Let’s Talk About Pep Sheds A New Light on Black Dating
After the deluge of articles focusing on why black women can’t date, get married or find decent men in the dating pool, is it nice to be able to watch four black women presented as being single and attractive.
That’s probably the main reason I keep tuning into VH1′s Let’s Talk About Pep, Sandy “Pepa” Denton’s latest foray into the world of reality television. Let’s Talk About Pep focuses on the dating lives of Pepa and three of her friends: Joumana Kidd, Jacque Reid, and Kali “Kittie” Troy. Joumana Kidd, a sports journalist and former model, is newly divorced from NBA star Jason Kidd, amid allegations of domestic abuse. Jacque Reid, a newscaster most famous for anchoring BET Nightly News, joins the cast as a woman ready for both a relationship and a child – but not necessarily in that order. And Kittie Troy – formerly the voice of Cita, the animated host of a music video countdown – brings a reckless sexuality to the cast.
The four women frequently meet in a restaurant to recap their adventures (and misadventures) in the world of dating. LTAP has only been on for four episodes, yet the women have already discussed sex, dating younger men, foot fetishists, purely sexual relationships, phone sex, internet lovers, speed dating, approaching men, meet and greets and everything in between. Jacque Reid is the quintessential reporter, often appearing to interrogate many of her dates – as well as asking pointed questions about sperm count and personal goals within the first few minutes of meeting. And Kittie’s risque escapades feature activities like using a stripper pole and having her toes sucked in a limousine.
The show is also remarkable for it’s challenge of common stereotypes. In some ways, it is liberating to see a group of black women in their 30s and 40s still seen as desirable partners for a variety of men. While Pep nervously mentions that she hasn’t been on the dating market in a long time (and she’s been celibate for the last four years), she and her friends still entertain a broad cross section of men hoping to make a love connection. Pep and her friends break stereotypes in other ways as well – as if in direct opposition to the stereotype that black women are “too picky” to acknowledge good men, Pep, Kittie, and Jacque place their romantic affections on whoever catches their fancy. In Kittie’s case, this included a shirtless man who answered to “Animal,” riding on the back of a trash truck in the wee hours of the evening.
The subject of interracial dating was also breached with Pep’s love interest named Tom. An Asian-American chef, Tom was one of the few men in the series to seriously leave a lasting impression on the shy Pep, and provide a few scenes of true heat and chemistry. By using a blindfold, strategically placed chocolate, and a sexy assumed confidence in the kitchen, Pep joked about her “Asian Persuasion” but it was clear there was all kind of heat in that kitchen.
The show is intended to be fun and fluffy, but one weak spot in the show is the glaring absence of Pep’s children. She has two children (a son, Tyran, and a daughter, Egypt) who appeared on a few times on The Salt-N-Pepa Show but have yet to make any sort of appearance – or be referred to at all – on Let’s Talk About Pep. Joumana Kidd also has three children with her ex-husband, but they are also missing in action. Dating as a single mother is a situation many women find themselves in over the course of their lives, and it would be interesting for the women on Let’s Talk About Pep to confront that issue head on.
However, for what it is, Let’s Talk About Pep is a fun, dishy show that isn’t quite a substitute for Girlfriends, but still entertaining enough to host viewing parties. It’s exactly as Pep sings in the opening to the show: Hot chicks in New York City/Single and high siddity.
And considering all the horrible PR single black women have been receiving lately, it’s nice to have a break.
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LOVE this show
this show embodies black women in all lights and I LOVE IT!!!
I love Salt n’ Pepa and have watched this show from time to time. Seeing a group that is still working together after so many years is cool. I hope the cast doesn’t become a stereotypical catfight show , like Housewives of Atlanta…
I also like this show. But I think it’s a good idea that the ones with children haven’t included them in the show. This is obviously an adult program primarily focusing on the dating lives of these four women. They’re just having fun. Most of the dates don’t lead anywhere anyway, so the “children factor” really doesn’t come into play. I would be more concerned if the ladies WERE introducing their kids to each one of these dudes. I think that it’s safe to assume that these are grown women who know how to handle dating with kids.
Agreed. I think this show strictly focuses on the dating/love life of each of these women.
I second this!
I agree. Their kids do not need to be shown in this VERY ADULT show. What bothers me is if this was a show comprised of men there would be no talk about where the children are. It is such a double standard that a woman dating is being irresponsible by not having their children with them on every date. But a man, the idea of children or the mention of children would not even come up. It is such a double standard.
Agreeing with EDubb about the children. But since it’s only been 4 episodes, perhaps they’ll make some mention or appearance.
this is funny! the toesucker guy needs to go! lol
Im seriously still bothered by the girls nose job, but nonetheless, the show rocks!
What does their nose jobs have to do with anything. Does their surgery make them any less intelligent, funny, charismatic or beautiful. I mean really we as women/black women need to stick together and stop putting each other down. The show is a hit and they are all successful women. STOP HATING!
OH MY GOSH! My new “comfort’” show to curl up and watch! THESE LADIES ARE HILARIOUS!! See..I love that Vh1 picked this up because this is more of an adequate portrayal of what different type of black women go through on the dating scene. Yes..whatever..there are times when good men seem scarce but going through the journey is HILARIOUS! Good job Vh1! I was rolling laughing and they reminded me so much of my “roundtable” discussions with my girlfriends! I think me and Jacque were separated at birth lol..
luvs it!
I must be the only person who does not like this show. :(
Its like a black knock off of Sex in the City. I know the ladies would like to get their piece of the reality show ‘pie,’ but its just not appealing to my taste.
I agree. It’s way too contrived for my taste. I suppose my expectations were not that everyone would date so easily as all of these women are doing. I just can’t connect with the show.
I agree. I really cannot watch the show. All reality shows are scripted but yes, this one is very contrived. I think it goes too far in trying to categorize women into four different characters. It may have worked for sex and the city but that was an obvious fictional story; “Pep” wants to convince us that this show is real and I’m not buying it.
Furthermore, just because a show does not show black women in the desperate, I can’t find a good man light doesn’t mean that it sheds new light or its liberating. Yes, I will give it credit for showing women having fun while dating….but that is all that it is. It doesn’t challenge the viewer in any way.
A black version of Sex in the City? The precise reason behind why I LOVE this show….reality or not.
I love to watch “Let’s Talk about Pep.” It’s a fun show to watch. Actually, the first episode inspired to me make a baby-pact with a very good friend of mine. I think you hit it right on the head when mentioning the fact that Pepa and Joumana’s children are missing in action. I’ve been wondering when they are going to appear in the show or even mentioned. Being a single mother and dating is a very hot topic that should be discussed on this show.
All I have to ask is what does this do for Afrikan people as a whole far into the future. NOTHING (actually do a lot more harm than it ever could good) !?
Please stop! LOL. Every piece is not about the future of “Afrikans”! Please go to another site..lol.
the show is OOOOOK… i’m wondering who the HELL is doing PEPs weave though (gotta replace whoever it is) LOL… Kitty is hillarious, Jacque is sometimes too conservative, and Joumana is a sly-way SLUT, so yeah an AA version of S.I.T.C. and truth be told I don’t think half of us could hold out for 4YRS like PEP claims she has-:)
nah they wont start cat-fighting because they are too busy having fun on this show! Im a hip-hop head and a HUGE Salt n Pepa fan! So happy to see Salt, Pep and Spin all grown up and doin the damn thing! :-) Read Pep’s book-she has overcome so much and deserves happiness (like all of us)! And all 4 ladies LOOK GREAT!
LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!
While I understand the point about why the kids are not shown – this show is not about them at all, it’s about what it’s like to be older and dating -period. Yes the kids exist, but there is no reason for kids to be introduced with respect to the show unless there is a true committed relationship happening. Further, just because at least two of these ladies are Mom’s doesn’t mean they can’t get their sexy on and have a day/night out with their friends after they have taken care of the responsibilities at home. We women have the ability to walk/talk and chew gum at the same time. When its about the kids and home, it’s about the kids and home, but when it’s about us as individuals and girlfriends, then let that have its place to shine on its own as well.
I love it..but its seems like next week is Pep & Kitty Drama…come on ladies…
This show is alright. I watch it for laughs & mostly for Jacque.
But I see absolutely no comparison with Sex & the city. I don’t know why people call it the “black” version.
I just wish Jacque would stop talking about her biological clock all the time.
I saw the toe sucker episode…and
I do not care for this show, it’s tacky and over the top…
I really liked the Salt n Pepa show.
Luv this show! Keep doing yo’ thang ladies!
It’s better than Fantasias show…
Ok this is the black version of SEX IN THE CITY If anyone has any doubts look at the players:
Pep=Carrie
Kittie=Samatha
Jacque=Miranda
Joumana=Charlotte
With that said the show has grown on me and I really like it. As for the comment about what does this do for the African Cause as a whole who cares. These women are not degrading themselves and the show is meant to entertain. We need not to take it so seriously!
Waiting to Exhale came before Sex in the City!!!
Waiting to Exhale was created in 1995 – - Sex in the City 1998 !!!!
So who inspired who?
… and yes, I am down with dating and marring an Asian man … why not?