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The media must approach the Sean “Diddy” Combs-Andscape saga with caution

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2 months ago

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There is an African proverb that claims, “Until the lions tell the story, the hunter will always be the hero,” which serves as a contemporary reminder of the power of storytelling. This sentiment seems especially relevant as we learn more about the accusations and federal indictments filed against disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The stories about Combs and his alleged a long time of sexual violence are multi-layered, complicated and nuanced. People reporting details can shape the narrative and influence how future generations reflect and learn from a subject.

Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, got here shortly after testifying lawsuit against the Bad Boy Records founder in November 2023 over allegations of harassment, rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson announced that he intended to provide a documentary about the multiple allegations made against Combs. Jackson has a successful track record of leveraging his rap profession to construct a far-reaching television empire that features shows including ABC’s Starzand. I believe an upcoming documentary on Combs that I apparently found house on netflixwill resonate with an excellent larger audience, underscoring the need to speak such a critical issue with great care.

As with all true crime stories, Jackson likely won’t be the just one tackling Combs’ story. Combs is such a pivotal figure in hip-hop that historians, documentarians, journalists, essayists, and even reckless conspiracy theorists will proceed to explore the decline of his legacy for years to return. And rightly so. He was greater than only a music mogul. The idea itself was powerful: a young black man who went from being a celebration promoter to creating one in every of the most culturally significant and commercially successful record labels in hip-hop history. Now the once-iconic businessman’s legacy is becoming parallel to that of a person accused of a long time of sexual violence against ladies and menharassment, sex trafficking and other types of harassment. I believe the depth of Combs’ depravity has yet to be revealed, but there continues to be much to investigate. Nevertheless, for the sake of hip-hop’s history and, most significantly, the survivors of that history, evaluation and deconstruction can’t be mired in sensationalism (like the response to alleged “freaks” and disgusting amounts of Combs baby oil allegedly purchased for sex parties), anti-gay gossip or prejudice disguised as jokes. Storytellers have an enormous responsibility to get this job right. As a culture, we should always arm ourselves with criteria for access to the frame chosen by storytellers.

Correctly determining this, or reasonably completing an evaluation of the multitude of variables which have contributed to abuses that allegedly span a long time, is incomplete at best unless well-versed experts add critical context to the information being reported. We especially need thought leaders from the Black LGBTQ community to share their knowledge. Their insights can illuminate the intersection of hip-hop culture and LGBTQ issues, enriching the narrative while making content more inclusive. The molestation allegations against Combs look like sparking increased speculation about his sexuality. Navigating the sea of ​​sensationalism would require keen evaluation by someone expert enough to notice which aspects are irrelevant to allegations of harassment, while also identifying anti-gay bias masquerading as take care of alleged victims.

“I hope these documentaries will show how victims of violence begin to rebuild their lives, to show that they can lead stable and healthy lives after violence.”

— Elsamarie King

A comprehensive evaluation also requires making an allowance for the opinions of experts who may discuss the correlation between violence against women and hip-hop culture. Brilliant black feminists like Joan Morgan and filmmaker Dream Hampton have been interpreting this complex narrative for a long time. In recent years, authors comparable to He feels sorry for Bowen, Taylor Crumpton, AND Jamilah Lemieux took on this task and offered high-caliber analyzes of the intersection of race, gender, and hip-hop culture. But these are only just a few women who can share their knowledge on this topic. And although there are only just a few of them, there are still caring Black journalists who’ve addressed this issue topic fastidiously. These too ought to be included, not only to offer context, but in addition to partake in a few of the labor that will probably be required in examining violence against women in hip-hop. A documentary about sexual violence against women at the hands of Jackson, one in every of hip-hop’s strongest moguls, can be incomplete without the care and nuance offered by caring Black feminists who even have a body of labor focused on hip-hop and Black journalists who’re unafraid to talk out truth.

Sean “Diddy” Combs Cassie (right) and Cassie (left) attend an exhibition during the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Nuance is the operative phrase. Contextualizing the thread between the allegations made in Combs and the way systemic racism in the Black community may contribute to the abuse of power by some hip-hop legends is important to telling this story more fully. This is a level of nuance often demonstrated by Black sociologists.

But on this, the best sociologists, the most prolific Black feminists, and the insightful thought leaders of the Black LGBTQ community won’t outweigh the need for special take care of survivors, which each and every upcoming document must entail. According to Elsamarie King, a licensed social employee with over 15 years of experience working with survivors of sex trafficking and domestic violence, “each time their story is shared, the emotional and physical well-being of survivors is at stake.” King continued: “(It is important to) make sure that sharing the story will benefit the person rather than harm them. You don’t want to re-traumatize them. King goes on to note that “minimizing and sensationalizing can lead to self-harm, relapse, or suicidal thoughts.”

Asked what key elements she hopes any upcoming disclosure about Combs will include, King replied: “The lasting effects of the violence a victim has endured take years, sometimes even a long time, to heal. Some survivors suffer from Stockholm syndrome, wherein they feel sorry for the perpetrator and sometimes blame themselves for the violence. “I hope these documentaries will show how victims of violence begin to rebuild their lives, to show that they can lead stable and healthy lives after violence.”

These projects should reflect the desire for survivors of violence to steer healthy lives and the overall well-being of those that will watch the upcoming documentaries. Countless stories of abuse from someone we felt connected to through our love of hip-hop are usually not only infuriating, but painful to digest, especially when the victims are members of historically marginalized communities.

No wound hurts as much as the one you inflict at the hands of a community that ought to embrace you and never hurt you. But that does not imply you should not make movies about painful experiences. Rather, it signifies that filmmakers must go into these projects with a plan to take care of audiences and survivors. The author Alice Walker once said, “Those who love us never leave us alone with our sadness. The moment they show us our wound, they reveal that they’ve a cure. Walker made this statement in the case The work of Zora Neale Hurston. Walker acknowledged that Hurston took the pain of her audience under consideration when she wrote about the horrors of slavery. Journalist and filmmaker Brooke Obie she was the first author I can remember who adopted this litmus test for film criticism and evaluation, while also using it to solidify her assessment of whether a movie ought to be considered trauma pornography. I learned to treat it as an anchor in my writing and use it as a lens when viewing content focused on painful narratives. In particular, content that presents a harrowing story should offer viewers a spot to place that pain, a kind of drugs for the wound. In this case, exploring what the path to healing for survivors and culture may entail can act as a balm for viewers.

When dealing with the Combs case, the need for take care of spectators and survivors, nor the importance of context from insightful experts in the field, can’t be overemphasized. If we’re to do that well, the framework mentioned above must be taken under consideration. Those with the platform and resources to unravel this narrative should achieve this with the understanding that its articulation may shape future generations. The hip-hop community, and most significantly, survivors of sexual assault, deserve for these projects to be a manifestation of hip-hop at its best – unafraid to talk truth to power, informed by context, and good storytelling that serves as a voice those that are sometimes silenced by society.

Shanita Hubbard is a author, assistant professor of sociology, fellowship scholar, and creator of the upcoming book Miseducation: A Woman’s Guide To Hip-Hop.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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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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5 days 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

Published

5 days 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

5 days 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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