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'Bride of Blackenstein': Not as Offensive as Our Favorite Shows
Last weekend’s Saturday Night Live “Bride of Blackenstein” skit, featuring rapper Nicki Minaj, caught my attention well before criticism surfaced. In the skit, Minaj embodies almost every stereotype of a black woman. As a black woman, I usually cringe when we are portrayed as the loud, sassy, unsophisticated, immature, oversexed, ignorant girl next door. Think…
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Dollars and Sense: Talking Money Before Marriage
Many years ago, when I was mostly dating for looks and swagger, my grandmother tried to set me up with her friend’s son. “He owns a house and has a good job,” she said to persuade me. “But Gaga, I don’t like him like that,” I told her. “Listen, he is a good man. I…
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Why It's Healthy to Let It All Out
I am often one to hold my tongue in order to spare another person’s feelings. That’s not to say that I’ve never intentionally hurt anyone with my words, but it was usually in the heat of the moment. And chances are that even in those situations, I wanted to say something much worse and chose…
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Planning for Single Motherhood
“I never thought I’d be here.” That’s what Beth Espy thought of her life about two years ago. She was 40 years old, single and childless. “Time goes by fast,” she says. “I wasn’t even this career woman — I had a decent job. But time just got away from me.” It’s as if Beth…
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The Root's Celebrity Holiday Wish List
“1) Peace of mind. So much has happened to our troops, our families and our world that stresses me out. 2) [I want to star in] a blockbuster action movie with Angelina Jolie. I have been working out, and I am ready to blow off some steam, kick some ass and take some names. 3)…
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Traction Alopecia: Enough to Make You Go Natural?
Rochelle Ritchie, an African-American TV reporter in West Palm Beach, Fla., who, out of frustration, decided to let her hair go natural, recently shared her transition story with her local TV audience — explaining how wigs, weaves and perms had severely damaged her hair over the years. In the segment, Ritchie didn’t just tell her…
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For a Stress-Free Thanksgiving, Etiquette Is Key
A drama-free Thanksgiving may not be on the menu for you this year. According to a recent survey, you should anticipate arguments, someone getting on your nerves and a whole mess of stress. In an iVillage.com survey, 65 percent of the respondents predict that a family disagreement will take place. Sixty-eight percent believe that someone…
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When She Brings Home the Bacon
Let’s keep it real. Do I want to marry a man who pays for everything? Absolutely. And I would bet most women want the type of marriage that will allow them the option of working or staying home. But for most black women, that’s just not realistic. Chipping in or even going 50-50 on bills…
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Say It Loud: Black Girls Rock!
Call it perfect timing. Black Girls Rock makes its television debut this weekend on BET as the public image of black women continues to be dragged through the mud. It is difficult to miss recent reports, blogs and viral videos exploring why many of us will never marry or even come close to finding a…
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
