It’s been a tough week for “well intentioned” celebrities.
When Patricia Arquette started talking about equal pay for women during her Oscars acceptance speech this week everyone from Meryl Streep to J-Lo cheered. Arquette however, is now a cautionary tale for when to quit when you’re ahead.
Her speech went from “hallelujah” to “hell nah” when she decided to tell the LGBT community and people of color, that it was “time for them to support women.” Who knew that over privileged, white, wealthy actresses needed so much support—sarcasm aside, it’s actually women of color and LBT women that are the most adversely effected by pay inequities—unfortunately Arquette didn’t get that memo.
Pop Off of the Week: I guess Fashion Police’s Guiliana Rancic didn’t get the Arquette memo. In a feeble attempt to fill Joan Rivers' shoes on Fashion Police, Rancic decided to comment on singer Zendaya’s locs on the Oscar red carpet, saying they “look like they smell like patchouli oil and weed.”
Really?
After Zendaya issued a brilliant response on Instagram, Rancic offered a non-apology on Twitter followed by a more thoughtful one on E! News. Note to white America: It is never acceptable to poke fun at, touch or comment period, on a women of color’s hair, it will only leave you tangled in knots.
Next stop on the apology train: Kanye West
Kanye said sorry to Beck for insisting that Beck "respect artistry" and give his award to Beyoncé. He also said sorry to Bruno Mars for being a hater. Could there be a Beck-Bruno-Taylor-Kanye medley next Grammys?
Kanye also shed a few tears in an interview with BBC Radio One when he discussed one of his mentors, late fashion professor Louise Wilson who died in May last year. (26:22 in)
Trend of the Week: #ThisIsLuv
Launched by former NFL player Wade Davis and activist/writer Darnell Moore, #ThisIsLuv, is a multimedia campaign highlighting Black LGBT love and acceptance. The campaign seeks to challenge the notion that the African American community is anymore homophobic than any other group. #ThisIsLuv flips the script on stereotypes and showcases the richness and diversity of Black love.
Poliwood Round-Up: Trending Topics in the #BlackTwitterverse This Week
THREE: Golden Boys
Common and John Legend have solidified them selves as Hollywood royalty. The pair didn’t only take home the Academy Award for Best Song for their soul stirring song ‘Glory’, but they brought home a message about black incarceration rates, social justice and civil rights. With regard to the historic bridge in Selma, Common said “a bridge that was once a landmark of a divided nation is now a symbol for change.” Everything about their speech and performance is emblematic of what celebrities can and should do with their platform—use them as vessels for change.
TWO: Let Her Lead
Thursday the Senate Judiciary Committee moved one step closer to a historic nomination. U.S. Attorney for Eastern NY, Loretta Lynch, has jumped the first hurdle in her nomination process to the next Attorney General of the United States. All Senate Democrats voted in her favor while Republicans are split. The vote will now move to the full senate.
Republicans have apprehensions about her support of President Obama’s recent Executive Orders that have drawn ire from conservatives, and I can’t imagine they would jump for glee over any choice he would make to replace US Attorney Eric Holder. When asked during the confirmation hearings how she would be different than Holder she said confidently, “I will be Loretta Lynch.” It’s safe to say, she’s not so easily thrown off her game.
ONE: Dried Up
After much speculation and millions of dollars in lobbying efforts, the Keystone XL Pipeline is dead. Contrary to the popular Republican energy stance, Keystone was neither a massive job producer nor energy creator, which is why President Obama vetoed the measure this week.
"The presidential power to veto legislation is one I take seriously," Obama said in his veto message to the Senate. "But I also take seriously my responsibility to the American people. And because this act of Congress conflicts with established executive branch procedures and cuts short thorough consideration of issues that could bear on our national interest — including our security, safety, and environment — it has earned my veto."
