Amandla Stenberg on her Instagram
Solange Knowles
Amandla Stenberg, is no stranger to sparking controversy on social media. A video of the 17 year old actress was recently posted on Teen Vogue's Snapchat. Within the video, Amandla stated that she used to struggle with her identity as a black girl and with her sexuality. She stated:
" It's a really, really hard thing to be silenced and it's deeply bruising to fight against your identity and to mold yourself into shapes that you shouldn't be in. As someone who identifies as a black, bisexual woman I've been through it, and it hurts, and it's awkward and it's uncomfortable..." She suggested that there needs to be a variety of women shown in the media and expressed her disdain for those that oppose the LBGT community. "I mean, we need more representation in film and in television and need our voices to be louder in the media. And not just women of color, I mean, bisexual women, gay women, transgender women, mentally ill women. I'm sick of all the misogyny and homophobia, and transphobia that I see around me and I know you are too." She also mentioned her friend Willow Smith, Ava DuVernay along with Solange Knowles-- who conducted her recent interview in Teen Vogue--where she appeared on the cover. During the Teen Vogue interview, Amandla discussed issues such as hair and her journey to loving herself as a black girl. Amandla, has been very vocal about her opinions on black issues. The youth created a very well articulated video on cultural appropriation, last year, discussing the constant imitation of hip hop culture among white celebrities. Now, she has joined the other young black starlets like Keke Palmer, that identify as being attracted to both genders. I wonder what other efforts Amandla will partake in now that she identifies as being apart of the LBGT community. We often talk about African Americans, but we don't talk about people of African descent in the diaspora. The late Celia Cruz was a famous Afro-Cuban singer who endured racism due to her color, but her unique voice and natural ability to perform prevailed. Celia's famous word azucar (which means sugar in Spanish) paid homage to her African ancestors, who were enslaved in Cuba in order to harvest sugar cane . Her pride to be of African descent is also displayed in her hit song "La Negra Tiene Tumba'o"--which loosely translates to mean that black girl is beautiful and has swag. She also sang songs like "La Vida Es Un Carnaval" and "Guantanamera" Her music is famous throughout Latin America. Even after her death people are still honoring her life, Telemundo created a fictional series called Celia inspired by her life and the life of her spouse Pedro Knight. The Afro-Puerto Rican, actress Jeimy Osorio is portraying Celia. Jeimy has played on other Telemundo series such as; Maid in Manhattan and Santa Diabla.
Jeimy Osorio on her Instagram
Jeimy, is doing a great job bringing more color to Telemundo. Many have criticized Telemundo for barely showing indigenous looking Hispanics or Afro-latinos in their novelas (soap-operas). Many organizations like Proyecto Mas Color have fought to dispel the idea that all Hispanics look white. Jeimy's presence on Telemundo is a start, in terms of Afro-Latino representation in the media.
If you would like to see Jeimy on Ceilia you can see her on Telemundo. If you do not speak Spanish you can follow Telemundo's Youtube channel where they post the shortened version of their episodes with English captions. But you must know that they post episodes on their Youtube much later after airing on television. Just when you think Jaden couldn't get anyone weirder--he does. Jaden Smith, is now the new face of womenswear for Louis Vuitton. Jaden has been wearing women's clothing for quite some time in hopes to "redefine masculinity" but who said that's what society needs? But anyway, the real problem is that, he stated previously that he wanted to change society's attitudes toward male masculinity. But changing men's attire won't improve the chaos that stems from masculinity. The real issue lies in the connection between masculinity and hyper-aggressive behavior, slut-shaming, and rape. Jaden wearing the clothes of a woman, is not benefiting the problems in the world. He is only going to influence young boys to wear dresses which is of little benefit unless he is trying to appeal to the LBGT community--but it will never help women. Whether Jaden is gay, a cross-dresser doesn't matter, but what does matter is that he is doing this in hopes of reshaping the mind of society for the better. What I have noticed is that a lot of gay men, cross dressers or not take part in misogyny. Many of them, will call a woman out her name, call her a slut and even hit her. We love to think that a man in a dress is softened, but they are not. So until Jaden is fighting against rape, and domestic abuse he can save his rhetoric about attempting to "redefine masculinity" for later, because none of this will improve our society. With all the problems being brought to light in the news, we need to face the real issues not try to solve them with frilly dresses. A lot of men think it's okay to make women their victims. Too many men find gratification in their display of male dominance. This is exhibited in their casual attitudes and ability to rape a defenseless woman and then blame her attire for his transgressions. Since masculinity is rooted in taking what is yours and seeing a woman as property, a man feels he can exert his sexual urge and thirst for power by forcing himself on a woman. Many men still abide by this idea that their most primal instinct is to knock a woman over her head and drag her back into his cave to have his way with her. If male masculinity isn't causing damage sexually, it is doing harm through physical abuse. Male masculinity allows a man to hit a woman when he gets mad or feels embarrassed. Since the male ego is so fragile due to the fact, a man loses his respect if he walks away from confrontation. So when a man has a girlfriend nagging him about his affairs or bringing up his lack of financial support, he feels he has the right to slap her. A man may not exhibit any physical violence but may display his insecurities and desire to conquer women with his words. I'm well versed in the vulgarity that comes out of a man's mouth when he is rejected on the street. They can go from calling a woman beautiful to calling her a b-word. Some cat-callers had such low self-esteem because of their need to regain their ego's that they resorted to killing women after they were turned down. Even strange women are property in some men's eyes. Masculinity tells a man he can do what he wants and never question himself. He wears his heart in his fist and his emotions lay unchecked. So Jaden needs to leave his reshaping the world speech for another occasion. Let's call it what it is cross dressing. When Jaden stands up and starts a campaign against domestic abuse then he can say he is reshaping masculinity. When he starts telling men to get anger management to treat their violent outburst, he can have my blessing. Indeed, masculinity needs to be redefined but not through clothes but rather the need to change male attitudes. Many find it too easy to hurt women in any form. The idea that masculinity involves enhancing the male ego by any means necessary and using their muscles on women to show how strong they are needs to go away. We also need to stop victim blaming teens and women who report rape. A man needs to learn his power does not lie between his legs. Sleeping with a large number of women does not make someone a man. So whether a man is wearing a dress or suit, he still needs to understand that a woman has a right to her body and to be respected.
Lupita Nyong'o's dark chocolate skin is redifining black beauty. The Kenyan beauty made her debut in 12 Years A Slave and has become a Cover Girl. You can catch her on the big screen in the box office hit Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Jessica White This 31 year old model has eyes that can mesmerize and legs for days, which comes in handy when she is cat walking down the runway. She has also appeared on Sports Illustrated in 2011 among her many other accomplishments.
Janelle Monae's elegance and class cannot be overlooked and nor can her beauty. Her style has evolved over time from an androgynous look--consisting of masculine dress shirts and ties to a much more red carpet worthy attire.
I'm tired of people talking about Steve Harvey. People are acting as if Steve Harvey has committed an ungodly sin. He declared Miss Colombia as the winner instead of Miss Philippines--not the wrong baby daddy on Maury. He was even man enough to go out on stage and take the blame for what he had done. But obviously, when celebrities mess up every meme on Twitter will display their face. Steve Harvey's name was mentioned in newspapers, magazines, Youtube etc. I can't believe people had the nerve to be angry at him, as if it had affected them too. People were acting as if they had never made a mistake in their life. They were saying how easy the card was to read and insulted his intelligence. I know Steve Harvey is a comedian, but I never pegged him as an idiot. He had a hit tv show, published a book-- which inspired two movies, has a talk show and is the host on Family Feud. It's obvious he knows how to brand himself. Even after his screw up, he is still signed to host more Miss Universe pageants. Let's be honest, he brought the most attention to the show then it has ever received. Pageants in any form, are not for everyone. I didn't even know that the pageant happened until the next day, when I saw all those memes and jokes on social media. He made it much more interesting. Some have even speculated that he did it on purpose to draw more attention to the pageant. Whether he did by accident or intentionally, it worked. He even posted a picture of himself on Christmas that said: "Merry Easter" which circulated even more attention. I like that he was able to laugh at himself despite the haters. But I don't like him branding himself as ignorant, we don't need to add fuel to an ever-present stereotype. So I hope everyone can stop being distracted by silly things like this and worry about the next president in office or all the murders that have been occurring. We can all wait until next year and allow him a chance to redeem himself. Now if he messes up again, then we will have a right to be angry. I just might tune in next year to see if he gets it right. Well until next year. The comment made by the Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, stated that black students should attend schools that match their speed. This was not only rude but misinformed. As an African American and a college graduate and I have seen the difference between predominately black high schools, and how they can put African Americans at a disadvantage compared to White schools. I would like to detail my own experiences going to schools where the majority of the students were black and then going to a Predominately White Institution. I want to describe the things that could give others the impression that black students are not as intelligent as White students. One of the main problems is that our teachers lowered the expectations for black students. The work I did in high school was very remedial. During the first few weeks of college, I realized that the books I was reading in some of my college courses had already been read by many of my White counterparts. They were also prepared to write at the college level. They were familiar with all of the writing styles, APA, MLA and Chicago style. My childhood friend who attended Case Western University and graduated high school with a 3.9, also struggled with the material, but took the time to study, in order to make up for her lack of knowledge. Although, we attended different colleges in Ohio, she told me a White woman in her class had also used one of their science books already while she was in high school. During class discussions, I realized the White student's vocabulary was more advanced. I would often write down words I heard in class and Googled their definitions after class. Some other reasons lie in the fact that black students have internalized this idea that we are not intelligent, so much so that many of them bully those that demonstrate their intelligence. The learning process is often interrupted by bad behavior and school fights. Many African American students feel compelled to live up to their stereotype, so they accept the mediocrity that is expected of them. While African Americans, may seem slow some are simply displaying the result of not working on the same level as Whites for years. The first year of college is spent catching up. Many have the idea that black people are innately dumb. There are even some white patients who refuse service from an African American doctor. I feel it is important to explain all the factors that contribute to this perception. As African Americans, we spend a lot of money even if we don’t come from a silver spoon. As a person who lives in a predominately black neighborhood, I have seen boys spend hundred of dollars on shoes, shirts or jeans. African American females also spend a lot of money due to the fact that a lot of hair products are promoted to black women. Not to mention, African American hair needs a lot of moisture therefore it needs good products to keep it looking neat, Unfortunately, these hair creams and lotions and gels are usually not black owned and are full of chemicals. In a black neighborhood one can find stores selling hair extensions, hair and nail products, and make up and all are owned by Arabs or East Asians. One can also see corner stores where adults can buy 40 ounce beers and cigarettes, children can buy chips, candy and soda. Unfortunately, things promoted and more accessible to blacks are actually unhealthy yet majority of blacks support this. Not to mention the customer service by Arabs or Asians in urban areas. From my own personal experience Arab men lusting after teen girls was quite common they would be 27 flirting with a 15 year old girl. I even had the unfortunate experience of going to the gas station as a 17 year old and having this Arab guy caress my arm. I felt disrespected and cheap. Sadly, I feel Arab men see young black women as highly sexual and promiscuous and thus welcoming to sexual advances. I also witnessed a man telling a 14 year old’s mom that he would date her in 4 more years. Even now I deal with some Arab men flirting with me as he scans my items. Asian beauty supply stores and hair extensions in general are making a killing with selling hair extensions yet their is a lack of friendliness when I comes in a hair supply store it’s just a feeling they want my money yet don’t have any of respect for me. Ironically, in a black neighborhood you rarely find a black owned business sometimes you may find a place that sells ribs and fried fish but the most money goes to other races. Most black business fail do to lack of funds and support from other blacks. Ironically, even though we spend 1.1 trillion dollars we only put 2% into black owned businesses. I became more and more interested in promoting smaller black owned businesses after watching Seinsei Ashitemasu videos on integration and how it contributed to the failure of the black economy. The way in which she explained it is that we became so enamored with the idea of being near whites we forgot to take care of ourselves, we bought into this colorblind idea that we are all equal that we let our businesses go. As a black person I’m constantly told white is better therefore white businesses are better and a black business is less than. Subconsciously we as blacks think white businesses provides higher quality products or services or is more professional. To be honest a lot blacks suffer from this collective self hate that makes us not trust a business just because the owner is black. Corporations know this and bank heavily on the black dollar. They bank their Black Friday sales predictions on how much blacks will spend. The odd thing about this is during segregation all blacks had was black owned. We had black hospitals, clothing stores, beauty supply stores, gas stations etc. Some blacks were doing so well they became billionaires and they did what they were suppose to which is put back into their communities and work in their communities, they opened black owned trade schools and colleges, started scholarships and gave to charities. What I learned recently about Carter G. Woodson the person who started Black History Week which later became Black History Month, was that he wanted blacks who went to school to go back into their own communities and work to build it up. The African American celebrities are so lost they either go by this attitude that blacks didn’t make it because they didn’t work hard,or they don’t owe anyone of the same race anything which is so wrong because everyone can’t be a celeb and they had support along the way. We are not viewed by colorblind eyes they see us and judge as a whole. And our economics as a whole. On average the Average African American household is worth 6 thousand dollars. Since every race or ethnic groups starts their own business, hire family or friends and support each other why won’t we? I read in an article Donald Sterling mentioned blacks are poor because black celebrities care nothing for their own people and we as a whole don’t support each other part of this is true. He is a racist but he laid out the map for blacks and we should take note he said that he was Jewish and no one wanted to hire him so he started his own business and the Jewish community supported him and he became very wealthy. So why don’t we help each other so we can stop being called lazy and worthless welfare recipients even though I know some blacks with three jobs but hey stereotypes die hard. My last point I want to make is withholding economics is the best way to protest. Martin Luther King’s Montgomery Bus boycott showed us this. While blacks are in the street tearing up their neighborhoods which is counterproductive they should stop giving to non-black businesses, show them that you matter. This sends the clear message that if you don’t respect my body, my life or my health I do not respect you and will not patronize these large corporations. Once their bank accounts dry up the rich people in power will start to push for change and trust me “Racism is only a by product of capitalism ” As Fred Hampton, the former Black Panther said. We can see how well blacks were doing if we study the success of Black Wallstreet. In 1921 blacks in Tulsa, Oklahoma were thriving the only reason it failed was because whites in Tulsa, became jealous of how rich blacks living in Greenwood became (the black part of Tulsa) and used the excuse of a white girl saying she was raped to go and burn down 108 black owned businesses along with murdering innocent people and displacing them from their homes. Despite, their downfall I believe it can be done again. So check out Sensei Ashitemasu’s channel on Youtube she does reviews of black owned household essentials and skincare products. Next time you see a black owned business on Twitter, Instagram or a new store in your neighborhood check it out and patronize it. If everyone contributes a little it eventually makes a big impact. As the years go by, more and more women are foregoing this attitude that it's important to be chaste about our bodies. We are being fed these feminist attitudes that emphasize this "Only god can judge me" perspective. We are constantly being told, that what we do with our bodies, is our business and it should not affect how men will treat us. I recently, read an article called "The Thing About Your Daughters Virginity..." published in Those People written by Ashley Simpo. In this article, she expressed a very similar ideology. Within her article, she spoke about her losing her virginity at 15 years old to her older boyfriend. She expressed her disappointment that our society makes girls feel embarrassed about having sex. She stressed her regret that she couldn't tell her mother. She even suggested that, her mother should have congratulated her for experiencing sex for the first time. Her ideology is that having sex for the first is a wonderful experience and a mother could guide her through this new exploration. According to her, a girl should never feel guilty about having sex. She mentions that we should teach girls that sex and love are two different entities and that we as women can have relations without being in love. She stated that, we fear to tell young girls that they have the right to do what they want with their bodies, because we fear that they will have sex. In my opinion, there were so many things wrong with the messages she is telling young girls. I don't know any mother who would congratulate their daughter for having sex, because more than likely her mother had told her not to do it in the first place. And in doing so, this girl has disrespected her mother. When your a teenager nothing is yours, not even your body. You do not have the right to "desecrate" it as she says. Your parents have a right to tell you not to put your body at risk for STD's and the depression of heartache. After all, your mothers protected you to the best of their abilities during childhood and have every right to continue doing so during your teenage years. Teen girls need to know that engaging in sexual activity is a big deal for a teenager and that sex has real consequences. We forget that many girls can be met with the agonizing pain of rejection, after giving their bodies to someone. Most women are lying to themselves saying they don't become attached with the men that they sleep with. Even women have cried on their pillow cases over the aftermath of what they thought was going to last forever. So why do feminist preach this crap to young girls? Teens girls are not emotionally mature to be having sex with immature boys. We need to stop trying to act so emotionally resilient. We don't need to keep up with the behavior of men. It's okay to be soft, caring and passionate.
Teens need to know that, the one they give their bodies to will last in their memory for a long time; so they should pick wisely. Teen girls should know that sex and love are indeed two different entities. But why would a woman be sharing her body with a man she didn't love? The best experiences are with someone who knows you. She believes by telling a girl not to test the waters we are allowing men to define and control our sexuality. On the contrary, we should care about who we give our bodies to. We are not the neighborhood bike everybody does not get a ride. And I'm so tired of woman easing their conscience by promoting their promiscuity as them being a feminist. There is no unapologetic slut who presents her carefree attitude about sex as being cool. There is nothing heroic in being promiscuous. And she is wrong sex does define you. Your sexual behavior tells a story behind your life. Most of the women who sleep around; have daddy issues, was molested and overall lack a sense of self-worth. They try to find warmth in the arms of strangers; in the guys that compliment them and give them the attention they desire. A lot of teen boys really are just looking for a good time and will say and do anything in order to have it. And young girls shouldn't be so eager to sleep around. She is correct in her belief we fear telling young girls that they can do as they please with their bodies because we fear that they will consider the possibility to have sex. By telling them it doesn't matter you downplay sex it becomes this minute thing like taking a shower. We are losing the value in sex it's no longer special, beautiful or a moment that lovers can connect. Not anymore, now sex is a thrill seeking one night stand from a stranger you met at the bar or something you do when you get drunk. Men and women are so disconnected now days. Some of them only want to be around each other unless they are partaking in it. What do teens need to know about virginity? Society is enticing you with sex everywhere you turn from commercials to school, friends etc, but be strong if you must, use protection and do not become loose with your body. Also, realize that most teen boys, like many men may not be using protection so your putting yourself at risk. There are hospital beds full of sick people wishing they could take back that moment of bliss. Don't follow the "modern women" of today that tell you one night stands are not a big deal and friends with benefits are the norm. We are headed towards a society that will tells us there are no rules. But just because their are no rules doesn't mean their aren't any consequences to our actions. Young girls, your body is sacred; not for everyone to enjoy. And you can't expect people to value what you don't value. The women you should look up to are not out having sex with strangers. They are starting businesses, feeding the poor and fighting for human rights. We shouldn't engage in sex because of an urge but with a person we truly connect with. I hope young girls will not find liberation in exploring their bodies, but rather exploring their potential. Most of all, virginity isn't everything but how you use your body is. Even as a 25 year old woman I have a hard time understanding male expectations. Particularly, what a man means when he says "Lets hang out." I also have a hard time deciphering if the guy who suggest hanging out is only seeking friendship. After all, some guys just want friendships...Right? I can never tell because the average adult male has his mind on getting in the sheets instead of getting inside a woman's heart. Let's be real. How many men see a woman and say "Wow, she would be a great friend?" It's safe to assume most men asking for your time is interested in you romantically. But if this is true what are they asking to do with you. I'm specifically referring to the invitation to come to his house. You know "chillin". I recently was asked to hang out with someone and I couldn't help but think hmmm. Was this guy asking me to come over for "fun time" or was he really asking to spend time? I have definitely seen social media statuses that suggest it's said to initiate having relations. But are we really at a time where a man and woman that are just getting to know each other only visit each other's home to sleep together? We can't spend time together actually watching Netflix or having good conversation about politics, books and our childhoods? When does a night cap mean a night over? I personally believe while going to a movie or a dance club can be fun it limits your ability to talk freely and discuss common interest. I believe being in a quiet home allows an environment to relax and be yourself. But when we live in a generation of one night stands it seems male expectations have changed. The dating rules have changed drastically from my parent's generation. Men use to take women on dates and expect to pay. Now men act as if they do pay for the date you owe them at the end of the night. And in a society where rape is still occurring women like myself have to decode male speech and suggestions. It seriously seems like you can never tell when a man is being genuine. What woman hasn't heard "I'm a good guy" from the absolute worst guy they have ever met in their life? I guess we just have to kiss frogs until that prince comes along and take a chance on someone. I would like your opinion. Leave a comment below. Many black Americans feel that safety and concern is limited to white Americans. That the prime focus of America is centered around the well being of white people. That problems are only problems if whites are endangered and we as black people are often ignored when we are in trouble or presented as the victimizers of whites. An example of our neglect is the late response to Hurricane Katrina. Many African Americans felt neglected by the U.S. government because they were not given transportation to evacuate and many blacks were being threatened with guns to prevent looting which is ridiculous because the stores were destroyed and those items wouldn't be able to be sold anyway. Many blacks were left hungry and displaced as well as others who died. The ten year anniversary had many blacks angry at former President Bush for going to New Orleans and many of our black youth smiling as if he had not neglected their town a decade ago. White plight on the other hand is treated totally different when whites are in trouble there is a level of sympathy. When the drug epidemic emerged in America it was only taken seriously after white teens started over dosing. Before the drugs spread over to middle class white America many African American babies were being thrown in the trash by crack addicted mothers. Even worse it has been speculated since the trial of FreeWay Rick Ross that the C.I.A. were given orders from President Reagan to provide cocaine to black gangs and drug dealers to sell in the poor black neighborhoods. Yet, crack offenders especially blacks were given long sentences in prison. White drug usage is always shown as a mistake that can be fixed and pathos is always present in their rhetoric.
Often times the greatest concern is protecting whites from black people. This can be seen in our constant survelliance. Many blacks have faced harassment by police officers. A small infraction such as a blown tail light can end in a car search an arrest or just an annoying inconvenience. Any threat against white Americans is handled swiftly. The 20 year old man, Carlos Anthony Hollins, who allegedly tweeted "TONIGHT WE PURGE! KILL ALL THE WHITE PPL IN THE TOWN OF LA PLATA" was arrested. They also responded to the black woman who created a meme that depicted her holding a gun and stating "It's open season on white people". She was arrested at her home and is now out. Even the Eric Shepphard case was handled with extreme caution because he was apart of the viral videos called the Stomp the Flag Challenge. He also spoke of the pain whites have caused blacks throughout history and a book bag that allegedly belonged to him was found on his college campus and a gun was inside it. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was in jail and is out but not allowed on social media along with other restrictions. The irony of this is a white Texas man made a video while holding a gun and threatening the Black Lives Matter movement and he was never arrested. Why? Because he is a white man threatening a group that has a large amount of black people. He is a racist and white racism is often given a pass because it reflects the ideology of the people who pass laws and enforce them. The Hacktivist just outed 80 KKK members many who are senators mayors and policeman. The KKK have killed more people than Muslim terrorist yet we focus on Arab, Pakistani and Nigerian terrorist as being a threat. I have looked on Twitter and seen many tweets that call for killing n-words and Muslims and I reported them but that didn't make the news. There were no policeman at the front door, no warrants for anyone's arrest. We as black people know who the cherished are and who are the oppressed. We know who runs this country and what they stand for. America the land that speaks of freedom but limits it based on color that fasely stands for justice but operates a crooked system. How blessed I would be to be born white. |
AuthorMy name is Kiara and writing is the way I express myself. Archives
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