I will attempt to convey my thoughts in this post that I originally tried to do two weeks ago. 🙂
Long story short, I want to see sitcoms (because let’s face it, a drama may be far-fetched) of my peers on network television. Based on the shows that I mentioned in Part One, I had friends that mirrored and shared some similarities with the characters on our television screen. And those characters transcended race.
Growing up, I could look to Whitley Gilbert, Khadijah James, Claire Huxtable, and Joan Clayton as women who inspired me to do great things and to aspire to become someone wonderful. Who do the girls have to look up to today? Snooki, Evelyn, and NeNe? If so, we are in a world of trouble. I think it’s important for all of us to realize we must reach the children in our families and neighborhoods. It’s up to us to serve as the positive role models that this generation can look up to. And to show them positive images of women that they believe they can emulate or even transcend, even if it’s the women behind the scenes, like Shonda Rhimes and Mara Brock Akil.
I really think I want to get into more writing and creating characters that all women, young or old, Black or White, can look at and say, “I want to be like her” or “That is SO me!” or “She reminds me of my best friend”. I challenge all of you to make a decision on what you will do to conscientously make a positive impact on the lives of young women in your community. And share with us here on the blog. Feel free to recruit others and to bounce ideas off each other. Until next time, I’m just a Southern girl…in the city!
Southern Girl in the City 