The a Files

I have no expectations.
vogue: NOSTALGIA: Oprah Winfrey Photographed by Steven Meisel for the October 1998 Issue of VogueAfter 25 years on network television and more than 4,000 shows, Oprah Winfrey is bidding us a very fond farewell—and on the occasion of her final episode, which airs this afternoon, we take a look back at Oprah’s 1998 cover story by Jonathan van Meter.

vogue:

NOSTALGIA: Oprah Winfrey Photographed by Steven Meisel for the October 1998 Issue of Vogue

After 25 years on network television and more than 4,000 shows, Oprah Winfrey is bidding us a very fond farewell—and on the occasion of her final episode, which airs this afternoon, we take a look back at Oprah’s 1998 cover story by Jonathan van Meter.

Hattie McDaniel. The first Black American to win an academy award. It is said that students of Howard University were so angry with her for perpetuating the “mammy” stereotype that they disposed of her Oscar trophy, which was displayed at Howard, during a riot. I sympathize with the students and their anger. I was pissed when Halle Berry was given an Oscar for a film in which a White man had his (almost sexually violent) way with her, out of all Halle’s wonderful movies. But am I angry because both Hattie and Halle received awards in the midst of supposedly perpetuating stereotypes… or because an ugly truth reared its head in the process? Let me think on this. 

Hattie McDaniel. The first Black American to win an academy award. It is said that students of Howard University were so angry with her for perpetuating the “mammy” stereotype that they disposed of her Oscar trophy, which was displayed at Howard, during a riot. I sympathize with the students and their anger. I was pissed when Halle Berry was given an Oscar for a film in which a White man had his (almost sexually violent) way with her, out of all Halle’s wonderful movies. But am I angry because both Hattie and Halle received awards in the midst of supposedly perpetuating stereotypes… or because an ugly truth reared its head in the process? Let me think on this. 

Michelle Obama in Tom Ford, during the First Couple’s meeting with the British Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth wasn’t the only queen present at the event. Obviously.  

Michelle Obama in Tom Ford, during the First Couple’s meeting with the British Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth wasn’t the only queen present at the event. Obviously.