The Grio

Should Hollywood cast another white Cleopatra?

Clockwise from bottom left, Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie, Vivian Leigh and Claudette Colbert

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By Talia Whyte

Who knew that Cleopatra VII would be the center of a racial commotion in Hollywood? It was reported in The Guardian recently that Angelina Jolie is slated to play the role of the Egyptian pharaoh in a new film based on a biography by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff. Jolie’s life partner Brad Pitt might also get to play her love interest Mark Antony, which is reminiscent of the onscreen/off screen relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the 1963 film version. According to the film’s producer, “the movie is being developed for and with Jolie.”

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Whitney Houston, we have a problem

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By Talia Whyte

Houston, we have a problem — seriously!

If you have been under a rock the last few months, you might have missed it. The once great singer known as Whitney Houston has been on a disastrous, comeback world tour, which has been marred by the singer’s alleged substance abuse. The diva’s problems were seen prominently during her Australian opener in Brisbane last February, where many fans left before the show ended, complaining of her cracked voice and her not remembering lines for songs.

“She couldn’t entertain a dead rat,” said one Australian fan.

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15 LGBT Leaders of Tomorrow

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By Talia Whyte

June is Gay Pride Month, a time to honor the accomplishments of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Since the days of the Stonewall Riots, LGBT people of color have played a significant role in advancing many social justice issues. Here is a list of 15 LGBT trailblazers from diverse walks of life making an impact on the lives of many, giving new meaning to “adding color” to the rainbow flag.

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The downside of ‘Booty Pop’ panties

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By Talia Whyte

I recently saw a commercial for the “Booty Pop” panties — a pair of panties that is padded to increase a woman’s gluteus maximus, and thus her confidence — available in several sizes: extra-sweet, sweet, sweeter, sweetest and super-sweetest. The panties are available in both black and nude shades. The commercial was clearly geared towards young white women without actually saying as much. And doing a quick search around the Internet, it’s clear the artificial buns are really popular; even with talk show host Kelly Ripa.

What makes this product interesting from a black woman’s perspective is that we have long dealt with low-self esteem and the idea that our bodily features — especially our stereotypically big butts — are not only unattractive, but also inhuman. I remember reading in school about the life of Saartjie “Sarah” Baartman, a black South African woman who was exhibited literally like she was a caged animal throughout Europe 200 years ago because of her large backside.

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