Entertainment
Ben Bolch’s Los Angeles Times column about LSU is the latest example of how traditional media perpetuates misogynoir
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
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- 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
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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.
Entertainment
Sasha Obama’s ‘homeless’ look slammed by critics, fans race to defend former first daughter
Sasha Obama has made probably the most of her time in Los Angeles after transferring from the University of Michigan to the University of Southern California in 2022. After graduating with a level in sociology in 2023, the 23-year-old has develop into a magnet for public attention.
From her workouts to her adult habits, the whole lot the White House’s second black daughter does makes headlines. Sasha never asked for the highlight—her parents did.
Her personal style has come under fire recently, with some fashion critics criticizing Sasha’s casual, “homeless” look. Spotted multiple times around Los Angeles, the second daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama has been showing off her unique style while hanging out with friends, older sister Malia Obama, or just living within the City of Angels.
Recently, HOLA! published photos of the former first daughter running out to do some shopping and having fun with the last days of summer. Dressed in a brown button-down shirt tucked into light blue high-waisted shorts, green slip-ons and her favorite necklace, Sasha looked relaxed and assured.
Despite this, critics have criticized her fashion decisions.
Another outlet, SheKnows covered Sasha’s outfit that called her the “Queen of Street Style.” “Style is not a word that comes to mind,” one commenter wrote when SheKnows covered her outfit, earning her the nickname “Queen of Street Style.”
Another person added: “I mean… Street style queen? In the eyes of the beholder, that’s what I think.”
The insults became increasingly harsh.
“She looks almost homeless. I don’t know how anyone can see anything ‘chic’ or ‘trendy’ in this,” one critic commented. Another wrote: “She looks awful. You’d think she could afford a fashion coach.”
The criticism wasn’t limited to her attire – there have been also intolerant insults, directed not only at Obama’s younger daughter, but in addition her sister.
“Now you know if they were the daughters of a Republican president, the press would tell us what they really thought. So much flattery, I thought I was watching a Bambi movie.”
Looks high lol
— Big Straight (@win_again_exe) September 14, 2024
But Sasha just isn’t without defenders. Many fans have taken to social media, criticizing the media for its scrutiny of her appearance and demanding her privacy.
“These ladies live their lives, there are no reports of drug or alcohol abuse or legal issues,” one person commented, before mentioning, “Their style is comparable or even better than what I see on others their age these days. They don’t walk around in pajamas and slippers. All the comments below are from people who know they will never be able to keep up with these ladies.”
The resistance didn’t end there.
“Both Sasha and Malia Obama are beautiful young women. They are college students and finding their place in the world. Adults of my generation didn’t like what we considered fashion back then, just as we might not like what Sasha and Malia wear today. Leave them alone,” one defender wrote.
Another user summed up what many were pondering: “I wish the press would leave them alone. They were not elected to public office and deserve privacy.”
Adding: “I also think they should leave Barron Trump alone. They’re not their parents.”
This isn’t the first time people have rallied behind Sasha Obama. Earlier this week, she was spotted smoking, which sparked further criticism. However, supporters once more asked the general public to leave her alone, emphasizing that each Sasha and Malia are adults and may legally do whatever they need.
The Obama girls aren’t the one presidential children to face such intense media scrutiny. Chelsea Clinton faced similar harassment during her father’s presidency, enduring cruel comments about her appearance, especially growing up. The Bush twins, Jenna and Barbara, were often criticized for partying and underage drinking while their father, George W. Bush, was in office.
Even Barron Trump faced public criticism for his behavior and appearance despite being a minor.
Things are different now, as social media has develop into a tool for balancing response with public support. While Sasha and the president’s other children should face harsh judgment, their defenders are louder and more visible than ever, offering a counternarrative to the negative attention.
As one person wrote in Sasha’s defense, “Let them just be themselves!”
Entertainment
Natasha Rothwell Talks About Her Connection With Reesy Teesy’s Story ‘Who Did I Marry?’
Natasha Rothwell is ready to tackle latest role as ‘Reesy Teesy’.
As theGrio previously reported, the actress is ready to star in a TV adaptation of the viral TikTok saga “Who TF did I Marry.” While fans reportedly envisioned her starring in a Hollywood adaptation of the viral 52-part series, Rothwell says producing the show was the final thing on her mind.
“I devoured it on the spot,” she said. People Magazine, recalling the primary time she watched videos on social media. “(I didn’t think) ‘Oh, how can I do this?’ I did, (but rather) ‘I want to do everything I can to help this woman get flowers,’ because it was the most vulnerable act of honesty (and) radical vulnerability I’ve ever seen.”
Earlier this yr, social media couldn’t stop talking about Tareasa “Reese Tees” Johnson and her compelling story about her marriage and divorce from the person she calls “Legion.” Sharing candidly the small print of her complicated marriage to “Legion,” who she says is a pathological liar, Johnson’s videos have racked up greater than six million views on social media. So Rothwell wasn’t surprised to see “very competitive” negotiations in Hollywood for Johnson’s story.
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But unlike other producers and executive directors, Rothwell had a singular vision for adapting Who Did I Marry?
“It wasn’t her trauma that interested me and[made me]want to throw my hat in the ring,” she explained. “It was her — who she is as a person, how she survived all of this — and the viral fame, how she survived that. I was like, ‘Oh, this is where I lean in.’”
Having spent nearly eight years developing her recently released Hulu show How to Die Alone , the actress and producer says she took the same approach in negotiations with Johnson. Ultimately, her “if it’s meant to be, it will be” attitude paid off when she was notified that the viral TikTok storyteller desired to work along with her.
“My team called me (and said), ‘She wants to work with you specifically. You saw her in the meeting. She felt seen. It wasn’t opportunistic,'” she added.
But just as Johnson felt seen, the How to Die Alone actress felt seen when the duo met for dinner earlier this month. Feeling like she had met her “twin,” Rothwell compared their interaction to being in a “mutual bubble of love where we just enjoy each other and understand each other and learn about each other.”
“I’m definitely looking forward to approaching her story in a 360-degree way, and not just… telling the story that we’ve all been consuming. I think it’s a lot more interesting than what happened to her,” she said, revealing that the series is “in its very early stages.”
Entertainment
Kanye West’s Wife Bianca Censori Ignores Kim Kardashian’s Demands, Goes Braless Around Rapper’s Kids
Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori is choosing revealing and skimpy outfits despite being warned to be moderate in her wardrobe selections when round her husband’s children.
The couple have been spotted in Japan and China in recent weeks, sometimes with the rapper’s 4 children on board. West has daughters North, 11, and Chicago, 6, and sons Saint, 8, and Psalm, 5, with ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
The former couple divorced after a lengthy process that dragged on until November 2022 after Kim filed in 2021. They were married for seven years amid rumors of marital tensions dating back to 2016. The “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” rapper married Australian-born Censori in a personal ceremony in December 2022, although an official marriage certificate has yet to be released.
On Thursday, September 19, the couple and their sons were spotted shopping in Tokyo. The Yeezy’s Architecture boss wore a nude top, sans bra, and a pair of gray capri leggings.
When the recordings and photos from the trip appeared on the web, one person he tweeted“Very rude to Japanese culture. Disappointing from Ye. Japanese culture is all about manners! He has nothing terrible to do in front of his children. How will he feel when North dresses like that?”
BIANCA CENSORI AND KANYE WEST NEW PHOTOS FROM JAPAN!! photo: twitter.com/kUo4WSs7NC
— Yes (@ye_world_) September 19, 2024
Censori, 29, has been accused of being her husband’s fashion muse, very similar to the SKIMS businesswoman once was. But despite claims that the 2 women have a cordial relationship, there have been rumors that Kardashian disapproves of Censori’s risqué clothing.
According to a report in February, an alleged insider claimed that “Kim instructed Kanye to never let Bianca dress like that in front of their children.” Daily mail“She’s really surprised Kanye let his wife leave the house in that condition,” a source told the tabloid.
“Kanye did the same thing he did with Bianca, with Kim throughout their marriage. The difference is that when Kanye dressed Kim, he was respected as a person, as an artist,” they continued.
While West is usually seen in black sweatpants and hoodies, Censori is never seen together with her butt, chest, and other body parts hidden from view. “Sheer clothing is silly at best, like Bianca Censori is hot, but she usually looks like someone’s idea of a joke,” we read. criticism her fashion selections.
Kim Kardashian and Bianca Censori, who’s copying who 🤔 photo:twitter.com/Id4QCcCG6d
— Entertainment Center (@Entertain85512) September 18, 2024
Similarly, while watching the Tokyo shopping trip, a post comparing Censori and Kardashian’s love of skintight outfits began circulating. “Are they both in a costume contest, I wish they could model something else,” we read tweet.
The post shows each women wearing white leggings (Censori wore lace leggings) and a white bodysuit, which caught the eye of onlookers who noted her cleavage.
However, amid accusations that the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star was copying and controlling West, stylist Laura Beham revealed that every outfit is a piece of Censori’s own imagination.
“Bianca knows exactly what she would wear and we execute, bringing the vision to life,” Beham said. Complex in March. She also noted that “Bianca wouldn’t wear anything on the street if she didn’t want to. … It’s shocking to people, but innovation is always shocking at first.”
Censori is not afraid to point out off his daring outfit selections, but some are hoping he’ll make higher decisions within the presence of the rapper’s family, his friends, and even his circle of relatives.
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