Dr. Boyce: Star Jones, Nene Leakes and Black Women Embarrassing Themselves (Video)

June 7, 2011 By Staff 45 Comments

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World.

Columbia University Professor Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, a long-time member of the Your Black World coalition, interviewed Star Jones on Our World with Black Enterprise. In the conversation, Star breaks her silence on the powerful feud she had with Nene Leakes, saying that this is the last time she is going to speak publicly about the Celebrity Apprentice battle that seemed to captivate all of America.

Star wastes no time in being honest about how ridiculous Nene made herself look on the show. Star begins by making reference to the fact that by behaving in such a disgraceful fashion, Nene was doing all she could to fulfill the stereotypes of ignorance and violence that have come to characterize black women being featured in reality television.

“Ghetto fabulous head-moving, fingers pointing, loud boisterous…that television has really blown up,” Jones said to Dr. Hill. “But what I decided is that African American women have that reputation in American media. We don’t have the opportunity to show the opposite side….so when we’re given a platform, we have to make a choice. Do you play to the lowest common denominator or do you elevate? I chose to elevate.”

Star’s conversation with Dr. Hill can be seen by clicking here or clicking on the image below.

Star actually didn’t have to say a word for me to understand where she was coming from. I only had to watch five minutes of Nene’s buffoonish behavior to realize who’d chosen to take the high road. As Nene swung her neck, put her fingers in Star’s face, and behaved like something out of a minstrel show, I was glad to see Star maintain her composure and remind us that black women can be ladies too. Although my daughter and God daughters all watch reality television featuring black women, I remind them to seek out their shining Star and let go of their inner Nene.

What’s even more problematic is that Nene Leakes is an “Empowerment Speaker” at the Essence Music Festival. Not to disrespect the amazing women of Essence, but what exactly is empowering about Nene’s disposition and the woman who has chosen to make herself into the female Flava Flav? Is there power in threatening to beat down any woman who disagrees with you? Perhaps there’s power in the former stripper’s charity, The Twisted Hearts Foundation, being accused of money laundering? The point is not to kick someone while their down, but to instead wonder if we have a habit of getting excited about famous people just because they’re famous.

Way to go Star, I’m proud of you. You did a wonderful job of representing the best that our mothers, daughters, sisters and wives have to offer. My God daughter told me that she is planning to go to law school the same way that you did, and I’d be proud to see her learn from your decisions. As for Nene, perhaps you can find an open slot on Basketball Wives, I’m sure they’d be happy to have you.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

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Filed Under: Black News, Dr. Boyce, Entertainment, Featured, Lifestyle, Uncategorized Tagged With: black celebrities, black news, marc lamont hill, nene leakes, star jones

http://www.facebook.com/people/Shakka-Zulu/1379420279 Shakka Zulu

I hate to agree with Star Jones, but this was ghetto fabulous at it’s peak..What the hell does Nene Leakes has to say to the average hardworking, decent black woman? Nothing…She is pushing all the never types about black women being obnoxious, loud, and abusive…Maybe this was why Real Housewives of Atl has decided to drop her fom the show this season…She worked for the first four seasons to bring in the crowds, now they are using another black mascot to keep pushing the sterotypical negative images of black women….
Glo

I feel the media should in all honesty see both, because both exist. They are obnoxious and abrasive but we all know folks like that. On the other hand we do have very watchable shows like the “Braxtons”, they show a different view of American black women. Have you seen “Jersey shore” and ” Mob wives” ?

Gjazzy

Yea, but why would the sisters feel it is alright to act this way because they do so on Jersey Shore and Mob Wives? Remember, folks will forget how the women acted on those shows, but believe me they will not forget how the sister acted on Celebrity Apprentice. Also, for those blaming it on the “ghetto” shame on you!!!!

Meanchick

Dr. Watkins, I agree with you completely. Stereotypes of black women, which are now heightened more by many of our own black men, are what is making black women the ‘go-to’ for jokes and disrespect. Nene does nothing to bring respect or dignity to black women. She only amplifies the negative sterreotypes. Is it more important to get on TV and be a snarling, mean, loud woman who threatens and disrespects other black women? Is she getting paid to be so cruel? I love the way LaToya and Star both chose not to roll around in the mud with Nene. It was embarrassing and I was embarrassed for Nene because I believe she’s too ignorant to be embarrassed for herself. I don’t see very many positive black women on TV although I praise S. Epatha Merkeson’s role on Law & Order and I give mad respect to Miss Oprah. I have to say to ‘Glo’ that I watched an episode of the Braxtons and I was quite disappointed. The youngest sister seemed to be all about material things and putting her sisters’ business on blast. I didn’t see anything that made me want to keep watching.
Elvira

I have never personally met Ms. Jones nor Nene Leakes; however, based on Ms. Jones professionalism versus Nene Leakes’ lack of, I will always respect and listen to Ms. Jones. Nene Leakes on the other hand projects that everything should be about her – this shows insecurities and immaturity. Nene Leakes need to know that simply because you’re on a Reality show you’re not on top of the world – you’re just a fool on TV.
Blythe Dhia

I missed that particular episode of “Celebrity Apprentice,” but from what I gather Star and NeNe had a disagreement and Star apparently played it calm and cool while Nene flipped her lace wig. I am a Black female from “the hood” whose education and experience has offered me opportunities to migrate in circles spanning from “ghetto” to “bourgeoisie.” And honestly, I think both sides could learn a thing or two from each other. Neither Nene or Star is a shining rep for all Black women, but they are both strong women in their own right. Sure, Star is an educated, accomplished attorney, but that path is not for everyone and that’s not to say that an ex-stripper/reality star like Nene isn’t equally worthy of respect, money or fame. In today’s warped value society, there’s a piece of the pie out here for everybody. When I’m out with my various friends I find the “Stars” to be overly concerned about image, perception and garnering attention (especially from white people) – it’s almost like their always afraid of something (being black?). On the other hand, I’ve been embarrassed by my “Nene” friends who are sometimes too loud and animated- and it feels like they’re literally shouting for attention- negative or positive. I just don’t want to be too harsh on Nene because I sometimes repress myself just so I don’t appear to be what others perceive as “ghetto,” when in actuality it may be necessary to give someone a good, strong talking to with a finger in the face, while rolling my neck just to get my point across. And i can do that while still being a laaaaaady (said like She Ne Ne from “Martin”).
Nglayaa

The problem with people like Nene is; they never seem to go away! Featuring her at the Essence Festival is a slap in the face of respectful, intelligent black women. Furthermore; it’s hypocritical to profess a message of tastefulness, and class, then feature such a brutal, boisterous and embarrassing spectacle as Nene. What exactly does Essence hope she can or will teach women. Maybe the art of being stupid, vulgar and profane. She epitomizes ignorance, and don’t we have enough black people in public portraying that message already.
GDW

Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller, are all white female commediennes who have made a ton of money by being silly on the camera. Moms Mabley, Mo’Nique, are accomplished Black commediennes who have made major money being funny.. Nene Leakes is no different from any of the rest of these artists, except that she is African America and operating in an over-the-top genre. Would any self-respecting Black woman behave like that on a general basis. Hopefully not. Is she funny? Absolutely. Is there a ring of truth in what she says and how she behaves? unfortunately, yes. Are we disgracing ourselves on camera? No more than any of the other commediennes who have gone before them. It’s COMEDY? Stop making it life and death. Perhaps what we need to be doing is making sure that the ghetto fabulous females who first invented those mannerisms understand that it is okay to do that in the hood, on the block and at home; but it’s not okay in the realm of business – unless you are getting big bank for doing it.

GCJ

Type your comment here.Sister, this is not comedy! Or do you feel it was funny the way she insulted LaToya Jackson, also. I saw her on CA and I found myself wondering what she was going to do next. No, GDW, it’s not comedy and unlike the other females you listed, she will not make bank for doing it….only shame.
GCJ

One last thing, GDW. Amos and Andy was “COMEDY.” Stephen Fetchit was comedy. Do you want your boyfriend, husband, brother or son acting like them? Remember now “It’s COMEDY” and they were getting “bank.” But also had the world thinking this is the way “YOU” act. Is the “Bank” worth it GDW?

Trawhite33

I know that’s right!!!! If she wants to act like a clown then she needs to be on BBW acting like a fool. These get a blessing form God and act like idiots when they need to trying raise up our people. Yeah they have these organizations but they can do alot more if they would but their focus on it. I can’t stand poeple who act like the only way to solve any issue is to fight,cuss, and act stupid. Then they have the nerve to get offened when someone calls them messy and fools. I say if the shoe fits wear it. That’s what you put out there then that’s how you get treated. And what kills me is how Shuane sits back likes she innocent, I see her in that same llight because she promotes these women behavior.
asil

That Nene is loud and ghetto. Most black women do not behave that way. You mean to tell me Essence asked her to spek about empowerment? I’m going to the festival but I doubt very seriously, no I know I will NOT be going to hear her speak. There is nothing she can tell me.
Jhop1104

I could not agree more about the way we as black women carry ourselves on these shows. I believe this is more about many of these people trying to get their 15 mins of fame, and it doesn’t matter how they go about doing it. I also agree that I don’t understand what Nene could possibly tell me that would empower me to be better.
Brook

Black women must realize that this kind of foolishness must come to an end.

Guest

Hello Brook! All I have to say is… Nope! I have heard some say that they are going to milk the cow for all that it is worth until they feel like they have got their 40 acres and their mule! What are you going to do about it? What your ancestors have done to a race of people that will always be stronger, even in their weakness, is cause them to lose love and truth in the midst of oppression and mess… Even up to this day! Now yall want to push how your “so called” dominancy was a “good thing.” I don’t think so! What you sow… you reap! What goes around… comes back around! Do unto others as you will have them do unto you! Murphys’ Law! I did not make the rules, but most times they sure sound good to me!

Anonymous

Brook by the way you write you’re either joking, a foreigner, a moron or all of the above. You need to understand not all black people are on welfare or food stamps. The majority of folks getting gov. aid are white because..now this may be hard for you pea sized brain to comprehend..it’s because THERE ARE MORE WHITES THAN BLACKS IN THE U.S. You speak in all these irrelevent cliches ;Murphy’s Law” if anything can go wong it will go wrong”. What the hell that has to do with Star, Nene, welfare, forty acres, I don’t know, but you sound ignorant. Whites receive gov. aid in the form of farm subsidies, reductions in estate taxes, decreased taxes thanks to Bush tax cuts, housing subsidies like section 8 (yeah poor whites gotta live someplace too), free/reduced lunches, SSDI, Medicaid, WIC..I work for a county in Michigan where theres a good mix of whites and blacks, yet I more commonly see whites applying for EVERY government aid program the state or feds have to offer, and this has gone on for YEARS. It didn’t just start 2 years ago. Instead of wasting time on sites like this, take some basic civics and social studies courses and educate yourself, or if I can cliche here ” a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

Glolynell

Hat’s off too Star Jones your position states to me that there are sisters who care about how we are presented in the mass media!!! Star you are my protegee!!!!!!
Your Sister 4 Real

Hats off to Star Jones for maintaining her dignity, her temper and being a lady of high standards. I just looked at the interview with her and the one thing that really stood out was she said I dont stab you in the back I slit your throat . Meaning to me you will see me coming, I am not a coward. Nene got paid for her foolish behavior. She sold us (black women) out like a cheap hooker. There is a time and place for everything, even when you have to tell someone off (what was her goal). If youre trying to carry yourself with dignity you pull the person to the side and talk to them. But if you want to show how stupid and foolish you can be, you put your business in the street (camera with millions watching) and do what she did. I remember growing up in the projects in the 60′s and women did’nt carry themselves that way. As a matter of fact if you embarrassed them in public you got dealt with. But this foolish behavior and labeling it Ghetto is a disgrace. Nene is sleeping with the enemy and doing whatever they tell her to do, that’s all. And when they’re done using her they will discard her like dirt on the bottom of their shoes.

Trawhite33

Just like they did Omarosa Stupid a_____. I agree with you.

Tyron

I’m not sure you watched the same show I did. Both these class-less ladies were a disgrace to the african american society as a whole. Star (what a joke) she was so two faced and raciest. I couldn’t believe Mr. Trump keep her on as long as he did. I could understand keeping Nene for ratings. This is what is wrong in our society today. We have too many people taking advantage of the system and the handouts from our goverment instead of earning it. America has been paying a heavy price for way to long, now we’re broke. Get to work, stop having children if your not married and capable of supporting them. This Country can’t support you anymore, the party is over.
Tyron

I’m not sure you watched the same show I did. Both these class-less ladies were a disgrace to the african american society as a whole. Star (what a joke) she was so two faced and raciest. I couldn’t believe Mr. Trump keep her on as long as he did. I could understand keeping Nene for ratings. This is what is wrong in our society today. We have too many people taking advantage of the system and the handouts from our goverment instead of earning it. America has been paying a heavy price for way to long, now we’re broke. Get to work, stop having children if your not married and capable of supporting them. This Country can’t support you anymore, the party is over.

BlackQueen

To Tyron,

How does your comment about this story fit in with America paying a heavy price for way too long as it relates to the countries’ financial situation? This story has nothing to do with government handouts and as for America being broke, it’s not because of black women who have children out of wedlock and/or are on welfare; do you realize that there are more white women getting government support than black women? You are obviously a very uninformed individual and you need to pick up the newspaper and watch some current events! America is broke because of the republican administration and their passing of laws that have enabled deregulation of big corporations all over the country and also because of the housing market scam, greedy wall street investors, bank fallouts and credit card scams; not to mention the fact that major American corporations have outsourced numerous jobs to other countries who’s people will work for lower wages. These are the phenomena that have affected the United States economy. So please if you’re going to make comments, don’t squeeze in something that has nothing to do with the topic and know what you’re talking about.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_73CIKYA25XJQN4I3WN5CX6JTCU LEROY A

Obama zombie, blame the repubs thats your answer when black people are looking at the highest unemployment of all people even illegals. What Tyron said made sense why would you keep having children and not married it is a bruden on our economy not to mention it makes our communities unsafe. Bllacks and whites are used to welfare it must stop and Obama needs poor people to get reelected.

Anonymous

What in the Hell President Obama got to do with this. They are talking about NeNe and Star cat fight.

Mschievly

i agree – stop acting as if the man is holding you down!
YOU HOLD YRSELF BACK HAVING BABIES BY MEN WHO DONT RESPECT YOU ENOUGH TO COMMIT! and then you call welfare office to complain youdo not recieve enough $$$…uhh excuse me when did you work for this?!
some recipiants have never worked in their lives orif they did it was some low level mcdonalds job..and then you raise mannerless kids who will do the same!since from you yhey learned to be directionless.

Meanchick

I’m not sure how welfare and black women on welfare came into this, but if you do your homework, you’ll see that there are more white people on welfare then any other race. There are more white people who commit welfare fraud as well. Stop with the stereotypes! If you really want to go there, then where are the triflin men dropping babies all over the place and not supporting them? Your diatribe is flawed, and misspelled. Stop talking just because you have a mouth.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ZBJCWPQD5NRVCOAGLGLDFHEQAA WhoCares

It’s extremely unbelievable that many of us view this NeNe person as acceptable. I don’t watch reality television or too much t.v. for that matter. I read about these people and listen to those who do watch and I have found that there is truly a breakdown in our community when it comes to class and acceptable behavior. What many don’t seem to get is that White, Asian and even Latino women are multi-faceted on television. How many channels can you actually turn to and see black women not using attitude or shaking their rumps? Kudos to Star for maintaining because I did view the clip and honestly, had it been me, I don’t know if there would have been the same outcome because that was just tooooo much!!
Guest

A thought: Perhaps those in attendance for EMF 2011 empowerment sessions should not attend the reality star segment to send a message. I know I won’t be sitting in on it.
mojoman17

The problem is that so-called “Reality” TV makes everybody look stupid, not just African Americans. Anybody who bothers to watch it deserves what they get. It’s all about the dollar.
Giftsandmore1

I am so tired of people stating whenever a black person does something crazy in public it’s a slap against all black people. Yes, whites and other may judge us on the worse behaviors displayed by a few, but blacks don’t have to repeat this trash or justify whites disapproval of us. We have a black president, black teachers, lawyers, judges, doctors, and etc. but we are still judged based on the worse. I say forget what others have to say about blacks and upbuild each other. I gurantee you, whites are not saying that Susan Smith and others are making them look bad to blacks.
Giftsandmore1

In addition, if the television only show educated, well behaved blacks, whites will still say we are stupid and don’t act right. A fair non racist person knows full well that each person is their own person. That type of person doesn’t want to be judged based on the worst in their suppposed race, so they will not judge others based on another’s actions. We can’t change how others see us but we can change how we see ourselves.

Mschievly

just like us- some people are only ignorant because noone has pointed out the folly of their ways. Cant learn to see something a different way because your already wearing coloured glasses – if you pointed out ..they may say ..hey, your right never thought of it that way! Im latina- had ygr white co-worker, once remark “you speak english well”- i replied , gee thank you, i’ve been speaking it longer than you’ve been alive”! he felt very stupid after that- not all of us speak slang or have regional accents!
another white coworker admired my expensive new movado watch- and said “thats nice, is it real?”, i replies yes is yours?! Once again this person felt stupid. As he realized hed rudely put down while trying to compliment.Why would he have thought i’d rock a fake – i work hard, play hard, love myself and deserve good things, too! Sorry no sipping from the govmt kool aid, here!

http://profiles.google.com/greeneink Renee Greene

The junk is scripted.

Nene gets paid to ack a fool and I’m sure Star is in on the ultimate payoff day for BOTH of them.

It’s a ridiculous act out of both of them, but that’s what happens when you watch TV that is geared for lame brains, 14-year olds, and folks who simply don’t have a life of their own.

No wonder people’s kids are on drugs for ADD. Gotta keep them quiet while they’re busy watching “TV for Dumbkapfs.”

Like they don’t have enough drama in their own lives to pay attention to….

Stuped.
TruthAndJstice

I saw Sistah Souljah, and she commented that black women needed to get together, and talk to one another. I now see in our culture, behavior that I never would have imagined. It’s sad that my daughter has to view, hair weave addictions, video vixens, and hysterical out of control women. Can they please stop themselves, cause, no body can make black women do nothing that they do not want to. Please think of the little black girls.
AntBee

Hats off my ass!

Star knows that the entire mess was staged!

There is no really “reality” show in Hollywood!

The show is scripted and then ab-libed, but it has already been discussed at that weeks table reading with all the actors present, where the show will go.

Why do these blog writers want to always address the worse in blackwomen on television and never highlight the serious, working black actresses, or the shows they are on. Yes, black women are on other television shows but you never hear about them like to do the crap shows.

Star needs to stop that crap!

Mschievly

yes star can be full of herself, but she also trying to elevate herself get a job and keep herself going—but no matter what the controversey she made sure to always mention her charity and raised a lot of money for it! even on premiere nite of the show she held a get together and raise additional funds for her cause—do you even remeber what Nene’s charity was? Other than hersellf, and from what i heard …she quit- left w/o being dismissed her ego was more important than her cause/charity! guess shes showing what she is about no work ethic and quitting!

jenkinsk

Ms. Nene Leakes embarrassed herself. The attitude, behavior, and character (ABCs) display by Nene Leakes say’s nothing about black women.

I didn’t know Ms. Nene Leakes was an empowerment speaker. Obviously there is not much empowering going on within some circles in our community.

peace
Anonymous

Dr. Boyce — Your point about people “getting excited about famous people just because they’re famous” makes sense. Just because someone is featured on a reality show or any other mass media doesn’t mean they are appropriate and wise enough to provide “empowerment” advice to others. Many people who prefer to live quieter lives (as opposed to being in the public eye) do well in their chosen profession, and can serve as role models.
Mschievly

nene is pure ghetto embarassment and chanel 4- would replay her dressing down of star jones …over and over again….just putting her stupid behavior on display…calling latoya jackson …casper.
I;ve seen her on her housewives show…shes loud and stupid…claims shes being herself and keeping it real, lets keep it real shes an ex stripper who was not even legally married – so there is no way she was even experiencing a divorce, and her so called charity is not a legal one and she pilfered $$$ from it.

Some women from the atlanta housewives are ghetto and haters- one goes on how she should be respected matron of style and class-as if she were special, w/ a non exsistent clothing line-no pedigree/ education- just another sports star-cast off wife.All of them flossing but dont really hear of them having education/careers or jobs- just spending $$$ they dont have and now either cast off by their men or foreclosed upon.

or there is the other show w/ the singer toni braxton and her sisters -one w/ a drinking problem, the other w/ deadbeat hubby she keeps around, the oldest had baby early and jealous she missed her chance at fame, and worst of all her youngest sister who while has caught rich husband-openly & ugly- resents Toni’s fame.
Toni using her assistant sister as slave labour and trying to allude her bankruptcy is due to health issues —instead of living beyond her means! even mom was tacky-set up on date -was not interested until she realized he had $$$ refferred to him as snowflake-because he was white!Guess i can see where they got it from -overly made up and stupid!
Mschievly

someone claimed black women do not act this way….while most do not…there are a lot who do. Stupidly they play up to the stereotype that this is the way they are suppose to act- cruel loud and stupid towards one another. Treating every other woman as if she is a threat.
Putting value on excess and different hairdoos and handbags-yet still riding the bus to thier low level jobs w/ bad credit!

Give star props for elevating herself- while somewhat vain—she handled herself well—trump knew she was a class act . he probably thought Nenr was brought on by Ringling Bros.!
Vern2044

I just read the article with Star and Nene on the apprentice. I am proud of Star and disappointed with Nene, because as racist as Trump is, she played into his game as to show the public black women cannot be intelligent enough to play a simple role on a reality show. It was to expose the real her. I feel the same way with her on the Atlanta house wives, I do not watch the show because all of them seem to be uneducated and ignorant to me.
So Star keep up the good works, but of course I don’t have to remind a lady especially an educated one.
Dacpd

As embarrased as some of you were of NeNe, I was equally embarrassed about Star. When you believe it necessary to constantly remind people of your education and status, that normally means you do so because you aren’t accustomed to having or believe you’re superior in some way. Star thinks waay too highly of herself. She’s is NOT a good representative of Black women unless being a self-involved, snotty, condescending wench is the perception we want portrayed. Where are the humble gracious Michelle Obama’s, Phllycia Rashad’s and Ruby Dee’s of the world??
Meanchick

All I can say is Nene succeeded in bringing on yet another attack on ALL black women. The thread here makes me sick! Black women seem to be the blame for welfare payouts, bad kids and other nonsense! If you know how to use a search engine, then find out who gets what in regards to welfare benefits and it’s NOT black women! Welfare was not even created for minorities, it was created for the (white) families of men during the war! Stop attacking your own backbone. Black women do what they have to do sometimes and shouldn’t be degraded for doing so. If a black mother works at McDonalds, then so what!
Welfare is not the lottery and most mothers would not take it if they didn’t need it. Many who do, also work, but cannot support their family on their income alone. Nene is just another misfit taking a paycheck to perpetuate and deepen a negative stereotype for all black women. Essence, WTH?
Charskcca

No one can do that. You have to do that all by yourself. You volunteer for victimhood.
Griselda_819

Boyce, thank you for this post. I truly appreciate Jone’s take on how this beast we call the media has created false realities. I agree that sistas are portrayed in a one-dimensional way, as if all we are baby mamas, former strippers, and drama queens. I do, however, believe that everyone has a story. No matter if they were a stripper, lawyer, etc. It’s sad that the media chooses to focus only on negative aspects and not project the diverse realms that sistas embody. Rather than beat sistas like Nene down, in the same way that the media does, we should uplift her with love. I do not abide by notions that say that the only women that is to be respected is a ‘lady’. Why? because during enslavement women of color were not ‘ladies’. We were considered whores, sex workers, mammies, and the list goes on. So when we choose to judge a women of color in a similar way that white supremacy has chosen to do so are we truly transforming the system or merely feeding the beast? Thanks again Boyce. Truly appreciate your insight and the way you incite conversation. PEACE