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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: (54)
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By: sheryl on 7/20/2010 2:44PM
Al B-sure proved that a man will look out for his friend before, A woman. I was disappointed in him, not giving up information, but I was not surprised, he is typical.
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By: J-Howard on 7/25/2010 4:17PM
Lady O is a very intelligent african american female role model...but recently ive come to realize that she is not just all of that but she has somewhat a ghetto side not saying that that's a problem but people like Lady O are what give black people a bad name(not the only ones that do but they do add to it)..on the show at times she does have her little outbursts but when white people say all black people are ghetto, the succesful blacks that act that way aren't helping...she is not ghetto but i can see that she probably came from an enviornment with friends that were like that..im not saying she's ghetto but ignorant white people take these things out of proprtion b/c they feel already most blacks are ghetto so if the successful blacks of society act like that as well then all must act like that..with respect im not telling you Lady O to change the way you are, no not at all but im just pointing out something i realized b/c Omarosa is definately not the first and not the last but I'm using her as an example b/c who better to use than this successful beautifl black role model who gave a lot to the white house and society
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By: G.T.H. on 8/07/2010 4:38AM
Don't get it twisted or u r the one that will miss it! This is busisness,this is a francise.The D.T. is bout da $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
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By: Sparklinmyi on 8/30/2011 11:53PM
I was almost tempted to watch this show until I found out omarosa had something to do with it. She is a poor representation of the truly confident and intelligent black woman. She is arrogant and cruel. She clawed her way in with the right people half the time by hurting others. And what's up with Michael Clark Duncan has he completely lost his mind. You can take to the bank that I will never watch anything she has her greedy little hands in and if y'all are smart confident black women you will also hope she fades into the sunset...
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