Saturday, December 10, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Closet Envy: Zerina Akers
So. I got in front of a camera and this is what happened...
I was interviewed on Essence.com for their Closet Envy feature!
Click HERE for the complete article.
I was interviewed on Essence.com for their Closet Envy feature!
Click HERE for the complete article.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Galliano, You Silly Drunken Rabbit.
So apparently John Galliano was ousted from Dior for this...
Silly Rabbit....
Too bad anti-Semitism is illegal in France. I wonder what would have come of this if he were referring to Black people...
I'm having a hard time caring. I was more traumatized when Corinne stepped down from French Vogue.
...Who could replace Galliano???
Silly Rabbit....
Too bad anti-Semitism is illegal in France. I wonder what would have come of this if he were referring to Black people...
I'm having a hard time caring. I was more traumatized when Corinne stepped down from French Vogue.
...Who could replace Galliano???
Friday, February 25, 2011
If Abortions Were Considered Murder... How Many Tattoo Tears Would You Have?
WARNING: LONG POST...but bare with me.
Ok. I wouldn't usually share conversations between my friends and I but there has been some buzz about this billboard and I thought people would be interested in what us 3 Black Women said during our cyber cypher. Join the convo...
JASMINE:
"The most dangerous place for an African American is in the womb," reads the inflammatory ad sponsored by the Dallas-based pro-life group "Life Always."
The three-story billboard at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Watts Street features an elementary-school aged African-American girl looking out at viewers with a plaintive expression, wearing a bow in her hair and a sleeveless pink jumper dress. The ad directs passersby to the group's website, thatsabortion.com.
ZERINA:
Apparently the highest cause of death for Black African-American ppl is abortions. That being known, I see where he was going with it. He just didn't quite make it there... In fact he unknowingly went somewhere else. (I've seen an ad like this before, it was just worded similarly to my statement above.) Him saying this is a failed attempt to address the high abortion rate but he successfully insults Black women who are pregnant, have children, or ever plan to be with-child. It sends the message that we are all unfit and not worthy of the natural right to bear children.
It was just a bad call. How many people signed off on this?!? Billboards are not cheap and I'm certain this one will be coming down soon.
The direct and InYoFace approach is one thing... But the message has to be clear.
JASMINE:
ZERINA:
I agree. He/They need to realign themselves on a more positive side of the fight (ie. Education)
Abortions, while it is not an easy decision to make, HAS grown into a form of birth control rather than a means to an end. (Wait. Does that make sense?)
...Anyway I want to hear/see pro-life campaigns from a females perspective.
Ps. I may or may not blog this convo
JASMINE:
Blog away--And I'm sure it may be cliche of us to say his msg should be realigned with education and positivity, because of course this is by no means a positive issue, however, I do think this is a valuable lesson in the importance of positioning, packaging and protecting one's public message very carefully especially because again not all folks will take the extra step, albeit small, to research or whatever the actual intended message.
KEI:
I guess I can go ahead and chime in.
Ok, I'm ranting.
Jasmine, your "plot of changing the world through media and owning a conglomerate one day (dead serious) with the sole purpose of helping our community "unlearn" all the bullshit we've been taught." sounds like a fun project/campaign that I'm sure we could get financed
...and I, too, liked
JASMINE:
Ok. I wouldn't usually share conversations between my friends and I but there has been some buzz about this billboard and I thought people would be interested in what us 3 Black Women said during our cyber cypher. Join the convo...
JASMINE:
This controversial billboard is in soho—the organization a “pro-life” group is led by a black pastor. SMDH. It is ONE thing to have a pov and opinion on the topic but quite another to exploit and humiliate black women in the process. Shame on him and this organization's poor discretion and bad taste. Thoughts?
The three-story billboard at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Watts Street features an elementary-school aged African-American girl looking out at viewers with a plaintive expression, wearing a bow in her hair and a sleeveless pink jumper dress. The ad directs passersby to the group's website, thatsabortion.com.
ZERINA:
Apparently the highest cause of death for Black African-American ppl is abortions. That being known, I see where he was going with it. He just didn't quite make it there... In fact he unknowingly went somewhere else. (I've seen an ad like this before, it was just worded similarly to my statement above.) Him saying this is a failed attempt to address the high abortion rate but he successfully insults Black women who are pregnant, have children, or ever plan to be with-child. It sends the message that we are all unfit and not worthy of the natural right to bear children.
It was just a bad call. How many people signed off on this?!? Billboards are not cheap and I'm certain this one will be coming down soon.
The direct and InYoFace approach is one thing... But the message has to be clear.
JASMINE:
"It sends the message that we are all unfit and not worthy of the natural right to bear children." Precisely, from a campaign marketing POV they killed it, they elicited a response and thus forced me to shoot it out to y'all. The problem is the type of response garnered. I guarantee most people will not do the due diligence of clicking through to the site to figure out what this is all about. I wonder if the pastor should realign his focus on education of such issues especially since as black women we are disproportionately fed conflicting messages about the choices we make regarding our bodies.
No matter the choices we make we are made to feel shameful/disgusted about 1) our perceived abuse of federal assistance (welfare babies) or 2) our wombs are DANGEROUS for our children in critique of our use of abortion. Shiiiiiit, I am confused--which is it abort fetuses when you are not ready to parent or raise children in less than ideal situations?
Bad call, indeed.ZERINA:
I agree. He/They need to realign themselves on a more positive side of the fight (ie. Education)
Abortions, while it is not an easy decision to make, HAS grown into a form of birth control rather than a means to an end. (Wait. Does that make sense?)
...Anyway I want to hear/see pro-life campaigns from a females perspective.
Ps. I may or may not blog this convo
JASMINE:
Blog away--And I'm sure it may be cliche of us to say his msg should be realigned with education and positivity, because of course this is by no means a positive issue, however, I do think this is a valuable lesson in the importance of positioning, packaging and protecting one's public message very carefully especially because again not all folks will take the extra step, albeit small, to research or whatever the actual intended message.
KEI:
I guess I can go ahead and chime in.
I agree with every point you brought up.
It's quite unfortunate that this organization and this pastor together thought was this billboard was the proper way to communicate this message, whether right or wrong; there are much better ways to educate people on the issues surrounding abortion or for that matter, protected sex.
The sad part is that something as important and sensitive as abortion/birth control/abstinence/woman's choice can even be discussed from a marketing perspective. Back in the day, media (agencies, marketing companies) didn't touch on those issues and I don't know whether to be happy or upset that there's no separation these days. Then that would bring us to the discussion of civil rights and women's rights. Which could go on for days.
Honestly, there needs to be some sort of regulation as to who can buy billboards these days. Money/greed is the real issue at hand. We should buy one....
"you're reading this billboard"
or
"insert racially, gender offensive ad here" + picture of black baby
Absolutely, these issues are heavy and multi-layered and I definitely understand the need to combat media messages re: black women and our sexuality---perceived/
But in a larger context I do not know how I feel about regulating media (free speech) I just think a better job needs to be done of self-managing the messages disseminated to our communites. Which of course feeds back to my plot of changing the world through media and owning a conglomerate one day (dead serious) with the sole purpose of helping our community "unlearn" all the bullshit we've been taught. Ahh the lofty goals of the young and restless. So yea, let's collect abd collate our peanuts and get on the billboard tip.
Kei, I particularly liked:
"you're reading this billboard"
INDEED! It's not a "positive" issue, nor is it a "negative" one. It's a sacred one. Not that a Woman's choice discussions should be limited or off limits but today's media and government antics have blurred the lines that once divided the minor exploitable human faults/issues and protected human rights. Abortion has always been and will always be an issue. Women had so many children in the 50's and 60's because they were afraid of the wire hanger. Fortunately our world has evolved into one with choices. What these pro-life people do not realize is that some abortions are going to take place whether it's legal or not. Jasmine said it eloquently, "...which is it abort fetuses when you are not ready to parent or raise children in less than ideal situations"
Ok, I'm ranting.
Jasmine, your "plot of changing the world through media and owning a conglomerate one day (dead serious) with the sole purpose of helping our community "unlearn" all the bullshit we've been taught." sounds like a fun project/campaign that I'm sure we could get financed
...and I, too, liked
"you're reading this billboard"
www.theysellthesetoanyone.comLet the plotting begin beautiful women. :)
_______________________________________________________________________________
IRONICALLY today, Ad Company Pulls NYC Anti-Abortion Billboard
Oh Al...
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!
Ok. EVERYONE who is ANYONE that knows me know that I give new meaning to DIE HARD FAN when it comes to Queen Latifah. I've idolized her ever since I was about 9-years-old, I'm 24. ...and if you're FAMILY, you know that The Little Mermaid is my favorite Disney movie. With being said ya'll know I damn near DIED when I saw THIS!!!!
Oh how I WISH it would be a live action movie but I'm sure it's just another Disney ad like THESE, probably shot by Annie Leibovitz. Ugh that would have been a dream come thru for me!
Oh how I WISH it would be a live action movie but I'm sure it's just another Disney ad like THESE, probably shot by Annie Leibovitz. Ugh that would have been a dream come thru for me!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
SO! I Like to Blog About @NickiMinaj.
I can't count the amount of conversations I've had about Nicki's style. The reality is that she's on the brink of superstar-dom and if played right, the fashion game brings more money and longevity (I mean...If Rihanna didn't give you a moment every time she stepped out, you wouldn't even bother) Fashion is the reason why Beyonce is practically an icon and why Keri Hilson hasn't quite reached her peak.
Nicki has grown a lot in the last year but unfortunately with lackadaisical stylist after stylist, her growth has not been immediately visible. She's growing faster than her team and for some reason, they can keep up, consistently, and now is a crucial time for consistency. This woman (like many of us) NEEDS to keep this money coming in. She needs to be very careful with her decision making now more than ever.
Anywho... I said THAT to say THIS....
She looks FANTASTIC here! The best thus far! Kudos to Brett Bailey for getting it right! She's Strong. She's Stunning. She's Powerful. She's not just her ass. AND she still has room for a little more drama should she be feeling fancy. She's not giving it all away or feeding the girls SO much that they their appetite for her is suppressed. We don't want that. (Oh...and I've been DYING to see her in a suit. I mean... the girl IS about her biz)
All of this just leads me to say: VOTE BRETT BAILEY FOR STYLIST! ...or at least Me.
Ps. This is also my favorite wig of hers. The clean blond bob comes second. I'm still trying to figure out why all the other wigs don't look as well put together as this and the blond one. I have a cure for that too ---> Dante Blandshaw
Okay. It's late. I'll read the article tomorrow and maybe do a follow up post.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
LONG LIVE SHENENEH!
...because we ALL Love to Laugh.
"I Be Crackin Myself So Up! ...I Be Crackin Myself UP!"
"I Be Crackin Myself So Up! ...I Be Crackin Myself UP!"
THINK! ...in 140 Characters or less.
Some people waste some of their most brilliant thoughts and shady sub-tweets on Twitter because after only 60 seconds the rest of the world devalues your brilliance by tweeting about things like what they're eating and how many "haters" they have, forcing your Twisdom lower and lower on the mobile timeline making them completely irrelevant and replaceable. Your words would probably be more beneficial in a journal...
Moving along...
You know something is wrong when you can sit on Facebook and Twitter all day and genuinely feel like you've had a productive day filled with loads of human interaction. REALITY: YOU DIDN'T SEE NOR SPEAK TO ANYONE TODAY!!! Just because 12 people 'liked' your status does not mean A:) That you've affected/effected anyone's lives and B:) Anyone actually cares what you have to say. Okay. I, too, am I'm guilty of Facebook Philosophizing and Twitter Theorizing. I just think a few good things run through my mind sometimes that people might 'like'. (Did I mention how much I looove contradicting myself??? Keeps me grounded)
On another note...
Once corporations take to things like Twitter and Facebook you've gotta know something is wrong. NONE of them have our best interests at heart but they realize how much of an effect these sites have on our psyche.
One last thing: Follow me on Twitter
www.twitter.com/zerinaakers
Ok wait. ONE more thing. I promise.
Fuck Mark Zuckerberg.
Monday, February 21, 2011
I Like This Nicki.
When Nicki finally finds a good stylist, she'll begin to make the kind of money that lasts. I LOVE the crazy but it has to be done RIGHT. There's a fine line between Intriguing Crazy and Crazy Crazy and there's a way to exude Crazy Crazy but still be able to get a position as a fashion muse. (with muse comes money) Timing is also important. Give a moment when I moment needs to be given but always always be on point. (and by point I mean 6" Daffodiles... and by Daffodiles I mean these)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
No Lye. Don't Lye. Stop Lying. Why Lye. Truth. Etcetera.
GOOD & BAD HAIR!
Ok. We're ALL guilty of attending Madame Re-Re's Salon!
As Africans in America we're all building on a cracked foundation. Some may think that because of that, we will never truly be stable but we are far too resilient. The roots of our trees are strong enough to fill those cracks and strengthen foundations... even when we're unaware.
There has been a recent wave of women going "natural" (growing their perm out or cutting the permed hair off) YES! More Power to You! Whether it's a fad or not... YES! But I've noticed that these choices sometimes create a split in our community. The Relaxed & Naturals.
Our hair is as strong as the roots of a TREE, except our roots grow towards the SUN! Although there's nothing like rockin your natural crown I understand that we are the product of a society that has many faces. As Africans in America ALL of those faces have been affected/effected by Europeans in America. For Africans in America the effects of slavery coupled with constant images of Beauty that are not our own has definitely altered how we process what we see when we look in the mirror.
[I WILL say this...] GO NATURAL! It's 2011 and the fact is, we live in America. I understand that you may not want to rock a 'fro. You're not wrong for that. You're not LESS than anyone/anything. You're not any less Black. You're not any less of a Queen. BUT I'm here to inform you that you do NOT need a relaxer. We are ALL blessed with hair that can do ANYTHING! ...without the help of chemicals. Why should we have to put harmful chemicals onto our heads every 4-6 weeks just to live our day-to-day lives?!? F that and F them for that. I've been completely natural for about 3 years now and my hair acts WAY better and is far more beautiful w/o out the relaxer and it allows for much more versatility. Take the step! It's only hair, it'll grow back.
Note to the Mothers: Do NOT perm our babies' hair. I REPEAT, Do NOT perm our babies' hair. Before they can even see how beautiful THEY are in the mirror, you straighten their hair so they don't even see themselves when they look at the reflection. Many of us don't see our true selves for the 1st time until after we're 20+ years old. We ARE the babies and we're being taught that we HAVE to chemically alter our appearances to simply BE in the world.
I could get into hair pressing v. rocking your natural curls but I believe in baby steps. This is something that I haven't quite conquered yet either. I'll straighten from time to time and I enjoy my weaves (MY hair always looks so good after I take them out).
We have to be mindful of how we perceive our Beauty. We are ALL sisters. Like any group of sisters we all make different decisions and chose different paths. No ONE choice is right for all. We are all Queens. We have so many things trying to separate us, lets not let a strand break our bond. Curly hair, straight hair... No ONE is better than the other. Remember, while you're looking down on someone you can't move forward (you'll trip and fall on what you couldn't see) reach out a hand and move together. #TeamNatural you're not above communicating with your sister #TeamRelaxed and #TeamRelaxed you are just as Beautiful and worthy as your sister #TeamNatural. GROW TOGETHER.
MOTIVATION: Here a few of my sick'ning Queens. (And a few versions of Me.) All of which have not an OUNCE of relaxer on the crown and are leading full, healthy, and happy lives in different styles. (You may see a weave or two or a little kanekalon...but NO relaxer :-)
Ok. We're ALL guilty of attending Madame Re-Re's Salon!
As Africans in America we're all building on a cracked foundation. Some may think that because of that, we will never truly be stable but we are far too resilient. The roots of our trees are strong enough to fill those cracks and strengthen foundations... even when we're unaware.
There has been a recent wave of women going "natural" (growing their perm out or cutting the permed hair off) YES! More Power to You! Whether it's a fad or not... YES! But I've noticed that these choices sometimes create a split in our community. The Relaxed & Naturals.
Our hair is as strong as the roots of a TREE, except our roots grow towards the SUN! Although there's nothing like rockin your natural crown I understand that we are the product of a society that has many faces. As Africans in America ALL of those faces have been affected/effected by Europeans in America. For Africans in America the effects of slavery coupled with constant images of Beauty that are not our own has definitely altered how we process what we see when we look in the mirror.
[I WILL say this...] GO NATURAL! It's 2011 and the fact is, we live in America. I understand that you may not want to rock a 'fro. You're not wrong for that. You're not LESS than anyone/anything. You're not any less Black. You're not any less of a Queen. BUT I'm here to inform you that you do NOT need a relaxer. We are ALL blessed with hair that can do ANYTHING! ...without the help of chemicals. Why should we have to put harmful chemicals onto our heads every 4-6 weeks just to live our day-to-day lives?!? F that and F them for that. I've been completely natural for about 3 years now and my hair acts WAY better and is far more beautiful w/o out the relaxer and it allows for much more versatility. Take the step! It's only hair, it'll grow back.
Note to the Mothers: Do NOT perm our babies' hair. I REPEAT, Do NOT perm our babies' hair. Before they can even see how beautiful THEY are in the mirror, you straighten their hair so they don't even see themselves when they look at the reflection. Many of us don't see our true selves for the 1st time until after we're 20+ years old. We ARE the babies and we're being taught that we HAVE to chemically alter our appearances to simply BE in the world.
I could get into hair pressing v. rocking your natural curls but I believe in baby steps. This is something that I haven't quite conquered yet either. I'll straighten from time to time and I enjoy my weaves (MY hair always looks so good after I take them out).
We have to be mindful of how we perceive our Beauty. We are ALL sisters. Like any group of sisters we all make different decisions and chose different paths. No ONE choice is right for all. We are all Queens. We have so many things trying to separate us, lets not let a strand break our bond. Curly hair, straight hair... No ONE is better than the other. Remember, while you're looking down on someone you can't move forward (you'll trip and fall on what you couldn't see) reach out a hand and move together. #TeamNatural you're not above communicating with your sister #TeamRelaxed and #TeamRelaxed you are just as Beautiful and worthy as your sister #TeamNatural. GROW TOGETHER.
MOTIVATION: Here a few of my sick'ning Queens. (And a few versions of Me.) All of which have not an OUNCE of relaxer on the crown and are leading full, healthy, and happy lives in different styles. (You may see a weave or two or a little kanekalon...but NO relaxer :-)
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