Fame is fleeting, especially when it's built on a shaky foundation, like a reality show. With that in mind, I readily hand over much kudos to Omarosa Manigault Stallworth for doing what many dream of: extending her 15 minutes in the spotlight. She's parlayed her stint on the reality show 'The Apprentice' in 2004 into six years of work. Most recently, she launched a new venture with Donald Trump on TV One, 'The Ultimate Merger,' which is a dating show of sorts. Though some readily dismiss Omarosa as a "bitchy and evil," I give props to the woman.
Unlike many of today's pseudo-celebs – those simply famous for being able to get on TV without quantifiable talent – Omarosa has not used sex tapes (think Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian), substance abuse (think Nicole Richie or Britney Spears) or overly lascivious behaviors (think Kendra Wilkinson or Holly Madison) to stay in the limelight. Instead, she's opted for a less lucrative but more respectable avenue: her brashness. Despite keeping her clothes on, flaunting her education -- and not ignorance -- and using her guile instead of her backside, she is vilified by the masses -- particularly African Americans.
Attacks on Omarosa baffle me. Don't get me wrong, I don't always love her antics, but that's exactly what they are -- entertainment. I believe those who condemn Omarosa should re-evaluate the source of their disdain. Here's why:
1. She's No Mammy, Jezebel or Sapphire. Historically, African American women have been reduced to these three kinds of roles in the mass media. Blacks have long advocated to be perceived as more than diligent and silent workers, whores, or ignorant and irresponsible breeders. Omarosa's "character" represents other options. Educated. Dedicated. Tough. Determined. Right on!
2. Every Woman Should Have a Little Omarosa in Her. Whether you're in the boardroom or bedroom, it's important to be able to set standards, work hard and get what you want. Too often black women are taught to place the needs of others before their own. The only lesson Omarosa's "character" should impart is that there is a time to be respected... and a time to be feared. All women would be better off for learning how to balance both.
3. When White Women Are "Demanding," There is No Backlash. Watch any "mainstream" reality show and you'll see scores of white women doing the "Omarosa," but they are not judged as harshly. For example, on 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians,' Kris Jenner rules her household -- and hubby, Bruce -- with a no-holds-barred approach. She manages their money, their businesses... and basically their lives. Two other examples are Bethenny Frankel on 'The Real Housewives of New York' or Caroline Manzo on 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey.' All three women are take charge, assertive and straight shooters. None have been vilified.
4. Omarosa is NOT Responsible for Black Relationships – WE ARE. Entertainers aren't expected to be the moral compass or leaders in other ethnic groups; African Americans need to let the notion go. Lil Wayne or T.I. can't teach our sons how to be men, and Omarosa isn't responsible for teaching our women how to love their mates. Caucasians, Asians and Hispanics don't wait for rockers and television stars to set their political agendas or exemplify social standards and norms. If we don't want our little girls to be loose, let's stop cheering them on during boot-shaking contests at birthday parties. If we don't want our sons to father kids out of their households, lets stop calling them flirts and pimps when they're toddlers just because they smile at women. If we don't want our daughters to be baby mamas, don't have men spending the night at our houses 'til they put a ring on it. If we don't want our sons to go to jail, lets not turn a blind eye and accept the extra money that "mysteriously" appears for rent. The only character responsible for your kids' development is yours.
A trained life coach, S. Tia Brown has spent the last 10 years following her passion for journalism as an editor, writer and TV correspondent. Brown has worked for CNN, E!, MSNBC, the New York Daily News, Essence and Black Enterprise. Most recently she served as senior editor for In Touch Weekly magazine. Check out her advice column Do Better, Be Better at www.tiabrown.com. 
Comments: (53)
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By: Dreamprinzess on 6/17/2010 3:48PM
I couldn't agree with this blogger more. I for one will be watching "The Ultimate Merger".
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By: MzWrite on 7/18/2010 5:21PM
I too have an impressive resume however, brains does not automatically translate to emotional and spiritual maturity. I do not want a character to represent women like myself and my friends in this manner. Truly, this is only meant for her to make money. No one should be that clueless when it comes to finding a true helpmate especially a woman who claims to be intelligent.
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By: Blacklace on 6/18/2010 6:50AM
I would like to know who’s taken a survey with black woman and they have concluded that black woman is against Omarosa? Really everything I see a summary of what black woman feel or don't feel it puzzles the hell out of me... Because I don't know any black woman that are against Omarosa and her game... The sister is educated; she's a little brazed but so what. She goes after what she wants and who in the world could be against that. Personally I’m sick and tired of the MEDIA telling us what we said and how we feel stop with that nonsense… Black woman have lots of respect for Omarosa or any other black woman except for New York that doing her thing in a respectful matter which represent the masses of educated, hard working, dedicatd black women.
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By: Blunt on 6/18/2010 1:30PM
I agree...nobody asked me SH**, so where does it come from? From the white people, people. Paul Mooney said it. Why when Black people do something it's ghetto/demeaning/ignorant. White people want to be Black SOOOO bad. They mock and imitate us then make all the $$ and get all the publicity? PSHH!! Go 'head on, Omarosa! She's a dear friend of Trump's bcuz Black women are closer to being equal to a White man than anybody else. Yeah, I said it!
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By: Blacklace on 6/18/2010 6:56AM
Now what a minute... It ok for scores of white women with shows in search of the man of their dream but its down grading to black women... Now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black... Black women can't get break because the world is full of double standards and just pure liars... Since the reality shows has come into existent there have been nothing but score of white americans on TV in search of their mates but nobody said this was degrading as soon as a black women is provided an opportunity to do the same it becomes degrading.. The only thing is degrading is the fact that men are so stupid and foolish. They can't see the forest for the trees. If a black women is respectful and doing her things what's the damn problem? next time leave your negative thinking at home the world is sick and tired of this bs.
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By: W. on 6/18/2010 7:05AM
I would like to know who’s taken a survey with black woman and
they have concluded that black woman is against Omarosa? Really
every time I see a summary of what black woman feel or don't feel it
puzzles the hell out of me... Because I don't know any black woman
that are against Omarosa and her game... The sister is educated;
she's a little brazed but so what. She goes after what she wants and
who in the world could be against that. Personally I’m sick and
tired of the MEDIA telling us what we said and how we feel let’s stop with
that nonsense… Black woman have lots of respect for Omarosa or any
other black woman except for New York AKA Tiffffffany, that doing her thing in a
respectful matter which represent the masses of educated, hard
working, dedicated black women. Instead always looking for negative things to say about black women
Why don’t you focus on your negativity and see how that has a negative effect on your relationship with women... Black women have always supported each other. To decide that a black woman is against Omarosa is just a lie… To say that this show is degrading to black women is just plain BS. There are scores of white Americans that has been afforded the opportunity to have their own show in search of their mate but when it comes down to black women its degrading BS. I hope that this show allow more opportunities for other black women to come in contact with decent black men.
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By: W, on 6/18/2010 7:19AM
I would like to know who’s taken a survey with black woman and
they have concluded that black woman is against Omarosa? Really
every time I see a summary of what black woman feel or don't feel it
puzzles the hell out of me... Because I don't know any black woman
that is against Omarosa and her game... The sister is educated;
she's a little brazed but so what. She goes after what she wants and who in the world could be against that. Personally I’m sick and tired of the MEDIA telling us what we said and how we feel, when in true essence nobody has ask us anything it’s all presumption none of these surveys are truthful now you can believe that. Let’s stop with that nonsense… Black woman have lots of respect for Omarosa or any
other black woman except for New York AKA Tiffffffany, that doing her thing in a
respectful matter which represent the masses of educated, hard
working, dedicated black women. Instead always looking for negative things to say about black women
Why don’t you focus on your negativity and see how that has a negative effect on your relationship with women... Black women have always supported each other. To decide that a black woman is against Omarosa is just a lie… To say that this show is degrading to black women is just plain BS. There are scores of white Americans that has been afforded the opportunity to have their own show in search of their mate but when it comes down to black women its degrading BS. I hope that this show allow more opportunities for other black women to come in contact with decent black men.
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By: clifton ford on 6/18/2010 11:55AM
Am I the only one, Omarosa & Wendy look like men to me! Don't hate me, just saying it's a bit manly over there. LMAO
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By: Michael on 6/18/2010 12:43PM
If this is how mid to upper class Black women should run their game, there is a group of mid to upper class Caucassion women, who would treat Black men much better than this crap. This show is a joke and discrace to women of any race.
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By: Michael on 6/18/2010 12:47PM
You know, after watching an episode on Jerry Springer, "I'm sorry, but I'm a man", this would not surprise me at all.
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