Cultural Appropriation: Black Women in America

                      (Picture credit does not belong to me)

Recently there has been a stir with white women and black hairstyles. One of the biggest controversies has been Kylie Jenner and her cornrows. She took to Instagram showing off her hair and a lot of backlash was given due to the fact that when black women wear cornrows it is “ghetto,” “ratchet,” and unprofessional. It is not idea for Kylie to wear cornrows because it is black culture and before you do something that pertains to a culture you are not apart of you need to learn and respect the history from which it came. Trying to make a fashion statement with something you know nothing about is demeaning to those of that culture especially when you are praised for something that you had no hand in creating. Sorry, but you did not "change the game." 

Well, when this ordeal occurred Amandla Stenberg also known as “Rue” in Hunger Games, took to YouTube in "Don't cash crop my cornrows" and laid out education on cultural appropriation pertaining to Kylie and other white women who recreate black culture. In this video she discusses black hair as being apart of hip hop and cultural because black women have always done they hair as a way to maintain growth, expression of identity and the basic need of keeping it looking neat and unknotted. As hip hop became more popular so did black culture because hip hop is an expression of the black community. Stenberg goes on to detail that, in 2013 cornrows (braids) became seen as "new urban hairstyle," yet it has been around for centuries. Although black culture has become accepted the black community has not and thus is where we have cultural appropriation. According to Wikipedia, Cultural appropriation is a sociological concept that views the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture as a largely negative phenomenon. 

On another account was during the Grammy’s two white rap artist took awards of best rap artist and best rap album of the year. We cannot forget Allure magazines “You (Yes You) Can Have An Afro, even with straight hair” article. This article is aimed towards a particular audience that does not include black women. They are trying to recreate and define the Afro but are not seeing the root of "AFR" into African American. The article uses terms that are demeaning like "rag curls" as if black hair is raggedy. An Allure spokes person released a statement discussing the rich cultural background the Afro has but yet the article fails to incorporate this history lesson before trying to steal something that does not need to be recreated and made as if it came from another culture. Rather than embrace the culture from which it came from they tried to change it. Just to put this out there, it was not one black woman featured. Instead of using this as a teaching opportunity and having a black model it became the ultimate fail.

I do not only think that it is offensive for white women to be able to recreate black culture but even more so when it is received differently because of their race. As a black woman we receive backlash from wanting to wear our hair natural or wanting to wear weave as if we have not been doing so since before we were in America as slaves. The only difference is now since white women do it, it becomes a new trend and fashionable. Too often it is forgotten that these expressions stem from a culture that is fighting to hold on to what it has while it is slowly being taken away through oppression. Allowing white women to recreate black culture and make it seem okay is telling black girls that it is not okay for you to be your natural self or have a culture that belongs to you but for another race (white women) it is okay because they are better than you are and you do not deserve anything regardless if it is apart of you.

Cultural Appropriation has been stealing traditions, culture and customs since before Christopher Columbus. If you did not know “They Came Before Columbus.”

One after another

(photo credit not mine)

Lately in media there has been a lot of controversy. While being black was being celebrated by one another was spreading hatred through racism. The media continued to look over the obvious facts. The truth was clearly presented but no one cares to listen. When did it become okay to over look the truth especially when it is clear? Society has continued to be in a place where race matters. To say that race does not matter is a lie. The same opportunities are not available, resources are not provided and help has never been on the way. For every one step forward you are already 5 steps behind because of being black. I will not justify malicious behavior but if equal opportunity is given to all then more people will succeed. Because if race did not matter what is occurring in America today would not be tolerated nor would it happen.

I am proud of who I  am as a black woman but I hate to see my community in a state of war, we are at war because of racism and relentless killings with no penalty. In a place where everyone is supposed to be treated equally. Black men in jail, struggling or dead. Black women knocking each other down to get ahead. Competing for attention while losing self worth and conniving behavior that pushes us further towards society perception. I work hard everyday to over come the stereotypes and statistics. Sometimes it was hard to maintain who I was while trying to fit in to a society that was not made for me. Poisoning our bodies with the processed foods and our minds through lack of knowledge because of the expense. Knowledge is power, I may not know it all but I know where and how to acquire the information I am in search of. My ancestors were taken from being Kings and Queens to become slaves. Their thoughts tainted, culture removed and basically stripped bare of everything that made them who they are to transform them into an identity of their captors. I am not sure where I came from but I know where I am going. Away from the corruptness of the world, to spread awareness and to fight what was taken from me, an identity that I did not have the opportunity to know. I will embrace who I am now and grow through it. It is time to take back who you are spiritually and culturally.

A Whole New World

(Photo Credit to Disney)

After the wedding comes real life. Going into any relationship involves some adapting, compromise and learning. On the other hand going into a relationship where children is involved is a different kind of world. See you get a package deal, two for the price of one. Which isn't a bad deal in my case but with every situation there are some trials and tribulations.

So after the wedding things have been great, but this is when real life comes. It's the time when you have to figure out combining everything because you are now one. In our situation we did not live together before and I moved across the country. Now that everything has settled and I'm having to coparent things start to get tricky. I ask myself what boundaries will I have, things I am uncomfortable doing including discipline and where do I fit in with a mother and child whom has only had each other. Its hard to come into a preset family, trying to fit in and change things at the same time. Blending families is not the easiest because there are many personalities that have to adjust to one another. Jealousy arises, tempers collide, emotions mix and we are left to try and build a bond around these things. We grow as a family, learn from one another and start new. It is all apart of life.

The road less traveled is not the easiest but it will be the best! Welcome to my new life!

Is It Really That Serious?

Lately Bruce Jenner, excuse me Caitlyn Jenner has been the trending topic of social media. Now don't get me wrong I am all for making yourself happy but when did this become news? Let's remember that men and women have been transitioning to the gender they feel they are inside but do not appear as on the outside throughout history. It bothers me that Jenner is being commended publicly and called a hero or brave when others have been condemned. The only difference is Jenner is famous (sort of). This can be considered a big step for the transgender community but I do not think it is news worthy. I know two transmen who went from female to male but no one knows who they are, they are not receiving awards over war hero's or being called brave. Many of them do not even receive support from the community.

Society has blown this out of proportion. How do you compare Caitlyn Jenner to a war hero who lost limbs? The bravery of this veteran cannot be compared. He went and fought for his country, lost limbs and could have died. Many have given the ultimate sacrifice but you don't see their names trending or them being constantly talked about. They get one day out of the year for remembrance and Jenner gets a Television show. The irony of it all never cease to amaze me over the topic and comparisons. This is what life is now. Real hero's are not being recognized. Transgender individuals who are helping the community are not receiving the credit they deserve. Society needs to take a step back and think, is this what the world is coming to, is this really news? I feel ashamed at times when I go on my timeline, if people knew better they would do better...Hopefully.

POWER....

(photo credit not mine)

Seeing is believing or at least this is what I believe. Lately I have been coming into contact with people on a power trip. I could be that I have just began to grow tired of situations. For once instance, I am in a natural hair group on social media. Someone asked a question so I gave them a response with the accurate knowledge that I have because of close personal experience. Now I may have misspoken but I feel that there is a way to educate without in better term being rude or taking things too far. As adults I feel as if there is a respect level that should be held at all times. You have to give respect to receive it and trying to belittle someone to make yourself fell better or powerful than being a respectable individual says a lot about your character.

I feel that there is a way to go about any situation when it comes to dealing with others. With that being said I was put in the same situation just on the opposite side. Instead of attacking the individual as I was done I just kept polite and asked the nature of what they wanted to know or why they asked these questions in this particular group if they weren't looking into this lifestyle. There are many different types of people in the world and I can see that throughout life you will have to roll with the punches. I have learned to pick battles worth fighting and let go of those that cause more harm than good. There is no need for me to step out of character to stoop down to a level that is beneath me. Somethings are better left alone and unsaid.

Life as I know it....

Recently life has taken me on an interesting venture. The time has come for a new journey in my life. This past week was stressful, trying to juggle school, work and moving. Let's just say it was exhausting and the fun has just begun. While life still goes own my inner activist is still roaring.

Soon I will become a stepmom to my soon to be wife daughter. As happy as this makes me I am scared not to be a mom but because of the responsibility it will bring. I have my own firm beliefs in life and I want to make sure she is properly informed, from health to embracing your individuality. Because health and nutrition are such huge problems in America it is one of my main concerns along with education and animal rights. The childhood obesity rate in America has more than tripled since the 80's and continues to worsen. Companies target our children and though many try the corporations succeed through governmental policies. What are we to do with a government and society who lets things of this magnitude continue to be a problem?

I am tired of sitting by watching not only America but the world suffer from processed food, large amounts of sugar and not so fat free options. As a parent I want to know what my child is eating and also I do not feel that the big corporations have the right to gear commercials and foods toward children. Also schools need to take responsibility and do their part in the fight against childhood obesity. It takes a village to raise a child, and everyone who influences that child is apart of the village. The school lunch budget was only raised 6 cent since 1995. $2.36 is what our children's health is worth per meal. I will not sit back and let my children future be deem and short lived because of disease and famine. I will fight for a future for all kids to look forward to while I save the animals, fight for gay rights, african american rights, work on becoming a Vegan and educate my community on health while being a wife and mother.

Deep within my soul

(photo credit not mine)

Growing up I loved meat, steak, pork chops, chicken and fish. If I knew 10 years ago that today I would be a vegetarian on the verge of veganism I wouldn't have believed you. Of coarse I did not know what a Vegan was at 15. It is funny how life changes when you expose yourself to new things. I opened my mind up to gain more knowledge and in return I gained something greater.

Today I watched two documentaries that were recommend to me by some of my Facebook friends. They are hard core vegans and I am just a cheese lover who is not a fan of eggs. However I do not eat meat at all, that includes fish for people who try to categorize it in a different category than the correct one or honey. The documentaries I watched were Vegucated and Blackfish. Neither of these are for the light hearted. I am emotional when it comes to the subject of animals and health but they tie together in so many ways in my life. The graphic videos, the stories and the power the documentaries brought were astounding.

Vegucated showed why you should become a Vegan because of animal cruelty in farms, labs and slaughter houses. The way these places are set up are disgusting and should make anyone second guess what they think they know.

Blackfish is about Sea World and the Orca Killer Whales. It shows how it began, to their life in captivity to the many deaths associated including their cover-up stories. It was like one big eye open in a matter of minutes.

Being the person I am I went into all out I am never taking my future children to Sea World or the Zoo. No animal should have to live in captivity nor should they be treated inhumane. The way animals are kept in horrible living conditions, selected based on gender, and slaughtered is horrific. Tonight was a night that made me rethink my whole way of life. Is it really necessary for things to be the way they are. Do you know what you are really eating? Do you know how those Whales really feel? Rethink life. It's time!

Rainy Weather

Disclaimer: This is not something I would normally do. But considering the controversy I deem it appropriate.

Tonight I watched the big fight night with Mayweather and Pacquiao. As the event began I noticed more than I expected before the main event. While I was waiting and listening to the host they said a lot that just caught me off guard. Celebrities were referred to as royalty. That was the first instance when I began to feel uncomfortable. All "men" are created equal unless you have more money. Secondly I noticed the promotions were done by Mayweather Production company. At that time I smelt a foul stench with this fight.

Pacman came out the ring fighting, while Mayweather ran ducking and dodging. I was told this was his strategy. I thought to myself well this is something I do not want to watch if he is just going to run and hug more than Barney almost the entire time. It's a disgrace but I figure where there is money this is what you should expect. However, I was surprised with Mayweather winning but how could I be when this is how he always fights and wins. This unanimous decision was like ex-President George W. Bush and Florida during the Presidential Election.

I believe what had my mind tangled in knots was Mayweather's persona. He is arrogant, cocky and just seems to have a bad personality. His focus is money and when he makes all this money he does nothing to help the people of America. Yet you can rob them by selling the fight to watch you run around on paid per view and win a rigged fight.

The rain before the storm

Throughout American history it has been rough to be a black man. African males were treated as third of a person or sold by the dozen if they were not good enough. The backs and blood of immigrants built America. From migration from Europe to slavery, but did you know Africans came before Columbus. First it was Trayvon Martin, then Eric Garner and we cannot forget Michael Brown whom they left in the street for countless hours. After that there was Walter Scott who was shot with excessive force. Black men being killed without justice because they are your worst nightmare. Or is it because of societies portrayal?

In recent news Baltimore is rioting because of the death of Freddie Gray and the speculation of how it occurred. I begin to wonder if this is a sign that as a people African Americans are tired and outraged. No justice no peace? But for so long no justice has been served but we are mandated to return to being peaceful. They may no longer want to turn the other cheek to their oppressor but let their outrage be felt. The public is crying for change by any means necessary. They have tried being peaceful but it seems as if no solution has been made. With all of that being said I hate to see a community torn down in anger, people losing their jobs, homes and businesses. There is another way but is mainstream society willing to provide that opportunity. When does it end? How many lives have to be lost? Change needs to happen now and this may be the season. Black lives matter. All lives matter.

I spy with my eyes....

Recently I started back at the gym in hopes of becoming fit. I have set my goals, given myself the opportunity and dove in head first. Time management is my worst attribute. I procrastinate on school assignments, working out, cooking, washing clothes. If you can name it I probably take my time doing it even though I do mange to get it done on time. I like to say I work better under pressure but lately I have found myself wanting to venture away from that habit. I am becoming more laid back and carefree unless it is something I am passionate about. I just want to sit back and enjoy life. And lets not forget look good doing it!

Today at the gym I was lifting weights. I was mid way through my clean and press and I felt eyes staring at me. Let me first tell you that I had my headphone set extremely high because I knew this could happen if I went to this particular gym around a certain time. All the want to be body builders, fireman, police and guys who work nights are there. Every time I moved I felt someone watching me. Its hard to concentrate when you are trying not to think about someone gawking at you the entire time. I eventually became uncomfortable enough that I finished quicker than I wanted to so I could leave. They gym is a place where you go to work out and not feel harassed. It is that plain and simple. For me that was one of the reasons I stopped going but this time I refused to give in because of being uncomfortable. Next time I plan to confront them and honestly if I am going to bring it to your attention it will not be nice by any means. Why should I be nice when you are being disrespectful?

To anyone that is working out and feels uncomfortable keep pushing and do not be afraid to speak up. To those who are gawking keep your uncomfortable looks to yourself, we are there to work out not be a show. If you need a show go watch TV.

Perception is key

Photo from medpreps.com

The first thing I see when I turn on the TV, and thats not often, are infomercials for diets. America has the number one Obesity rate in industrialized countries with Europe and Australia not too far behind. The typical American diet consist of mostly processed foods. According to the Non-GMO Project GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE. This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. There has been testing but none to prove that GMOs are safe for human consumption. Also fast food, it is cheaper to get a double cheeseburger from McDonalds than a salad. Even at the grocery store it is expensive to buy whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It is even more expensive to eat organic. Although this provides more food it has not ben deemed as safe but is allowed because of testing done by companies who produce GMO's. Now tell me this is the right thing to do. At least they should be labeled for people to have the choice. In other countries GMOs are banned. 


More adults and children are obese and suffering from diseases such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes just to name a few. Pharmaceutical companies, researches, CEOs and Doctors are making substantial amounts of money just off medications alone. They promote a healthy diet but not necessarily a lifestyle change and then load you up on medication. There are always those few exceptions and I hope for more in the future for the sake of America. What are we to do?


The other day I was in Walmart and I saw an overweight lady riding in a motorized cart. I decided to look in her cart and not to my surprise she had ice cream, frozen pizza and cookies. I immediately passed negative judgment on her. I was really upset about the situation because I do not understand why someone would not want to take care of themselves. So as I do everyday I called my fiancé. I was livid and I tried to explain to her about the lady. To my disbelief she disagreed. She explained to me that I do not know the ladies situation and how can I judge her on the items if I do not know they are for her. Its easy to judge someone based on assumptions. You may get the wrong perception about a situation. Even though the world is not how I see fit I see it is not my place to judge but to educate.

Let art be thy will

Growing up I believed I was a brilliant artist. Until one day in the second grade my art teacher told me that I was not gifted in that area. Now to disbelief after being discouraged for so long I have found my passion for Art through writing, photography, playing the acoustic guitar and painting.

Many times we have seen the censorship of art, literature and almost anything that is considered obscene to others. But that is based off the opinion of a few closed minded individuals is how I perceive it. We have the freedom of speech and expression. Jasmine Guy said it best, "Silence the artist and society suffers, culture dies and man returns to the brutishness from once he emerged." For many people art is a way of expression and a way of life. To censor those dreams is to take away freedom to be who you are.

When I was young

When I was in the 1st grade we moved from the slums to suburbs. I made a lot of new friends but remained friends with my old ones. I was able to remain at my elementary school. Where we moved was predominately white. I got to know a lot of children in my neighborhood and even made a new best friend. I remember  playing outside on hot summer days, riding bikes and going to other friends houses. One time we went to another friends house who lived down the street. I was there for about 30 minutes when her parents asked me to go home. I didn't understand why so I just did what I was told to do. The next day I asked my best friend if she had to go home too. Her response was no, she stayed for a while. After that day my mom never let me go to that friends house again.

For the back story I had lived in the neighborhood for about a year. Our parents had meet when they dropped me off at my best friend house for a sleep over. Also, we were the first black family that I know of to move into the neighborhood. Im not sure what to make of the situation. But until this day I am not sure why I was the only person to have to go home.

Waiting for the World

Things in life are never as they seem. For the past few weeks I have sat and debated with myself about the way of the world. What do people really care about? Too often things go noticed but unspoken. When will black on black crime stop? When will justice be served for Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner and so many black men like them? When will political prisoners be freed? Just because you were a black panther does not give you a sentence of guilty. When will black America wake up and see exactly what is going on? Everyone wants to talk about it but who has yet to take action. There are no more rallies in the streets, there is no one like Martin Luther King or Malcolm X fighting for our rights. I wouldn't say this is about black versus white. This is just about black. Coming together instead of with holding its own. I am an enraged black woman tired of seeing people who I look in the face that look like me struggle but yet do nothing about it. Everyone is not able but for those who are you can help those who cannot. Yet I am still waiting for the world to change. Dr. King and Malcolm X brought us too far to have taken so many steps back. Be the change you wish to see in the world.

To Be Black and Lesbian

Now this is not a post like any other. Im black (a lot of people are) I'm lesbian (another thing to tack on the list) but yet the combination makes me who I am. In America it is hard for men especially black men to be homosexual. That is a double negative. Also as a community there is really no connection or support in most. This is only one problem that we have not only as a black community but as a society. I am glad to be who I am today. I have embraced myself, put aside all attributions that I made up to be better than who I thought I was. I am me. I am proud. I am Black. I am Lesbian. This is my WORLD.

Understand that sexuality is as wide as the sea. Understand that your morality is not law. Understand that we are you. Understand that if we decide to have sex whether safe, safer, or unsafe, it is our decision and you have no rights in our lovemaking.

Derek Jarman