EBONY Magazine...Is it superficial?

[reddnhott2020]

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.

[BlueReign]

Originally posted by The Original Ape:
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 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.

[Steeltrap]

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.

[PositivelyAKA]

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

[dirtymike1906]

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!

[sphinxpoet]

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

[mccoyred]

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.

------------------
MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

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

[CrimsonTide4]

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 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.

[Eclipse]

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?

[Miss. Mocha]

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

[vanda]

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).]

[nikki25]

Originally posted by Eclipse:
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, 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?

[lovelyivy84]

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.

[nikki25]

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?"

[Discogoddess]

Originally posted by dirtymike1906:
Eclipse, Gumbel is looked at as a shine by many namely because of his preference of women and affiliations largely outside his race.

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).]