Entertainment
Vince McMahon’s legacy is also one of perpetuating racial stereotypes – Andscape
Netflix documentary is a scathing six-part have a look at the life of Vince McMahon, co-founder and former president of World Wrestling Entertainment. The documentary examines McMahon’s greater than 40-12 months reign as probably the most powerful man in pro wrestling, including his long history of scandals from steroid trials down allegations of sex trafficking which effectively ended his profession. The documentary ends with questions on McMahon’s legacy, and while it’s hard for some to tell apart the character from Mr. McMahon, Vince’s genius and the person detailed within the assault allegations, an often missed part of McMahon’s story is someone who spent his entire profession perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes for mass consumption.
At WWE Survivor Series in 2005, McMahon himself wrote a script by which he was to go backstage and approach then champion John Cena. Cena, who is white, was in the method of transitioning from his rap gimmick to a more marketable GI Joe-style superhero. McMahon desired to proceed referencing the rapper’s gimmick, in order that they had the next exchange:
McMahon: What’s good in regards to the hood?
Price: I’m just holding it in and attempting to take care of business.
McMahon: Keep it up, my nigga.
McMahon then walked right past black wrestlers Booker T and Sharmell, who reacted in complete shock. But they didn’t retaliate. They never even noticed that moment again. It was unique comedy that gave the impression of an excuse for McMahon to say the N-word on pay-per-view. If you must see the video, you will have to go to YouTube has been scrubbed from the Survivor Series replay streaming on Peacock. By the time McMahon decided to air this sketch, he had already been liable for a long time of painful and insensitive moments involving non-white on-screen performances.
At its core, wrestling is all about exaggerating someone’s most simple characteristics and creating caricatures. For example, if someone is playing plumber, the character approaches the ring with a plunger. If the wrestler is a patriot, the character carries the flag into the ring. And if a wrestler comes from a marginalized community, that always becomes what that person is defined by. To this end, McMahon created some truly demeaning characters.
There was Saba Simba, a black man supposedly of African descent, who got here to the ring with a spear and danced wildly within the ring. There was a Black Tag Team duo called Cryme Tyme who robbed and cheated. There was Kamala, a Ugandan giant who is not of McMahon’s descent but was widely featured on WWE television as a savage cannibal. It was too “Mama” by Shelton Benjamin a mom-like figure who was attached to a black Olympic wrestler for no reason. And Virgil, the Millionaire’s mute servant who followed his orders. And the list could go on for days.
This doesn’t have in mind other communities which have been exploited similar to “Mexico” who rode into the ring on the back of a lawnmower; I do not think soJapanese wrestlers who had a castration plot for laughs; the Billy and Chuck “gay wedding”; and lots of offended ethnic groups and nationalities along the way in which.
Being a wrestling fan during much of McMahon’s reign was frustrating, considering that just about every popular black star he ever had were extremely talented wrestlers who had to beat offensive gimmicks and licks. The hottest black wrestlers of the last decade in the corporate, The New Day, achieved their level of fame only after finding a strategy to get past McMahon’s original idea of being Baptist preachers. One member, Kofi Kingston, won the WWE Championship in 2019. This victory made him only the fourth Black WWE Champion in company history (Bobby Lashley and Big E have also won WWE Championships since then). With this match, Kingston became the primary black man to fight for the title in any respect in six years. Just a few months later, in January 2020, he lost the belt to Brock Lesnar in eight seconds in embarrassing fashion.
Race appears in one fleeting moment , courtesy of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who in 1998 became the primary WWE Champion “of color,” as he put it. Johnson talked about his conversations with McMahon about race.
“I’m the first WWE champion of color,” Johnson remembers talking to McMahon. “And (McMahon) says, ‘I do know, but I do not see color.’ Vince… at all times said, “I do not care what color you might be. You may be black, green and purple… so long as you earn money, you shall be a champion. What Johnson doesn’t need to convey is that what brings money to WWE depends largely on how they describe wrestlers and the way McMahon chooses to portray them on television. For every success story of a black wrestler, there are several other terrible stories about those that didn’t make it.
McMahon’s legacy is that of a person who was truly modern in entertainment and skilled wrestling. But now the headline is about terrible accusations of assault and sex trafficking that are synonymous along with his power and fame. To me, he has at all times been someone who contributed hundreds of hours of denigrating, racist stories and portrayals of marginalized groups on his airwaves. When discussing what McMahon means, it is unattainable to disregard the harm done by his stories. It should also reflect the greatness of every black, Latinx and queer artist who must overcome McMahon’s machinations to survive in his company, let alone find ways to thrive.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
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.
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.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
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.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
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.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
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.
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.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
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.
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