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Ben Bolch’s Los Angeles Times column about LSU is the latest example of how traditional media perpetuates misogynoir

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9 months ago

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thegrio.com

In journalism school we’re taught that we have to be objective in our reporting and writing.

I could go on and on about how objectivity in journalism is a myth created by gatekeepers in traditional media who wanted to regulate each what stories are told and how those stories are told.

The whole point of “objectivity” in journalism was to avoid offending the news’s primary readers, who were and still are white men. Sections dedicated to white women were later added, but at no point were any black people featured, and our stories weren’t considered in traditional media or in the overall debate about objectivity. White men and white women have all the time been the target market and still are.

This signifies that the way stories about Black individuals are told have historically been told from a perspective that pleases the sensibilities of white people.

New media – the media spaces which have emerged since the advent of the Internet – have modified all this.

As more Black publications and media outlets enter the arena and tell our stories in ways in which honor us and uplift our stories, traditional media outlets shouldn’t have the same level of control over what is considered “objective.”

Nowadays, who you might be is directly reflected in the way you write your stories and the stories you select.

Opinion writing is not objective; in actual fact, it’s exactly the opposite. That’s subjective AF.

Opinion writing is a subset of journalism during which journalists, commentators, critics, etc. share their personal thoughts on a subject of their selection.

These topics might be movies, current events, albums, politics, racial justice issues, social justice issues, and the list goes on.

The text in opinion articles is barely looser than in reportage articles. Op-eds often rely more on how the author personally expresses himself. They may use slang or jargon that may not otherwise appear in regular news, and their personality often comes out more in writing because, again, it is an expression of their deep, personal thoughts.

With all this in mind, let’s talk about it Article by Ben Bolch published in the LA Times. before the UCLA-LSU matchup in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Ben Bolch is a beat author for the Los Angeles Times covering the University of California, Los Angeles. His Twitter bio (remember we never call it X) says he’s “an absurdist who tweets for me, not you.”

Ben wrote the comment last Friday before Saturday’s matchup between the two teams. The headline of the article was “UCLA-LSU Are America’s Sweethearts vs. Basketball Villains” and truthfully, that ought to have been our first clue that the article can be full of the same kind of anti-black, dehumanizing rhetoric that has been pushed repeatedly over the last yr at LSU.

The original light in the column read: “This isn’t just a basketball game, it’s a reckoning. Choosing sides goes far beyond school loyalty. Do you prefer America’s sweethearts or its dirty debutants? Milk and cookies or Louisiana hot sauce?

Aside from the fact that these first two independent sentences should be separated by a semicolon or a period, what about “white people sometimes gets on my nerves”?

Who calls the University of California, Los Angeles women’s basketball team “America’s Sweethearts”?

No offense to these young ladies, as I’m sure they’re all very lovely human beings, but how do you portray them as the light in this equation while simultaneously portraying LSU – the Black team for the purposes of this exercise – as the darkness?

He then writes: “Do you prefer a team that wants to grow women’s basketball or one that seems very keen to divide it?”

I’ll say it again: where does this narrative come from?

LSU’s squad is dominated by blacks, so portraying them as the “bad” opposition to the “good” UCLA team is greater than a bit disturbing, nevertheless it doesn’t end there.

It makes Angel Reese, who has suffered from a lot scrutiny and criticism from the white media, for doing the same thing that every one basketball players – including Caitlin Clark, who is white – do all the time.

How is it different from what Angel Reese does? Steph Curry’s ‘nightie’ gesture?

The comment in the article was misogynistic, sexist and anti-black towards a bunch of young women who’re still learning, growing and deserve all the grace in the world while attempting to balance the enormity of celebrity sports and college life. They operate in an area where they’re expected to be athletic and dominant of their sport, but additionally to be the epitome of grace and civility, if white people have anything to say about it.

The response to Bolch’s comment was quick and immediate. People on Twitter criticized him repeatedly until the Times finally updated the story on Saturday with several disclaimers, including the following editor’s note:

On the ice, the line “Do you prefer America’s sweethearts or her dirty debutants? Milk and cookies or Louisiana hot sauce? was removed and replaced with a note from a second editor that said: “A previous version of this commentary did not meet Times editorial standards. It has been updated.”

This article probably went through at least a line editor and a copy editor and neither of them initially saw a problem with it, so I question the editorial standards the Times references and wonder whether all of its editors were trained in this alleged ” standard”.

The question “Do you prefer a team that wants to grow women’s basketball or one that clearly wants to divide it?” still remains in the article, as does the previously mentioned comment on Angel Reese.

Now let’s go back to what I said at the beginning of this comment.

Ben Bolch is an experienced columnist who has worked for the Los Angeles Times since 1999. Over the course of 25 years, he has had time to practice and perfect his craft, including his writing style and word choice.

I assume Ben Bolch knew what he was doing when he wrote this article. He is a white man who works in a predominantly white school and knows his audience. This comment was written in a way that appealed to the sensibilities of the audience, but also included words and phrases that he deliberately chose.

Again, the editor saw this story and thought it was okay to publish it.

Ben himself probably thought he had done something big with it because he couldn’t stop promoting it on Twitter, even after being yelled at multiple times on Twitter.

He finally issued a lame “apology” on Monday, but the damage was already done. The apology has already been added at the end of the original article, but I’ll prevent the time and energy of reading by summarizing it this manner:

Ben Bolch is not sorry about the language he used towards the young women on the LSU team. He’s sorry he was called out on it so loudly and openly.

The daring emphasis is mine.

It’s hard for me to persuade him, at his great age and at this stage of his profession, especially in any case the white “woke” bullshit from 2020, that he really didn’t understand the seriousness of what he was writing. He not only sees it now; he knew all along, and when his editors agreed, he figured he had gotten away with it.

It’s the journalistic equivalent of throwing a stone and covering your hand.

You’re not smart, Ben.

What Ben did was follow the path paved by all the white media that got here before him.

It’s okay to place down Black people or talk down Black people. There’s nothing incorrect with portraying us as villains, thugs, and terrible people for doing the same things they do all the time and never get called out for. There is nothing incorrect with using weapons against a complete group of young black women who do nothing greater than play sports and take a look at to advance in the world.

White traditional media perpetuates misogyny. We’ve seen this occur in real time with athletes like Serena Williams AND Coco Gauffamongst others.

Ben Bolch was simply following a script that had already been written for him. He said things about black female athletes that he would never say about white women, and when you don’t think me, have a look at his later comment about UCLA losing. He wrote this story as gently as possible, while criticizing the many mistakes they made that ultimately led to them losing the match.

White traditional media perpetuates misogyny all the time.

They needs to be prepared for Black writers (and Black people generally) to point this out regularly.

Sports

  • Ben Bolch’s Los Angeles Times column about LSU is the latest example of how traditional media perpetuates misogynoir
  • Police say the use of racial slurs is clearly heard during the investigation into racist incidents against the Utah team
  • Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark can develop their game without the “help” of Ice Cube
  • LSU star Angel Reese declares for WNBA draft via Vogue photo shoot and says: ‘I didn’t mean to be rude’
  • Black coaches lost all the pieces after the FBI college hoops case that ruined their careers after which fizzled
  • Women’s basketball phenomenon Angel Reese on being solid as a ‘villain’: ‘I’ve been through a lot’
  • From homelessness to Final Four history, forward Fisk is being honored for his bravery
  • Heisman Trophy Winner Caleb Williams Speaks Out About His Controversial Pink Painted Nails and Lip Gloss

The post Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times on LSU is the latest example of how traditional media perpetuates misogynoir and first appeared on TheGrio.


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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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3 weeks ago

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December 9, 2024

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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3 weeks ago

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December 9, 2024

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.

Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

3 weeks ago

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December 9, 2024

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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