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ROBERTSON TREATMENT – (America’s Premiere Lifestyle Column) Vol. 11, Edition 8: The Cat’s Meow: Novelist Deborah Gregory
*Former high fashion model, turned journalist and author, Deborah Gregory is known throughout literary circles for her generous personality, great sense of wit and fabulous style. In 1999, she put these attributes to maximum test with the release of “Cheetah Girls”, a phenomenally successful 16-series collection that follows the lives of 5 young women whose musical talents allow them to transcend their under-privileged background. A story very much like Gregory’s, whom has used her own gifts to move beyond a painful past of growing up in the New York City foster care system. Inspiring others to reach for their best is a passion for Gregory, who recently spoke to Ebony/Jet.com to discuss the popular characters she’s created and the drama that’s ensued for her to enjoy the fruits of her labor.
Your books deal with a lot of topical themes and issues related to young women, how is Catwalk different?
Deborah Gregory: In Cheetah Girls I used music as a catalyst for the girls to transform their background and rise for the prize. In CATWALK, I use fashion. Catwalk as opposed to Cheetah Girls doesn't just focus on girls---it focuses on boys too and gender identity. There are lots of male models now, so a character like Zeus is someone who is going to use that ticket (his chiseled cheekbones) to advance his life. As always, in CATWALK, I deal with racial identity, sexual identity, struggling to transcend a difficult background. Aphro who is Pashmina's best friend is a foster child who happens to be blessed with the looks of a modern day Naomi Campbell including the attitude. She is fierce and feisty.
What’s the motivation behind your storylines?
DG: The motivation behind my storyline is about manifesting dreams. There is always that yearning. I come from a difficult place and the only way for me transcend that place was through sheer talent and drive, if they have been blessed with both.
Why is your latest book set in the world of high fashion?
DG: CATWALK is set in the world of fashion because that is my original background. If you look at Cheetah Girls closely, you will notice that it is highly stylized. The character of Galleria's mom, for example, is really me. The plus size diva who owns a plus size clothing store in Soho and designs her own private label. That was me and exactly the way I was able to become a writer. The fashion editor of Essence magazine and her staff would come into my fabbie boutique in Soho and borrow clothes for editorial shoots. I started badgering her to let me write fashion and beauty articles. And that's exactly how I began my career--as a freelance fashion and beauty writer. Like music, fashion is an incredible way for someone with talent to see the world and work it for points on the Dow Jones. Sashay, parlay! That is Pashmina's motto.
You were once a fashion model and are well-known for your great sense of style. What are your thoughts about the absence of models of color today in that industry?
DG: I was born tall and skinny and exotic looking but I didn't have any guidance to stick with my modeling career. It was too difficult to take all that abuse about race. I mean literally you would walk into a go-see in Paris and be told right to your face: ``We're not seeing any more Black girls today.' But for one year, I did walk the catwalk and get some advertising and catalogue and editorial jobs. My best friend is Beverly Johnson--and I can tell you she is to this day one of the very few Black models who has gained international recognition. To this day, it is still not easy for a black model to have a viable career. What I find the most strikingly disturbing and it's discussed in CATWALK is how few black designers have a viable global presence in the fashion business. Frankly in the 70’s there were more prominent authentic black designers than there are today: Stephen Burrows, Scott Barrie and Willi Smith --they were making noise. Today, we have Tracy Reese. Why aren't there any black designers who are the equivalent of Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Prada? It's a mystery to me.
Your Cheetah Girls series mushroomed into a phenomenally successfully literary and pop culture franchise, especially among young women. From your work with this audience, how do young women today view themselves?
DG: Now there is a whole generation of black girls who grew up with the Cheetah Girls, which is staggering to me. A girl walked up to me the other day who is 18 years old and now in college. I asked her what she majors in. She said, ``Forensic psychology because I read it in the Cheetah Girls--and that’s what Aqua and Angie wanted to be if there singing careers didn't work out.' So the most noticeable thing I notice about today's generation of black girls is they have more options. As a result of the past generations and the Cheetah Girls phenonmenon, they clearly see that it is up to them to maninfest their dreams. This whole thing of Prince Charming is secondary. They sort of know he's not coming to sweep them off their feet and pay their bills--and that they are definitely going to encounter a lot of frogs!
What issues are most pressing for young women today?
DG: There are so many issues for young girls and women. The most prominent is that one out of four black women under 30 will be raped or sexually violated. These are hard, cold facts. I am the one out of four. There is still a prevalent attitude among boys and men to disrespect girls and women. The way they think they can talk to girls on the street--and do so, with consequence. It's just a fact of life. And you must learn how to protect yourself on every level. The sexual pressure is ridiculous.
Do you think there is a general disrespect of women in pop culture?
DG: There is an enormous disrespect of women in pop culture. The truth is, most boys and men still think it's okay to try to manipulate a girl into having sex with them. The truth is, most girls and women do not find this satisfying. If I had a son I would teach him to be honest. If you only want to have sex with a woman and want nothing more from her, do NOT pretend otherwise and do not think you're doing that for free--pay her! Buy her a present, take her out. I'm not kidding. There are no freebies in this world. And I'm sick of men always scamming for freebies. Here is the truth: women do not like casual sex. They do not find this satisfying. They succumb to it because of the societal pressure and low self esteem.
What do young girls need to do to position themselves for success?
DG: I believe in education but I know that girls with certain talents such as singers and actresses can start working without going to college--that is sadly a way of the world. College is not for everyone, but it sure can open doors for you in certain careers.
Even with your success in the business, you have been very vocal about unfair business practices that writers often encounter in the industry. Can you elaborate?
DG: Writers create the intellectual property from which all the work springs, but very often do not receive the compensation their talent warrants. This is very unfair and the imbalance is strange. It speaks to a set of values and sends a clear message that writers are largely undervalued. For instance, Winston Groom who created one of the greatest pieces of literature in pop culture--Forest Gump--was only paid $350,000 (before taxes, agent and attorney I might add) for the dramatic rights to his masterpiece and did not receive any back-end compensation. Writers should be very careful to make sure that the compensatory items on their contracts are very clearly defined. It's just not right. Writers must learn everything they can to protect themselves and their intellectual property or they will end up with very little financial compensation and at the end of the day that's all my landlord cares about--me paying the rent on time. He's not at all impressed by the fact that I'm the creator, author of The Cheetah Girls. Despite our contributions, at the end of the day, this is business--and it's all about money--thanks to the insane economic pressure that we're all dealing with on a daily basis. People are really being squeezed.
What’s next for you?
DG. My goal is to continue to inspire and entertain. I am currently at work on the next installment of my Catwalk series, Catwalk: Strike a Pose, which will arrive in stores in September 09.
Gil Robertson IV is an A&E journalist, author and pop-culture critic. He is the author of the bestselling book Not in My Family: AIDS in the Black Community and the upcoming project, Family Affair: The Black Community on Race in America. Visit www.familyaffairbook.com for more information.
BEST BETS – THEATER
"The Color Purple will have national audiences laughing, crying, shouting, and singing Amen - all at once! What illuminates the spirited U.S. touring company is its fluid, consistent movement; never compromising the vivid storytelling and imagery that fans of the Alice Walker-penned novel and Steven Spielberg-produced film have always cherished. Songstress Jeannette Bayerdelle's voice (Celie) is full of grit and grace. Yet, it is the innocence, charm, and strength she conveys that will embrace you. Rufus Bonds Jr (Mister), has an unforgettable alto, and is every bit the tyrannical, devil-incarnate that audiences love to hate. However, it's his lack of physical brawn that betrays his role as antagonist.
What is sure to thrill you are the robust, show-stealing performances of Felicia P. Fields (Sofia) and Stu James (Harpo)! Their scenes are the most memorable of the production. Be sure to take note of Fields' signature song, "Hell No!" - it is a crowd pleaser. The original music, written and produced by composers Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, breathes new life into this classic work. Though the "The Color Purple (reprise)" is the trademark song, it is Angela Robinson's (Shug Avery) emotionally bare offering, "Too Beautiful for Words," that will bring every woman to tears. It poignantly explains Celie's journey, which is the heart of the original work, and the story of womankind: the resilience of inner beauty and virtue; regardless of the external forces that try to destroy it. Like The Color Purple, it endures for a lifetime." – Raegan Burden for the Robertson Treatment (RTSC)
BEST BETS – EVENTS
I made my annual trek to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans recently as a guest of Chevrolet Motor Division, the largest division of General Motors Corporation and one of the most successful automotive brands in the world. Unfortunately, I fell ill before I could even check-in to the Renaissance Hotel, but was rescued by my close friend and fellow GM driver, Dr. Rani Whitfield, who graciously stepped in to cover the event. Chevrolet was the official vehicle for the weekend and from what Rani has shared with me provided all in attendance with stylish rides throughout the entire weekend. Chevy is the leader in fuel efficient products and this weekend they showcased their new fleet of fuel-efficient and gas friendly products. Starting with the Chevy Malibu and Tahoe Hybrids and the Chevy hydrogen powered fuel cell Equinox. The Equinox Fuel Cell is an electric vehicle that is powered by GM fourth-generation fuel cell system. It can start and operate in subfreezing temperatures, go nearly 200 miles per fill-up, and reach a top speed of one hundred miles per hour. This technology offers a really cool driving experience that will reduce America's dependence on petroleum and reduce emissions to help protect our environment. Find out more about the Equinox Fuel Cell and the other great Chevy vehicles at www.chevy.com.
One of the first activities to take place during the weekend was the Chevy sponsored Malibu Voices of Tomorrow. The Chevy Malibu Voices of Tomorrow Sweepstakes was an online singing competition that ran from April to June on www.chevyessence.com in five markets throughout the South East. There were thousands of online entries, however, Baton Rouge native LaTangela Sherman (Rani’s hometown) made it to the top four. She eventually won the contest, which was judged by Essence Magazine music editor Nazenet Havtezghi, XM radio DJ Lisa "Sexy Chocolate" Ivory, the Gossip Columnist Flo Anthony, and none other than R&B vocalist Musiq Soulchild Cheryl Catton, general director of Chevrolet Marketing, presented LaTangela with the keys to a beautiful 2008 Chevy Malibu!
The most rewarding time of the event of the weekend was a visit with the students, ambassadors, and mentors of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools . The entire crew of journalist and GM staff including our wonderful host Carolyn Grant Normandin, Jenni Lewis, Monica Coleman, Oneika Mobley Diedre Wylie headed out early Saturday morning to the Leson Chevrolet Dealership in Harvey, LA for a music therapy event. This is the second year that Chevrolet has showcased its support of the CDF Freedom Schools .students and children from the New Orleans area and share in their growth and development. If you don't know anything about the CDF Freedom Schools , please visit their website at www.childrensdefense.org. Kudos to GM and Chevy for making the Essence Festival a wonderful weekend.
Visit www.robertsontreatment.com
Copyright 2008
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