equivalent of RHWOA.

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YOU brought ‘em here in the first place, Georgia. Can you say Karma?

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Who are all these Africans that people keep referring to?

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After reading about 20 comments…I achieved my dose of reality and entertainment for the day!

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Ms. Beaty, I would like to see more T.V. programs with more positive black women,
that have mentored and lifted others. I’m ready to leave the east coast.
Put the blame on something, instead of getting back to the grass roots, that is the community services.
A lot of people are acting and playing reel-ity. Don’t talk about it, be about it.

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APS, Dekalb, Clayton schools. South Atlanta crime. Nothing more covers it all.

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I applaud Beaty’s efforts and would like to see more decorum on television. However, I would like to see more decorum within Atlanta as well.

I do not like Lenox Mall, but due to the closure of Bloomingdales at Perimeter, went to Lenox to shop at the remaining Atlanta area Bloomingdales. It is a circus. There are live beings there that appear to humans of the female persuasion who have hair of the Asian human tribes glued to their faces, tattoos on nearly all exposed skin, and piercings all over their faces. I was disgusted and amused that a new species seems to have integrated rather seamlessly. I say this because I seemed to be one of perhaps two human beings in the mall and the only human who seemed appalled or threatened by these other beings.

Are we undergoing a devolution?

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Sure, these “ladies” don’t represent Atlanta. But we can all sit here and laugh at how terrible the ones from NJ are – “all NJ women are trash!” or Beverly Hills – “what shallow tasteless women!” But the RH of Atlanta? Nooooo, that’s not representative of Atlanta at all!!!!!!!

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I agree given that I am one Georgia’s refined home grown peaches that exudes class, and intelligence, and distinction. I am proud to see a fellow sister stand up against these negative depictions and portrals of black women from Atlanta being loud, class-less, and unenlightened not having any sense of self-worth or self respect for that matter.

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Not to worry. Noone with any sense watches that garbage.

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TRUEATL

Most successful did not come another city.

The successful people she is talking about are from Atlanata. Not athletics and entertainers

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You guys do know these reality shows are scripted and staged like professional wrestling ….right ?….right ?…..Allow the actors to make as much money as they can by selling anything the viewers will buy.

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Personally I think that what we see protrayed on TV is a totally accurate protrayal of the real black women of the ATL. I guess the truth hurts for some but if people want things changed then start with yourself.

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Don’t be a hater.
It’s all good.
Hotlanta be the hip hop capital of the world.

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I think the shows accurately reflect the Black community in Atlanta.

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In the mid 70’s to mid 80’s era I did five major trade shows in Atlanta. Each show lasted five days and took 4 days to set up and break down. Our group generated millions of dollars in revenue for the hospitality industry and retailers. Things changed in Atlanta and we changed our shows to another hub. Atlanta is not far behind Detroit and Birmingham and they too were great pretenders.

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Don’t be a hater.
It’s all good.
Hotlanta be the hip hop capital of the world.

Well isn’t that something to be proud of? NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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my response to those who support negative behavior is typically if it didn’t have an audience it would just go away…problem is the audience that negative behavior capture..most of the time, it’s the young and impressionable, or the people who have no vision…I worked, I have goals that I am trying to achieve my goals in life, and my present situation is not a preview of where I will be in the future…to sit down watch any type of nonsense on t.v. would only be by glancing at it and moving on because it would contradict with my daily thoughts, it would leave me shaking my head, it would leave me asking why would someone want to represent themselves that way…so the audience that these show capture to me are simple minded…as a young person, you can somewhat get off the hook on that…you are young, you are learning…it’s the audience that should know better who irks me by supporting nonsense…it’s a shame to have a brain and the power to dream, but instead you let others put a vision of false reality in your mind..

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Why is it that when blacks take over local governments, crime goes up, shopping areas and housing become horrible, trashy looking, and just plain nasty? Schools go down hill. Look at Fulton County, look at DeKalb, look at Clayton County. Blacks are trying to take over Rockdale, too. Thugs use profanity in front of adults, they are very disrespectful and nobody wants to be around that mess. They’re snatching purses, hitting you over the head, shooting you all in broad daylight and it is like the public safety personnel of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton don’t know what to do. These 3 counties are awful places to live…no decent schools and crime is rampant!!! Why do cities go down hill when blacks take over? Can anybody intelligently answer that question?

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Look, the moment ANYONE goes on a “reality” show, which is really PretendTV you have to know it has nothing to do with reality but hyped drama so foolish people will watch the show.

And PLEASE don’t make this a racist thing. Snooky and the Jersey morons are made to look like fools as are the white “housewives” of Orange County or wherever they’re from.

Reality TV= where ego driven people hope to get their 15 minutes of fame.

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My favorite thing about the African-American culture in Atlanta is the control a lot of the black “ministers” have on this community. I particularly love how they all refer to themselves as “Doctor”, “Bishop”, etc., even though they have no formal education. Between “Bishop” Eddie Long and “Doctor” Creflo Dollar, this city is so bamboozled by their lies, their pleas for “tithes”, and their promise of a life in heaven if only they pledge their money to their organizations. If there is a God, a heaven, and a hell, my guess is that Miss Long and Creflo Dollars will end up in the latter.

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I love it when they get all riled up and quit the King’s English talking and speak da trufe- EBONICS!

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name them then came from the ground up starting from 1979 home grown

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Not that anyone’s gonna read this far, but:
First of all, no one with half a brain and any sense of self-decency would go on a reality tv show – so nobody should be surprised or insulted – any of the good folks mentioned in the article wouldn’t DARE do a reality tv show – so what you’re left with is the dregs, always.

Second, Atlanta DOES actually have a disproportionately high population of classless people – black, white, whatever – we’ve got some really terrible people in this city and they outnumber the good people by about 4 to 1 I’d say (and that’s being generous).

My family has lived here for generations – they’ve seen it first-hand. There was a time when Atlanta was rapidly expanding in the 80’s and 90’s that at once saw an enormous influx of transients AND an enormous boom in babies being born to poor uneducated people. Before this time, the mix was pretty good concerning class vs. classless. The scales are now tipped very strongly in favor of terrible people – and these people are everywhere in the city – not just muggers and derelicts – these people are the ones running everything as well.

Again, black, white, whatever. Let’s be honest about the problem here – Atlanta’s full of remorseless, undignified jerks and crooks. We shouldn’t pretend it is otherwise and convince some poor fool that this is a good destination or a place to live. Personally, I feel like it should be considered child abuse to raise a child anywhere inside the perimeter.

Lived here all my life, and I do love my family and my city, but nothing’s gonna get better if we all keep pretending that it’s not getting worse.

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Really? News flash, it’s not the job of the media to make black people or Atlanta look good. The entire genre of reality television is based on capturing people in their worst moments. Sounds like more of the same whining and victim mentality to me. Look at the recent success of Tyler Perry, who most people celebrate. Is his entire empire not built on exploiting those same negative stereotypes?

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I am white. I have known may genteel, educated, lovely black women. I don’t watch this show as it was a disappointment. It ranks at the bottom of the barrel with Jersey Shore. These women are not socialites, achievers, or interesting. They are brawlers and low class. This is like watching wrestling. They are in no way representative or Atlanta or the wonderful Atlanta women or either color. The thing is the real Atlanta women are too classy to put up with any of these classless shows.

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Atlanta reality television may not be classy, but it’s popular. If people would stop watching it, then the show gets cancelled. Talk all you want about more positive shows, but they will not happen unless it’s supported by the masses.

#truth

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With all due respect to the author of the essay, this is stupid. Reality TV is, at its base, about finding the worst people willing to appear on TV so that fat housewives can feel better about themselves.

Just like not all black people are Nene Leakes, not every white person in LA is a plastic, blonde drug addict. Expecting reality on “reality TV” is like expecting news from the cable news networks.

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I’ll tell you why Atlanta has become the melting pot of black affliction. Government handouts.

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LawDawg , Self_Made MikeinATL

IMO you have been the most reasonable voices on this entire piece. The people on these “reality”shows do not represent anyone but themselves. While we are sitting here reading and writing these vile comments, these women and men are laughing all the way to the bank and enjoying themselves(I’m sure) while doing so.

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Thanks K.

Common sense dictates that in order to improve its image, the black population of the USA is going to have to challenge itself to evolve away from the victim mentality, government handouts, and criminal behavior. Obviously not all black people act that way, but it’s a problem for all black people because of a shared identity.

Personal responsibility = pride. Pride drives a person to improve themselves. Unfortunately we can’t even talk about personal responsibility because of the ever-present race card. Thanks Al, Jessie, Eric Holder, and the Congressional Black Caucus for that.

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Excellent, excellent, excellent. Thanks Ms. Beaty for enlightening the rest of the US that the majority of Atlanta’s residents are NOT like those clowns depicted.

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Nothing particularly insightful in Ms Beaty’s essay. The phenomenon of people willing to act like fools in exchange for instant celebrity is nothing new. It knows no racial boundaries.

True enough, Atlanta’s rep has taken a bit of beating in the last fifteen years or so. But it ain’t the fault of Real Housewives. The problems that plague Atlanta are real. Corrupt (Bill Campbell) or incompetent (Shirley Franklin) leadership at the city government level is the primary reason.

Also, I’m one white guy who is weary of hearing some of my fellow Atlanta citizens of the African American persuasion constantly ascribe their ethnicity as some right of exclusivity to our hometown.

News flash folks: Atlanta became a great city because of its diversity and its heritage. And the accomplishments of its citizens both black and white. It belongs to all of us. Our civic pride – and shame – are shared as well.

We need more of the former and less of the latter.

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BRAVO. I completely agree and understand your position on this topic. ALSO thank you for making us aware of some organizations such as Living Water for girls. I would like to donate to such a worthy cause. I APPLAUD YOU AND THE MANY OTHERS YOU SPOKE OF IN THIS ARTICAL.

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Blacks have no SUPER EGO.

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How about how Kim Z. Makes transgender people look. That is shameful too!

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“Blacks have always helped our culture to become vulgar and degenerate. In Atlanta they continue this with a vengeance”

It is comments like this that proove my point. The reason why so many Black women are upset over these shows is because we never have the opportunity to be judged by our character as individuals. We are painted with a broad brush. So if one Black woman is a ho and and skank we all are. We still live in world where there are people who live in all white communities and never have exposure to Black people… except through shows like Hip Hop Altanta and the Real Housewives. So when I walk into an office or a board room I am already up against a stereotype and glass ceiling. When the new white intern walks in the office, is she assumed to be Jwow or Snookie? No, she is whomever she may be.
I am angry because the women… or for a better description “pigs in dresses” on these shows set me back 100 years. They reduce us to ignorant, gaudy, over sexed btchs. I work hard and dont look to anyone for anything. I worked my way through college waiting tables. I worked my way through law school by myself because I wanted a life that was better than what I was shown. So my head does hang with shame when I see this. There is blame to be placed with everyone associated with promoting and producing shows like this. I see it as Blacks selling other Blacks on the slave auctions blocks… all in the name of a dollar. Until we start respecting ourselves, how do we expect to recieve respect? I want to say to people stop watching this mess and it will go away…. But I know better because I know that our society loves to entertainment in the form of stereotypes and trash.

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JLS… obviously you have never been outside of the Atlanta Metroplex…

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I agree with the comments whole–heartedly…..I am a Black woman and I am proud to say that I do not watch any reality shows! I knew it was going to be garbage from the very beginning. We used to value education and family….now we value weave, stilettos, fake eyelashes, and lap dances. Our ancestors were not beaten, maimed, and humiliated for us to live so far below our privilege. Wake up Black America…..the world is going on without you!

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Natisha be rite. Get you a man with some $$$ and a phat car. And that be what you be needen. The housewives be keepen it real in the atl.

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The heck with Kelly Smith Beaty’s essay – calliope’s post should go viral. It’s heartfelt, insightful and doesn’t smack of self-promotion. It’s just real life eloquently presented by a successful person who’s living it.

With all due respect to Ms Beaty, she’s afflicted with the same narcissism as her fellow reality TV stars. The only difference I see between them is that they have less home training.

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Again, Atlanta is what it is…sadly what it is…

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Atlanta is great! That is the tragedy. We are a fine community. However, black people are all confused in it. The vestiges of slavery and all its toxins continues to be all in it. The savagery of the plantation continues to be as live as 1836, although it has just been digitized into news flashes, death certificates and murder convictions. It is white society and the potent vestiges of a monster it created that has now come back to haunt it and which it can’t very well criticize away.

Other questions though are if black people continues to live free in slavery to their own past, and if we are going to confront the goons, whores, leeches, pimps, and TV trash among us or we all just die together as they continue to vacuum up our honor and international integrity- as a people.

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A black woman attends a segregated college, works for a segregated organization, and then complains about people of her race being treated differently than society as a whole.

Gee, honey (sorry, “guuurrrrl”), you’re playing the victim card once again.

Now isn’t that original?

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My wife is a real housewife and would never parade herself or our family on such a show. And yes, she is African-American. She works in our home to produce an environment that is supportive, caring, and loving. She does not drink wine all day and she does not eat everyday at restaurants. Her day includes supporting her family as we prepare for work outside of the home and school. It includes daily management of the home including cleaning, cooking, washing of clothes, grocery shoppring, and running errands to name a few things. She spends time praying for our family and encouraging others that call upon her. No, we are not materially wealthy. But, we are spiritually blessed. She is virtuous, wise, and godly. She would never degrade herself or another women as all the women do on all the housewives shows. It is most unfortunate that our young people are getting the wrong message of what a housewife is or should be. All of us are to be blamed. If we did not watch the shows, they would not air.

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blame folks that moved here from the northern slums

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[...] Beaty’s essay has gone viral. She told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “The Buzz” blog that she’s really surprised by the far reaching response to the [...]

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Those who suggest that Black folks from the slums are the culprit are not looking at the shows that reflect the White folks from the slums. Be assured, Blacks do not have a monopoly on stupidity. If you think so, you are “blind in one eye and deaf in the other.” As a matter of fact, Blacks have always been and will always be First-Class and Proud People. Our ancestors were such during slavery and well before integration and the Civil Rights Movement. Black Americans have always been the conscious of this nation and will always be. Yes, there are bad Black examples. But, there are more bad White examples. You name one bad Black example, I can counter with several White bad examples. Its wise for us to refrain from the race insulting. Let’s not go there.

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when blacks move to a neighboorhood expect the area to go down drasticaly,..loud music,barbecues on front lawns ,cars parked on front lawns ,folks hangin out on front lawns,down hill property values,little to no respect for the neighbors or neighborhoods…just plain ghetto

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blame blacks from the ghetto slums of the north

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blame folks from up north bringing thier ghetto mentality with them

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@ KDAWG In reference to your comment: “Huh??? Hard to make a reality show about someone who is no longer with us… Yes, in “reality”, he’s dead and has been so since 1927.”

Try looking up “retrospective” in the dictionary. You exemplify why U.S. schools are at the bottom.

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What is sad it when you try to point this out to black people (the negativity of these shows) they become defensive.

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It’s a free country, change the channel if you don’t like it. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is. If you’re sucessful, you’re sucessful. You don’t hear white people going around bragging about how sucessful they are. Why is it so special if you’re sucessful and black. There will always be discrimination when we have to have “black” this and “black” that. Just get on with your self.

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[...] Jennifer Brett, AJC Filed Under: Entertainment, Her Side, Heroes, Local, Opinion var OB_langJS = [...]

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Tired of Racist: Blacks may not have a monopoly on poverty, but they certainly have a monopoly on crime. And if you want to watch Black culture on parade, walk down Peters St. in Castelberry Hill any Saturday night. But watch where you step…. your Black friends have dropped liquor bottles and fastfood trash every where on their way to the club. I am sure it will make you proud.

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I left an earlier post lauding the essay and asking where I sign the protest to Bravo…(a station which I love). for some reason DP took umbrage at my Go Sister GO comment. I didnt realise that was in any way rascist…I dont think it is. That said, as a native Atlanta white man, I am glad she wrote the article. That said, I pray they dont do a reality show about people (my relatives included)in rural Ga either. I would venture to guess that woman are being beat in the trailor parks and brick duplexes outside the perimeter too. And most of the people are fat with no dental plans….I guess Im trying to say trashy has no color boundries….trash is trash.

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@ natasha…wow !!!…that was a mouthful!!!…as a Native New Yorker I guess I better pack my bags and head back home…very articulately put…I personally would rather have to work weekends than watch reality shows (with the exception of Shark Tank)…those shows obviously thrive on (1) drama; (2) people’s thirst for the shallow and vain things in life…it’s just like the news when they steadily parade the multitude of black, mostly male, (suspected) criminals before us every day…even though if you were to go to a courtroom in a predominantly white county such as Cobb, Forsyth, Oconee (near Athens), etc., you would see a sea of white faces…but through some strange miracle, their crimes barely get mentioned…I teach in DeKalb County, so I know all too well about the “thug” element that has infested ATL…and it’s a shame because the city does indeed have such a great history…and South DeKalb, along with Prince George’s County, Maryland, used to be one of the riches African American enclaves (Native Atlanta, that means “neighborhood”) in the entire U.S… but alas, the housing bust, which decimated African Americans’ major source of wealth to the point that whites now have 22 times more “wealth” than African Americans, has all but destroyed what was once the Jewel of the New South…growing up in upstate New York, I too, heard about a city “down South,” whose streets were paved with milk and honey…where the sisters where so fine they would have your nose so open you could smell ice..a city, unlike Buffalo, New York, where Blacks (I can still use that word, can’t I?) wielded tremendous political power, the home of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr., Maynard Jackson, Alonzo Herndon, the “City too Busy to Hate!”…but alas, the mafia-ordained drug trade, strip club industry (how’s Fred Tokars doing?), prostitution industry has so infested the ATL that now people are looking to Charlotte and………..BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA as new models of southern success…

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@ natasha…wow !!!…that was a mouthful!!!…as a Native New Yorker I guess I better pack my bags and head back home…very articulately put…I personally would rather have to work weekends than watch reality shows (with the exception of Shark Tank)…those shows obviously thrive on (1) drama; (2) people’s thirst for the shallow and vain things in life…it’s just like the news when they steadily parade the multitude of black, mostly male, (suspected) criminals before us every day…even though if you were to go to a courtroom in a predominantly white county such as Cobb, Forsyth, Oconee (near Athens), etc., you would see a sea of white faces…but through some strange miracle, their crimes barely get mentioned…I teach in DeKalb County, so I know all too well about the “thug” element that has infested ATL…and it’s a shame because the city does indeed have such a great history…and South DeKalb, along with Prince George’s County, Maryland, used to be one of the riches African American enclaves (Native Atlanta, that means “neighborhood”) in the entire U.S… but alas, the housing bust, which decimated African Americans’ major source of wealth to the point that whites now have 22 times more “wealth” than African Americans, has all but destroyed what was once the Jewel of the New South…growing up in upstate New York, I too, heard about a city “down South,” whose streets were paved with milk and honey…where the sisters where so fine they would have your nose so open you could smell ice..a city, unlike Buffalo, New York, where Blacks (I can still use that word, can’t I?) wielded tremendous political power, the home of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr., Maynard Jackson, Alonzo Herndon, the “City too Busy to Hate!”…but alas, the mafia-ordained drug trade, strip club industry (how’s Fred Tokars doing?), prostitution industry has so infested the ATL that now people are looking to Charlotte and………..BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA as new models of southern success…SMH !!!

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Both sides make valid arguments…too bad we as African Americans haven’t taken the time to invest to the point that we could produce our own shows…then we wouldn’t have to worry about someone else portraying us in a negative light…as far as I know though, we’re the only culture who uses its music to degrade our own selves, particularly our women…@ natasha…wow !!!…that was a mouthful!!!…as a Native New Yorker I guess I better pack my bags and head back home…very articulately put…I personally would rather have to work weekends than watch reality shows (with the exception of Shark Tank)…those shows obviously thrive on (1) drama; (2) people’s thirst for the shallow and vain things in life…it’s just like the news when they steadily parade the multitude of black, mostly male, (suspected) criminals before us every day…even though if you were to go to a courtroom in a predominantly white county such as Cobb, Forsyth, Oconee (near Athens), etc., you would see a sea of white faces…but through some strange miracle, their crimes barely get mentioned…I teach in DeKalb County, so I know all too well about the “thug” element that has infested ATL…and it’s a shame because the city does indeed have such a great history…and South DeKalb, along with Prince George’s County, Maryland, used to be the richest African American enclaves (Native Atlantan, that means “neighborhood”) in the entire U.S… but alas, the housing bust, which decimated African Americans’ major source of wealth to the point that whites now have 22 times more “wealth” than African Americans, has all but destroyed what was once the Jewel of the New South…growing up in upstate New York, I too, heard about a city “down South,” whose streets were paved with gold, a land of milk and honey…where the sisters where so fine they would have your nose so open you could smell ice..a city, unlike Buffalo, New York, where Blacks (I can still use that word, can’t I?) wielded tremendous political power, the home of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr., Maynard Jackson, Alonzo Herndon, insurance magnate Jesse Hill, Jr., the “City too Busy to Hate!”…but alas, the mafia-ordained drug trade, strip club industry (how’s Fred Tokars doing?), prostitution industry have so infested the ATL that now people are looking to Charlotte and………..BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA as new models of southern success…SMH !!!

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RACIST: (n.)…someone who believes in the mental and or physical superiority of one distinct group over another or others…to describe the obvious behaviors of a group of people, whether black, Irish, Italian, Latino, Jewish, etc. is not racist unless the person(s) doing so do it to confirm their feelings of superiority (Listen to Dr. MLK’s sermon “The Drum Major Instinct”)…We should stop tossing that word around so loosely because we too often misdefine it…

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some blacks are so angry and have a liftime of a chip on thier shoulders..these shows only feed that mentality they are confrontational,ignorant,with poor speaking skills,and pride themselves on being as ignorant and ghetto as possible…feeding the sterotypical white americans views on blacks and cast a spell on the entire race..they seem to be for the most part poorly educated and lack customer service or people skills which makes it hard for them to be employable…all think that being a rapper or sports is the only way to be succsessful..by the way most of the black males can talk to you about is sports they no nothing beyound that..the black women are angry,sassy,overweight and ghetto with kids out of wedlock to thier detriment,..my opinion most blacks have mental issues and need professional help due to years of unchecked mental issues

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@ natasha…wow !!!…that was a mouthful!!!…as a Native New Yorker I guess I better pack my bags and head back home…very articulately put…I personally would rather have to work weekends than watch reality shows (with the exception of Shark Tank)…those shows obviously thrive on (1) drama; (2) people’s thirst for the shallow and vain things in life…it’s just like the news when they steadily parade the multitude of black, mostly male, (suspected) criminals before us every day…even though if you were to go to a courtroom in a predominantly white county such as Cobb, Forsyth, Oconee (near Athens), etc., you would see a sea of white faces…but through some strange miracle, their crimes barely get mentioned…I teach in DeKalb County, so I know all too well about the “thug” element that has infested ATL…and it’s a shame because the city does indeed have such a great history…and South DeKalb, along with Prince George’s County, Maryland, used to be among of the richest African American enclaves (Native Atlantan, that means “neighborhood”) in the entire U.S… but alas, the housing bust, which decimated African Americans’ major source of wealth to the point that whites now have 22 times more “wealth” than African Americans, has all but destroyed what was once the Jewel of the New South !!!…

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Thank you Kelly,I wondered how long before the true ‘Hard working’ meaningful,honest,lives of the real people of Atlanta would stand up,speak out for the values they believe in,that they give back to in their communities, as well as their contributions to this nation.The tv shows only show the’Class Less want to be,the thuggisnish,if such a word exists,the people on these shows never spend quality time with their families,never do you see them donate anything,they only brag about what they are wearing or dressed to un-impress,never giving a kind word to one another for long.The shows are out to make Mega Bucks off of them acting ignorant in front of the world,yet they feel Big’lol’ ..what happened to our history,the slaves that suffered to give a better quality of life to us,Atlanta is a very important place for my family it’s history and legacy is forever imbeded in my brain,the people mentioned in kelly’s article is so refreshing to see,Stand up Atlanta ‘take back your city’with more articles like this,show the world’You’ve earned it, the correct way-hard dedicated work ethics,pride,commitment and love of your city.We plan to purchase a vacation home there soon’.hope to share your true city, the city that we knew and still love,despite the Trash we see on tv with all the drama and people with nothing to give to this great city.

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I have never watched Housewives of Atlanta or any other reality show that depict black people in a demeaning and denigrating format. As a black American male the script is predictable – focus on form and absent of substance. For black people struggling to be educated in the 21st century and seeking recognition and respect globally it is shows such as Housewives of Atlanta and other television shows of similar format that foster negative stereotypes across the world about black Americans: it is psychologically disparaging: The images the shows convey are poor representations of our past and current struggles and contribute nothing to encourage substantive character development and the strive for positive values that are desperately needed for the youth if they are going to be competitive in the global economy. We must however, take responsibility for our future and that of our children and grandchildren by first not subscribing to any programming that depicts us
as being substandard, absent of morals, and willing to compromise our history and equally important our personal integrity and self – worth. The current narrative is sad and transformation is essentail for our survival as a people. I would encourage the current students and alumnae of Spelman under the direction of Dr. Tatum to link with all progressive thinking black women across the country and arouind the world to systematically address the problem of how black women, the conveyors of culture and values, are consciously being misrepresented in all forms of media. if a Caucasian teenager from the state of Maine can challenge Seventeen Magazine and successfully convince them to alter their policies related to the display of adolescent female body images then I am confident that a coalition of determined and competent black women could do more. Create a movement and take the young adolescent females and their young siblings along with you. If not you then who will assume the responsibility for the future.

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There are 13% of African Americans living in the US which is about 39 Million total which means that there is a VERY VERY large number of individuals that have minimal interaction with African Americans period, so Rap videos, RHOA, Love & Hip Hop, Basketball Wives, etc. is a general overview that they get in addition it is also very true that majority of young African American women and males conduct themselves in that way. So that is the general opinion that will be formed against African Americans.

Stereotypes are mainly truths applied as standard to the masses of a specific group. But you can pretty much say that the “Stereotype that most African Americans want to be rappers, singers, athletes, models, etc.” hold validity. We even apply these stereotypes by ourselves by saying things like “Black people don’t ski, black people don’t do this and that – this is what [enter race] does”. I grew up with much of it.

So the reflection of these shows may not apply to all but it applies to a large number of African Americans. All you have to do is go to Shout on Fridays, Frank Ski’s restaurant, go to Velvet Room, Club Reign or any Hip Hop/R&B themed major event. And you will see it for yourself across the board. Guys pull up with their cars on 26″ rims, “poppin’ bottles in VIP”, “makin’ it rain” in the strip clubs.

We have a knack for valuing things that really have no value.

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Only thng worse than this is Jersey Shore, the ultimate losers. Who watches this stuff? What is wrong with us when we think these low life no talent drunks are celebrity?
We have hit rock bottom, people get a life please and refuse to watch this idiotic garbage.
Snooki, Ne Ne, get a room!

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@11:25 – -YourPoliticalAnimal is not too far from the kingdom of God. In a nutshell, the exemplary Atlanta Georgia that he heard about while in New York was really the one blessed with citizens having the benefits of a separate but equal Atlanta. For the most part, blacks, politicians not withstanding were spiritual church going people. Ethics, morals, and character had sustained us for over 400 years. Politicians etc would tell you in a heartbeat that they support and represent black people. And to a lesser extent, they same was true on the other side of the tracks.

But once the doctrine of integration had been fully implemented in Atlanta, Ethics, morals and character went out of the window for everyone. And even to this very day, there are very few black politicians if any who will say out loud that they serve God Almighty and support black people… Can’t you see that integration demands that citizens etc become hollow godless deceivers if they want gainful employment, or hold political office, or to be thought of as intelligent.

So when you say that people are looking at Charlotte and Birmingham as new models of southern success, you are indicating to me that the vestiges of a separate but equal Charlotte and Birmingham have somehow survived in many of its citizens up to this point. But be forewarned, once the maturation of integration is realized in those citizens and cities, people will once again be on the move searching far and wide for a city endowed with citizens cleaving to the benefits of a separate but equal society unawares..

Amen?

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She’s a now a NEW YORKER – but writing about ATLANTA? Child please!

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@ Truth Hurts-ROTFLMAO!

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an atlanta metro resident for 32 yrs i,m dissapointed in what it has become…we now go to beautiful Greenville,sc for concerts,to go to the park(falls park in Greenville)shopping..we just live and work in Atlanta..the traffic ,the rudness,the nasty attitudes,the crime,has made it an impossible place to live and the quality of life has went way down hill..I STILL SAY ITS DUE TO NORTHERN INVASION..we can walk downtown Greenville..we dont feel threatened,harrassed,we can relax in the park thier without being threatned,or being a potential for crime we can go to the stores and get great customer service..Atlanta better quickly make a turn around or else it will be america,s new Detroit

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whats an African American?

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Exactly Sir Loin Tips!

She’s not and AFRICAN-American! She’s an American. My heritage is European, German to be exact, and I don’t run around calling myself a European American or a German American. Instead, I’m (just like Ms Beaty) a NATURAL BORN CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA which makes me (and her) …. you guessed it, just plain ole AMERICAN.
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Unfortunately, Atlanta is becoming more an more populated by blacks, and blacks (when broght together in groups) pretty much ruin everything they infiltrate. FYI to black folks or the the overly sensitive white liberals, my statement is NOT racist, it REAList (true). Go back 25-30 years ago and look at Dekalb County (low black population) and how things ran back then. Business was good, jobs were plenty, property values were INCREASING, crime was low, and people wanted to live there. Take a look at the same things now! Take a drive down Memorial Drive … you’ll get my point.

To Ms Beaty … if Atlanta’s so great, then get your black arse back down here, and help it out!

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I quit watching TV long ago; nothing but trash. Read a book, write a book…do something other than watch TV. TV is where our children learn violence.

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Hoorah! for Kelly Smith Beaty. She addresses a topic that both black and white Atlantans see, but for some reason, seem hesitant to acknowledge. It occurs to me that the classy, intelligent, “real” black women of Atlanta are too focused on family and career to put their lives on display on national TV. But, then again, these woman do not have enough drama in ther lives to make the voyeuresque public tune in.

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If you want a reality show about the ATL, watch COPS.

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[...] much-discussed essay decrying the treatment of black Atlantans on reality show ignores the fact they portray everyone as [...]

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Natasha, there is nothing wrong with being “country”. What a prejudiced remark you have made!

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Czech Airlines

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[...] Her piece has created a lot of buzz. As a matter of fact, Jennifer Brett of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote about it in The Buzz. [...]

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