Demanding Diversity

Rap music is synonymous with African Americans, and this is a huge problem. Why does skin color have to separate genres of music? I can't start this without a huge nod to Eminem, whose skills have been questioned because of his race from the very beginning of his career. But Eminem isn't the only one. Mackelmore, Lil Dicky, Post Malone, Beastie Boys, G-Eazy, Mac Miller - and basically any other artist with a pale complexion are often criticized for releasing rap music. There are blogs dedicated specifically to ranking the 'best white rappers of all time'. (found here: http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-white-rappers-of-all-time). My question? Why is it necessary to separate artists by skin color? The whole point in progressing to strive for equal rights is to eliminate the separate of human beings by skin color. Music should be something that can bring everyone together. This also works both ways. Why is it always assumed that an African America...

If you follow politics, or just aren't living under a rock, I'm sure you've seen the words " Nevertheless, she persisted " floating around in your Twitter feed somewhere.  This is referencing  Mitch McConnell keeping Elizabeth Warren  from speaking during a debate over the nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions.  Warren isn't the first women to suffer through an attempt of forced silence. For example: " Nevertheless, she persisted. " Susan B. Anthony was raised in a Quaker family with deep roots in activism and social justice and became an advocate for women’s suffrage, women’s property rights and the abolition of slavery. " Nevertheless, she persisted. " Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to receive a medical degree from an American medical school, after overcoming several odds against her, including admittance to an all-male institution and financing medical school. " Nevertheless, she persisted. " Marie...

I can count the ribs of almost every model pictured above. Photoshop? Maybe. Undeniable that not a single diverse body type is displayed in Hollister's advertising. This is present in their clothing, but a little more disturbing with their lingerie. The problem with 'Victoria Secret' type advertising is that it promotes a notion that you have to be as small as the women pictured above to be considered sexy. Let's not kid ourselves here, we don't buy lingerie for the comfort. We buy it to feel sexy, confident, and powerful. Hollister's largest bra size is a 36D, which could be worn by several different body types. With a range in sizes from 32A to 36D, why is there only one body type displayed in their advertising? Because we are under the sad impression that not only sex sells, but skinny sells.  *insert eye roll here* If we glamorize plus size women in lingerie - we can help them feel sexy, confident, and powerful. We have to diversify the body types ...

My prediction from my previous post indicated that Budweiser would win the night with their commercial featuring their company founder's journey to America from Germany. I was right in my prediction, and also so wrong. Budweiser made a bold political statement with this pro-immigration commercial. As a consumer, I am thrilled with their stance and message. The commercial titled "Born The Hard Way"   detailed the journey of the company's founder and his triumph as an immigrant in America. A few other companies also dominated the screen with their powerful messages during Super Bowl LI.  Airbnb made it clear what makes America great for them in saying “We believe no matter who you are, where you’re from, who you love, or who you worship, we all belong. The world is more beautiful the more you accept.” These words rang like bells during the 30 second spot. Watch the commercial here . Surprisingly enough, T-Mobile was fairly impressive in their comedic display...

With an array of different skin tones and undertones, I will never understand how cosmetic companies limit themselves to only one or two shades in a foundation range for darker complexions. Not only should a foundation range be all inclusive of different shades for different skin tones, a brand should celebrate the diversity of all the different potential customers they could reach. I know one thing for sure, if I was a person of color, there are three brands I would undoubtedly stay away from. Loreal Paris: Infallible ProMatte foundation  The darkest shade in this range is 112 Cocoa. Out of 12 shades, there are only two that could potentially be suitable for a person of color. Urban Decay: All Nighter Liquid foundation  The darkest shade in this range is 12.0 (which has been out of stock since the launch). This range is a little more impressive with a range of 24 different shades. The problem still remains that out of 24 shades, there are only five that could pote...