Role Models? Seriously?

When I saw the cover of the June issue of Vibe with reality television stars, Kandi, Tamar, Evelyn, and Chrissy with the caption – “Meet Your New Role Models”, I thought they have to be kidding! Once the cover was revealed, Twitter lit up like a Christmas tree.  Everyone was voicing their opinions on this cover and let’s just say that the majority of them weren’t polite.  I cannot seem to fathom why Vibe would go this route. Having them on the cover, okay cool, but the caption?  Really?  Role models?  Seriously? 

Kandi is the only one who is close to being a role model because she works hard for building a life for her and her daughter (as a single parent) and for any drama that ensues on RHOA, Kandi is not always the one starting it.  But for the other three, that role model bit does not sit well with me. Since when does fighting like pit bulls and acting like spoiled brats consider you a role model?   A role model is First Lady Michelle Obama.  A role model is media mogul Oprah. A role Model is co-founder of BETShelia Johnson. The list of well qualified role models can go on for days so why would Vibe pick these women to represent something that can easily influence the young minds of those who think fighting like they were raised in the wild is the only way to be? What an example that is.

I have gotten to the point where I am so fed up with reality television because now it's all about the dollar…dollar bill y’all.  They throw  women into situations and step back  with the cameras rolling as if what we’re watching is going to enlighten andempower us when the real reality of it all is that is disgusts the majority of us to the point where we no longer watch it. 

As the publisher and EIC of Prominence magazine, I can say I love magazines. Every month I make my trip to the book store like clockwork to collect an arm full of magazines that I like to read.  Occasionally I will pick up Vibe depending on who is on the cover, but this  month the June issue will sit right where it is…on the shelf.  

The media has to do better because we have the power to project these images.  Only time will tell.