The entrepreneur NeNe Leakes has learned that she has been recognised by President Obama’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture.
Full story below…
Built to offer the world a wider look at the accomplishments of African-Americans, the museum was opened today with the support of attendees Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Harry Belafonte and Michelle Obama.
What they found upon entering one of its presentations?
A short piece on African-American mannerisms and vernacular which recognised Leakes’ popularisation of certain phrases and unforgettable one-liners via the TV series ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’
Comical?
Far from it.
For, though what goes on in ‘The Real Housewives’ may be trivial, its impact on Pop culture has been monumental.
Following the demise of the African-American led scripted shows which reigned in the 90s, the TV landscape did very little to showcase the diverse lives of real people of colour.
Then came the affluent NeNe and ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’
For the first time in television history, the world was given access into the lives of middle class women of colour whose human realities stood far removed from the scripted and often one dimensional portrayals of black women presented beforehand.
All of this is easy to take for granted today in a world filled with ‘Empire’s, ‘Scandal’s and ‘How To Get Away with Murder’s.
With this in mind, the museum’s decision to recognise Leakes’ place in Pop culture makes perfect sense.
Uuuuuuuuhm, but didn’t she appropriate from the gays?
I don’t consider myself gay or feminine but it’s not cute when gays don’t the credit where it’s due
To be fair, WOc and gay people of color share the same lingo and have borrowed from each other because they are literally brother and sister.
I know what you’re saying but they made no reference to le gays there, especially the colonialisms made “famous” by nene.
For once I agree with you.
That being said, the white gays borrow and misuse the lingo. Look up the TweetLikeAWhiteGay hashtag.
I’m going to do that now haha.
But Gay blacks and gays like (dare I say it) jeffree star are the most assimilated and and appropriated in terms of lingo by EVERYONE. I think the only thing white gays started was “yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas” for lady gagz
Look what happens when you give blaques power, they do this foolishness.
It’s full-circle though, because alot of the US “gay lingo” came from black women from the south – terms like “Tea”, “Shade”, “Hunny”, “Yas” all came from that. She does appropriate from the gays though. She’s made some pretty homophobic comments before too.
What comments has she made?
She repeatedly used the term “Queen” with negative connotations through the sixth season of RHOA to refer to castmates Brandon and Peter, and she gave Peter a woman’s name because of his feminine tendencies (which was HILARIOUS btw!). Even Andy Cohen (The Main Producer) called her out on it.
That’s ridiculous. She is who she is.
Crying at a KPop fan trying to suggest that Nene stole her speaking style from gay people. Do your research and you will find that it was the other way around especially when it comes to the White gay community who took their entire vernacular from the black and Latino gays. Watch Paris is Burning.
You didn’t get my argument.
There is prestige in buffoonery and coonery?
I’m sure folks would have words for you too if cameras followed you around.
Crabs in a barrel
Why in the hell is this in the national museum of African-American history. That sh*t makes my culture look like a joke. From laying the economic foundation in the US, creating HUNDREDS of inventions still used til this day like the incubator and stop light to creating every major American genre such as folk, jazz, rock n’ roll, and hip hop, my history is far more glorious than some sayings by Nene that should be displayed instead.
Read before you read. This is only one of the things in there. Like it or not, reality Tv is now a part of our collective experience.
A gesture of sassiness is nothing more than a stereotype depicted in mass media about black woman. There are far more valuable lessons to be learned about black culture. Take Benjamin Bannaker for instance. A black genius who designed the White House, and the streets of DC to the intricate designs we see today. I’m sure his picture isn’t displayed but Nene’s is….and y’all wondering why they gun us down in the streets like we don’t have any worth
Agreed!
It’s a Museum, there will be a diversity
Totally agree. I was happy nd excited about this museum, but now it has officially lost any and all credibility.
You should, perhaps, look up the term respectability politics. The idea that our colloquialism are not a part of our culture is a farse. Albeit, the concept should not be a subject which enforces stereotypes but, With that said, everything in the museum should not solely address what we feel is respectable and/or virtuous. Our culture includes all of it. From soujourner truth to sagging pants. One thing that we all need to do is learn to love and embrace every part of who we are. Individually and collectively. Flaws and all.
Why? What has she done that is considered history making? Unless you mean of course going from a busted stripper to reality star and mediocre actress.
Sound Like You’re A Hater!
If speaking the truth oa considered being a hater, then so be it. Doesn’t change the facts.
Nene is trash
Another Low Life Hater.
The self-proclaimed “Rich B*tch” has literally done nothing but prance around and reinforce the ABW stereotype on national television. If anything she has done the complete opposite of uplifting our culture. Ugh, even Ms Twirl would’ve been a better choice since she was one of the first Black women to be Ms USA or America or whatever lol.
If you don’t have anything nice a say about ppl,Keep You’re Mouth Closed,why are putting her dwn?
Cuz I f****** want to B*TCH, Last time I checked I was grown.
Suck yourself…
Yes Kenya Moore has contributed far more to black culture, as messy as she is.
LMAO exactly, I’m not even a fan of Keyonce but what you said is definitely true.
There’s sooooooo many other influential black people that they could of giving that too! !!!!!!!SMDH
Surely this is a joke. A ratchet ho3 with a bleached weave is being honored for her contributions to culture? Bish wtf?
Look in the mirror b4 you call someone a hot, Don’t Hate B***H!
Ho3
Congratulations Nene and to Hell with all the Queens and Hater’s,Keep your head Ms.Leaks
This unpaid Nene the Moose stan is really doing the most y’all! ? Keep doing you but just don’t f*ck up my grande caramel machiatto next time I pop up at Starbucks, broke b*tch. I’mma be sure to get ya ugly, peasant ass pink slipped. Btw: September’s rent is overdue.??
DEATH! NOT septembers rent ???????
Come on now. Seriously?
Just canceled my trip to DC
KIIII! Good choice
What next? Recognition for them he-man, ramen noodle looking wigs Nene sports? I expect more from Smithsonian. Mr. Leakes ain’t sh*t but a paid stereotype. Let’s do better!
This coming from a Queen! Take a seat Ms.Thang!
You’re avatarless and in your feelings. Seek help, h**.
??? awww you still crying over me? Listen FAAGGOT, i already told you where you can meet me so I can beat dat purple blick ass of yours. ASShòleliyah-cûmdump/Centipedø sweetie you want me to drag those nappy raggedy p*** hairs for the millionth time. Hunny I don’t have it for you today. You’re behaving like a FÁÄGGÖT.
OQIANZGZAHISBX ????????
Everyone had joined in
THIS IS NOT “OBAMA’S MUSEUM”…..
HE DID NOT CREATE IT….THINK OF IT….OR FINANCE IT…
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/african-american-history-museum-set-to-open-772354627844