The Royal Wedding a Royal Slap to Blacks

4:38 PM EDT 4/29/2011 by Zondra Hughes
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Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge

The royal wedding is over and the sting from the royal slap in the face is subsiding.

But the cognitive dissonance lingers.

Cognitive dissonance occurs when your eyes are telling you an uncomfortable truth, and in response, your mind reinvents a more comfortable explanation. (For example, if you enter a room and catch your best friend with her hand in your purse, you may want to rationalize that she is returning your keys to your purse, as opposed to stealing your wallet).

A true-life situation that may have caused cognitive dissonance for many African Americans was the public diss that occurred when Prince William and Kate Middleton did not invite the Obamas to their wedding.

First couple in the White House hallway moments before the Correspondents Association Dinner. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson).

It’s hurtful to blacks because well, we’ve watched the Prince’s mother, Princess Diana, coddle little African babies, when the regal tradition forbade commoners to even touch her.

We rooted when Princess Diana disobeyed the Queen Mum’s stuffiness and strutted in her own splendor.

And we mourned with Princes William and Andrew when Princess Diana — the candle in the wind — died.

There’s a perceived romantic connection to the royal family, specifically Princes William and Andrew, (although it may not be as profound as the affinity many blacks have for the Kennedys).

And the truth of the matter is, for many people of color, the Obamas are our American royal family.

It was painful for them to be snubbed from the wedding of the year, just as it was embarrassing when they were snubbed from the American wedding of the year last year.

Such public slights forces people to admit that here’s a family that is at the helm of the most powerful nation in the free world, and yet, they are still not respected among their peers, at home or abroad.

To ease the slight, some will gladly accept the explanation that the American first family did not receive an invitation to the wedding of Prince William and Katie Middleton because it was not an official state event. As the Daily Mail succinctly explained:

“Because Prince William is not yet heir to the throne, his wedding to Kate Middleton is not classed as a ‘state occasion’ — and the couple feel under no pressure to fill the 2,000-strong guest list with heads of state.”

If you believe this, please read no further.

For everyone else, it should be noted that another American first family, President Ronald Reagan, and first lady Nancy Reagan, were invited to the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana in 1981. President Reagan declined the invitation because he was recuperating from the attempt on his life, however,  Nancy Reagan did attend the ceremony.

Five years later, the Reagans received yet another Royal invitation, this time to Prince Andrew’s wedding to Sara Ferguson, despite that also not being a state occasion.

Skeptics will quickly point out that the snub of the first couple to attend this year’s royal wedding, wasn’t a racist act, because Prince William and Katie Middleton invited the First Couple of Hip-Hop (Jay-Z and Beyoncé) to perform.

The tradition of inviting blacks to perform where they are not welcome is nothing new.

Enter a beautiful African American performer by the name of Dorothy Dandridge. In 1952, she arrived at a St. Louis-area hotel to perform, where she was informed that she’d have to enter the rear of the hotel, and that she couldn’t stay there after her set was over.

Dorothy Dandridge told the management that if she couldn’t enter the front door, and stay at the joint, she wasn’t performing. Management agreed to her demands.

And then, Dorothy Dandridge upped the ante and demanded that all blacks be allowed to enter the front door of the establishment and be served during her performance.

The hotel met those demands, as well, and Dorothy Dandridge put on a stellar show.

Hmmm.

Surely there were other faces of color in the crowd at the royal wedding. But more high-profile than the Obamas?

Perhaps the best response to the public non-invite of the first couple would have been for the First Couple of Hip-Hop to take a page from Dorothy Dandridge’s playbook.

The royal wedding would have received a jolt, had a mighty Jay-Z said, “Thanks for the invite Prince William, but, you know, if the Obamas can’t attend, the Carters can’t perform.”

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  • JAYNE DOH!

    YAWN!
    STOP RACE-BAITING.

  • Butterface81

    I heard a long time ago that the Obamas weren’t invited because they are even more popular to the world than Kate and William themselves and that if they were to come they would be a MAJOR distraction for the papparazzi. I CAN BELIEVE THAT!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sara-Rogers/100001831989006 Sara Rogers

    Give me a break. The world nor does my life as a black person revolve around the Obamas. Those two had the right to invite whoever they wanted to their day. And if they didnt want to give a token handout to a first couple they could care less about, so be it.

    P.S. the Obamas are a lot of things, but they are not my American royal family. They are the first family but that’s about as far as my admiration goes. And that role gets replaced every 4 to 8 yrs, so it doesnt even hold that must authority to begin with.

  • bayouloislane

    Please note that no heads of state outside of countries from the royal monarchy were invited to attend. Nicholas Sarkozy wasn’t invited, the German chancellor wasn’t invited, etc., etc., etc. (nod to the King and I). Your point would be valid if this weren’t the case & the Diaspora was not represented. However, representatives from several African nations were very clearly there. Please also remember that while Charles & Diana had almost twice the number of attendees, only 1,900 were invited to this wedding. You’ve gotta do an apples to apples comparison.

  • keepingit100atalltimes

    Who gives a shit if the Obamas weren’t invited? Barak has more pressing issues to handle, in his OWN COUNTRY, than to be concerned with what the “royals” are doing in England. HELLO, can “WE, African AMERICANS, please stop talking about what who is and isn’t doing for us, when we do more to ourselves than any other race does to us. AS A BLACK MAN, i’M SICK AND TIRED OF THESE ARTICLES THAT DON’T PERTAIN TO THE TRUE ISSUES CONCERNING BLACKS IN AMERICA…Moreover, I’m sick of BLACK PEOPLE continuously pulling the RACE CARD…its 2011, if your this distraught over the issues concerning African Americans, then you couldn’t have survived in the 20′s, 30′s, 40′s, 50′s 60′s or 1800′s when Black people faced REAL ISSUES and didn’t have ANY rights. In a day and age where we are given the same rights to education and freedom and democracy as our white counterparts…the only one to blame for our lack of progress is US. Dammit. wake up and quit trying to pick senseless fights. Who cares who the Royals invited to their weddings…IT’S THEIR WEDDING…they can invite whoever the hell they want to…Did you invite Obama to your wedding?

    • Joswiftee

      You need to wake up , Every black man women and child always has to work extra hard. To even be respected or taught . For the 1st Black First Family not to get a invite shows me their true opinion on blacks . And don’t forget how loving Diana was to all races. I’ll put money that this Kate Middletons’ 2 feet won’t b able to fill 1 of hers.

    • Terry

      It amazes me that no one saw the validity in Zondra’s position. In the savage race to condemn Ms. Hughes, few of you took the time to appreciate the argument she raised, supported by the documented facts integrated into her well-written column. I suggest Ms. Hughes’ critics go back and, stripped of emotion, reread the piece slowly and digest her words carefully. You will then agree that she does have a point, even if you don’t agree with the piece in its totality.

  • Butterface81

    Applause to all the comments below, especially keepingit100. If Obama had gone to that extravagant affair, people would have been talking about that, too. “How can he go over there spending all that money when we’re in a recession, and tornadoes all killing people all over the country.” He can’t win for losing to mindless complaints about every move he makes. He has a reputation to withhold, and he’s handling HIS business, which is the U.S. He doesn’t have a hobnobbin relationship with the palace. That’s not his thing, and I don’t blame him. Also, we’re in wartime, and it’s dangerous for him to do a lot of traveling right now. I want him safe, and he’s better off here at home!

  • http://profiles.google.com/skd529 SL Duckert

    You have got to be kidding me. A Royal Slap to Blacks just because POTUS was not invited? Grow UP. POTUS has more pressing problems to deal with. Plus do you not understand the security detail that would have to be in place for the Obama’s to attend? It would no longer be William and Kate’s day it would be the Obama’s day. Don’t try to take their special day away from them just because The Obama’s were not invited. Plus if you READ more you would know that they are schedule to attend a state dinner with the Obama’s in late May.
    SMDH.

    Don’t be stupid and stop playing the Freaking race card. It’s a wedding for goodness sake.

  • Lisette Johnston

    Um…..this is their wedding. Can they please share that special moment without people pulling out the race card? President Obama and FLOTUS Michelle would have taken far too much attention from William and Kate. Do they even know them? Are we still under the rule of the UK? Why would they need to be invited? Should Oprah have been invited also? Will Will and Kate be invited when Malia or Sasha gets married? NO. Race-baiting at its finest. Let them have their day.

    • Joswiftee

      This is just pure baboonery at it’s finest. It is 2011 there should be no race card to pull. This is about pure respect.

  • Pinkladee

    Your logic for this article is quite flawed…..Zondra.

  • http://twitter.com/kwgabalot Gabby K

    Seriously! I wish RO would hire real journalists to cover real news! And please stop referring to Black People as “Blacks!” That is not a racial designation. i.e. Donald Trump!

  • JAYNE DOH!

    seems to me that most so called “urban” website only post articles design at only making “blacks” and “whites even more angry at each other .

    instill of helping african americans to make more positive changes in our lives.

    start posting more positive articles

  • Jsa3875003

    President Obama appears to appreciate Gays and Lesbians life styles. He invited them to the White House. When you look at various same sex incidents that have taken place in Britain, the Queen apparently do not appreciate same sex relationships. Maybe this is the reason President Obama and Mrs. Obama were not at the Prince William’s and Princes Kate’s royal wedding. Since President Obama is Head of State and promotes the Gay and Lesbian life style, the Royal Family may frown on his political action.

  • James1seek

    get off your high racist horse. the royals didnt ask the obamas cause they dont know them. this was not a state event nor a political event. charles was, and is, 1st in line to inherit the throne.william is second in line and his wedding does not merit presidential attendance until he is prince consort, 1st in line for the throne. end of story – race is not the issue, you racist moron.

  • http://www.facebook.com/zondra.hughes Zondra Hughes

    Thanks.

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  • Stacey Chambers

    I am a Citizen of the United States of America, a descendant of Africans, I pay my taxes, a registered voter, and formally educated. We are one country and one people who enjoy the benefits of our freedoms and democracy. I don’t buy any literature that implies racial alienation upon its “targeted” readers, and which suggest that we are not socially accepted or that we must “toe the line” of someone’s measuring stick. I love my country (America). I was born in the 1960′s, I didn’t begin loving my country because we now have a black president. However, I will say that it is boring and bothersome to have certain networks, film and television directors and writers who promote ” the inferiority complex” and mask it behind stereotypical characters. For example, Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns” or “House of Payne.” Yes, the characters are funny only if it lines up with your bought into mentality and outlook of a particular group of people, sex, age, sexual orientation, race, creed and religion. It’s called ignorance and exploitation and of ” America’s darker times.” Have we not moved beyond this? In my opinion, anything aired or that was produced or directed by a Wayans family member was based on intraracial stereotype. A good question to ask ourselves and our children is “How to you feel about yourself, and others who are different from you or more importantly, how do you want to be seen by others? The race card was thrown into this article as it suggests the snubbing of President and First Lady Obama (who were states side caring for the victims of natural disasters) by a young couple who happened to be “Royals is unsubstaniated and without verifiable facts.” I would prefer that the Obama’s not be invited to being invited because they are black. I not only pledge allegiance to this great nation, but to the people who believe in protecting the rights of humanity and freedoms of all people. In support of President Obama’s announcement of the killing of World Terrorist Osama Bin Laden, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
    Ps. Even Haters!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1579519856 Stacey Chambers

    I am a Citizen of the United States of America, a descendant of Africans, I pay my taxes, a registered voter, and formally educated. We are one country and one people who enjoy the benefits of our freedoms and democracy. I don’t buy any literature that implies racial alienation upon its “targeted” readers, and which suggest that we are not socially accepted or that we must “toe the line” to qualify. I love my country (America). I was born in the 1960′s and haven’t forgotten the racism and violence towards certain ethnic groups, including jews, gays and lesbians, the poor, the physically and mentally challenged to say the least, and neither has Barack and Michelle Obama. I didn’t begin loving this country because we now have a black president. I began loving this country after learning to love myself, coupled with dreams and ideals of who and what I wanted to become. I realized as a child the potential greatness of this country. Amist all that was going on in the 60′s my guest list for my 5th birthday included people who were different from me. I remember my mother asking me “who do you want to come to your birthday party?” I immediately thought of people who I wanted to share my cake with and play pin the tail of the donkey. Trust when I say, that my party had more friends invited then family. In keeping with the scope of this article,( and others like it that unfashionably throw in the race card) I will say that it is boring and bothersome to have certain networks, film and television directors and writers who promote ” the inferiority complex” and mask it behind stereotypical characters. For example, Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns” or “House of Payne.” Yes, the characters are funny only if it lines up with your bought into mentality and outlook of a particular group of people, sex, age, sexual orientation, race, creed and religion. It’s called ignorance and exploits ” America’s darker times.” Have we not moved beyond this? In my opinion, anything aired or that was produced or directed by a Wayans family member was based on intraracial stereotype, albeit to mention that closer attention needs to be given to the forums of Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornell West. We need to communicate more to each other and to our children and ask “How do you feel about yourself and others who are different from you? Secondly, “How do you want to be seen by others?” The race card was thrown into this article as it suggests the snubbing of President and First Lady Obama (who were states side caring for the victims of natural disasters) by a young couple who were getting married and happened to be “Royals.” How does this justify the need to invite our president and first lady? The suggestive remarks are unfounded, unsubstantiated and without verifiable facts.” I would prefer that the Obama’s not be invited because they are not close personal friends than to being invited because they are black. True, I was sadened by the tragic ending of the life of Princess Diana (who I didn’t know) however, not because I was infatuated with her royalness or that she wasn’t black. I cried because her death was tragic and she like myself was a mother. Not only do I pledge allegiance to this great nation, but to the people who believe in protecting the rights of humanity and freedoms of all people. In support of President Obama’s announcement, “We killed World Terrorist Osama Bin Laden, the symbol of Al Queda” I conclude that we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1579519856 Stacey Chambers

    I am a Citizen of the United States of America, a descendant of Africans, I pay my taxes, a registered voter, and formally educated. We are one country and one people who enjoy the benefits of our freedoms and democracy. I don’t buy any literature that implies racial alienation upon its “targeted” readers, and which suggest that we are not socially accepted or that we must “toe the line” to qualify. I love my country (America). I was born in the 1960′s and haven’t forgotten the racism and violence towards certain ethnic groups, including jews, gays and lesbians, the poor, the physically and mentally challenged to say the least, and neither has Barack and Michelle Obama. I didn’t begin loving this country because we now have a black president. I began loving this country after learning to love myself, coupled with dreams and ideals of who and what I wanted to become. I realized as a child the potential greatness of this country. Amist all that was going on in the 60′s my guest list for my 5th birthday included people who were different from me. I remember my mother asking me “who do you want to come to your birthday party?” I immediately thought of people who I wanted to share my cake with and play pin the tail of the donkey. Trust when I say, that my party had more friends invited then family. In keeping with the scope of this article,( and others like it that unfashionably throw in the race card) I will say that it is boring and bothersome to have certain networks, film and television directors and writers who promote ” the inferiority complex” and mask it behind stereotypical characters. For example, Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns” or “House of Payne.” Yes, the characters are funny only if it lines up with your bought into mentality and outlook of a particular group of people, sex, age, sexual orientation, race, creed and religion. It’s called ignorance and exploits ” America’s darker times.” Have we not moved beyond this? In my opinion, anything aired or that was produced or directed by a Wayans family member was based on intraracial stereotype, albeit to mention that closer attention needs to be given to the forums of Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornell West. We need to communicate more to each other and to our children and ask “How do you feel about yourself and others who are different from you? Secondly, “How do you want to be seen by others?” The race card was thrown into this article as it suggests the snubbing of President and First Lady Obama (who were states side caring for the victims of natural disasters) by a young couple who were getting married and happened to be “Royals.” How does this justify the need to invite our president and first lady? The suggestive remarks are unfounded, unsubstantiated and without verifiable facts.” I would prefer that the Obama’s not be invited because they are not close personal friends than to being invited because they are black. True, I was sadened by the tragic ending of the life of Princess Diana (who I didn’t know) however, not because I was infatuated with her royalness or that she wasn’t black. I cried because her death was tragic and she like myself was a mother. Not only do I pledge allegiance to this great nation, but to the people who believe in protecting the rights of humanity and freedoms of all people. In support of President Obama’s announcement, “We killed World Terrorist Osama Bin Laden, the symbol of Al Queda” I conclude that we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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  • giovanni,the peoples godfather

    wise up idiots-if you see that half of Africa wasn’t invited to the royal wedding,wait until you see how well the Chinese(communists) like the blacks.Americans are diversified and homogenized but much of the rest of the world is NOT. ps. Wait until the Chinese pour into the USA and use affirmative action to get all the jobs.

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