Confessions of a Video Vixen...Thoughts...?

[bliss_eternal]

With discussion here of the meaning of being a 'hot chick' and other issues related to the value of women, I thought this may be interesting to share. While some may see this as a young woman just out to make money providing lascivious details of her experience with the Hollywood lifestyle, I see some truth here. I think it's interesting and of value that she is telling her story. Particularly as a woman that really dislikes those videos and the way women are portrayed in them.

http://aalbc.com/reviews/karrine_steffans.htm

On edit--I'm not sure I like the tone the interviewer takes toward her prior lifestyle in a few questions, but that's just me. I don't understand the need of some to diminish a woman's message by declaring she's a slut or that she's slept around. Is a former prostitute or porn actor that decides to leave that lifestyle and works with young women, to share their experiences and tries to prevent them from making the same mistakes somehow lessen the woman's message? Or the fact that she has walked away from that lifestyle?

On so many other areas of the internet where I read of this woman and her book, it seemed people are more comfortable protraying her as a slut out to make a buck than anyone with a message that may need to be considered. Maybe it's not appropriate that she 'named names' but does that really matter to the bigger picture?

Apparently she was on Tyra Banks show (:eyes:) and she and Tyra got into it, because Tyra felt the need to defend the men mentioned in the author's book. Tyra defends them as "my collleagues." Not that I have high expectations from Tyra or others that helm such talk shows, I'm a bit disappointed that as a woman and a woman of color, she couldn't attempt to be a tad more objective. I'm also saddened that she would trash another woman to defend men in power in the world of black hollywood and hip hop. That stinks, imo.

(There's more information about the book specifically, if you follow the link at the bottom of the page, of the link provided here.)

Other than her choice current dating choices, and the detail that she has 'found god', does it seem that maybe this young lady is on a feminist path now?

I'll be interested to read what others here have to say about this. I had no desire to put this in the Lounge to become fodder for the frat boys and girls...

[bliss_eternal]

1. I found a better link--from Washington Post.

The one I provide on my post above... I don't know, it just seems like the interviewer is kind of snarky and accusing and I don't like that.

I found an article about the young lady and her book on this link from the washington post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/28/AR2005072802242.html

Some of the comments made on page two of the article I found to be true, in my own research of this story--too many people willing to reduce this to her selling out somehow--or making her out to be a slut, etc.

Sorry that I didn't have this one sooner, time for editing of my other post ran out. LOL!

[Hello_Kitty]

2. Interesting story

That interview was puzzling, alternating rapidly between condemnation, scrutiny, and sympathy. Karrine Steffans seems to be a very bright young woman with a positive message. However, I'm with you on whom she's dating ( :puke: ) I like Maher's show sometimes but he's a sexist asshole and she should be smart enough to realize that, even if he is introducing her to Gore Vidal.

[bliss_eternal]

3. I think she thinks

because he treats her better that he isn't like those she has dealt with before. She'll figure it out eventually, if she hasn't already. As you said, she seems very bright.

I just watched an interview that Tyra Banks did with her. Tyra was SO disappointing. Actually, I shouldn't say that, as I would have to have an expectation of her to begin with, and I don't expect much of Tyra Banks.

It's obvious to me that Ms. Banks watched other interviews that were conducted with Karinne. She chose to side with the other interviewers and the misogynistic public at large and stated that she didn't believe Karinne's motivation for writing the book. She said she thought it was a bid for attention as well as revenge for those that she mentions in the book.

If Tyra ever has that cranius-ectomy (head removed from her ass), she may become a better woman and person. :eyes: (sigh) Yet another woman buying into the idea that women should quietly accept abuse and not speak out about it.

[cally]

4. Interesting that so many trash her for telling her story

Even if she did it to make money, it's her story and right to tell it. It seems those like Tyra would prefer that the darkside of Hollywood and hip-hop be hidden and that the mysogeny never discussed. None of this should surprise me, but it does. It's sad that this type of exploitation is still routine and that women still expect differently from these men.