5 Things Black Women Can Learn From – ‘Being Mary Jane’

Mara Brock Akil’s “Being Mary Jane” is currently in its second season on BET and is striking chords with women all over. News anchor Mary Jane Paul (Gabrielle Union) balances her career, family life, and relationships, all while evolving and getting to know herself as a person. Contrary to popular belief, as women, there’s a lot we can learn from the hit show.

1. Conducting yourself in a work setting

Mary Jane (Union) is a local news anchor for a television station. We as viewers see how she carries herself in her work place setting. With sophisticated yet fashionable clothes, professional mannerisms (lets disregard what has taken place behind the closed door of her office when no one is around), and impeccable work ethic, we could all take a tip or two from her.

A lot of women could use some Mary Jane in their lives at the work place.

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2. Family First 

Before the world gets a real peek at you, your family knows you in and out. To the world she’s Mary Jane Paul, to her family she’s just plain old Pauletta. Mary Jane is extremely family oriented, even though at times it is clear she doesn’t want to be. Whether it’s taking her insecure niece in who has two children and trying to help mold her self-esteem, or getting her brother out of legal trouble; we see that family is important to Mary Jane. She is this matriarchal sort of character who wants to care for her loved ones. Although I’m talking to the ladies, fellas this is something you could take from the show as well.

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3. Accepting your flaws

With no cut cards, Mary Jane knows that she doesn’t have it all together, that’s clear as day in every episode. We’ve seen Mary Jane make poor decisions all the way up to the men she’s dated, but the good thing that comes out of that is that she realizes she is not perfect. She takes her mistakes in stride and continues to move forward.

4. How you shouldn’t handle issues

While Mary Jane accepts her mistakes, let’s admit that some of them are just ones that you shouldn’t make. Ladies this is where we learn from example and not by trial and error. Dating a married man, stealing and freezing someone’s sperm, dwelling in your hurt, and lashing out at others because you are bitter–are all big “no-no’s”! In these situations, Mary Jane can be the poster child on how to handle certain issues!

5. It’s OK to be vulnerable

I’ve said this for forever; it is okay to let others know how you are feeling. I do understand that sometimes for protection, certain parts of you need to be kept to yourself, but there’s nothing wrong with vulnerability. Mary Jane lets others in her life know how she feels and why she feels that way. Perfect example, being in season one where she confesses her love to David (Stephen Bishop) who’s already “moved on” and gotten his new girlfriend pregnant. My point is sometimes leaving yourself open and letting others see your raw emotions isn’t always a bad thing.

Ladies all I’m saying is sometimes taking a pad and pen out during episodes of Being Mary Jane, isn’t a bad idea!