Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > October > 15 > Entry
Real Housewives of where?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Oh my.
Until Tuesday afternoon, I’d only read about the spectacle of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” I watched it between phone calls at work. Know this: it holds tightly to the spirit of the Bravo “Real Housewives” series that kicked off in Orange County and New York, which is to say it’s shocking in its decadence. Big houses, exclusive clubs, skimpy clothes, land yachts, emotional tell-all narratives to the camera, tons of money, more attitude. (Missed it? Here’s the video, broken into convenient sections. Missed No. 2? Here’s Rodney Ho’s take on it.)
“Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Let’s put that in quotes for several reasons.
There are some nice shots of the skyline (and a few too many of our prolific traffic) but that’s about all I recognize, what with not owning a house, not being a wife, not having children and — this seems to be the key detail — not possessing many spare decimals of cash and credit.
Some Atlantans aren’t so impressed by the series or its excess. Doesn’t mean some aren’t paying attention to the “Real Housewives” around town, either.
Debate the abuse of the words “real” and “housewives” somewhere else on the Internet. I want to hear about the “Atlanta” part. The perception of the area in pop culture — “I’m luuuurving the way they do things in Atlanta.” — no matter how obviously unrealistic, can haunt us. (How many hillbilly/redneck/shoeless/toothless jokes did I hear when I moved to Kentucky? Only about 84,692. In conversation with my family.)
If it’s around long enough, all those images start to seem like the norm, as if this is how we all live. Is the Atlanta you spot in the show familiar to you? Attractive to you? And would it make you want to move here?
Also: this isn’t a space for race baiting or anonymous cruelty. Have some respect for each other and treat it as a discussion or go somewhere else.
Permalink | Comments (45) | Post your comment | Categories: Uniquely Georgia
Comments
By Atlanta?
October 15, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
I don’t understand.
They don’t live in Atlanta.
They live in suburbs far from Atlanta w/ names of cities that are not ‘Atlanta.’
Why is it called Atlanta?
By teri
October 15, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
These women may represent a fraction of Atlanta housewives, but they do not represent the m ajority of REAL housewives of Atlanta. And by the way, ladies, money does not buy you class.
By EM
October 15, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I must admit that I didnt catch the series when it was in Orange County but when I saw “Atlanta”, I had to check it out. My first impression wasn’t a good one. The shots of Atlanta are nice. The houses they feature are top notch. BUT THE REAL HOUSEWIVES LEAVE A LOT TO BE DESIRED! They come off as a group of tasteless women who are obviously not used to being amoung the “Haves” instead of the “Have nots”. I mean get real, a cake shaped like a Louis purse?! Who in the world, money or broke, would want to eat a purse. TACKY! And another word that comes to mind is simply “Ghetto!” One can tell that they just dont know what to do with themselves. Basement bowling alleys, estate managers, designer this, thousand grand birthday gifts to 10 year olds…come on folk…there are people starving in the world and you want to show us that you waaaay too much than you can handle. God help them.
And the stank attitudes….I guess some folk believe that having money automatically qualifies them have them. I dont see the connection. Anyway…I could go on and on, but I choose to ignore the rest of the MESS!
By Bama Man
October 15, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
If you wanted real racy stuff, you should have been a 20-something like me (then) in the ’80s hanging around the Dunwoody housewives in the swim and tennis communities. It was fun to be a rabbit getting caught by cougars.
By T Dub
October 15, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I don’t think the show represents Atlanta well because the Real Elite Housewives of ATLANTA don’t live in Duluth and Alpharetta. They live in Buckhead, Mount Paran and the Cascade Heights areas. However, this show is focused on NEW money. The Noveau Riche always entertains the masses with their flash and crass behavior and quite frankly that’s why Bravo picked the women they picked. The old moneyed Atlantans - Black & White - do not flaunt their excess so the producers were left with bottom feeding. I personally know 3 other women who were interviewed for this show but clearly they were not chosen because they were soft-spoken, self-assured and community-minded.
By T Knight
October 15, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
This classless bunch of ghettohoodrats are not representative of the Atlanta I grew up in. Money doesn’t buy you class and this is probably one of the most tasteless pieces of crap on television today.
By Big C
October 15, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Jamie, thanks for letting these people know that you don’t want this blog to be race baiting. It makes the blog more enjoyable, and not make me angry about some ignorant people’s comments. Anyway, as unreal as “Housewives” and suprisingly crass these women are, my wife and I find the show somewhat entertaining. These women need to realize though, they are being laughed at, look ridiculous, and are not envied at all. It is definitely true, money can’t by you class.
By Joel in ATL
October 15, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Blah Blah Blah… Let’s see these dames on Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, that’s a real housewife!
By katie
October 15, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
I have lived in Atlanta all my life and I have never seen anyone resembling these women. These are not Atlanta women, I think they must be transplants from somewhere else. Atlanta is a cultured city, these people are in the “Entertainment” business where wives of sports people live in a different world. It’s not the REAL world. The producers just want to make money and unfortunately this is what sells these days. SAD
By Deana
October 15, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
There is a distinct difference between
people with “new” money and people with “old” money. The word is CLASS. Very disappointed in how the women portrayed themselves.
By thatsme
October 15, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
While the Atlanta shown in this series is not the one I live in, it is the one that I hear echoes of. When I first moved here three and a half years ago, all I ever heard was: I live here, I live there, I drive this, I drive that, I know this one, I know that one. So this show fits right into that mentality, much like the other Housewives shows. When I watched the OC one, I thought they were extragavant, and the NY show (and I’m a former NYer) was quite boring. But that’s the whole point, these shows are purely entertainment. And as one of the cast members said this morning on the radio, the shows are edited and for some cast members are scripted. As for the cries of they don’t live in “Atlanta,” no, they don’t live in “Atlanta” proper, and yes, they do live in the suburbs of Atlanta, but as the Post Master of the US Post Office told the builder of my subdivision, “the homeowners can have their mailed addressed as Atlanta, GA, as long as the correct zip code is on the envelope, it really doesn’t matter.” So my mail, depending on what company, may say Smyrna, Mableton, Vinings, or Atlanta. My point is only an Atlantan would know the difference, and only an Atlantan would care.
By the gringo
October 15, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
This wasn’t about new money/old money, or even about Atlanta/Duluth. Certainly not about wives, since hald of them aren’t married anyway.
This is about who would be willing to embarrass themselves completely on TV. This is about class vs. no class. One of the ladies on the show lives on my street, no more than 150 yards from me. Trust me, she isn’t nearly as wealthy as the show makes her look.
This is also about entertaining stupid people by using even more stupid people. No one with half a brain would appear on this inane show and subject themselves to the level of embarrassment that my neighbor has.
The producers must have had to really scrape the bottom of the barrel to dig up this trash.
By NY2GA, Inc.
October 15, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
I just don’t understand why there are so many blogs about this group. The “Real Housewives” regardless of what state they are in was designed to be centered around wealthy women.
But, lets face it… Wealthy Black women are not seen on television. The first one that most of us ever saw on tv was a fictional character named Dominique Deveraux (Diahann Carroll) on the show “Dynasty.” That’s it-
Old money, new money. It’s still GREEN. And these ladies have access to it whether they got it through marriage/divorce or through their own efforts. It is what it is. Get over it.
Now, some of the attitudes of these ladies do leave little to be desired. However, that is probably the reason that they were chosen(the DRAMA factor). These ladies signed up for the gig. Moreover, they are intelligent enough to know who they are and what they are getting into. As a viewer, if you don’t like what you are seeing then don’t watch it. And if you choose to watch it don’t complain after the fact.
It is time for the AJC to get off of this topic and focus on The Real News of the United States. How about that?
By JM
October 15, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
The show should be called Clowns of Suburban Opulence or Skanks and Skeezers Spending Athletes Money. Professional garden spading tools on exhibit at its finest. This group is extremely ridiculous and unintelligent. They definitely do not represent housewives of Atlanta.
By J.D.
October 15, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
How can the two that are not even married be called housewives? THese shows are just stupid.
By CJ
October 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
This show is about E.N.T.E.R.T.A.I.N.M.E.N.T!
If you don’t like it then don’t watch it.
Flip This House - ATLANTA
College Hill - ATLANTA
Keisha Cole Show - ATLANTA
American Idol - ATLANTA auditions
Designing Women - Atlanta
The Single - Monica - Atlanta
These shows did not represent me in any form or fashion when they aired, so i didn’t watch those shows!
REAL or NOT, Housewives - Atlanta is purely entertainment…..
By BHill
October 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
This is a classic example of keeping up with the Jones” That is a typical “OTP” thing- The name of the show should be” Housewifes of Suburbs” If you go thru the toll everyday or have to drive 4 miles to your closest grocery store or have at least 2 foreclosures in your neighborhood-Your not in Atlanta, your in the suburbs- And thats why most of the “real money” lives in Buckhead- Cheers Pretenders!
By BHill
October 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
This is a classic example of keeping up with the Jones” That is a typical “OTP” thing- The name of the show should be” Housewifes of Suburbs” If you go thru the toll everyday or have to drive 4 miles to your closest grocery store or have at least 2 foreclosures in your neighborhood-Your not in Atlanta, your in the suburbs- And thats why most of the “real money” lives in Buckhead- Cheers Pretenders!
By BHill
October 15, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
This is a classic example of keeping up with the Jones” That is a typical “OTP” thing- The name of the show should be” Housewifes of Suburbs” If you go thru the toll everyday or have to drive 4 miles to your closest grocery store or have at least 2 foreclosures in your neighborhood-Your not in Atlanta, your in the suburbs- And thats why most of the “real money” lives in Buckhead- Cheers Pretenders!
By Tonia
October 15, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Well here’s a resolution which is much better than criticism. Do an independent show of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, those housewives within 285. Then you can include everything you would like and believe. A better choice than complaining.
Such a good idea, I might just do this myself!
By My Two Cents
October 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Ho-hum…….
By RC
October 15, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
I am a native Atlantan (born and lived in Buckhead). While living in Atlanta, my Grandmother and my Mother were true blood “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” They were elegant, genteel, generous, captivating and gracious. I have not (and will not) watch this show, but I get the impression that none of these “ladies” even vaguely embody the qualities of a true Southern housewife of Atlanta.
By jbean3
October 15, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Did not watch either Housewives show and frankly not interested. These women are not part of our reality and only care about their HUSBANDS’ wealth (they clearly do not have jobs).
It is a waste of time and puts Atlanta (again) in a poor light. And I AM an Atlanta native.
By blackbird
October 15, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
This show, and others like, may soon disappear because of the coming economic collapse (no, the real collapse hasn’t occured yet.) The anger they stoke will not be mitigated by the fact that these women are portrayed as idiots, which is what the monied class hopes to accomplish by producing such programming.
By blackbird
October 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
This show, and others like it, may soon disappear because of the coming economic collapse (no, the real collapse hasn’t occured yet.) The anger they stoke will not be mitigated by the fact that these women are portrayed as idiots, which is what the monied class hopes to accomplish by producing such programming.
By Mrs. Thomas
October 15, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Great Show
Great cast of Ladies
I truly enjoy the ENTERTAINMENT of the Real Housewives of Atlanta! For those of you offended and feel that the show doesn’t represent ATLANTA women/wives - well guess what sweetie.. IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT YOU!! True TV entertainment (LIKE THIS SHOW) has: excitement, beauty, fashion, drama and the unexpected!! I can’t wait to see new episodes and read all online information about RHA!! Personally, I’m very thankful for my 9-5 corporate exec position, my great hubby, two teenagers and oh yaeh..weekends at the soccer field AND Targets for grocery and general household needs. CONGRATULATION TO BRAVO TV!
MORE MORE MORE OF THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA!
By Southern Girl
October 15, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
what’s that comment about pigs and lipstick ? They should spend some of that money on grammar lessons
By Rob
October 15, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
I would marry any of them….at least for a night or 2…. ;-)…
By CindyMSM
October 15, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Seriously, it should be renamed the unReal housewives of Suburban Atlanta. Since when is Duluth considered Atlanta? And check out the website - there is a reference to the “exclusive community of Sandy Springs”…puh-leeze.
By Jason
October 15, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
You’d think they could afford a personal trainer and some plastic surgery. If these wives are trophies, I’m not sure I want to win the game.
By Ms. Lead
October 15, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Honestly speaking I don’t like the show because I personally don’t think the show represented the A and housewives properly. The fact that these women either on their back or with a shovel married men with money that is between them and their husbands. Except for the token who is probably being kept by someone’s husband. Here comes trouble. Hell how many white women marry black men because of their money. Now a sister is doing it, you are calling it ghetto and gold-digging. You tell me if Reggie Bush, Keenan Wayans, Wesley Snipes Dave Chappelle, Evander Holyfield and all the other brothers with money did not have money those women would still marry them. He!! NO, but if a sister does it she is a gold digging ho. Point, my nephew is in college and sure to make it to the pro’s. He can not move without a sea of white girls throwing themselves all over him. He is not captain save a ho he is a college student. But soon as the sisters tried to get up on him now they are ho’s trying to be saved. Give me a break. Shid,if they came up more power to them. But my perception does not make it their reality.
By TeefMatter
October 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I’ll bet somewhere some other skank is sitting down taking notes thinking the RHA and NY are true examples of classy women. It would take these women a lifetime to learn how to truly behave with class. To the realtor you go girl!Girlfriend the best thing you can give yourself is distance from those trashy classless skanky women.
By lisasue
October 15, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Did anyone notice that NeNe (the most ghetto of them all) did not have furniture in her two front rooms. You could see as she walked thru the foyer. Hot ghetto mess. To her credit, maybe it’s yet to be delivered, OR maybe she’s like a lot of other folks that are in over their heads once you buy the house, not enough money for the furniture. And what happens to the birthday girl if her divorce settlement does not go in her favor (7 figures, as she stated)? Will she be downsizing soon…
By Ken
October 15, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
I saw a part of that show the other day and I thought it was a very poor reflection of these women. I hate to play the race card here but it seemed to me like a bunch of black women whom divorced wealthy athletes and who are now intent on showing the world how ignorant and shallow they are.
No mention of charity work or helping the community. Just flaunting their unearned wealth. Sad really……
By DM
October 15, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Here is exactly why these women were chosen to be on Real Housewives. They have no class or taste. A true Atlanta woman is entirely too Southern to evah debase herself in such a manner by appearing on a show this tasteless. These girls on RH are entirely too low class to be believed.
By Just Asking
October 15, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
NeNe is so hood. I don’t think she has the money she is claiming. Why does her husband always look so sad and like he has no teeth? The show is horrible and doesn’t represent real housewives. This is a joke. I hope they didn’t pay these women. The title should be changed to I Don’t Know the Value of Money and I’m A Brat!
By jus; tryin' to make it day 2 day
October 15, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I haven’t watched the show and refuse to waste my time on such garbage. It is deplorable that the excesses of these women are flaunted at a time when so many are struggling, with many out of work and on the verge of adding to the already too-large percentage of Atlantans who are hungry, homeless and/or do not have proper health care.
This has nothing to do with race. It’s about excess and a lack of social responsibility. There is plenty of that to go around among all races.
I think that the least the producers and members of the cast could do is donate a portion of the revenues to local charities assisting those down and out. That should apply to ANY locale that the series is filmed in.
By Tiger
October 15, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA does not represent the true PIONEER BLACK WOMEN that was and is the REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA, which would include my ANCESTORS that was born & raised here. Since people from the NORTH, EAST, WEST and SOUTH contiune to move here are bringing down GEORGIA. The true breed of Atlanta Housewifes does not active that way. Those women were a joke, and no I will not be watching that show any more.
By shari
October 15, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
How about a true, real-life show about the REAL housewives of Atlanta - the ones you see everyday; grocery shopping, cleaning house, picking up kids, etc. Oh, right, that would be BORING! I wish Bravo would go back to showing good programs like they used to 5 years ago - more intellectually stimulating than the garbage they put out now!
By Lady T
October 16, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
Go Ne Ne…..continue to keep it REAL!! Let the haters be your motivators!!
By Robert
October 16, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
To all of you bitter women who CLAIM that you hate the show…..why are you watching? Turn the channel.
This is entertainment…..the bottom line is YOU ARE JEALOUS!!
Ne Ne is fine, so stop hatin!!
By Mama E
October 22, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
This show is like watching a train wreck. I have watched all three RH series. Yes NY was boring, but this one is embarrassing. Why do they have to use so much profanity? Most of us know this does not reflect the typical ATL family, but some will say “see how THEY act when they get some money!” Unfortunately, like an accident, I can’t seem to turn away.
By CM
October 27, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
The reason it’s Atlanta is it’s Metro Atlanta. Suburbs 40 miles out are still considered Atlanta.
By Opus
November 2, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
I love the show! It makes me feel so cultured and classy in comparison to the broads on Housewives Atlanta. And ladies, the word is “ask,” not ax. Cheers!
By GY
November 17, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
The only one in this show with game is Lisa (keep doing your thing), she could survive without her husband’s money (don’t worry about trying to keep the peace, between the others who don’t have much to do but drink, shop, and talk about each other). Kim is an alcoholic, probably because she has to call “big papa” for everything, having no money or skills of your own (what example are you for your girls, in general, and driking during your daughter’s party. Sheree is an embarrassment, never spending time with her kids (couldn’t even walk your daughter to the car b/c of buying shoes; we know where your priorities are and you are waiting on a hand out, you wasn’t smart enough to get some real people to design your clothes (but u know fashion). NeNe stop being so out there, i like the fact u are the Simon of the show and the only one who really spends time with their kids. Shaun concentrate more on grounding your kids than trying to be bigger than u are (you do have a sweet personality). Sheree is pathetic and no one is “hating” on you, they are laughing at you; you are the worst and you keep mess up between Kim & NeNe. I only watch to see what will happen with Sheree if the divorce doesn’t go her way, if it does go your way, i hope u get family counseling, you’re like a mom who spends more money on themselves than her children (i hope she is a better mother than she protrays) and to have something to laugh at. It is sad when women can’t be a better example for young women and the black community when given the opportunity (except Lisa). Times are too hard to be so vain. Just think, modern day slavery for money, pimped by the network.