It was early Saturday afternoon when I decided to catch up on some music videos as I folded my laundry. I figure, I need to know what dances and song lyrics to watch out for in my classroom. R. Kelly & Snoop Dog's "That's That" comes on and I think, "Oh, this is that song I've been hearing on the radio." It's been growing on me, so I decide to watch it. As I see video chick after video chick I notice a pattern.
They're all light complexion Black women, Latinas, or white women!
I try to give R. Kelly the benefit of the doubt when I see a chick with a brown/dark complexion. But no, they put her under high beam light giving her more of a light complexion.
What are these types of images doing to the self-esteem of young Black girls who idolize these "video vixens"?
Are young girls measuring their worth based on their curvaceous curves or how much they've learned?
It has taken me many years to become comfortable with my complexion and body. As a young woman, I am still battling against society's perception of beauty that values European features as opposed to womanly curves. I'm also battling a culture that values the measurements of my bust, waist, hips, and booty as opposed to my ACT/SAT test scores or college degree!
Young Black females have the feat of going against a lot of opposition from the womb. As I begin my sixth month of teaching a second grade class of twenty boys and five girls, I take it as my personal duty to help the young ladies in my class decide how they want to measure their worth: booty or brains.
Enjoy the film!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Healthy for the New Year
Happy New Year!
Many people make New Year's resolutions to better their health. This year, I began my improved health journey long before the holiday. This allowed me to work toward my goals in increments, relapse, and try it again. By the time 2007 arrived, my goals became a lifestyle change.
1. Get Active! Some people call is working out and exercising. Whatever you call it, get active! Every one's body reacts differently to different levels of activity, but mine reacts wonderfully. It helps me de-stress, sleep well, and sweat out toxins. I do two group fitness classes (hip hop aerobics, water aerobics, Pilate's, or step) two times a week, and cardio with weights another two times a week. In addition to walking more, my body feels and looks better!
2. Restful Sleep: My students know that I need my (beauty) rest! In addition to looking well rested, getting a good night's sleep is important for your mind and body to renew its self. Muscles need time to recover from exercise and the mind needs to relax to stay sharp the next day.
3. Food & Liquor: Eating and drinking healthy is definitely a lifestyle change for me. As a recent college graduate, I find myself shifting from "get drunk" drinking and late night snacking to social sipping and eating meals for nutrition eating. I only eat fish and chicken, two servings of vegetables with lunch and dinner, grains every morning, coffee every morning (helps with migraines), no pop/soda just juice and water, and no liquor. At first I tried no beer or liquor, but I decided to be reasonable with my goal. People that know me know I love to drink! However, I've decided to be more sophisticated with my drinking: great beers and wines.
4. Get some help! Talking to someone can be good for the soul! In the Black community, no one wants to seem like they have an issue. We're strong! However, therapy can be simply talking with a good friend, confidant, family member, or even a licensed therapist. I made it a goal to reach out to family and friends more often, and also be there to simply listen and be there for them. I am also looking for a life coach/therapist that can help me through my current life transition.
5. Take your vitamins! When I was younger, my parents made sure I took my Flinstone Vitamins everyday. As an young woman, it is still important for me to take a multivitamin to ensure I am providing my body with all the nutrients it needs to perform at its optimum level. Additionally, there are other dietary supplements that can benefit a healthy life style:
-Melatonin: This natural supplement supports restful sleep. (Recommended by a friend)
-Black Cohosh in Solaray Female Blen Sp-7c Black Chohosh: This Native American herb is used for premenstrual syndrome, menstrual irregularities, and symptoms that can occur during menopause. (Recommended by a friend)
To help you get started on your New Year's goals, try using this tool that a good friend of mine recommended.
Best of luck!
Many people make New Year's resolutions to better their health. This year, I began my improved health journey long before the holiday. This allowed me to work toward my goals in increments, relapse, and try it again. By the time 2007 arrived, my goals became a lifestyle change.
1. Get Active! Some people call is working out and exercising. Whatever you call it, get active! Every one's body reacts differently to different levels of activity, but mine reacts wonderfully. It helps me de-stress, sleep well, and sweat out toxins. I do two group fitness classes (hip hop aerobics, water aerobics, Pilate's, or step) two times a week, and cardio with weights another two times a week. In addition to walking more, my body feels and looks better!
2. Restful Sleep: My students know that I need my (beauty) rest! In addition to looking well rested, getting a good night's sleep is important for your mind and body to renew its self. Muscles need time to recover from exercise and the mind needs to relax to stay sharp the next day.
3. Food & Liquor: Eating and drinking healthy is definitely a lifestyle change for me. As a recent college graduate, I find myself shifting from "get drunk" drinking and late night snacking to social sipping and eating meals for nutrition eating. I only eat fish and chicken, two servings of vegetables with lunch and dinner, grains every morning, coffee every morning (helps with migraines), no pop/soda just juice and water, and no liquor. At first I tried no beer or liquor, but I decided to be reasonable with my goal. People that know me know I love to drink! However, I've decided to be more sophisticated with my drinking: great beers and wines.
4. Get some help! Talking to someone can be good for the soul! In the Black community, no one wants to seem like they have an issue. We're strong! However, therapy can be simply talking with a good friend, confidant, family member, or even a licensed therapist. I made it a goal to reach out to family and friends more often, and also be there to simply listen and be there for them. I am also looking for a life coach/therapist that can help me through my current life transition.
5. Take your vitamins! When I was younger, my parents made sure I took my Flinstone Vitamins everyday. As an young woman, it is still important for me to take a multivitamin to ensure I am providing my body with all the nutrients it needs to perform at its optimum level. Additionally, there are other dietary supplements that can benefit a healthy life style:
-Melatonin: This natural supplement supports restful sleep. (Recommended by a friend)
-Black Cohosh in Solaray Female Blen Sp-7c Black Chohosh: This Native American herb is used for premenstrual syndrome, menstrual irregularities, and symptoms that can occur during menopause. (Recommended by a friend)
To help you get started on your New Year's goals, try using this tool that a good friend of mine recommended.
Best of luck!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Hot Spots & Random Things to Do
- Moe's Bar (South Portland & Lafayette, BK): A nice little bar in Ft. Green that has an excellent happy hour from 4-7pm: 2 for 1 drafts! And most drafts are $4. That's what I'm talking about! The Juke Box plays some good tunes and the brotha's that come through are chocolaty! Karaoke every Tuesday!
- Salomon's Porch (Stuyvesant Ave & Halsey, BK): Live Jazz on Friday and Saturday nights! A nice ambiance, and the menu is simply okay for my taste. I usually have a drink, appetizer, and soup. The music makes this place a jewel in Bed-Stuy!
- Night of the Cooker's (Fulton Ave., BK): A young, professional Black crowd that makes a nice meet-up spot for singles. There's also live music!
- Negril Village (Greenwich Village, Man.): A beautiful spot to eat, groove to music, and meet some beautiful people. Niiiiice!!
- SOB's (Varick & W. Houston, Man): Another hot spot for live music and great food! I enjoy Wednesday night's Sol Village hosted by Eric Roberson and the Jump n' Funk party with DJ Rich Medina. Their menu also features Latin and Brazilian specialties and great signature drinks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
