Let's Talk: Mo'Nique
BY: KIKI N.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Mo'Nique, an Oscar award-winning actress, comedian, and entrepreneur was the topic of discussion since 2018 started. She called for a boycott of Netflix because they offered her a half-million dollar Netflix special while offering millions to Dave Chappelle (20 million), Chris Rock (20 million), and Amy Schumer (13 million).
She felt there was a gender and color bias against her.
Her January 19th, 2018 post on Instagram was a video of herself giving reasons why her supporters should boycott Netflix.
Of course, many people on twitter had a lot of opinions about her--from support to backlash.
Monique is speaking facts and doing so with class.
— IsYourMelaninOnFleek (@Ohwaawaa) February 24, 2018
& y’all are just dragging her for what?
What Mo’Nique is dealing with is what every black woman has dealt with in corporate spaces. You speak up about an injustice you deemed as aggressive and loud... even if you address it in the most classiest and calmest of ways. Smh
— Mbaku’s Baby Muhva 👑 (@KLCHII) February 24, 2018
#loud?
Some say she is just like any other regular degular shmegular black woman speaking up for herself and knowing her worth.
Although Netflix offered her $500,000, the offer also stated that Mo'Nique could not do any kind of comedy shows for two years. That means that she couldn't tell another joke in another two years. So, is accepting $500,000 for two years worth it to a seasoned comedian who has sold out shows in the past?
Disappointed in #MoNique always been a fan since #Queens of comedy
— 🖤racism is evil🖤god is love🌈 (@FwhiteAmeriKKKa) February 23, 2018
but honey your ATTITUDE is trash sis...that interview was very difficult to listen to
After hearing you speak & the energy you’re giving you come across not only as not funny but not likable which saddens me
#aggressive?
She's being labeled partly because of her approach and partly due to her reputation. It's unfortunate
— Shak Empowers (@ShakEmpowers) February 24, 2018
#notlikable?
Others say she is in this position because of her attitude and perception in Hollywood, and that's why she's been blackballed--and that no one wants to work with her.
I agree with Monique on how black woman should get the respect but HOWEVER the way she goes about it seems like she only doing that cause its beneficial to her and only her and she burns a lot of bridges solely because of her fucking Attitude nobody wants to work with that.
— Dimitri (@dbray1999) February 24, 2018
#ATTITUDE?
Is Mo'Nique doing too much? Or, is she acting like any ordinary Black woman who would also negotiate a salary?
Again, people say:
- She has an attitude.
- She's aggressive.
- She needs to be quiet and be thankful for what Netflix offered her.
You could almost recognize the stereotypes that have been placed on women of color, especially black women.
I completely understand what Mo’nique is saying! Those you are asking her to be silent never experienced being a black woman in a corporate job getting paid less than people who’s positions are below yours and expected to ‘play the game’
— Bouff Mammy (@twosideseffect) February 24, 2018
#besilent?
They’ve really been painting Monique as this angry woman until you actually watch her videos and she’s calm and composed as ever. It’s really weird. A black woman raising her concerns and now she’s “angry”.
— #LoveInTheCity 2.0 (@ImaniDH) February 23, 2018
#angry?
Black women still need to play safe and 'act" a certain way that doesn't come across as intimidating. And that’s not fair. It's like, we have to simmer down, relax, and be thankful.
If you have ever been upset because a job wouldn’t hire you or recognize you because they want you to have ‘experience’, that no one has given you the opportunity to engage in, despite your great strides and efforts... then you should somewhat understand Mo’nique’s struggle
— FRENCHYY :) ♥ (@idga_FRENCH) February 23, 2018
#struggle?
We understand Mo'Nique's struggle, but will she go far with her 'so-called' attitude? We can agree that the word 'attitude' is a term that can easily break down the Black women and dismiss her work credibility espcially in a professional workplace.
"She's not handling it well". She could go about her situation another way.
If you notice, many tweets that have described her situation have also weighed in on characterized terms, such as "angry, attitude, etc". Many Black women have come across as aggressive when they ask for things such as a pay raises. I am not saying that I agree with Mo'Nique's way of handling this situation either, but like Omarosa, let's not dismiss her black experience also.
When could a black woman discuss her needs and wants without making her fear she is being viewed or perceived a certain way?
Do you think about Mo'Nique 's situation? Did she handle it well? Or did she perpetuate an "angry black woman" perception?
Kiki N. works in government. She has a bachelors degree in Sociology. She is interested in the Black women narrative and experience.
MORE POSTS LIKE THIS
POPULAR POSTS
