Saturday, March 31, 2012
Prada, Louis, Gucci
Name brands. Price tags. It's slowly controlling our lives, especially the youth. What is really aggravating about our generation is the high degree to which we hold up materialism. We're so engulfed in wearing all of the latest name brand clothes, we lose sight of our priorities. I remember a facebook status that caught my attention:
Though the prices may not be concise, it still proves my point that we've invested way too much money into temporary, material items.
In a sense, we can't blame ourselves. It is what we are exposed to on TV shows, music videos, magazines, newpapers, etc. Our generation also has a strong bond especially with artists and their music. Young people identify with them through their music, inadvertently making them our role models.The people we hold up as our role models idolize these material items so it sends the message: Why not us too? Celebrity boast about their millions of dollars while flaunting their multiple houses, cars, clothes... and the list goes on.
It has gotten to a point where it is almost sickening. Within the African-American community, it is especially abysmal. We're only convinced about the value of something based on it's price and prestige. Why? There's nothing wrong with treating yourself from time to time, but if $700 shoes are priority over paying your rent, there is something wrong. Even in less extreme cases, there's a ridiculous correlation between pricey name brands and a feeling of worth and legitimacy. The part that worries me the most is that people have been killed over such items. Shouldn't that raise some sort of attention? Shouldn't we just take a step back and think about what holds real values in our lives? Jessie J got it right, it ain't about the money.
You may say that I'm uncultured or uneducated when it comes to higher fashion but what happened to looking beyond the name brand? Why preach on and on about how we want someone with a great personality but we've become blindsided by what they wear, not who they are? Personally, the designs of the majority of these brands are pretty boring. Nothing spectacular in my eyes. But that's just a personal preference. The point of the matter is that these things hold no value. They are just things. Forget about the bragging and the big spending. Focus less on channeling your happiness on material items. You maybe missing out on something or someone more important.
- Polo Shirt: $150
- Concords: $180
- True religion jeans:$210
- The look on your face when you still get no girls: Priceless
Though the prices may not be concise, it still proves my point that we've invested way too much money into temporary, material items.
In a sense, we can't blame ourselves. It is what we are exposed to on TV shows, music videos, magazines, newpapers, etc. Our generation also has a strong bond especially with artists and their music. Young people identify with them through their music, inadvertently making them our role models.The people we hold up as our role models idolize these material items so it sends the message: Why not us too? Celebrity boast about their millions of dollars while flaunting their multiple houses, cars, clothes... and the list goes on.
It has gotten to a point where it is almost sickening. Within the African-American community, it is especially abysmal. We're only convinced about the value of something based on it's price and prestige. Why? There's nothing wrong with treating yourself from time to time, but if $700 shoes are priority over paying your rent, there is something wrong. Even in less extreme cases, there's a ridiculous correlation between pricey name brands and a feeling of worth and legitimacy. The part that worries me the most is that people have been killed over such items. Shouldn't that raise some sort of attention? Shouldn't we just take a step back and think about what holds real values in our lives? Jessie J got it right, it ain't about the money.
You may say that I'm uncultured or uneducated when it comes to higher fashion but what happened to looking beyond the name brand? Why preach on and on about how we want someone with a great personality but we've become blindsided by what they wear, not who they are? Personally, the designs of the majority of these brands are pretty boring. Nothing spectacular in my eyes. But that's just a personal preference. The point of the matter is that these things hold no value. They are just things. Forget about the bragging and the big spending. Focus less on channeling your happiness on material items. You maybe missing out on something or someone more important.
What's YOUR Motivation?
On my strenuous journey that I call life, I often find myself wondering, "What's my motivation?"
The majority of my life I've been a self motivator. Of course I'd have some outside support, but most of the time, it came from me. I was the one who had to learn. I was the one who had to run. I was the one who had to graduate. I was the one held responsible. It goes on and on. It is, after all, my dreams.
I have a strong stance against quitting. Whatever I chose to pursue, I plan to finish it and to be the very best at it. I even had a childhood friend who always used to tell me "Shakele, you're good at EVERYTHING." I always took that in stride with everything I did. Of course, I wasn't good at everything, but having that state of confidence, with out over exaggerating and crossing over into cockiness, is what has molded me (and is still molding me) into the individual I am today.
But, in the midst of the pursuit of all your aspirations, what about the days where you just want to throw in the towel and not bother with anything at all? I read a post today about desire and how too much desire with little action can consume your life. This then affects your motivation.
We've all been at a point where we feel like we cannot carry on with our goals. Whether it be a temporary sickness, injury, fatigue, negativity and other conflicting factors. The want to "dig deep" just disappears. Frustration hits, maybe even depression. Soon you find yourself in a rut (I certainly have).
After wallowing in self-pity for weeks, you realize that the very thing that you are trying to accomplish, has kept you going this whole time. That your passion, your love, and your commitment are what keep you going. No one expects how the down times will feel, and when they finally do hit, it's like the end of the world. I'm here to say that it isn't the end of the world. More of a test of the universe (or God, whatever your preference maybe) of how ardently you are willing to get what you want.
Some may call you crazy for what you do. How you could put yourself through so much pain? It's almost masochistc! But it doesn't matter. You do what you want to do, no matter how painful.
Also, you don't have to do it by yourself. Build a support system. Surround yourself with people you love so they're there when you need a helping hand
So if you find yourself wondering, or even complaining about why you aren't succeeding in what you want right now, just relax. Take your time and never lose sight. Know that it will be completely fulfilling in the long run.
This is what keeps me going
The majority of my life I've been a self motivator. Of course I'd have some outside support, but most of the time, it came from me. I was the one who had to learn. I was the one who had to run. I was the one who had to graduate. I was the one held responsible. It goes on and on. It is, after all, my dreams.
I have a strong stance against quitting. Whatever I chose to pursue, I plan to finish it and to be the very best at it. I even had a childhood friend who always used to tell me "Shakele, you're good at EVERYTHING." I always took that in stride with everything I did. Of course, I wasn't good at everything, but having that state of confidence, with out over exaggerating and crossing over into cockiness, is what has molded me (and is still molding me) into the individual I am today.
But, in the midst of the pursuit of all your aspirations, what about the days where you just want to throw in the towel and not bother with anything at all? I read a post today about desire and how too much desire with little action can consume your life. This then affects your motivation.
We've all been at a point where we feel like we cannot carry on with our goals. Whether it be a temporary sickness, injury, fatigue, negativity and other conflicting factors. The want to "dig deep" just disappears. Frustration hits, maybe even depression. Soon you find yourself in a rut (I certainly have).
After wallowing in self-pity for weeks, you realize that the very thing that you are trying to accomplish, has kept you going this whole time. That your passion, your love, and your commitment are what keep you going. No one expects how the down times will feel, and when they finally do hit, it's like the end of the world. I'm here to say that it isn't the end of the world. More of a test of the universe (or God, whatever your preference maybe) of how ardently you are willing to get what you want.
Some may call you crazy for what you do. How you could put yourself through so much pain? It's almost masochistc! But it doesn't matter. You do what you want to do, no matter how painful.
Also, you don't have to do it by yourself. Build a support system. Surround yourself with people you love so they're there when you need a helping hand
So if you find yourself wondering, or even complaining about why you aren't succeeding in what you want right now, just relax. Take your time and never lose sight. Know that it will be completely fulfilling in the long run.
This is what keeps me going
Simplicity
I don't any of that. I don't want the googly eyes or the sweet nothings. I don't want the intense, over dramatic romance. I don't want the "cuffing pictures" or the claiming on social networks. I don't want the "good morning" texts or the late night conversations. I don't want the flowers, or the candy. I don't want the superficial. I don't want what everyone else has, what I think looks good on the outside. I just want you. Everyday. A simple "I love you" keeps me going. No outside interferences. No models of what we "should" look like. Just you. Most importantly, I want us to happily exist without any of that.
Red Eyes
Red eyes
Black and blue scars
Glossed over with powder
A sweet glittery powder
Red eyes
Swollen lips
Covered in gloss
A shiny red gloss
Red eyes
Tattered hair
Straightened to a T
Maybe a curl here or there
Red eyes
Ripped clothes
Patched and sewn
No one knows the difference
Red eyes
Painful tears
Dried quickly
Before the mascara runs
Red eyes
Broken soul
How now, my friend
Can we cover that?
Smile
Glossed over with powder
A sweet glittery powder
Red eyes
Swollen lips
Covered in gloss
A shiny red gloss
Red eyes
Tattered hair
Straightened to a T
Maybe a curl here or there
Red eyes
Ripped clothes
Patched and sewn
No one knows the difference
Red eyes
Painful tears
Dried quickly
Before the mascara runs
Red eyes
Broken soul
How now, my friend
Can we cover that?
Smile
I Told You
I told you to be gentle
I told you to be kind
I told you to be patient
I told you to be mine
I didn't listen
So here I lay....
Love left lifeless
Lust divine
I told you to be patient
I told you to be kind
I told you to be kind
I told you to be patient
I told you to be mine
But then you left me
Cold and bare
Missing words
Vague blank stare
Cold and bare
Missing words
Vague blank stare
But then you left me
Fresh hot wound
Scattered brain
Mind Aloof
Fresh hot wound
Scattered brain
Mind Aloof
But then you fled, you crept, you ran
A swirling, rushing wind
With no alert, alone I stand
No heart beat lies within
I told you, I told you
Soon tears would glisten
But to my dismay
It is I who didn't listen
A swirling, rushing wind
With no alert, alone I stand
No heart beat lies within
I told you, I told you
Soon tears would glisten
But to my dismay
It is I who didn't listen
Listen to the lurking doubt
Listen to the quiver in your voice that was uncertainty
Listen to the reluctance
Listen to the silence that swallowed us both
Listen to the quiver in your voice that was uncertainty
Listen to the reluctance
Listen to the silence that swallowed us both
I didn't listen.
Listen to the urgency of our kisses
Or maybe the hushed hours spent alone
Listen to the vacant feelings, the nothing
Listen to the urgency of our kisses
Or maybe the hushed hours spent alone
Listen to the vacant feelings, the nothing
I didn't listen
So here I lay....
Love left lifeless
Lust divine
I told you to be patient
I told you to be kind
Not Only Kony
Since 1986. Joseph Kony has been reigning for 26 years. We've allowed this to go on for 26 years. This is what baffles me the most about America. Whenever the news makes a big deal about something, we all of a sudden feel the need to help. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to help millions of children who have been abudcted, raped, killed, and forced to kill their parents. However, why is media bringing this to our attention now? How many lives could have been saved at this point and time?
I don't like the media's endorsement of instant gratification. We are fed the news in choppy pieces, often leaving gaps of information out. The earthquake in Haiti for example. We were there to support them the first couple of months they needed immediate help. But after the second month, all of the awareness stopped. I'm pretty sure Haiti wasn't renewed within a two-month time period. But the media failed to show us that. That exemption leads us to believe that everything is, in other words, "peachy keen" in Haiti. Since then, they've been struggling with establishing a new President, are dealing with cholera (which has killed over 7,000 to date), and many other threatening issues that are hindering their revival.
Japan went through the same process as well, maybe even shorter. Everyone helped Japan for a span of a few months and that was it. Nothing. There were no updates as to how these people are doing. There are no follow up videos months down the line to see what still needs to be done. Japan could still be in shambles and we'd be completely oblivious. The point of the matter is that the media feeds us this "happily ever after" ideal when the truth is everything is not completely fixed.
It is not our fault that the media leaves out these chunks of information. But do realize that when a big issue comes at hand, it is more than face value.
So by all means, stop Joseph Kony. Keep in mind that this is an enormous task and that we're going to need more than just a kit to help these children. It is, however, a step in the right direction. But let us remember that a scene so gruesome and inhumane shouldn't be something that disappears within a few months. This is and has been happening all over the world. Keep yourself educated. Delve deeper than what you see on the news.
I don't like the media's endorsement of instant gratification. We are fed the news in choppy pieces, often leaving gaps of information out. The earthquake in Haiti for example. We were there to support them the first couple of months they needed immediate help. But after the second month, all of the awareness stopped. I'm pretty sure Haiti wasn't renewed within a two-month time period. But the media failed to show us that. That exemption leads us to believe that everything is, in other words, "peachy keen" in Haiti. Since then, they've been struggling with establishing a new President, are dealing with cholera (which has killed over 7,000 to date), and many other threatening issues that are hindering their revival.
Japan went through the same process as well, maybe even shorter. Everyone helped Japan for a span of a few months and that was it. Nothing. There were no updates as to how these people are doing. There are no follow up videos months down the line to see what still needs to be done. Japan could still be in shambles and we'd be completely oblivious. The point of the matter is that the media feeds us this "happily ever after" ideal when the truth is everything is not completely fixed.
It is not our fault that the media leaves out these chunks of information. But do realize that when a big issue comes at hand, it is more than face value.
So by all means, stop Joseph Kony. Keep in mind that this is an enormous task and that we're going to need more than just a kit to help these children. It is, however, a step in the right direction. But let us remember that a scene so gruesome and inhumane shouldn't be something that disappears within a few months. This is and has been happening all over the world. Keep yourself educated. Delve deeper than what you see on the news.
He hadn't seen her since she'd left highschool... (Random Prompt)
It was like she was glowing. Her cheeks were still rosy and pink. Her lips were still full and voluptuous. Her silky-smooth hair. Her curvaceous frame.. She hadn't aged a bit.
The summer had brought it's warm rendezvous for him. They'd soon fade after the cooler months arrived.
But she never faded.
She was always there through the wintry storms of December all the way through the darling buds of May. Yet, somewhere along the way, he grew tired of her. So he left. Her tears fell on his deaf ears. A river was nothing to be compared to the summation of her pain.
But to see her there, he was struck. Dumbfounded.
Then he thought, "Why did I ever let her go?"
The summer had brought it's warm rendezvous for him. They'd soon fade after the cooler months arrived.
But she never faded.
She was always there through the wintry storms of December all the way through the darling buds of May. Yet, somewhere along the way, he grew tired of her. So he left. Her tears fell on his deaf ears. A river was nothing to be compared to the summation of her pain.
But to see her there, he was struck. Dumbfounded.
Then he thought, "Why did I ever let her go?"
Be kind
Ever beat yourself up over the slightest thing? Are you your biggest and harshest critic? If so, it's time to stop. We all make make mistakes. But you need to take the time to forgive yourself. Judging yourself for every little thing is counterproductive and just plain old useless. Loosen up! Laugh at yourself. Most of all, be kind to yourself. You're the only person who has to deal with YOU all the time. Don't become someone you can't stand. Love yourself. Love your flaws. Lighten up!
It was the first snowfall of the year... (Random Prompt)
It was on December 27th. So much for a white Christmas. It was silent and fluffy. I couldn't help but to marvel at it's pureness. Milrose Games was coming up and he was upsetting me. Tia had just helped me create a tumblr to clear my mind. It worked.
It wasn't soon until it became a gray-black slush. The softness turning gritty. But for those days it did retain it's softness, my spirit felt refreshed. Yes it was cold, but it tamed the heat of my anger. Anger, left frozen in my footsteps. The wintry tundra relieving my soul.
It wasn't soon until it became a gray-black slush. The softness turning gritty. But for those days it did retain it's softness, my spirit felt refreshed. Yes it was cold, but it tamed the heat of my anger. Anger, left frozen in my footsteps. The wintry tundra relieving my soul.
Sweet Sweet T&T
Here is where my Caribbean fortress lay. Although I'm not a native, my bloodlines trace back to this beautiful island.
I might as well should have been born there seeing that I was taken there since my infancy. Belmont, Port of Spain. Houses on hills and trees of mangoes. Tall stalks of sugar cane in the neighbor's yard. Hailing down a taxi to go to town. Mario's pizza with ketchup, or real KFC. Jogging around the Savannah and having coconut water and snowcones. Sweet, sweet Trinidad.
Then there are the outer skirts outside of the city. Having shark and bake at Las Cuevas and Maracas. Staying at the beach house in Mearow. Being lulled to sleep by the waves caressing the shore. Running on the warm sand. Seeing your feet through the clear ocean, not clouded or obscured like that of the US.
Christmas time filled with many festivities, especially in the Seaton family. The backbone of our celebration? Parang, parang, parang. Uncle has the quatro while Auntie sings the tune. Cousins have the maracas, and the tuck-tuck. Mommy's clapping along Mama's dancing, bones never to old to move to the rhythm. "Eating, drinking, having a good time."
Family. Togetherness. Being blessed to have everyone at once place, alive and well. Strength. Happiness. Comfort in the warmth of your loved ones. Gratefulness. Thankfulness. That you are a part of a heritage so rich.
I might as well should have been born there seeing that I was taken there since my infancy. Belmont, Port of Spain. Houses on hills and trees of mangoes. Tall stalks of sugar cane in the neighbor's yard. Hailing down a taxi to go to town. Mario's pizza with ketchup, or real KFC. Jogging around the Savannah and having coconut water and snowcones. Sweet, sweet Trinidad.
Then there are the outer skirts outside of the city. Having shark and bake at Las Cuevas and Maracas. Staying at the beach house in Mearow. Being lulled to sleep by the waves caressing the shore. Running on the warm sand. Seeing your feet through the clear ocean, not clouded or obscured like that of the US.
Christmas time filled with many festivities, especially in the Seaton family. The backbone of our celebration? Parang, parang, parang. Uncle has the quatro while Auntie sings the tune. Cousins have the maracas, and the tuck-tuck. Mommy's clapping along Mama's dancing, bones never to old to move to the rhythm. "Eating, drinking, having a good time."
Family. Togetherness. Being blessed to have everyone at once place, alive and well. Strength. Happiness. Comfort in the warmth of your loved ones. Gratefulness. Thankfulness. That you are a part of a heritage so rich.
Blackness and it's Beauty: A Different Perspective
Shall I start with my immense intrigue with Alek Wek? The Sudanese beauty has changed the modeling game into a whole new playing field. By leaking diversity through the industry, Alek Wek has introduced a new meaning to the word beautiful. With dark, midnight skin, an exotic womanly frame, and of course, beautiful white teeth, she has catapulted herself within the midst of high fashion.
It was a teacher of mine who brought her up one day in class. We were discussing the issue weave, and why young girls go on endless journeys to attain it. It was getting to the point where these girls had developed a whole new ego. The hair was making them a different person. The hair held their confidences and hid their insecurities. So, my teacher used Alek Wek as an example of someone who didn't need her hair to portray pure beauty.
One of the most outstanding features that captures me the most is her flawless skin. She is THE chocolate of the chocolate. The blackest of the black. But yet, she has managed to so eloquently showcase her beauty in modeling.
Of course this addresses another issue as well: Skin Color.
Color is gradable. There is a scale of different tones, tints, and shades. People of color can fall into any part of this scale. Color smoothly meshes together as it ranges from darkest to light. So why, with people, is there a division that's created by each end?
This has been a long, drawn out battle for decades. It's come to the point where it has reached ignorance. I've had to listen to black men and women degrade darker skinned women. I've heard statements of beautiful dark skinned women being "rare." Listened to endless complaints of wanting an exotic women but yet, without fail, they go for the same, generic idea. Seen how we've subconsciously began to hate ourselves and used our own women as scapegoats, recipients for our hate.
I'm not here to completely denounce those of the lighter complexion, darker complexion, or anyone in between. As far as I'm concerned, we're all black. Why hold ourselves up to the stigmas enforces by slavery? Embracing something that holds so much pain? There's no need. It's time for us to lift ourselves up as a people instead of widening the chasm between us. Let color be color.
So some are going to look at this picture, and say this woman is ugly. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But if someone could just take the time to open their minds to a newer experience and understand something else besides the European standard of beauty, maybe things will change. Understand that it's not about the longer hair, or the thinner nose, or the lighter skin, or the straightest teeth. That beauty is so much more than what the media feeds us. That anyone, in their own way, can be beautiful.
Cheers, to you Ms. Wek. Beautiful African Empress.
It was a teacher of mine who brought her up one day in class. We were discussing the issue weave, and why young girls go on endless journeys to attain it. It was getting to the point where these girls had developed a whole new ego. The hair was making them a different person. The hair held their confidences and hid their insecurities. So, my teacher used Alek Wek as an example of someone who didn't need her hair to portray pure beauty.
One of the most outstanding features that captures me the most is her flawless skin. She is THE chocolate of the chocolate. The blackest of the black. But yet, she has managed to so eloquently showcase her beauty in modeling.
Of course this addresses another issue as well: Skin Color.
Color is gradable. There is a scale of different tones, tints, and shades. People of color can fall into any part of this scale. Color smoothly meshes together as it ranges from darkest to light. So why, with people, is there a division that's created by each end?
This has been a long, drawn out battle for decades. It's come to the point where it has reached ignorance. I've had to listen to black men and women degrade darker skinned women. I've heard statements of beautiful dark skinned women being "rare." Listened to endless complaints of wanting an exotic women but yet, without fail, they go for the same, generic idea. Seen how we've subconsciously began to hate ourselves and used our own women as scapegoats, recipients for our hate.
I'm not here to completely denounce those of the lighter complexion, darker complexion, or anyone in between. As far as I'm concerned, we're all black. Why hold ourselves up to the stigmas enforces by slavery? Embracing something that holds so much pain? There's no need. It's time for us to lift ourselves up as a people instead of widening the chasm between us. Let color be color.
So some are going to look at this picture, and say this woman is ugly. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But if someone could just take the time to open their minds to a newer experience and understand something else besides the European standard of beauty, maybe things will change. Understand that it's not about the longer hair, or the thinner nose, or the lighter skin, or the straightest teeth. That beauty is so much more than what the media feeds us. That anyone, in their own way, can be beautiful.
Cheers, to you Ms. Wek. Beautiful African Empress.
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