I have been anticipating the release of The Princess and the Frog for the last year! When I first heard that Disney was finally debuting an African American princess, I could hardly maintain my composure. Like most Americans, I have been enamored with Disney since my first visit to the Magic Kingdom in 1969, as a bright eyed and curious three year old. Through the years, Disney has been a staple in my life. My son celebrated his 5th birthday at the Magic Kingdom. We own every Disney movie known to man. So the introduction of a princess that not just resembled, but actually looked like that bright eyed three old, now turn 43 year old mother of two amazing daughters would be the icing on the cake.
To show how excited I was about this film, I purchased tickets to attend the exclusive premiere engagement of the film at the Walt Disney Studio in Burbank. Not one to do things in a small fashion, I purchased the Royal Package, which included reserved seating, commemorative beads and a limited edition lithograph picture. My daughters and I could hardly maintain ourselves as our premiere day rapidly approached. With all the TV commercials, advertisements and banners announcing The Princess and the Frog, we knew we were in for an event of a lifetime. Finally, it arrived! We had reservations for five (my two daughters, their friend, her mother and myself) for the 7:00 p.m. show of The Princess and the Frog!
We showed up an hour early, just to make sure we didn't miss anything! We parked and in the impeccable fashion of Disney, followed the "frog feet" that lead to the entrance. We showed our tickets, pontificated about the fact that the popcorn was not included in the $50 Royal Package, and followed "our yellow brick road" to the grand theater. Due to the fact that the movie has not been released nationally, we had to turn in our cellphones and go through a metal detector. A mere inconvenience for what was about to take place. We found our "royal" seats in the back of the theater and settled in for one of the "best films we had ever seen". I was shocked to see that the majority of the patrons in the theater did not look anything like me. However, let's face it....everyone loves Disney!
As the live entertainment played his last note and the lights dimmed, my heart started racing as I look over to the three young girls sitting next to me with smiles that appeared to be as wide as the building. The music came on, and my long awaited film began. I sat there a watched every single moment. I was in awe! Then my princess a.k.a Tiana turned into a frog! Now, I was okay with that because I knew that was part of the story. Here where things went south for me........................
I didn't realize that my princess was going to remain a frog for the greater part of the movie. I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for her to again look like me and my daughters. As a matter of fact, at one point I thought Disney was going to send me into cardiac arrest and have her remain a frog. The next time I saw my princess' face was when she kissed frog Naveen and the two of them became human again. She stayed on the screen for another 5-7 minutes, and wala it was over and she was gone! There was brief silence, a small around of applause and everyone started exiting the theater. I sat in my chair, horrified and extremely disappointed! I could hardly speak. I looked over at my friend. The look on her face spoke the sentiments of my heart! Our three young girls were happy, yet surprisingly reserved. Walking out the theater, I said to my friend "So, what did you think?" She replied "Not right now. I need to gather my thoughts and regroup."
The two of us walked silently to the "interactive" show where all of the Disney Princesses were waiting to greet the guest. Our daughters ran around the room, taking photos with all of the princesses. I decided to go and retrieve my "limited edition lithograph". What awaited me was indescribable. I opened up the envelope and inside is a picture of my princess and Naveen as FROGS! Not as the beautiful princess she turned into. Not the handsome prince Naveen from Macedonia - but FROGS! I was done! My friend was so done, that she asked if we could leave and she left her lithograph at the lot. Speechless and stunned, the two of us just walked to our car in pure amazement. How could something so special be reduced to something so........demeaning? Of all the wonderful ads Disney has used to promote this movie, the only picture they could find for a "limited lithograph" was Tiana and Naveen as frogs! Wow!
Now, I am definitely not one to immediately jump onto the "race" bandwagon. I am astute enough to know that everything is not racial, however, I realize that some things are racial. I began to think of all the Disney princess movies (Snow White, Ariel, Mulan, Belle) and I cannot recall any of them not showing the face of the primary character throughout the film. So, that begs the question "why did Disney decide to go a different route with Princess Tiana?" "Why does she have to be a frog for the majority of the movie?" What is the subconscious message? I know, I know - folks are going to say that I should be glad that Disney finally created an African American princess. For the record, I do applaud Disney for their effort, however, that does not change the end result for me. I also realize that Disney has to appeal to the "masses", so this may have been their way of doing just that - having an African American princess and mass appeal! After all, would the masses sit in a movie theater and watch an animated African American girl for over an hour, with or without Disney's "rubber stamp?" Well, that remains to be seen.
Okay, realizing that I might have been reading a little too much into this whole frog thing, I did my own mini survey. A number of my friends attended the exclusive engagement. Not baiting them or even letting them know my disappointment, I personally asked all of the same question, "So, how did you like the movie." Every single one of them made the same or similar statement, " I was really disappointed about her being a frog for so long in the movie. That really bothered me." When I asked about the lithograph, the majority of them said they threw it in the trash, because they were appalled . Ah ha, so it wasn't just me. My feelings were real!
Hundred of people are going to flock the theater this weekend to see the debut of Princess Tiana. I'll let you be the judge. What's great about America is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and we can always agree to disagree. To that end, again I have to say I appreciate Disney for their effort. Nonetheless, I would be remissed if I didn't express my sadness at the finish product. Many folks would argue that we are currently living in a post racial nation; yet I would contend that true progress continues to be slow. It continues to be slow.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Hollywood Waiter Claims Run-In With 'Hung' Star Cost Him His Job
As a former waitress, I to was victim to some of the biggest celebrities in the world not tipping. Managers are falling all over themselves to give free food and drinks to Actors, Directors, Producers and Singers only to have the tip being a slap in the fast to waiters. The wait staff still have to pay taxes on the check including wine, tip out the busser, runner, bartender and hostess. I could named names but that is not my style.
As a waitress I took my job serious and I was rewarded for my excellent services. I tried not to get upset if I got a bad/no tip from a celebrity . How would you react when a famous Director is running up a tab of $2000 or higher and doesn't tip?
A tab that a manager has already discounted. Waiter are under so much pressure from managers to devote all their attention to pamper celebrity.
I once witness a waitress being fired because this A-Lister wanted an omelette. She tried but it can be a tough task to get an omelette in a steakhouse at 8 pm.
Have your ever had a Chef yelled at you at the top of his lungs? If you ever work in a restaurant you know what I mean. How sad is it that this actor starred in one of the highest grossing movies of all time yet he isn't happy unless he getting a waitress fired from her job.
My favorite celebrity is the movie star turn television star receiving an employee discount. Managers nickel and dime regular customers yet give well paid celebrities free food and discounts. Do not get me started on how many times I fought with managers about serving under aged celebrities.
Note to celebrities, restaurant are not fast food joints, your food has to be cook just like at home. You are not the only table in the restaurant. You are not God so I can look you in the eye. Speak up it is not cute neither is speaking through your assistant or partner. You need to pay your check today not next week.
As a waitress I took my job serious and I was rewarded for my excellent services. I tried not to get upset if I got a bad/no tip from a celebrity . How would you react when a famous Director is running up a tab of $2000 or higher and doesn't tip?
A tab that a manager has already discounted. Waiter are under so much pressure from managers to devote all their attention to pamper celebrity.
I once witness a waitress being fired because this A-Lister wanted an omelette. She tried but it can be a tough task to get an omelette in a steakhouse at 8 pm.
Have your ever had a Chef yelled at you at the top of his lungs? If you ever work in a restaurant you know what I mean. How sad is it that this actor starred in one of the highest grossing movies of all time yet he isn't happy unless he getting a waitress fired from her job.
My favorite celebrity is the movie star turn television star receiving an employee discount. Managers nickel and dime regular customers yet give well paid celebrities free food and discounts. Do not get me started on how many times I fought with managers about serving under aged celebrities.
Note to celebrities, restaurant are not fast food joints, your food has to be cook just like at home. You are not the only table in the restaurant. You are not God so I can look you in the eye. Speak up it is not cute neither is speaking through your assistant or partner. You need to pay your check today not next week.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Diva in a recession.
The worst thing about being single during this rough economic time is that you do not have a partner to help you with the bills. The best thing about being single during this time is that I do not have to help anyone else with their bills.
I have been supporting myself for seventeen years, with the very much-appreciated occasional loan from my mom. I have experienced the recession of the early nineties. I experienced the tech boom of the late nineties, and the real estate boom that has only recently burst. The common thread of all of this is that no matter what the economy is , I’m still broke.
In the past when my bank account was empty, it was my own fault. I needed to get my hair done buy a new outfit to wear to the club. …and after one Cadillac margarita with silver Patron, I somehow became rich and had plenty of money to buy a few more drinks for me and my friends.
To cover my frivolous spending I would work over time. I become an aggressive salesperson. I am now a displaced auto saleswoman.
While working at the dealership I never took a day off. I worked from morning till midnight. I slept, got up, got dressed and went back to work first thing in the morning. My paychecks reflected all the hard work I had put in. My work ethic has not changed but the business has.
We were so pushy, we would run customers out the door.
Now, no one even comes in the door, not even to get her old car serviced much less buy a new one
I have not gone to a beauty salon in nine months. I have not gone out to a nightclub or purchased a new outfit in at least eight months.
I spend the beginning of every month crying to my landlord trying to explain to him why my rent is late again. My car came very close to being repossess several times.
I sometimes feel like it would be reassuring and comforting if I had someone to come home to. How great it would feel to have strong arms to fall into after working twelve long hours on my feet and not selling a thing.
Then I think about what has been my reality. None of the men in my life have ever been comforting or reassuring, hence why I am still single. As a single person living alone, I can search the net or read business books uninterrupted. I focus on me. Sometimes I come up with ideas to help myself. There are times when I am drowning in my tears because I cannot pay my rent again. I romanticize about a knight in shining armor rescuing me
you know the Pretty Woman fantasy.
Since that is never going to happen, the Wonder Woman inside of me figures out a way and to rescue herself once again. The strength I have to take care of myself is priceless.
Ladies, the blessing in this tough economic time is that we can do it on our own. It is not easy but we are Every Way Women and when tough times hit us, we hit back. We do it with style
and we make it look like a stroll down the fashion runway.
I have been supporting myself for seventeen years, with the very much-appreciated occasional loan from my mom. I have experienced the recession of the early nineties. I experienced the tech boom of the late nineties, and the real estate boom that has only recently burst. The common thread of all of this is that no matter what the economy is , I’m still broke.
In the past when my bank account was empty, it was my own fault. I needed to get my hair done buy a new outfit to wear to the club. …and after one Cadillac margarita with silver Patron, I somehow became rich and had plenty of money to buy a few more drinks for me and my friends.
To cover my frivolous spending I would work over time. I become an aggressive salesperson. I am now a displaced auto saleswoman.
While working at the dealership I never took a day off. I worked from morning till midnight. I slept, got up, got dressed and went back to work first thing in the morning. My paychecks reflected all the hard work I had put in. My work ethic has not changed but the business has.
We were so pushy, we would run customers out the door.
Now, no one even comes in the door, not even to get her old car serviced much less buy a new one
I have not gone to a beauty salon in nine months. I have not gone out to a nightclub or purchased a new outfit in at least eight months.
I spend the beginning of every month crying to my landlord trying to explain to him why my rent is late again. My car came very close to being repossess several times.
I sometimes feel like it would be reassuring and comforting if I had someone to come home to. How great it would feel to have strong arms to fall into after working twelve long hours on my feet and not selling a thing.
Then I think about what has been my reality. None of the men in my life have ever been comforting or reassuring, hence why I am still single. As a single person living alone, I can search the net or read business books uninterrupted. I focus on me. Sometimes I come up with ideas to help myself. There are times when I am drowning in my tears because I cannot pay my rent again. I romanticize about a knight in shining armor rescuing me
you know the Pretty Woman fantasy.
Since that is never going to happen, the Wonder Woman inside of me figures out a way and to rescue herself once again. The strength I have to take care of myself is priceless.
Ladies, the blessing in this tough economic time is that we can do it on our own. It is not easy but we are Every Way Women and when tough times hit us, we hit back. We do it with style
and we make it look like a stroll down the fashion runway.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Paula Abdul: Why did the men get paid but Paula was "let go?"
Kristina, Holli and Kristina discuss Paula Abdul leaving American Idol.
Men continue to make more money than women.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWUgBwl14qU
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Instate Tuition for Illegal Immigrants
Stacey Lewis, Charlotte Laws, Jacquelyn Kane, and Holli Palazzo discuss if it is fair for illegal immigrants to receive instate tuition.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Force to go green
Do you feel the pressure to go green even if you can not afford it? Going green seems like high school peer pressure to fit in with the cool kids. In this case the rich kids are forcing their agenda on the rest of us. A studies showed that only 1 in 4 green jobs created overseas are permanent. By creating green jobs the study showed it actually eliminated jobs than it created.
http://twitter.com/everywaywoman
http://twitter.com/everywaywoman
Monday, April 20, 2009
Open Dialogue: Is Welfare a contributor to the decline of the black family?
The co-hosts of Every Way Woman debate about welfare and the breakup of the black family. http://www.everywaywoman.com
In the 1960's President Johnson vastly expanded the welfare program with one major stipulation, no father could be present in the home. Leaving many to conclude that he knew exactly what effect welfare would have on the black family. A social program that some believe is an extension of slavery. Welfare undermines the black family unit.
In the late 1890's, 80% of all black black household consist of two parents compared to the declining numbers after welfare was expanded to include single mothers. As fathers abandon their wives, girlfriends, children and responsibilities crime and poverty grew in black families.
The strong black woman has been label as independent and spirited yet the black man is label lazy. It makes you wonder why some politicians are in favor of so many social programs for the poor. Do they really care? Is it about the vote?
As the media continues to promote single motherhood the two parent household is in jeopardy of becoming extinct. The only way to reform welfare is to encourage marriage and family.
You can find more information on this topic at
http://www.niu.edu/pub_ad/p326/fempov.htm
http://www.neoperspectives.com/welfare.htm
http://www.andrewbernstein.net/articles/7_welfarestate.htm
In the 1960's President Johnson vastly expanded the welfare program with one major stipulation, no father could be present in the home. Leaving many to conclude that he knew exactly what effect welfare would have on the black family. A social program that some believe is an extension of slavery. Welfare undermines the black family unit.
In the late 1890's, 80% of all black black household consist of two parents compared to the declining numbers after welfare was expanded to include single mothers. As fathers abandon their wives, girlfriends, children and responsibilities crime and poverty grew in black families.
The strong black woman has been label as independent and spirited yet the black man is label lazy. It makes you wonder why some politicians are in favor of so many social programs for the poor. Do they really care? Is it about the vote?
As the media continues to promote single motherhood the two parent household is in jeopardy of becoming extinct. The only way to reform welfare is to encourage marriage and family.
You can find more information on this topic at
http://www.niu.edu/pub_ad/p326/fempov.htm
http://www.neoperspectives.com/welfare.htm
http://www.andrewbernstein.net/articles/7_welfarestate.htm
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