Author: danithedreamgirl

Is Reality TV Rotting Our Brains?!?!

You might be wondering where my fascination with reality television stems from…then again, maybe you’re not, but I’m going to explain it anyway.   It all began with The Real World, making its debut in NYC. I often wondered, “Is this really a show?”  People really lived in a house? With seven strangers? To find out what happened when people stopped being polite and started getting real?  (FYI ALERT: Tami Roman, from Basketball Wives, got her first break on The Real World )  From there, it crossed over into my collegiate years; I became obsessed with America’s Next Top Model.  How could you NOT love seeing “everyday” girls get a chance to become a TOP MODEL? They went from bland to beautiful right in front of me (well, on TV)!  With my interest at full-peek, I started to branch out into other shows like Laguna Beach where I could see rich white kids driving around in a Benz to HIGHSCHOOL!  From that moment on, the madness crept into my life! The Bad Girls Club, Love and Hip-Hop, Basketball Wives, Real Housewives (all cities), Keeping up with the Kardashians, etc.


It got out of control!  With violent shows like, The Bad Girls Club and Basketball Wives, I cringe and I feel so uneasy.  I really do FEEL the tension through the television!  It’s as if I support violence and bullying by watching another female on TV get jumped, slapped in the face, talked down to, called “bitch”, and most importantly being told that they aren’t “black enough”.  I couldn’t decide if it was all reality shows that made me feel this way or a select few, so I did a mini experiment to help clarify (internally) what was going on with me.  The first thing I did was cut back on reality TV and the second thing was to ask some family, friends, Facebook and Twitter what they thought.  I mean afterall, I couldn’t be the only person feeling this way right? Check out what others had to say:



Amaris’ Feedback:

What is the first thing you think of when you see two grown women fighting on national television?

First and foremost, TV is entertainment and the degree to which we engulf in these reality shows is merely our need to be amused…I think it is humorous and entertaining. That is something that I probably shouldn’t admit to, but the reality is this: the women on these shows are adults. They are aware that their actions and words will be displayed for the world to see and judge. They are conscious of entertainment and what it is to “stay” on a show and even possibly (if they are wild and crazy enough) get their own tv shows. That, along with money and attention, are their goals… I have respect for women with greater goals. Acting is an art, being a drama queen is not… So…as long as there are women out there willing to embarrass themselves and show their face in any light for that check…I guess there are women like me who will watch….and be amused.


Larry’s Feedback:

(1) As a man, what’s the main reason why you don’t indulge in such guilty pleasures? (2) What do you think of females that fight, especially on TV for the world to see?

1. Reality gives people a false sense of reality. Nothing protrayed on any reality TV show is the reality of the normal everyday person. False looks, false relationships, and other negative aspects of life are all that are protrayed on these trashy shows and it honestly is the downfall of positive productive thought. You cannot input such mindless garbage into your mind and not believe that it in some way does not effect your everyday thinking about life, love, or anything else for that matter.

2. Fighting, whether its for tv or not for anyone, is just not ok. Barring some sort of life threating experience to yourself or family; there is nothing anyone should be able to say to you that should make you use physical force to retailiate. Critical thinking is what separates us from animals and its only those who are mentally weak who find the need to physically attack another person. Everyone has had their weak moments where we have all slipped and got into a physical altercation, but as an adult no person should ever have the verbal capacity to make you come to blows because once you have thrown a punch you have already been mentally defeated and already have lost.


Sheena’s Feeback:

As a young professional and the head of a non-profit geared towards at-risk female teens, how do you think images on reality TV shape the minds of our young women and what damage do you think is being done (if any)?

I believe the images being portrayed on certain reality TV shows give young women a false sense of reality. The young women my organization works with are at a very impressionable age and unfortunately a lot of them have not made a clear distinction between their reality and reality TV…Which leads me to believe that in the wrong hands what’s portrayed on TV could be very detrimental to young women in our community…it’s not necessarily about what you watch, but about knowing the difference from someone else’s life versus your own. Putting emphasis on conflict resolution methods that teach young women how to handle the situations they see on TV, in their own lives. While being cognizant of the fact that every action has a reaction, so we clearly think through the decisions we make. Thus becoming accountable for the choices we decide to make as individuals. Essentially, just because you’ve seen it on TV doesn’t make it right.


Tabby’s Feedback:

How do you think reality television is hindering AND/OR helping our youth?

It always amazes me how quickly society forms an opinion of an ENTIRE group – race, age, genre or, in this case, television show…TV shows on Animal Planet, The History Channel, The Food Network, HGTV and many others are, in MY opinion, Reality TV…Unfortunately, however, once MTV served up an appetizer of “real” lies, deceit, sex and violence known as ‘The Real World,’ America’s appetite for drama and thirst for more grew beyond control…In the talk show age, for every Oprah there was a Jerry, for every Donohue there was a Maury The language, violence, sex and drama have a numbing effect that redefines what is the norm for our youth. As a teen, if we’re friends, the Kardashians have taught me the b-word is a pet name for my loved ones…  Jersey Shore taught me that sex is no longer a sacred act reserved for someone I love but the new after-party activity with people whose name I can’t even remember… RHONJ taught me that if I don’t like you, it’s ok to run your name through the mud to whoever will listen… *Insert super star searching for love* taught me that moving in with someone I barely know will not only help me figure out whether he/she is “the one” but defined “the one” as whoever had the tiniest clothes and showed potential to give it up quicker than others…As a mother with a 5 year old daughter, this trash is NEVER on my child’s “TV dinner” menu because I believe there’s a maturity level required and I’m far too busy focusing on her learning tools…Bottomline: it’s up to the parents (not the television) to raise their child.



I posed the question on my Facebook and Twitter pages, “Do you think reality TV rots our brains?” and here are some of the responses I got back:

Yes, but it doesn’t mean im going to stop watching. Those real housewives crack me up haha ~Sapna

Not only does it rot brains, but it becomes the guideline for some peoples’ lives, they try to act, and look just like these reality stars ~Delonte

If someone has a brain they never watch reality shows. ~Charlie aka Dad

Yes I do…everyone wants fame because it’s so accessible,people should always strive for talent not fame.Be talented & fame will come! ~Lead Singer of The Electric Barbarellas



So, after hearing what others had to say, I’ve concluded that I’m not the only one who thinks about the damages that reality shows do to the brain, but I was also able to understand that uneasy feeling inside of me.  I agree that not all shows are bad!  I can see singers chasing their dreams on American Idol or chefs showing off their skills on Top Chef.  I don’t have to watch bullies and violence and quite frankly I don’t think I should.  What we put into our mind eventually comes out in our thoughts, words and actions!  It’s safe to say that I am much more aware of the negative effects the “bad apples” can have on not only me, but society as well.

As you depart from the Dreamworld, check out what Shaunie, executive producer of Basketball Wives had to say regarding bullying on her show:

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A Prom Dream Come True!

No matter what path anyone takes in life, it’s so important to give back.  Give back to family, to friends, to strangers…to your community!  That feeling of making someone happy can’t be replaced with anything else and sometimes it only takes a small gesture to make someone’s world a little better.  With that said, it’s no surprise that I was more than happy to volunteer for the Uplifting Sisters “Prom Dreams” event!

I’ve always worked with youth of all ages while living in Philadelphia, so this was right up my alley and something I knew would make a big difference in the lives of young ladies!  I’m open to helping any and everyone, but there’s something about helping young girls that has always been close to my heart and for that I commend Sheena Brown, founder of Uplifting Sisters, because there aren’t enough professional women GIVING BACK to our country’s future.  Attendees were able to shop for dresses, jewelry, shoes, shawls and handbags at NO CHARGE!  Everything was free to them and their families and it was all with a goal of doing something great!

No matter how tired any of us were, seeing the look on their faces was something that even I can’t describe!  If you aren’t seeking to help others, you need to start because it will truly be inspiring for not only them, but for you as well.  Teamwork makes the dream work!

 

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Dysfunctional Friends…Here’s What I Think About It!

I’m going to attempt to share my thoughts about the film, Dysfunctional Friends, without giving away every detail (for those that haven’t seen it).  For those that did see it, I’m sure you can share in my sentiment of it being a good film.  Starting with the opening act, my attention was solely on the screen watching Persia White, who I think is a phenomenal and underrated actress in the industry (formerly on the hit show Girlfriends), involved in some girl on girl action.  The initial plot build-up was great!  Of course, everyone knows by now that the premise of the story involves a friend who suddenly dies from a freak accident and leaves his estate to his close circle of friends.  However, in order for them to cash in, they need to last a week together and work out whatever issues they have and get reacquainted.  This is an amazing storyline, being as though it relates to so many friendships nowadays where life gets in the way, people grow apart and before you know it, years have gone by!

One of the biggest perks of the film is seeing actors/actresses who are super talented, yet haven’t been on the big screen in a while, i.e. Wesley Jonathan, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Persia White, Tatyana Ali.  Another added bonus is that even though there’s a heaviness of the initial plot (death), there is comedy throughout to provide a healthy balance.  What you will find is that each character is probably a representation of someone that you call a friend or whom you know in real life and because of this, there’s nothing phony or “Hollywood” about the film; it’s actually a very accurate depiction of the real world.

One thing that some may find is that the pace of the movie is steady and almost teetering on slow, BUT for someone like me who appreciates character and plot depth it matches perfectly with the story.  For example, there are close to 10 main characters and the basis of the scenario requires them all to remain in the same house for the majority of the film.  So all of the craziness that ensues forces each character to develop in front of one another, which allows the viewer to truly understand each role and get familiar with who is who and what there purpose is.  How many times do we see a film and there is so much going on that we sometimes forget the name or what happened in the beginning of the movie with them?  Not in this case! Corey Grant does an awesome job with the script and the direction.

The ultimate kudos is for the film NOT BEING PREDICTABLE.  There were plot twists, moments of who’s sleeping with who, what secrets are they hiding, who ends up with who in the end…there is so much that will allow you to really appreciate this independent production.  There were some really awesome breakthrough roles, fresh faces (Vanessa Simmons) and finally great representations of black actors! I give it two thumbs up and strongly recommend purchasing the DVD!  Showing support for independent films is key!

Visit www.amazon.com to make your quick purchase!

Here’s the movie trailer:

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New Dreamer Alert!!!

He’s been featured in the Dreamworld before, but he has a new track with Project Pat! A.d! (all.dat!) is on the come-up; catch him while you can!

Click the link below to listen and be sure to leave a comment letting him know what you think:

a.d! (all.dat!) feat. Project Pat “Watch Yo Back”

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Spinning His Way to the TOP! DJ Omega

Through interviews and personal stories, my goal is to highlight individuals that are following their dream(s)/passion(s).  By understanding their journey, it may serve as an inspiration for the next person, thus creating a cycle of goals, hard work, and success!  It’s no surprise that Justin “DJ Omega” Gaines gets the spotlight for this Dreamworld interview.  If you don’t know about him, you’re missing out and I’m here to tell his story so that you can be on the lookout from this moment forward.    DJ Omega has taken the art of spinning and turned it into a lifestyle and I’m not talking about the iTunes DJ that plays music at a friend’s wedding, I’m talking about a true DJ with knowledge of the craft and its history!

His journey through the business began at the young age of 12 while walking through a mall when he saw a DJ performing; from there the rest is an amazing ride to the top.  Getting excited and thinking to himself how cool it was, he put the wheels in motion to make it happen.  Justin began getting advice from other DJ’s, saving his money from allowance and snagging around-the-way jobs until he was able to buy his first turn table.  He started booking gigs at the mall and skating rinks throughout the Philly and South Jersey area, perfecting his skills along the way.  He moved up to booking gigs at teen clubs in Philly, then working/interning at 103.9 for the next three years.  At the age of 17 he landed his own radio show, which aired on Saturday mornings with its intended audience being high school kids.  By the time college came around he moved on to one of Philly’s biggest radio stations, Power 99, and was a regular guest on NBC 10, which turned into a regular program for the next three years.

As if that isn’t enough excitement to last a lifetime, that was just the beginning for this star.  He began working with State Property and while in the studio, ran into Wale; from there, magic happened. Wale dropped his first album and began touring, bringing along DJ Omega for the next two and a half years.  He’s back to the hustle and grind where he started, DJing at clubs throughout the U.S. (Miami, Vegas, Philly, New York City to name a few).  He’s been featured in The Source Magazine, XXL and Complex and is launching his own snap back hat line with Wale, Mitchell & Ness, Meek Mill, Big Sean and Big K.R.I.T.  Here’s some of my interview with DJ Omega where he explains the feeling of so much success, how he landed some of the biggest gigs of his life and how he remains humble through it all.

Who are some of your inspirations?

Kid Capri, Jazzy Jeff, DJ A-Track and I also read a lot.  One of my favorites is the story of Malcom X since it relates to struggle.

How do you remain so humble in the midst of your success?

I’m very humble!  We all sh*t and bleed, nothing separates me from anyone else…I’m cool as hell, I follow my dreams and ambitions.

How do you maintain your drive and hustle?

I’ve been DJing since 12 and I had to step it up to mainstream.  This isn’t a phase, this is a career choice for me!  I could easily go to school, but it’s not for me…if it’s your passion, it doesn’t feel like work.  It was love at first site!  I looked in The Source and said “I’m going to be in this magazine one day…” and I did that!

What now?

I look towards the future.

What’s in your future?

Ownership, franchising…I’m a business minded individual…I want more residual income.

You do work on the East Coast and West Coast, would you ever move to the West?

Depends on the opportunity.

What’s your pet peeve about the industry?

DJ’s back then were known for their record collection. Now DJ’s bring their computer and push a button all night! It’s a slap in the face towards the culture…it’s easy for DJ’s now…they need to leave it to the professionals.

What do you think is your God-given purpose in life?

Self preservation and procreation.  I want to keep the good cycle growing.

Are your parents supportive?

I have the greatest parents in the world! They weren’t supportive at first, but they never hindered me from doing anything.  My mom used to drive me to clubs for work and I grew up in church.

What changed their minds?

Seeing me on TV and being on the radio…they knew I could really do it!

What advice can you offer others trying to do the same thing?

Practice! Everyone has music, but it’s your style that differentiates you from the pack.

Are you in a relationship now and are they hard to maintain with your success?

No girlfriend and absolutely!  A lot of girls can’t deal with the lifestyle.

What do you look for in a partner?

Ambitions. They have to have something going for themselves. They would have to have their own life outside of the union and bond.  It allows you to miss the person.

Where have you traveled (outside of the U.S.) doing what you love?

London, Paris, Japan, Switzerland, Amsterdam

Who are some artists that you have you worked with?

Kevin Michael, Wale, State Property, Beanie Sigel, Killa Mike, Big Boi, Kevin McCall (works with Chris Brown), to name a few.

How do you reach out to big artists; is it all about who you know?

It’s all about who you know and the relationships you build. And musical directors…once artists reach a certain level of prestige, they like musical directors.

So in regards to your hat deal, how did that happen?

I sat with the President and CFO of Mitchell & Ness to pitch the concept and idea for the program and they backed the idea.  It’s going to be $50-$100 per hat and 50 hats per artist will be sold; it will be limited edition.

When will you be able to sit back and say to yourself, “I made it!”?

When I have grandchildren and I’m in a rocking chair (lol). I will just tell them to look on my Facebook page (lol).

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell that DJ Omega is a package deal: humor, drive, fortitude and most of all the skills to make a name for himself.  I’m a fan of his work and have been for quite some time, but as you can see I’m not the only one taking notice.  Keep it up and thank you for visiting the Dreamworld!

To check out DJ Omega visit: http://www.djomega.net

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Is This Bad Girl Really All That Bad?

We get to see glimpses, no matter how real or scripted, into the lives of young individuals on television.  Sometimes a  reality star may even stand out to me and I can see past the glitz and glamor of the role they’re dubbed to represent.  Elease Donovan is no exception!  Maybe it was that she spoke with a little more sense than the rest of her cast or maybe it was her smoking hot looks, but whatever the reason, I reached out to her!  I wanted to get an idea of what Season 8 of The Bad Girls Club couldn’t capture with this aspiring entrepreneur.  Welcome, Elease…to the Dreamworld!

Often, we see a pretty face and think that’s where it stops.  Or we may even assume that this is their first go ’round within the industry.  Well, neither of these are true for Elease; she’s been in the industry for a while, gaining popularity and allowing her success to pave a path in the direction toward her ultimate passion for fashion.  She’s been featured in magazines such as King and XXL, with her latest dose of fame on Oxygen’s hit show, The Bad Girls Club.  Check out my short interview with Elease Donovan to learn about her love for fashion, how she was discovered and what new business ventures she’s diving into!

(Source:XXL feature)

1. What was your first big break in modeling/fashion?

My first big break in modeling was being spotted at the mall by a well known modeling agency here in Miami.  From there I was sent on castings and booked roles…

2. What keeps you motivated to follow your dream of being a big-time designer?

What keeps me motivated to follow my dream of being a big time designer is my mom.  My mom has always been a successful entrepreneur and one day I’d like for her to sit back, relax and not have to work anymore.

3. How has Bad Girls Club helped your career aspirations?

BGC has helped me with my career aspirations with worldwide recognition. As my fan base grows, worldwide, more and more people are able to see my swimwear line and are eager to buy it, along with other lines I will be coming out with.

4. What advice would you give to younger females trying to make it, just like you?

Advice I would give my fans is to keep working hard no matter what and you can be whatever you aspire to be. It might be hard at times but keep working and be patient.

5. What do you think is your God-given purpose in life?

To be the best I can be.

6. What advice would you offer the “younger Elease” knowing what you do about life and the business thus far?

Advice I have for the younger Elease is stay focused because it’s easy to get distracted at times.

7. How do you intend on making sure you remain unique and grounded through your journey?

How I intend on making sure I remain unique an grounded through my journey is just to be myself.  No matter how far I go I believe I will always remain humble and grounded.

Elease has launched a brand new swimwear line that you can check out at: http://www.eleasedonovanswimwear.com/

Thank you, Elease!  It’s always nice to know that we can keep dreaming!  She’s made, what most would sum up as just good looks, work for her.  She’s a business woman with a successful brand…brains and beauty are always a good combination!

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