Candiace Dillard Bassett has addressed the notion of racism in the Housewives franchises. The Real Housewives of Potomac star wouldn’t be the first Housewife to address the topic.
A big portion of Bravo news in 2023 covered the many criticisms against the network and its working environment. A good chunk of these criticisms included claims of racism behind the scenes, from both production and cast members.
The topic has become a touchy subject, especially for those still working at Bravo. Some Bravolebrities like Mary Cosby have been bold enough to address racism at the network while still under their payroll. Others have only discussed it when asked.
Candiace hopes “we grow” from conversations on race
In speaking with The Root, Candiace was asked a question regarding racism in the Bravo sphere. The question read, “Several Housewives franchises have taken on conversations about race, with some castmates like … Garcelle Beauvais … saying that her castmates have racist tendencies.”
The question went on to ask Candiace what she thought was “missing from the race conversation across Real Housewives franchises?” Candiace answered, “I just don’t think that we were or are ready to have those conversations. And I hope that, as we grow and sort of come out of these hard conversations, that we can learn how to talk about race in a way that doesn’t feel accusatory or like someone is being sent to the guillotine.”
She continued, “It’s not about that. It’s truly about educating within our community first. Before we’re talking to anyone else, we have to first be okay with us.” Some have admitted to finding her comments a little confusing. But, we should all be listening.
EDIT: Admittedly, when I first wrote this article, I approached Candiace’s response with cynicism. I felt it didn’t go far enough to truly address the problem – it seemed unspecific in my eyes and I felt Candiace was unwilling to fully criticize Bravo.
I now realize it was not my place to say such a thing. I didn’t understand the breadth of Candiace’s answer given my background. The last thing I want is to be part of the problem, and hopefully, I can become more educated as Candiace explained.
The Real Housewives of Potomac continues Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.
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