I hope this blog reaches you all in great happiness and health on this Thanksgiving. Speaking of: Happy Thanksgiving! The holiday is very dear to my heart, namely because of how close it is to my birthday. Yesterday I turned 18: and now I am an adult…legally, that is. Until I can open child-lock medicine bottles on my own, I cannot say that I have matured into my adulthood. (Cough, Cough: I'm sick. Not addicting to pills. Just want to put that out there.) (Wow, that makes it seem like I am addicted: but for real: I just have a some evil satan flu. No need for worrying).
SO THANKSGIVING: a time to give thanks---- a time to look back at this year and appreciate all the goodness that has befallen us. I personally, had a very interesting and productive year, so I thought I would try and accumulate all the thanks I had into a handy-dandy "little" list for you. But of course: there is a twist! (mwhaha). Although I think we all have things to be thankful for, I also would like to take this time to air out some grievences Festivus style: and compose a list of things that I am very not thankful for. These are things that I hope to see changed by the next thanksgiving, as well as in my opinion ways that we can improve these things before next year.
Let's get to it, by starting off with the negative. After all, who doesn't love a pessimist!
5 THINGS I AM NOT THANKFUL FOR
#1: The Ferguson Situation.
Now normally, I would say that violence solves all problems because all questions can be answered with a fist to the face. And I say this as a joke, because VIOLENCE IS NEVER THE ANSWER. Weather it be the violent reaction over the case, or the violence that started the case in the beginning: the abuse in Ferguson is too much to handle. I am all for the protest of this case: I think what happened was a horrible misuse of power and several people need to be accounted for that aren't: however, I do not support setting cars on fire or the looting of convent stores. I think some people are using the case as an excuse to do whatever they want, and that is desecrating to the memory of Michael Brown, the boy who was shot down and killed by cop Darren Wilson. There are several things going on that I think ARE bringing change: such as the smaller protest of people who are occupying street corners for 4 and a half minutes to represent the 4 and a half hours in which his body lay in the street.
By next year I hope to see that the situation in Ferguson has settled, and Michael Brown's family can find some sort of justice. Because I was not there and because I do not have the authority to pass judgement on exactly what happened: I cannot say weather or not Darren Wilson will or should be put in jail. However I will say this: I strongly believe that anyone on a police force should have to wear a camera on them while on the job. This not only protects people from the police who abuse their power, but this also protects the officers from wrongful accusations of misconduct on the force. Hopefully by next year we will se some movements in that direction.
#2: The Fact That Thanksgiving Is Built On The Opression of The Native American Culture.
We all know the story: the pilgrims landed on Plymouth rock, became best bro's with the natives next door and then they sat down, murdered a turkey together, and lived happily ever after setting a tradition of watching football and eating until our pants need to be un-buttoned with family forward for the rest of our days until we all die in the zombie apocalypse. WELL they left out a few details. For example, they don't tell you about how the pilgrims pushed the Native Americans out of their lands, and waged horrible war on their crops, and abused their priviliges by taking advantage of their medicine and herbs while stealing their culture and forcing them to assimilate into a "civilized" manner. The original Pocahontas was forced into a marriage with a white man John Rolfe, then sent back to England to be shown off as a rare-oddity and entertainment for the Kings and Dukes in the area(s). Sadly, there is nothing we can do to change the past, so hopefully in the future we will just become more aware of our roots and learn from them and place more importance in understanding and respecting of the Native American cultures. In short: white people are horrible. (I would know: I am one of them).
#3: The Misunderstanding of Understanding.
Okay. That sounds a bit vague, but hey: it sounds better than 'people suck because they don't understand or respect feminism and constantly devalue it in our culture'. Let's get one thing straight world: You don't need to be female to be a feminist. You need to be a person. That's it. Feminism, is defined as the collection of movements and ideologies aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, cultural, and social rights for all sexes. In our society it is looked down upon to be a feminist. Celebrities have to come out on weather of not they are feminist or not, and what REALLY grinds my gears is when they make it a point to say that they aren't feminist---- which is stupid, because that's like saying you are a plant but you don't support the act of photosynthesis. It is a necessary way of life: Respect, understanding and tolerance makes the world a functioning and livable place for all----and that is all that feminism is trying to achieve. So please, Shailene Woodley, Pharrel Williams, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Gwyneth Paltrow, and sadly so many more: please understand that it's okay to be a feminist. You are all strong women (minus Pharrel, unless there is something he's not telling us) in your own right, but when you say that you aren't a feminist it diminishes your own accomplishments as well as those of the ladies around you. Feminism is not about hating men or raising women over men--- its about find equality for all sexes and genders. Feminism isn't dead, so we need to stop treating it like it is. We need to acknowledge its existence and its need in our society: we need more people coming forward and pushing for feminism (shout out to all you celebritiy advocates: Beyonce, Benedict Cumberbatch, Amy Pohler, Ellen Page: luckily, the list is very long so I can't list you all but know that I appreciate and love each and everyone on of you. Especially you, Mr. Cumberbatch. You rock). Point Blank: Feminism.
#4: The lack of LGBTQIA voices in media.
So this one is changing very rapidly with the introduction of shows like "Modern Family" and "Glee" as well as "Orange is The New Black" have been raising the ratings on members of the LGBTQIA community. I'm glad to start seeing it more, but its just not enough. When you think of the LGBTQIA spectrum: I think a few people only know the first two: Lesbian and Gay. Where are our transexuals, our intersexuals, and our a-sexuals? True there are a few documentaries about a-sexual lifestyle: but nothing mainstream. However, I am happy to hear that shows like "Transparent" and "The T-word" are going to be airing which is talking about the physical and emotional transition of switching gender. I think that these stories are important, and lesbian and gay stories are important as well: but I think we need to include everyone if we are going to help everyone. Make sense? So: next year: more LGBTQIA's. Yes.
#5: #RapeCulture
A culture that thrives off of the suppression and oppression of others is not a culture I want to be involved with. We are in a culture that not only feeds off of putting others down (statistically women) but also tolerates this heinous act and even promotes it. In our ads, in our homes, and in our schools: we actively advocate for the maltreatment of women and people in lesser places of power. Its not (only) that men are constantly trying to "put us down" through street harassment, cat-calling (same thing), and being blamed for provoking rape: its not only from one gender to another but it's also from one gender to one another. Holy-internalized-mysoginy- Batman! Our cultured is FUCKED UP. As a woman, I constantly find myself realizing that I put other women down daily without meaning it. When I compliment someone, its always at another's expense. "Wow, ____ you look so good. I wish I could look like that". "You look like a bad bitch". "You and that dress were made for each other: I could never pull that off". Whats wrong with just a compliment. "You look nice". Or complimenting yourself, for that matter. It's almost an excuse or an apology every time I try to say something nice about myself. When I say something I like people are always like "Wow, you're humble, aren't you".
I love my butt.
There, I said it.
It's awesome. And I shouldn't have to apologize for being okay with my body.
Our culture tries to break us emotionally and physically by forcing us to live by other peoples beauty standards: And I'm not having it.
By next year, I want to see our culture make some changes: realizing that hey: I'm walking down the street not because I want to get screamed at by some drunk guy, but because I have somewhere to be. That when I give you and or myself a compliment there is no, "buts" or "sorry's" or "excuses" afterwards. I want to pick up a magazine and see people of different, sizes, genders, races and ethnicity. I want to see a culture that addresses the problem, rather then dismissing the person who brings the problem up. Its not the victim's fault. The taut is that there is a victim in the first place. RapeCulture needs to end.
Well, now that I got that off my chest:I think I should start listing a few things I am thankful for. (Thank you to those who stayed as long as you have: I know this blog is un-neccisarily naggy and long. haha). WARNING: this list will easily get preachy, silly and stupid, and a bit weird: but these are things I am truly thankful for. (In no particular order, of course).
50 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR
#1. My Education.
Not my schooling. Not the classes i'm taking. Education is the retention of knowledge. I learn something knew everyday, and I don't always learn it in school. I learn it from the people around me. And I am thankful for the fax that every day brings a new fact to learned, and new truth to be heard, and a new question and a new answer to be found every day.
#2. My Family.
I never really appreciated my family until I moved away to college. Love you Mom and Dad. <3
#3. My Friends.
I know I could have put family and friends---but seriously. I have to list 100 of these things--- I don't have time for that. TO MY FRIENDS: thank you for dealing with my shit. There's no other way to phrase it.
#4. My Activism.
I never thought I would associate myself with the word "activist". I've always admired people who advocate for change and physically pursuit, but I never saw myself as someone with the means of doing that. I can't tell you how humbled I am to hear that people are reading what I am writing and that I am affecting change: that what I am doing is actively pursuing a better and brighter and more open and free future for everyone--- that is something so many people want and I want to work with everyone on an individual and global scale: I just love making change and helping out where I can. This blog gave me that. The cause is greater than I am, and I am grateful for it.
#5. S.O.U.P.
"I like Soup. I also like The Student Organized Undergraduate Playwrights." (Erik Rhamsey, BFA Professor at Ohio University). I stand by that statement. While at Ohio, SOUP has been a parent to me-- helping me as a first year writer and allowing me to produce my play The Theory of Everything. They are awesome and I am thankful for their existence. May you continue to exist for many a year to come.
#6. Barbra Streisands Latest Album "Duets".
Have you hear it? It's amazing. She's amazing. Barbra Streisand.
#7. The Harley Quinn Comic Series (2013- today).
As much as I hate the New 52 version of Harley Quinn, her individual comic series, which is secular to the New-52 Suicide Squad: is amazing. Written and Drawn by mostly women, it adds humor to the horror, and viva versa. A funny girl and a force to be reckoned with: Harley Quinn is a character to watch out for.
#8. The Right to Wear Pants.
I don't like wearing pants, but I like the right to wear pants. Women have come so far in the aspect of clothing: and I am super thankful for the right to show ankles, never even mind my legs. #Pants
#9. The Right to Write this Blog.
I am thankful for the freedom of speech and the opportunity to express myself.
#10. Batman: The Animated Series App.
Every Episode of the best cartoon ever for free on my phone? Helllll yessss!!!!!
#11. Fativism.
As defined by me: it is the activism against body hatred. Not only for fat girls, or even girls, but for everyone who has ever been called fat or has thought themselves fat---so everyone. Body Love.
#12. CATS.
#13. MY CATS.
This is Schrodinger.
#14. THIS CAT.
#15. Every South Park Episode.
South Park talks about things that aren't necessarily talked about. And by talk I mean shouts, sings, blows up, etc. South Park is pushing the limits of comedy and culture and I stand by the artistry and the satire of it all.
#16. MCVTS School of The Arts.
I would not be who I am today without this school. I spent the best four years of my life there, and I wish I could spend another four (just kidding: college).
The school is raising voices and giving opportunity to youthful new actors, directors, writers, and techies---- I became a generally goodish person there. I owe everything to them, and I am truly thankful for their continuation of support for the arts and for my art.
#17. Rani Crowe.
Rani Crowe has single-handedly helped me so much since I've been at Ohio University. She is an amazing educator, advisor, artist, and person. I am very thankful for her existence.
#18. The Invention of The Internet.
THE INTERNET. THANK BUDDAH.
#19. Alcohol.
….Not that I drink alcohol…whaaaatttttttt………
#20. Benedict Cumberbatch.
He acts.
He acts in Brittish accents.
He acts in not Brittish accents.
He acts as a detective.
He acts as a dragon.
He acts as a genetically modified sociopathic human-alien-thing with super blood.
He is…..
Benedict Cumberbatch.
<3
<3
<3
I am thankful for his acting skills, the fact that he is way more than a pretty face, and that he is an all around top notch specimen of humanity. <3
#21. Sundays.
The ice-cream type and the day. Sundays have become my favorite day of the week ever since I've been at the university. On Sundays I get up early and play board games with some fellow geeks. Its my un-wind time, and I have the most fun I've had in my entire life. From Star Trek: Catan, to Decent, to Red Dragon Inn: Sundays rock, and so do my fellow boardgames. Game on, nerds. Game on.
#22. This Video.
#23. The Fact that I went from This (2010):
#24. To This (2014).
#25. This List is Almost Over! (Half Way---woot woot!)
#26. The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
I don't dream it. I be it.
#27. Feminism and Fashion.
I recently discovered Sandhya Garg through Project Runway. The first thing I saw from her was a screen-printed dress made of middle-fingers, because she "wants (her) clothes to say what some many women can't". I think mixing feminism and fashion is a great idea, and that a strong woman shouldn't be in mens clothing: a strong woman she be in her own clothing that she rocks. Women are strong and she is strong, and I full support her in her career as a designer.
http://www.sandhyagarg.com/press
#28. Pianos.
I am very thankful for music, and for the skills I have worked hard to acquire. I am thankful for being pushed to practice, because now I am a focused person. I am a (somewhat) skilled musician, and the piano gives me pleasure, and I hope to please people with what I play.
#29. Every Queen Song Ever Written. Ever.
Because Freddie Mercury.
#30. My Women & Gender Studies Class.
My favorite class so far has been my Women and Gender Studies class because it keeps me aware of my past, present, and future as a feminist. It allows me to really understand how the world works, and sometimes I hate how it works--- but it also gives me the tools to change how it does and I am forever thankful for those tools to effect change.
#31. "Fight Like A Girl" by Megan Seely
This started off as an assigned reading, but quickly became one of my favorite books. i'm so happy that I read it: it really opened my eyes, and I highly suggest you read it as well. =)
#32. The Fact That I Don't Live With My Parents Anymore.
I think I love and respect my parents more because I don't live with them. I have my space to clean up, and its forced me to mature in ways I didn't expect it to. I am very thankful for that.
#33. The Comeback of "I Like Big Butts" By Sir Mix-o-Lot
Let's get one thing straight. I cannot stand the "Anaconda" song by Nicki Manaj, because it destroys this good song. this great song. Its my butt. It's big. I like it. I cannot lie. It was one of the first songs I think about when I think of redefining beauty. It literally changed the way our culture sees…butts! We are a culture obsessed with booty. I am thankful for this booty. Sir Mix-o-lot just gets me, man. <3
#34. I'm a Legal Adult.
It's crazy, but I am a legal adult. 18. And I am so thankful to have the right to vote and to use my voice to it's fullest extent.
#35. The Right to Vote.
Hey! Speaking of voting…. #HilaryForPresident
#36. COSPLAY.
All the cosplay. All the time.
#37. The Recent Discovery of My Love for Pokemon.
With the current dowload of Pokemon Red to my phone, I (re)discovered how much I love pokemon. It awoke the inner 7 year old within me, and I love being serious and professional, but sometimes I need to sit down and battle my nemesis "AssHat" and destroy his Rapidash with my Ivysaur.
#38. My Prom Dress.
I know its superficial, but I like frilly dresses. Sue me.
#39. My Prom Date.
I had a lovely prom experience, and that was mainly because I went with my then boyfriend Calvin. Although it didn't work out in the end, he is a wonderful person and a wonderful friend. I wouldn't trade him for the world. He made this a wonderful year for me, and I am so thankful to have him as a part of my life.
#40. Spoken Word Poetry.
I love finding new ways to express myself and spoken-word poetry is one of them. I love performance and spoken word is my outlet. I'm very thankful to have it in my life, and to see it effect so many people in theirs.
#41. The Education Project Music Score.
To be honest, I'm thankful that it's over. Over the summer I locked myself away in my room and wrote all 42 pages of "The Education Project" down (music wise). It took me an entire summer and I worked my butt off composing it. I am thankful to share the experience with MCVTS School of Arts and with those who came to see it. Education is an important topic in today's society, and I'm thankful for the chance to add on to the conversation.
#42. BuzzFeed Journalism.
Buzzfeed is life.
#43. Donkey Coffee.
I used to be a tea-girl. Then I came to college. Point is: Coffee.
#44. Fuzzy Socks.
I'm grasping at straws here, but socks that are fluffy---they keep my feet warm during 11:00pm rehearsal. I'm thankful for that.
#45. Robes that go WOOSH when I walk fast.
If you can't tell now I'm REALLY grasping at straws, but when robes do that I just feel like a super hero/villain-----mostly villain. mwahahaha……
#46. Face-Off.
I love this show because it gives make-up artists who do AMAZING work an outlet. They make movie monsters and gods for a living---HOW COOL IS THAT!?!?! Plus, this years season was amazingly amazing…. just utterly jaw-dropping.
#47. The Casting of Harley Quinn in The Suicide Squad Movie.
It's the simple things in life that make me happy---like getting the casting of my favorite comic book character right for her first ever big screen appearance. <3
#48. That I live in A Country When I can do What I do (and Generally Get Paid For It Sometimes).
So I'm an artist, and I'm already committed to being a hobo---but I am thankful for the opportunity to produce art without censorship. I am thankful for the opportunity to collaborate and create my own work. I am thankful for all the artists who work with me, who watch me, and who I inspire. Art is the fuel that I run off of, and I am thankful that I have a lot of gas and and trigger-ready pedal foot and a long road ahead of me.
#49. That I live.
I am thankful for the fact that I exist, and that I am alive. I am a strong believe in there being a difference between being alive and living. I am alive, and I am so so so very thankful for that every day.
and finally.
#50. The People Who Make an Effort to Change The World. My Viewers. My Supports.
I am so thankful for each and every person who reads my blog. I know its silly, because Im just sharing my stories of who I am and the life I live--- but I think its important, because I think I'm important--- everyone is. We all have a story to share, and that's one thing I hope to inspire. I want people to start sharing their experiences with me. We can create a web of experiences and enclose over our society and change it for the better.
So this year was a triumph, hopefully next year will be as well.
Have a happy thanksgiving,
and I'll see you all later!
-Hayley
awesome.....again
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