The Black America's Next Top Model Report and other musings

Who knew Tyra would contribute so much to the improvement of race relations with ANTM? What do I mean by this? you ask. Well first, in all seriousness, she has exposed those who watch the show to many black faces in the fashion and entertainment industry, for better or for worse. Who can forget those "Aswirl" twins who taught the models how to swirl with their dresses and shawls? (I think Jade won that challenge.) And then the week before last she had the black celebrity/entertainment writer (from Vanity Fair?) who interviewed everyone - Nnenah won that and there have been countless others. That is a good thing. She also brought in Jade's mom - a white woman- and Nnenah's boyfriend - a white guy. So there you are, racial harmony, or at least racial realities. The fashion world doesn't necessarily take this show that seriously, do you think? I mean the black faces in fashion are few and far between. I've been to NY fashion week, I read the magazines. The fashion industry missed the civil rights movement.

Also the fact that there were so many black girls still standing is pretty significant. I wish I could hear the comments being made with regard to that or the mail they receive. I'd better check around and see what blogs, etc. are out there and report back. Anyway we lost Furonda and that was inevitable. (Nnenah had been a bit of a surprise.) Danielle remains, with her narrowed gap, and Jade (who my daughter keeps reminding me is not completely black) and the two white girls, Joanie and the very tall one, whose name escapes me. If I were a betting person I'd bet on Joanie - her hanging mermaid thing was pretty nice. I don't think they're going to pick another black girl just yet.

On other fronts, Akeelah and the Bee was wonderful. Very real, suspenseful, good story, good acting. And it is a story for everyone. Akeelah happens to be black but she's a stereotype buster. The movie is a modern classic, I believe. My only problems with it were the sort of sappy side story with Fishburne's character (too predictable) and I wasn't so happy with Angela Bassett, as much as I love her. She seemed to think she was still playing Tina Turner.