“We’ll just tell her he’s French!”
CVK
(Thanks to Sarah for this tip!) In the latest issue of Allure, Eva Longoria talks about her relationship with NBA player Tony Parker. Parker, who was born in Belgium and grew up in France, is the son of Tony Parker Sr., who was an African-American professional basketball player and Pamela Firestone, a Dutch model.
According to FemaleFirst.co.uk, Longoria was planning to send her grandmother a San Antonio Spurs calendar so that she could see what her boyfriend looked like. However, Longoria’s mother warned her against it, reminding her that her grandmother didn’t know Parker was black, and she probably wouldn’t approve.
Now that’s all well and good. We all have parents or grandparents who are not exactly open-minded about interracial relationships.
What’s not so well and good is Eva’s reaction to her mother’s advice. Here’s what Eva said: “We’ll just tell her he’s French.”
Anonymous wrote:
That’s OK.
When “Desp Housewives” first aired, Eva Longoria’s bio stated she was 24.
Posted 26 Mar 2006 at 11:39 am ¶
Ha ha! wrote:
Anonymous,
that was funny. I have never watched the show and didn’t know she/they lied about her age in her bio.
As for what Eva said…I have been on other blogs where people have tried to suggest that Eva was making a harmless joke…that she didn’t want to get into a race discussion with her grandmother because her grandmother is 92 years old and too set in her ways. I’m sorry but regardless of how old her granny is, I still found her statement “we’ll tell her he’s French” quite offensive. She probably didn’t mean for it to come off as offensive but it did come off that way for me. And you better believe that if granny doesn’t approve of Eva’s relationship with Tony that others in the family don’t as well. I wonder though what will she tell her granny when Tony’s obviously black father comes to dinner…that he’s the cab driver? Her statement was just wrong on so many levels. To paraphrase a poster from another site, its okay for Tony’s family to know that she’s a 31 year old divorcee with a reputation a mile long but her granny can’t know that he’s part black?
When are they going to cancel Desperate Housewives. I can’t take it anymore.
And granny must be really dumb if she thinks “French” is a “race.”
Posted 26 Mar 2006 at 2:46 pm ¶
K-Pow wrote:
I think Eva needs to sit down and be quiet. I mean its bad enough that she revealed how “inexperienced” Tony is in the bedroom, but now this!
She is such an exhibitionist!!!
I wonder how much mileage will she get out of this relationship. It might all depend on whether the Spurs win the championship.
GO DETROIT!!!!!
Posted 26 Mar 2006 at 2:52 pm ¶
Adrianna wrote:
When I heard it on ET. I could not beleive it. She would say something like that. I wonder what Tony Parker Said about this. In Mexico if you are not white you are not really represented. People In mexican soap are all white, there is no Native people or black people on these soap, that what they call it TV Blanca (white TV). Maybe Her Grandmother’s ignorance rubed off on her.
Posted 26 Mar 2006 at 4:32 pm ¶
Merq wrote:
And granny must be really dumb if she thinks “French” is a “race.”
Actually, I read it a little differently. My understanding was that Black Frenchman > African American. The tragedy is that in America, it’s true.
I remember hanging out with my cousin two years ago, and after a long night of drinking and talking, I suggested that rather than go to sleep, we run down to SoHo to pick up the iPod I’d promised her for her birthday.
While we were down there, we decided to look around the stores just in case any of them actually carried shoes my size. Now, I’m 6′7″, 225lbs, and wear size 15 shoes, so shopping is something I loathe doing. But what makes it extra special is that despite my height, I’m not nearly as “hard to miss” as people claim– every damn store we went to that morning acted like we were invisible. And when we actively sought out help, we were pretty much given curt, short answers with a “look, just buy something or leave” attitude.
But being that shoes are, you know, a necessity, we plodded on. We walked into this one store, and I don’t know if it was the residual drunkenness or the overall fatigue, but I suddenly began talking to my cousin only in French. She (being the smart cookie she is) picked up on my plan instantly, and responded in kind. She played the Francophone, and I played the Francophone with weak English skills, translating for her when necessary.
The sales people were suddenly far more attentive than ever. It was like, we weren’t “black” anymore. We were French.
Posted 26 Mar 2006 at 5:44 pm ¶
Tanya wrote:
“inexperienced” Tony is in the bedroom
Woaaa, where’d she say that? What did she say? Tony is a sucky noob in bed?? Teehee…ouch!
Well, I can’t believe this guy is marrying this old warwh0rse. Just because she’s a hot Latina? Maybe he’d be better off droppin’ the non-Black fetish and gettin’ back with an earthy sistah?
Posted 26 Mar 2006 at 7:02 pm ¶
Daisy wrote:
hmmm… well if i had a nickel for every time i’d been introduced as “Jewish” to a guys parents… The thing is, yes, I am Jewish. But I’m also bi-racial. Judaism is my religion, not my race. Just because I don’t look like what you’d expect the average black/white mixie to look like it doesn’t mean I’m not… Just because you don’t see it on my skin it doesn’t mean it’s not there - it doesn’t mean it’s not a part of me…
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 5:19 am ¶
Merq wrote:
Funny, Tanya.
Did he tell you about his “non-Black fetish” himself? And what the hell’s an “earthy sistah?”
Lawwd help me!
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 7:53 am ¶
mtevc wrote:
okay all…eva’s been around the block…but obviously her family’s got some issues with color…and this is one of the things that hispanics hate to talk about…eva even gave an interview once that said she didn’t think she was pretty because she was told she was the “dark” one in the family
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 8:45 am ¶
Uneek wrote:
it’s obvious that she’s like eva mendes.she doesn’t like black people.she’s just using him to be in the spotlight.
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 11:41 am ¶
Shoji wrote:
Hey, what’s up with that Merq guy, Tanya?
I LOVE EARTHY SISTAHS!
Thank the Lawwd for down-to-earth girls with heart & soul!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S.- “old”? Eva Longoria’s old?! How old are you guys??!!
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 1:08 pm ¶
Hey! wrote:
what did eva mendes say about African-Americans?
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 1:48 pm ¶
Merq wrote:
Shoji:
You sound pathetic, dude. “Earthy sistahs?”
“Down to earth girls with heart and soul???”
That sounds painfully stereotypical. I love my sistas, but you’ve got to be kidding me with that nonsense.
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 4:40 pm ¶
Bohemian Writer wrote:
As far as I know, Eva has nothing but love & respect for Afro-American actors. I mean, c’mon she worked as Hitch’s love interest…I’ve never heard her say anything like what Eva Longwhoria has said…& Tony Parker shouldn’t marry ANYONE (Black or not) who says he sucks in bed…I don’t know bout you but that’s NOT love…
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 6:07 pm ¶
K-Pow wrote:
Shoji is a troll. I wouldn’t give him much mind.
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 7:13 pm ¶
Annoyed wrote:
I know the bedroom revelations she made ie “I’m the teacher, he’s the student”, were embarrassing for Tony, but give Eva a break on this one. Even I can understand trying to appease some old, cantankerous relative.
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 7:36 pm ¶
Merq wrote:
K-Pow:
Yeah, thanks for the heads-up.
Bohemian Writer:
I know! While I’m not a fan of celebrity name-warping (but to each his own), I was wondering why she felt the need to make this big announcement about his being “inexperienced”– true or not.
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 8:25 pm ¶
bertie wrote:
Merq–I’m guessing earthy means dreds and unshaved legs? (not that there’s anything wrong with that—I love my dreaded hirsute sistas too.) I’m with whoever said Tony should thing twice about marrying someone questioning his bedroom tactics. But maybe she’s hating on his bedroom bully skills to keep the NBA groupies at bay. A BDR (Bad Dick Report) will kill a brother’s game–I’ve seen it happen on the yard many a time.
Posted 27 Mar 2006 at 9:47 pm ¶
Shoji wrote:
K-Pow: “Shoji is a troll.”
Was I mean or harsh? I thought (mildly) picking on Tanya was lame and I wanted to leave a note. If that makes me a troll in your eyes, then I’ll get out of here and leave you to it.
——-
Merq,
I could give you my racial background, but that’s not what this is about.
To my knowledge, a person described as “earthy” is natural, no bs, down-to-earth, yet hearty,and full of life. (The opposite of a high-maintenance, superficial tight-ass.) So screw me for giving a shout out to Tanya.
Are you saying “earthy” is a negative stereotype specifically to black women, because anybody can be “earthy”. (I guess after exclaiming love for my “earthy sistahs”, I should have wrote “women of any race” instead of just “girls”.)
Merq: “You sound pathetic, dude.”
Fine. This coming from a man who was busy screaming about Lenny Kravitz not being rich (whatever that was about) in a previous post.
I didn’t mean to offend you. You are obviously a sensitive person; when you’re not calling people “funny”, “pathetic”, and “dumbass” on this blog.
Don’t worry, I won’t write anymore comments and I’ll leave you to it. But maybe you wouldn’t sound like a frustrated guy if you’d just take a step outside once in a while. Goodbye.
Posted 28 Mar 2006 at 12:04 am ¶
Merq wrote:
bertie:
Yeah, I knew what Tanya was trying to say. I just disagreed with it. It sounded too stereotypical– you know, the “spiritual,” afroed/dreaded sista with the copper jewelry and incense burning. Like I said, I love my sistas, but that sounded like a load of crap. Like Jill Scott once said, “we have this thinking that as soon as we see someone with a ‘natural’ (i.e., unprocessed hair), they’re automatically ‘positive.’”
Not to mention the fact that this “earthy sistah” was set up as the antithesis of Longoria’s “hot Latina.”
Posted 28 Mar 2006 at 12:36 am ¶
bertie wrote:
Thats funny –I started to use a similarly themed quote from Dre 3000 about all brothas with dreds not being for the cause and all nig#as with perms not being part of the fall.
Posted 28 Mar 2006 at 9:32 am ¶
Merq wrote:
wow, Shoji. Such hate… such hate.
I don’t see what the Kravitz discussion has to do with this, my friend. All you’re doing is proving how unable you are to form a cogent argument. Instead of talking a bunch of nonsense about that, maybe you should’ve tried actually reading the preceding posts to find out “whatever that was about.”
bertie:
we’re “here,” dude. we’re here.
Posted 28 Mar 2006 at 12:13 pm ¶
Marsha wrote:
I totally agree with Merq’s view of the “Black Frenchman” vs. the “African American”. From my experience, if you wave the “international” flag in front of the white folk, they are all of a sudden all interested in “learning about different cultures”. However, any talk of accepting racial diversity is met with utter contempt most of the time.
Posted 28 Mar 2006 at 1:34 pm ¶
eva wrote:
i think everyone in their context has valid points, i just think the commentary about eva mendes was completely unnecessary, there has been no public comment made by her demeaning blacks in any way, so to say that about someone without substantial proof is unfair. And indeeeeed the majority of the country as a whole is fascinated with other cultures, and when they sense that, regardless of color they pay slightly more attention to you. I have seen this first hand myself, I am biracial but part of my maternal family speak diverse languages, and there is more acceptance when those abilities are on display for the public to see.
Posted 28 Mar 2006 at 3:41 pm ¶
K-Pow wrote:
Oh I agree with Merq and Marsha too. Its the “American Negro” that is at the bottom of the food chain. I of course don’t agree with this, but that is many peoples mentality. Tony should feel forunate that he speaks French. Feel sorry for the dad though…unless of course he speaks French too!
Posted 28 Mar 2006 at 4:03 pm ¶
Merq wrote:
Eva
“I am biracial but part of my maternal family speak diverse languages, and there is more acceptance when those abilities are on display for the public to see.”
My understanding is that the “acceptance” shown to your family when they break out the other languages is some kind of extra? In other words, people show you basic courtesy when you speak English, but are extra-interested when you don’t?
If so, then your explanation really isn’t compatible with the case I described, as my use of the French language elevated the treatment I received to basic courtesy.
See the difference? And I’m sorry, but regardless of your family’s circumstances, that is the sad truth of American society today. African Americans (males especially) are at the bottom of the totem pole.
Posted 28 Mar 2006 at 6:37 pm ¶
eva wrote:
I really never said that people always show every member of the family basic courtesy at all times, thats false and an assumption on your part. Nonetheless there is a societal fascination with other languages and the lot especially when they are European languages and the hierachy situation is well open for debate, some would agree with you that the African American is at the bottom of the totem pole as you put it, and some will add other minorities into that category
Posted 30 Mar 2006 at 1:48 am ¶
Anonymous wrote:
VERY WELL SAID, EVA.
Posted 30 Mar 2006 at 11:25 am ¶
anon wrote:
I just think its quite pathetic that there are still people who are “facinated” by foreigners/people who speak European languages. So they speak a different language…big deal. Get some self-esteem people! Most Europeans looks down upon Americans. I’m not going to kiss ANYBODY’S a**.
Posted 30 Mar 2006 at 1:58 pm ¶
mtevc wrote:
hey merq…you not interested in the sistas with incense and smelly oils in small bottles??? just kidding…lighten up all (forgive the horrible pun)
now, lay off lenny kravitz…he’s hot…
Posted 31 Mar 2006 at 1:42 pm ¶
Merq wrote:
mtevc
nah, one of my best relationships (and best post-relationship friendships) was with a biracial “earthy/hippie sista.” just don’t like putting people in boxes.
and yeah, kravitz is the man. http://www.absoluttracks.com. that new project with absolut is surprisingly great.
Posted 01 Apr 2006 at 9:16 am ¶
Marisol wrote:
Excuse me all, but Mexicans are at the bottom of the totem pole and I am a Puerto Rican. Yes, we Puerto Ricans are very proud of our African roots with no chaser. Mexicans are one minute screaming they are not Spanish , but Indian then later they want to think they are white.
Eva is truly trying hard to continue to view herself as a white woman because she is on a white-oriented show. Furthermore, Mexicans truly contribute nothing to this country, but cheap labor- illegally 80% of the time. I am angry that Eva Longoria or any other Spanish speaking race that would disrespect African Americans. After all, of the benefits we enjoy as immigrants are due to their blood, sweat and tears. How dare she.
Posted 03 Apr 2006 at 12:25 pm ¶
K-Pow wrote:
Though I agree with your sentiment concerning the disrespect African-Americans receive considering what they have contributed to American society in regards to civil rights…I think its sad that any group of persons is relegated to the bottom of the totem pole.
I don’t know if Eva is trying to be white I just think her comments were insensitive and demonstrates her apparent inability to recognize the potential racial issues that she, Tony and their families will have to address if they decide to take their relationship to the next leve i.e. marriage.
Saying that, Tony is a grown man and I’m sure if he felt slighted by her comments he would have spoken to her about it. Its obvious she has never dated a black man before, perhaps never had much contact with African-Americans so maybe she will live and learn and then maybe she won’t. She really Tony’s headache.
Posted 03 Apr 2006 at 4:07 pm ¶
K-Pow wrote:
Oh yeah…GO DETROIT!!!
Posted 03 Apr 2006 at 4:08 pm ¶
Merq wrote:
Marisol, why do Mexicans have to be attacked for African Americans to be defended?
“Furthermore, Mexicans truly contribute nothing to this country…”
Excuse me, but I doubt you have any right to make comments like that. I’m black, and I get no gratification from having Mexicans defamed in my defense. Sheesh, people!
Posted 03 Apr 2006 at 9:43 pm ¶
K-Pow wrote:
Oh yes Merq, I agree completely with what you just said. I don’t belive we should paint other people with a tar brush in order to defend the African American community.
My only point was that I too find it ironic when some persons in other minority groups discriminate against African Amercians in spite of all the contributions they have made in regards to civil rights. Many of the rights and priviledges we enjoy today were born out of the struggles of African-Amercians. And many persons belonging to other oppressed groups do understand this. I just read not long ago about a elementary school in one of the coastal towns of Mexico that is named after Martin Luther King Jr. In fact there is currently an exhibit at the Mexican Fine Arts Center in Chicago which highlights the contributions of Africans to Mexican culture. There were apparently maroon societies of African slaves along the coastal regions of Mexico as early as the 1500’s. The first free African township was founded in Mexico in 1609 by a former slave by the name of Yanga. Today the town is named after him and there is a statue in the town’s square in his honor. I don’t mean to digress…I saw a program on the exhibit not long ago…its a history I am just now learning. I seem to have forgoten what my point was
I guess I just wanted to clarify that although I share Marisol’s frustaration and dare I say anger over the disrepect African-Americans sometimes receive from members belonging to other oppressed groups, I don’t think the solution is to castigate these other groups. You have to learn to treat people as individuals. I know this sounds corny, but its true.
Posted 04 Apr 2006 at 11:29 am ¶
random wrote:
to generalize further and spur more flames since the internet is so anonymous…
everyone has some preconceived notions about other people. this is true for all.
The thing is should we make a special effort to defeat these notions.
I don’t consider myself racist, coz I don’t think race is a good factor in most situations. However, I do find some racial features to be “hot”, so in that sense I’m kinda racist. I like how the British sound too.
btw, to those who feel dissed, I would think Arabs have the worst.
it is interesting to note that, though a lot of minorities feel the need to assimilate and white-emulate; afro-americans tend to “fight back” - prefer non-white practices …. it might be counter-productive since they are after all the majority.
Women tend to be assimilating better though… must be an ego thing. (A generalization - but one that has statistics behind it)
blah… I’m bored.
Eva is hot. Tony is hot. People should stop dissing other people unless they actually know that person first-hand.
Posted 06 Apr 2006 at 9:57 pm ¶
ES wrote:
Marisol, very well said!!!
Merq, your comments speak for themselves and they sadden me. In other words, another brainwashed, white washed African-American male who probably wished he could be white so he could fit in with all other awesome dudes and dudettes. Truthfully, you gain more respect and people like and respect you more when you have pride and cultural awareness. — This you can share with others. Inspite of what you have been programmed to think, it’s not about pimps and ho’s. (Read a book on your culture and learn something and then share it with others.) Guest what? Even bi-racial (African lineage) folks are black!! and being black doesn’t hurt that much - okay!!
Posted 18 Apr 2006 at 12:03 am ¶