Okay, so I was trying to avoid chiming in on the Vh1 Basketball Wives saga but since I am constantly being asked my opinion about it here goes my overview. Stay tuned for my detailed breakdowns:
I've been watching the show since it first aired on April 19th. In the beginning I had the misconception that the show would chronicle the lives of women who are currently married to NBA players and that we would get a glimpse into the extravagant lives of these otherwise unknown women. What Vh1 did however, is cast a couple of currently married basketball wives, a couple of ex-basketball wives, and a wild basketball baby mama.
Interestingly, the cast of women are uniquely different enough to make the show worth tuning in for but most have one common thread: they are scorned and bitter!!!
Unfortunately, it almost goes without saying that men in positions of power, with loads of cash, and those fortunate enough to also have fame are somehow exempt from monogamy. It goes back as far in history as you want to dig, men who are of a certain status are often excluded from the traditional rules of marriage and infidelity is often overlooked. Does this make cheating acceptable? Absolutely not! However, what should be noted is that affording the luxuries of mansions, jewels, private jets, yachts, year-round vacations, endless shopping sprees, butler/maid service, and the most exquisite of everything, also brings a plethora of scallywags who will stop at virtually nothing to command the attention of a wealthy man.
When young men enter into the NBA they have to attend "Rookie Camp" to teach them how to deal with their new found riches: the begging family members, the obscure business ventures, the press, the women, etc. All of this is to prepare them for the NBA lifestyle. Sadly, there is no such Basketball Wives camp where women can learn the ropes of being married to ball players.
So, while I wanted to scream at the TV screen for these women to stop all their damn whining I compassionately emphasize with them, understanding that they were likely not prepared for the lifestyle of Basketball Wives. The idea of finding a professional ball player who is completely faithful is truly like finding a needle in a haystack. I can't say with certainty that they all cheat but with well documented cases, I can affirm that the likelihood is that the majority do.
With that stated, the cast of Vh1's Basketball Wives and any woman who is entering into a formal relationship with a man of power, fame, or wealth should clearly define her expectations for the union. Decide what really matters in the relationship...love, respect, honor, financial stability, freedom, monogamy, attentiveness, space, material possessions, etc. Figuring out her personal passions and what really drives her to feel purposeful and fulfilled will empower her to establish herself as an individual rather than being defined as "so-and-so's" wife.
To be continued.
