The Misrepresentation of the Black Woman

The emerging voice in black entertainment is aggressively becoming a “Prurient-Fem” culture, placing a broader spotlight on hypersexuality, opposed to feminine comportment that allows room to showcase the intellectual and humanity-driven attributes of young women, which is far more attractive from a conscious mindset that less is more.

As famed celebrities are awarded for such explicit expressions, which they have the right to do in exertion to their first amendment right, the dangers in doing such is the influence it is waging on young women, some of which are replicating such behavior publicly, as it is seen around the world and propelling a monolithic myth and false representation of Black women as a whole.

In honor of Black Music Month, a counter to this pandemic can be found in the timeless lyrics of “Sophisticated Lady,” recorded by Natalie Cole in 1976.

 “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” 

                                                                             – Jim Rohn 

Interior Observations ________________________

In these times, it’s imperative that we seek healthy stimuli that nourish our mind, body and spirit.

A Woman Paying Homage to Women

Courtesy of the Artist's Reps

________________________________________________________

This one life given to us holds us accountable to purpose – lying within our divine identity and shaped by our tastes, talents and desires, combined with assimilating our individuality with the organic vocation that calls us.

If we are fortunate, we are provided with an education and a nourishing environment to attain our dreams and hone our calling into a refined expression.  If not, we must fight for it … slaying obstacles and outside distractions to create a way when there is no way.

As I think about the educational disparities facing young kids living in homes, where their education has been more at risk since Covid – lacking discipline or adequate parenting to encourage learning – they fall prey to aspiring for less than what they can become with the consequences of never discovering their hidden talents; meeting the right mentor; or taking a class that could change their lives. 

It is for this reason that I chose female musician and singer, Kandace Springs as my feature for Women’s History month to exemplify what is possible when gifts are nurtured at an early age, as she pays tribute to legends who have inspired her in the above documentary, The Women Who Raised Me.

Kandace Springs Official Site

 

"You cannot discard elders like an old shoe.  They're human beings still with a whole lot to offer ..."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              – Cicely Tyson       

Understanding Soul

If we strive for our one singular passion with the assumption that once achieved, we’ll be ultimately fulfilled, chances are we will sadly be disillusioned when we finally reach it – for it’s not the single attainment of the goal that satisfies, but surprisingly the journey, the people, the lessons, and the little joys that fulfill while we’re yet striving, and hopefully appreciating life around us and the loved ones we haven’t taken for granted that rewards us the most when we accomplish our dreams, as the happiness of the dream is not solely the dream, but rather the journey, struggles and obstacles overcame that usher the bliss.

The Writer’s Voice

Writers are born, I believe.  Before the writer knows they’ll become a writer, circumstances and events pull them to the craft with a serious, fascinating devotion that disturbs comfort when muse or inspiration suddenly strikes.

The stages of this craft can be more challenging than the craft itself – discovery, profession, commitment, sacrifice, and that daunting urgency to find ones voice, which can make a novice anxious at the idea of their voice being estranged before unearthed.

Yet, the writing voice is not a mysterious expedition.  It is [you] – the person you are … the voice and the words within, which feel natural coming out of your mouth.

It’s an organic discovery that allows writers to fearlessly express themselves and master the choreography of their voice without losing themselves in the intended message of the dance.