A Stupid Shower Rod

You guys just don’t know how hard it was for me to sit on this story for a week. I had all intentions of writing about the “leak” of the MiMi and Nikko sex tape but couldn’t get a word out. Every time I started, I’d get stuck. I was so focused on wanting my post to be timely that I was trying to force a message that wasn’t even there. It wasn’t until the Thursday after my post that what I really wanted to say came to life and it was all sparked when a friend of mine forwarded me the article posted below:

‘LOVE & HIP HOP’ SEX TAPE

Cripples Home Depot

NATIONAL SHOWER ROD SHORTAGE

“Demand is going through the roof for gymnastics-strength shower rods — all thanks to “Love & Hip Hop” star Mimi Faust‘s sex tape acrobatics — and Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, and Walmart are struggling to keep up. We called employees at each of the major retailers (from Georgia to Cali) and we’re getting the same story — ever since the trailer for Mimi’s sex tape came out, people have been racing to purchase their own super-strong shower rods to recreate the Mimi experience. And supplies are running out — a customer at one Home Depot in Georgia tells us, they were totally sold out of Mimi-strength shower rods. This is a real thing — a Twitter search for “Mimi shower rod” shows an endless list of people trying to get their hands on one. There’s even a Twitter account dedicated to it (@MimiShowerRod). And don’t even get us started on the Vine videos. We reached out to officials at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Target — no word back so far.”

Seriously??!! I can’t lie, I chuckled at the thought of these fools rushing to replace their shower rod and bussing their tails trying to be MiMi. Then it hit me. When I first sat down to write about this story last week, I originally wanted to speak on the impact MiMi’s decision would have on her young daughter and the importance of being responsible for your children’s future. I know I’m not a mother yet, but I still have a strong position on it. However, after reading that Home Depot article and seeing the sheer power her sex tape has over the consumers, I decided to come at it from a different angle.

Last week I wrote a article on connecting the dots. Well consider the Home Depot article I received as yet another dot towards discovering my big picture… and no I’m not talking making my own sex tape! I’ve mentioned in previous posts that, at the very core, my assignment is to empower women through media. I questioned God many times on this because I have always said “I don’t do chicks.” Over the past few months, I’ve been developing and praying over my latest project. My heart for this particular project is to give women overcomers a platform to share their story and give hope to a generation that is void of that very thing… Hope.

My biggest issue is my need for everything to be done in excellence! Not really an issue per se but I tend to stall on things unless I know – that I know that I know – it’s going to be quality. I’ve been dealing with lack of funding and trying to find creative, cost effective ways to bring the stories to life. I’ve hit many roadblocks and it had taken some of the zeal away. I know that it’s for a greater purpose and that anything worth doing isn’t always going to be a cake walk but MAN!!! However, when I read in the article that people are moving in droves to mimic what has been “leaked” over the internet. Let’s just say there’s a renewed sense of urgency to get my project out!

Just like money is not evil neither is the internet, television, nor film. All of the things I listed are mediums to either transfer goods or messaging. WE determine if it will bring life or death. Let me be clear that what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home is far from the issue. Swing from shower rods, bannisters, or chandeliers for all I care! DO YOU! Sex is a beautiful thing when it is in line with God’s Word and if you choose to engage before marriage that’s between you and God. What it should not be between is you and the entire world via the internet and beyond! Filming it, plastering it on the internet, promoting the DVD release, all the while pitching to the premiere of the show you’re featured in IS NOT beautiful. It’s tasteless, it’s self-deprivating, and it gives women another reason to sell themselves out for money and “fame.” It’s crazy to think that a sex tape can truly be someone’s claim to fame, but it is.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the demand for sex tapes will be in existence forever. My only plea is that more people of faith, myself included, take their rightful positions in the entertainment world and be bold and creative enough to offer alternatives. It’s time out for the “preaching to the choir” syndrome. Every faith based film doesn’t have to have a pastor and a steeple. Nor does it have to be super deep and spiritual. It just needs to be relatable, transparent, and share a message that is uplifting. People of faith in Hollywood have to take risks, get out of our comfort zones, and cater to the masses instead of just “church folks.” Mimi’s sex tape is just a small example of the negative influence that media can have on the masses.  I truly believe their is a market for positive messaging on all mediums and it can make money! We just have to be bold enough to walk out our assignments in media and be the light so that people have the same sense of urgency to run after God that they do a stupid shower rod.

Shout out to a man who despite his past is doing his part in using media to be a light at all costs. Check out Steve Harvey’s response to the sex tape here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjwAj6ysbdA

Happy Tuesday!

Love, Bianca