family
Family life from the feminist perspective; can women have it all? Can anyone?
A Complicated & Confusing #MeToo
Do you remember, Daddy? Or is it something an elementary schooler would make up? Because I honestly don’t remember my childhood besides the few incidences we had. It’s something I’m just now dealing with at 20-years-old and I’m slowly starting to realize that you were the catalyst for my mental illnesses and personality disorder. Well, and Mom, but that’s a different kind of abuse. Now don’t get me wrong, my mother didn’t know about the abuse while it was going on. “How would she not?” I’m sure that’s what many of you are asking. The reason is because when my parents divorced when I was two, my mom moved back to Oklahoma and me and my dad stayed in Florida, coming to Oklahoma occasionally. Conveniently, most of the abuse happened in Florida from what I can remember.
By Carmen Pennington8 years ago in Viva
Yes, Dad, #MeToo
Yes, Dad, #MeToo I have been trying, and failing, to speak my truth for years. To my parents. To my friends. To my coworkers. Every time I open my mouth to speak, I choke. The rare few times I have opened up to family members and close friends, I’ve been rebutted (“Wait, didn’t you sleep with that guy anyway?” “You were drunk.” “Well why didn’t you call the police?”). Eventually, you develop survival techniques for living with your secrets. Some of us happen to favor the unhealthy ones. My personal favorite is: If I distract myself by keeping my glass of [insert alcohol of choice here] full, I won’t think about what happened to me. The problem with my coping mechanism of choice is that, if you’re an unpredictable drunk like me, sometimes all you’ll be able to think about is the one thing you’re trying not to think about. That, or you end up speaking your truth before you’re ready, in fractured pieces to unwilling participants (which, in my case, includes my parents).
By Brooke Elizabeth8 years ago in Viva
Dear Working Moms, It’s Time to Stop Feeling Guilty
Whether you’re a stay at home mom or a working mom, you can admit the lifestyle has its vices. By the title, I imagine you know which one I’ll be speaking about. Let’s stop there though - this will not be an argument on which role is harder, which role is better, or anything of that sort. Being a mom is hard and being a mom is awesome. Period.
By Rayelle Paulson8 years ago in Viva
Please Grow Up To Be a Fool
Sometimes we get into moods where we think too deeply, we muse too strongly, and we feel just too much. And so we must get it out. We must express it. And so on 4/7/18, after a particularly rough day, my mind wandered into its darkness as I watched a wonderful movie, and came out with the following.
By Hope Martin8 years ago in Viva
My Daughter
Sit down, kid. So, you’re going out? Anyplace fun? Sure. Look. I don’t want to make you nervous or anything like that. I know you’ve probably seen TV and you know that traditionally, this is the point in the evening where you’re supposed to come off respectful and I’m supposed to threaten your life.
By Pete Sears8 years ago in Viva
Reflection on Self-Esteem. Top Story - February 2018.
Most women (and girls) have found themselves trapped in a negative mindset, criticizing their imperfections, the flawed put on a spotlight, or have even made a thoughtless remark about someone else. Carving out more reason to distrust the good and the beautiful still there in the mirror. This is where to seek mindfulness, learn to push past that negative voice, and accept the beautifully imperfect and love the soul beneath! Cherishing it slowly and with time, heal the misconception that only outward beauty determines respect and esteem.
By Melissa Johnson8 years ago in Viva
Marriage & Children? No Thanks.
I can't tell you how many times people with children tell me that one day I will have babies of my own. My response is always the same: "I don't want to have children, I love kids but they just aren't for me, I would not be able to take care of them properly." To which they always respond: "You say that now, but trust me, you will change your mind." I will NOT change my mind. I am mentally unable to care for another human being and that will never change no matter what. I have no control over that.
By Alyssa Lactin8 years ago in Viva
What to Say Before You Move Out
There were things that never really made sense to me. Just as anyone else, I too wanted to "fly" the nest once I turned 18. I was a poor excuse of a student when I reached my senior year in high school. However, by chance or fate I had managed to get a scholarship at a school that was four hours away from my hometown. When I got the letter in the mail, I couldn't believe it. Growing up in a small town, where everyone was either pregnant, dropping out, or selling drugs, to me this was huge. I still remember the exact words I told my mother, as I showed her the letter. She was proud, the kind of proud that makes her talk about it for hours over the phone to our grandparents, aunts, and uncles in Mexico.
By Ashley Murga8 years ago in Viva
