EBONY Magazine...Is it superficial?
 

This is an email I received regarding comments made by Bryant Gumbel to students at Howard University.

In today's (6/12/01) Chicago Sun-Times

"Much of the Negro community is buried under a blanket of history and
circumstance," but nothing will change if "all you're going to seek is a
superficial Ebony magazine view of life -- one that accentuates only
your cars and your clothes." -- Bryant Gumbel, co-host of CBS' "The
Early Show," to graduates of Howard University.

"We're glad that you found time to visit Black America, but we regret
that you were not better informed. . . . We don't visit Black America,
we live here." -- Linda Johnson Rice, president and COO of the company
that publishes Ebony, in an angry letter to Gumbel that she later made
public.

"Ms. Rice's foolish letter has about as much merit as her stated desire
to 'not bicker publicly.' Instead of complaining about the truth,
maybe Ms. Rice should be more worried about the fact that everyone totally
understood the reference I made and applauded it loudly." -- Gumbel,
in a statement, according to the New York Times.

Is Ebony superficial?

For as long as I could remember, Ebony Magazine has been the media source for positive information regarding the African-American experience. I looked forward to receiving those articles in my parents mailbox with great eagerness as a child. Articles by Lerone Bennett Jr. helped us to look at the present from a historical perspective, while there were also glossy article on the cars, homes, careers, etc. What has traditionally been missing from Ebony, however, is relevance. The connection between the plush materials and the lived experience hadn't been translated clearly enough for me. So, when I got older, and moved into my own place, I chose not to suscribe to Ebony Magazine. Instead, I suscribed to Essence, Time, and Black Enterprise. I believed that those periodicals provided me with steps toward actualizing those materials, lifestyle, etc. Ebony couldn't fit the bill.

So, in essence, I agree with Gumbel's statement, no matter the lack of class inherent in making such a statement. There wasn't much class in Mrs. Johnson-Rice's rebuttal either. On both ends, the situation was handled poorly. The media moguls could have engaged in some constructive dialogue. For Johnson-Rice to insenuate that Gumbel isn't knowledgeable of the Black experience is tasteless especially since everyone's "Black experience" isn't identical.

At any rate, I concur with Gumbel, and believe that Ebony must make itself more relevant and less superficial going forward.
IMHO


[This message has been edited by nikki25 (edited June 12, 2001).]

Ebony Magazine makes me ill.

No, really. Every time I read it, my blood pressure skyrockets. The last article I remember reading was one that glamorized Black female celebrities that choose to have children and either postone marriage, or skip it altogether.

Whatever happened to social responsibility?

Maybe the editors of Ebony Magazine forgot that single teenage mothers are running rampant in the Black community. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/mad.gif

[This message has been edited by MIDWESTDIVA (edited June 12, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by MIDWESTDIVA (edited June 13, 2001).]

DITTO!

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"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful"

When da EAST is in da house....Oh my GOD!!!! DANGER!

Ebony Magazine does what most magazines do to keep readers interested:the latest news on current African-American celebrities.

Although I enjoy reading Essence magazine (I think that this is a great magazine for women of color), I'm not too particular on Ebony. The magazine includes recipes, an advice column, and horoscopes, but in my opinion something is lacking...

For once, I'd like to see a historical African-American figure on the cover-someone from today's government, or a ground breaking individual that ventured out to change the ways of today's society. We all like to keep up on our favorite stars, but to me Ebony magazine has no substance.

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"Mind ya own, stay true to ya own, be ya own."

Peace and God Bless
*Classy_Diva5*

I despise Ebony magazine. Someone said it was "lacking" something and I couldn't agree more. Some articles look as if they were just thrown together for the sake of meeting a deadline and many of them are absoulutely pointless. I place Ebony along the ranks of Sister 2 Sister and Word Up magazines. My personal favorites include Essence, People, and Black Interprise.

I subscribe to both Ebony and Jet, along with Essence. I've read both Ebony and Jet since I was a young girl. What I've noticed over the recent years is that Ebony has fallen a bit behind the times. I would like to see a more youthful or up to date format and content. I am a bit tired of seeing the same articles about "health and fitness", "what every black woman should know about car care" and "beauty and pampering tips". Not that these are not relevant topics for black america. It's just that those articles are the same over and over. They never change around the content and the pictures are the same. They need to be updated and a little less frequent. It also seems like they publish the article on the 100 Most Influental Black Americans more than once a year.

I generally just thumb through Jet. My husband (like every other black man) goes straight for the beauty of the week. Then he tries to play it off and head to the sports section. I actually prefer the content of Jet over that of Ebony because it's more related to "current events".

We maintain our subscriptions to Ebony and Jet annually because we get them for free when we buy our tickets to the Ebony Fashion Show. Otherwise, I might not continue to pay for those annually. Jet is pretty pricey, too for such a small publication.

Now, Essence - that's my mag right there. Every issue I receive is read from front to back in its entirety. I thoroughly enjoy all of its content because it truly meets the complete needs for todays black woman - beauty, career, love and marriage, spirituality, celebrety profiles, fashion, travel, cooking, horoscopes, etc...now that's a complete magazine and 100% worth the cover price. No black woman should be without a subscription.

Now, you know you are still "paying" for that subscription when you purchase that ticket for Ebony Fashion Fair. Next time, look on your ticket! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

That fashion show is played out, too!

Have y'all seen some of those clothes?! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif

I think Ebony has its place. Unfortunately, we as a people do not have the luxury of having a very wide range of media publications to address all of our interests.

I enjoy Jet for what it is, a weekly "entertainment" publication. At times I find it more informative than Ebony with the political tidbits and brief articles about happenings in our community.

I think Essence is just ok. The price of the subscription is too high for me for what you get. Some of the articles are good but I think that Essence runs some of the same subject matter over and over again.

I enjoy Black Enterprise and enjoy most of the issues. After subscribing for three years, I'm trying to decide if I want to renew.

I subscribed to Savoy Magazine and so far I haven't made a decision. Part of my reason was that I missed two issues. When I called to complain to customer service, I was told that my subscription had been put on hold because an issue was returned for an incorrect address. Well you know a sista was pi$$ed! Shoot they had no problems cashing my check. Well I did receive the latest issue. There is an interview with Jesse Jackson in there. I browsed it BUT it seemed to have very little substance.

This artical is like the pot calling the kettle black! Bryant Gumbel is one of the biggest shines(uncle toms) since Sammy Davis Jr.! And Ebony Magazine seems to be color struck. They also spend too much space covering material things, instead of promoting progressive, collective thinking for us, and offering suggestions for problems faced by most African-Americans.

I agree with most of you; they are rendering themselves obsolete.

I though I was the only one who felt that way....

When I saw this thread, the article you mentioned was the first one I thought about. That article did it for me. My boyfriend and I too were appalled at the way they glamorized those Black celebrities for CHOOSING to have children and postpone or disregard marriage. It's one thing to discuss it but it's a whole other thing to make it sound like it's the best thing to do. I will not be renewing my subscription.


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#10 Sigma (Clark Atlanta University) Spring 1999
Currently: MAL, Southern Region

[This message has been edited by DST Love (edited June 13, 2001).]

I agree with the pot calling the kettle black statement. Also I haven't been a fan of EBONY in almost 15 years or more. I glace it over my mom's house, because she will be a faithful subscriber to the day she goes "HOME". All they do is recycle stories.
Dorothy Dandridge at least twice a year, 100 most eligible, etc.
I detest the magazine, and JET is 100 times worse. Not a fan of Essence either.

In my opinion, yes Ebony magazine has become somewhat superficial. In my opinion journalism has become superficial. 5, 10, 15 years ago a journalist wrote the truth, used researched and investigated facts, whether or the not public wanted to hear it or not. As a writer for my school's paper, I know firsthand, what it means to try to reach out to the masses. I wrote and editorial (my first) some liked it, some did not. That is what journalism and news is, everyone is not going to like what everyone has to say. I would not consider myself a good and fair writer if I did not write articles to make the readers think. I feel Ebony magazine needs to go back to writing articles that are not merely for entertainment, instead for information purposes also. A good magazine/newspaper has a balance.

I couldn't agree with you more! I can't remember the last time I read a JET and I don't care for Essence either.

I'm not sure that Bryant Gumbel is a complete "shine," unless you're speaking about his choice of relationships. But I do get a chuckle that it's him, not Al Sharpton or someone like that,calling out Ebony.
Back in the 60s and 70s, Ebony was better. I remember, having looked at old ones at my school's library stacks.
I think what concerns some about Ebony and Jet is the fact that serious newsmagazines on the order of U.S. News and World Report or Atlantic Monthly concerning Black issues aren't out there to offer balance. It's similar to what goes on with television.
Media topics are interesting -- I've been a journalist for more than 10 years.

i think black people can not afford to bicker and down one another in the popular media (be it truth or not), certain elements of the community love to see us call each this or that, it just confirms their own hateful attitudes. Bryant shouldn't have downed Ebony he could have discussed that with them privately (and if my fellow Howard Alumni applauded his comments it was probably because it was so darn hot out and they wanted him to get his butt off the stage *having flashbacks. As mentioned before there are not enough magazines focused on us to meet every need in our communities, folks want to see celeb stuff and that is what sales, i say if you want a serious black magazine start one. ebony can't and shouldn't have to be everything to black people, shoot none of us are http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Yeah, Bryant is somewhat of a shine, but I'm kinda glad he said it. Ebony and Jet are becoming nothing more than picture books. The articles are hardly ever informative.

And not that I'm hatin, but I'm getting tired of seeing the inside of folk's new houses or the hottest bachelors/bachelorettes, or in Jet--some upcoming movie--the review of which is normally outdated by the time you get the magazine! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif

Ebony needs help! But the fact of the matter is that Black America has become so superficial (especially in the middle class) with status symbols that things like investing, health care and other issues have taken a back door to see if you *bling bling* items in your closet and dresser. What are you driving and how good looking your man or woman is! So what is Ebony doing? It is refelecting an Audience that support that behavior.....I know what I just said may not be popular but that is what I feel. Change the attitude of our community on these superficial items and then Ebony will change along with them.

MY 06 CENTS'

THe Sphinxpoet

I think that Ebony (as well as Jet, Essence, etc) have their place. The reader should take them on their face value. However, if a Martian came to earth and all he knew about Black folks was some issues of Ebony, he would receive a greatly distorted view of 'us'.

We are the good, the bad and the ugly. There is no ONE publication or media venue that can communicate the full range of the Black American experience.

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MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

Dynamic...Salient...Temperate...Since 1913

I have not had a subscription to Ebony or Essence in years just because I teach at a school that carries a subscription to Ebony, Essence and Vibe.

Here's my take:
EBONY:I agree with what the majority of the posts have stated about Ebony. It is fluff writing. For instance, back in November, the article on White members in BGLOs was terrible. There was not a TRUE reaction to the white presence. I am irked at a lot about Ebony. I am tired of the articles on how Black women should take care of cars, about all of the single dads, etc.
I still read it though http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif There have been a few good articles but Ebony could be doing so much more. They need to refocus on activism and not celebrities. They can report on celebrities but not EVERY issue. I agree the article on celebrity parents celebrates a type of parent that most of us will not be.

SISTER 2 SISTER SUUUUUUUCKS!! I hate Jamie Foster Brown's coverage of Black Celebrity gossip. It is journalism at its worst. Those interviews are garbage. My 9th graders would ask better questions. PLUS they are too long.

Today's Black Woman: WAY TOO MANY ARTICLES ON BLACK WOMEN and SEX!! I do more than have sex.

Vibe: They really lost me as a reader when Toni was NUDE on the cover. At the time of my subscription, I was in college and this kept me on the forefront of music. Now I could care less who was arrested AGAIN for carrying a gun or driving with a suspended license.

I'll have to come back with my comments on Ebony et al, but I have a question. For those of you that think Bryant Gumbel is a 'shine', 'Uncle Tom', what ever....can you tell me why?

I agree with the person who said that the articles are thrown together in Ebony.
Not only that, but is it me or do they seem to be "unfinished". It's like they whet your appetite, and you turn the page.... and nothing.

That whites in black orgs is a prime example. What in the world was the point of that article? It didn't say one dayum thing that was interesting or that black people actually bought.

It's getting to the point where if I wanna read about black people, I just buy SISTER2SISTER.

Miss. Mocha

What Bryant Gumbel said rings very true, but I think rather, I know the reason I did not like the statement was because it was coming from him. I feel that Mr. Gumbel is very out of touch with the black community as it seem he always try to be demeaning or has an air about like he is better than you. I feel that if someone was going to criticize Ebony, let it be someone who really identifies with the black community and IMHO he does not. I think that Ebony and Jet is just filler right now but I do read them regularly because it has been a constant in my life. I think if they somehow got fresh reporters and revamped both magazines, they may achieve again what they once had.

[This message has been edited by vanda (edited June 14, 2001).]

I, much like Eclipse, would love to hear of some factual reasons as to why people believe Bryant Gumbel is a sell-out, Uncle Tom, etc. Just because someone is a bit proud doesn't mean that he/she doesn't value their heritage. It may just mean that they are proud of their accomplishments and stand too much on their laurels....But why do so many have a problem with Mr. Gumbel's seeming arrogance or sense of self worth?

How do we know what Bryant Gubel is or isn't? He might do a lot for the community, and just not advertise it. I somehow doubt this, but you never know. There's no call to judge him because he dates interracially y'all.

Since I've never seen him interview any athlete I can't really answer on that one.

There are many, many, many athletes whom have married or dating interacially...do we call them "shines" as well? Or, is it because of Bryant's forthrightness and perhaps lack of class (see Nikki's comment in the 2nd posting)? Just curious to hear what you all think the problem really is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What's REALLY goin' on?"

So, him dating a white woman over the past couple of years eclipses his marriage to a black woman for more than 20 years? True, he is alleged to have crept on her with women of different races, but that doesn't negate the fact that the mother of his children is black (for those of you who use this as a measuring stick of blackness).

Like nikki25, I'm also interested to hear whether those of you who consider his interracial dating an affront to the black community if you feel the same way about the athletes/entertainers who do likewise, but "keep it real" by staying in legal/substance abuse/domestic violence trouble.

I'm no fan of the man (his arrogance/rudeness is legendary AND visible in his professional life), but hasn't he supported scholarships, internships and other programs for young black students for years and years?

It disappoints me that we as a people are so unwilling to accept difference among our own people, yet get our panties in a bunch when others don't accept "us".

And to answer the question, yes Ebony is superficial and ri-durn-diculous! I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that the recycled articles aren't cute--neither is the use of "professional models" to dramatize the domestic violence, finding/keeping a mate and all those other relationship articles that we've all seen since we were 9 years old. And as a public relations professional, I have to say that dealing with Ebony/Jet reporters (and some other black pubs, but that's another post) is trying at BEST.



[This message has been edited by Discogoddess (edited June 15, 2001).]

I have never seen him interview African-American athletes before, so I can't agree or disagree with this statement. But, I do have a hypothetical question: Why shouldn't those athletes be called on their problems/issues?

Just a question.

Eclipse, Gumbel is looked at as a shine by many namely because of his preference of women and affiliations largely outside his race.

Gumbel is a shine also because of the way he interviews African-American athletics. If they have had ANY KIND OF PROBLEM IN THE PAST, HE'S ALWAYS THE FIRST TO BLAST THE BRUTHA!!!

Hmmmmm ...

I have to "beg to differ" on the concept of "Bryant Gumbel as a shine." While I hve been a "Bryant-watcher" for quite a while, someone on another forum covered this quite well ...

SoTrue1920 wrote: Personally, I think we need to avoid getting hoodwinked into a "Blacker-than-thou" debate about Bryant. Regarding the Ebony magazine issue, IMHO, the man spoke the truth. The fact that some folks don't like him doesn't make his statements any less true.

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IotaNet
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Eta Chapter, Spring, 1980

Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity
Zeta Nu Chapter, Spring, 1979

[This message has been edited by IotaNet (edited June 16, 2001).]

I'm always 5 minutes late in regards to posting, but here goes.

I've read Ebony for years (my parents have always subscribed and it's how I taught myself to read). It's only been since I've been away and not read it every month that I realized that nothing's new in Ebony Magazine! Fashion Fair, single fathers, business attire, and Blazer ads. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif There is a big emphasis on "conspicuous consumption", and repetition of articles (there's ALWAYS a diabetes article in there!).

This past semester, I did a paper on automobile advertisements in the 1970s, and I covered Ebony from 1970-1975. Nothing's changed. For the 5 years I researched, there were 6 articles on suicide--with the same pictures of the same people! Throw in the Newport and Lincoln Continental ads, and you realize things haven't changed. The same tours of the same celebrities' homes, with the same car ads...

Regardless of its shortcomings, Ebony has filled a purpose in its respective community. I just wish there was a viable alternative, because the others in the Ebony mold just don't last too long.

It is bad enough having the fact that some bruthas do some of the dumbest things; but why is it that those of us in the broadcasting industry exploit the bruthas' blunders like no other peoples in the world? I mean, black anchorpeople AGGRESSIVELY persue black athletes and keep them under microscopes in hopes of getting a story; and when there is no story, they fabricate them: "Sources tell us that...". Bitchass Bryant always brings up the kind of stuff that is private(and stuff that should remain so)during his interview with black athletes. If you've watched him, you would know he does this intentionally; yet he almost never does it when he interviews a white baseball player, or golfer, tennis player, etc.