Connect with us

Entertainment

Stephen A. Smith’s failure to apologize for his comments on “Hannity” about Trump and Black people didn’t help

Published

on

Stephen A. Smith The lack of apology was offensive. Many community members were like this deeply indignant at him for what he said on “Hannity” last week. In his apology, he said he heard us, but he was defensive, aggressive and obstinate. He stated that it had been misunderstood and taken out of context. How, Sway? How? He played “Hannity” and we heard every word. The problem is just not that it has been misunderstood. The point is that he was completely understood. It wasn’t taken out of context in any respect. It would make just as much sense to say it was hacked.

Smith said, “When you see the law being used against him (Trump), it’s something that Black people across the country can relate to with some of our historic, iconic figures.” Wow. The concept that Trump is the victim in all of that is charming. It’s crazy to think that Trump is like a few of our historical, iconic figures who’ve had the law used against them, just like the Black Panthers, Dr. King, Marcus Garvey and more.

We understood exactly what Smith meant, but in his false specology he actually wagged his finger at us to emphasize how offended he was at being misunderstood. It was surprisingly deaf.

There are a number of lessons Smith should learn here. First, an expert speaker cannot say that he has been misunderstood and taken out of context. It’s your job to be clear, brother. If you blame us for misunderstanding, it implies that you will have failed in probably the most basic a part of your job. That’s like saying LeBron forgot how to dribble.

Featured Stories

Smith must also realize that politics is just not easy. I won’t ever tell him to stick to sports, but in case you want to get into politics, you will have to read quite a bit and process quite a bit. Don’t just skim through a number of columns before a segment. Read many books on political science and American history to understand the broader context of what is actually going on.

If you will have the chance to talk about politics on TV, it is best to take it as a serious responsibility. Talking about politics on TV can influence the country in a very different way than talking about sports. By analyzing politics, you’ll be able to shape the way in which people understand the political sphere and influence who they vote for, who they donate to, or who they advocate for with their friends and family. Talking about why the Lakers lost is fun, but incredibly less relevant.

It could be very essential to take the chance to talk about politics on television seriously and try to say thoughtful things that will be invaluable to the collective consciousness. Instead, Smith appeared to be auditioning for the role of the brand new Jason Whitlock. It was really disgusting.

Part of the blame lies with television producers who book people like Smith to talk about politics since it has entertainment value. There is not any value in Smith talking about Black people and Trump. As we saw, he doesn’t even know the precise answer. But if he says the improper answer in a funny way, people will watch it, right? “Hannity” is not an actual news show; it’s an entertainment program masquerading as a news program. This is as real as “The Colbert Report,” but after this show, viewers knew Stephen Colbert was joking. What Hannity’s viewers do not know is that it isn’t real.

I also hope Smith learns that you mustn’t go on TV and act such as you’re speaking for the black community. It’s inherently offensive. Especially in case you say Trump was right in what he said about black people.

Smith’s essential assumption in his original hit – which we understood very clearly – was that Trump is relatable amongst black people due to criminal trials he’s going through. This is a silly point. This is just not the results of thorough research. This is an idiotic concept that is offensive. Besides, I do not know any sane Black one who would think that. I’m undecided why Smith is on TV saying that Black people feel this fashion.

Black people have a difficult and painful relationship with the justice system that could be a byproduct of racism and white supremacy. Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow” explores this in astonishing detail. Trump’s quite a few trials stem from the indisputable fact that he was a wealthy white man who believed he was above the law. Black people know this. To suggest that we like Trump due to his trials implies that we’re too silly to see that there isn’t a connection between the 2 things.

I would like Smith to back off from his foray into politics. Not because he doesn’t have the precise, but because he is not ready. He didn’t put within the work. Just like Bronny James is not ready for the NBA, Smith is not ready to talk politics on cable news. He needs to hit the mental gym and do some serious reps. Read books (plural books), watch documentaries, delve into long articles, talk to experts. Educate.

The “Hannity” look was a hot mess. Hannity passed the ball to Smith and Smith kicked it into the stands. One day he may be ready to discuss politics, but today is just not that day.



This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

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

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

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
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

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
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending