"Reality" Televisions' Depiction of Black Women Effects Our Reality

Black women have an unwritten stigma upon them in which they are sexual objects, angry, and are not valued as much as other races of women.

Mainly this negative stereotype is how black women are portrayed in media, this logic eventually spills over into real life. Media is a way of life for humans

currently and it is embedded into us so much that everything we see or hear from media is true. This epidemic of the black woman being less than any other race was brainwashed into our minds long before media started, but remained powerful through technology. Black women are believed to be strong, so these negative speculations are often thrown at us because we are” strong” enough to take the heat.These negative stigmas aren’t necessarily continued through the mindset of only other races of people but expressed in some form by black men and women.

In reality television, black women are made out to be gold-digging loud mouth females that are willing to do any and everything for fame. 

The earliest television show that viewers witnessed this behavior, was on a competitive love show called Flavor of Love. In this show Flava Flav, a famous hype man was on a quest to seek love. There was a mixture of different races of women but the black women were more outspoken on what their intentions were. The fairly attractive women didn’t have any intentions of actually falling in love with Flava but they fell in love with the thought of being famous.The women would say and do unspeakable things to gain fame.The fighting aspect was more of the attention grabber than the main objective of the show. After Flavor of love ended more shows were produced that put black women in a negative light.The Bad Girls Club focuses on drama in which young ladies would fight over little things to prove themselves to their roommates. The black women on the show usually controlled the house and taunted other members in the residence to gain popularity.The images depicted on the show influences young black girls to become bullies to gain popularity like the girls on Bad Girls Club.The most popular show that glorifies drama between black women is Love & Hop and Real Housewives of Atlanta. The women in these shows are already wealthy and somewhat famous but they are attracted to being in drama. Young girls look up to the women in these shows because their lives seem glamorous and “exciting”. In these shows, some of the only images of black women on television.There aren’t too many shows that place black women in a positive position. Viewers think that black women are like how they are displayed on television every day. The influence that has on young girls is .its normal to have this type of behavior towards other women. Black women aren’t only getting degraded by other races but it's happening between each other because of what's showed on television.

Black Women are more subjected to being negatively judge based on what the media shows viewers.There aren’t hardly any positive images for younger black girls to look up to because the media is smeared with stereotypical black women. Some men think that it's ok to treat black women in a disrespectful manner because they don’t see value in them as a person. Black women are labeled as uptight, bitter, and angry when they express their feelings because they are portrayed as that on television. Black women are subjected to be more insecure because of these negative stigmas and characteristics that they are labeled with. It's very imperative that we see more positive images on the television so that these stereotypes would vanish.

Divah Fashion Goddess : Laura M. Govan 

When we first met Laura Govan she was a co-star on Basketball wives L.A. , but since then she has trimmed it down and is a STAR when it comes to fashion.

Laura is a force to be reckoned with because she serves unique high fashion with her short jet black hair cut . Here are some of this her best looks !

(1) In this look Laura wore a white jumper with a pink silk trench coat along with a  matching choker on her neck. She accessorized lightly with clean gold strapped pumps , diamond earrings, and gold arm pieces. Laura rocked this plunging neckline.

(2) Laura looked absolutely breath-taking in her Jan Taminiau’s silver sequined jumpsuit with a pink fur half coat and tan colored strapped heels.

(3) Govan worked the strip in a camel colored trench coat along with a tan bodycon pencil skirt and crop top. She kept her accessories to a minimal with tan heels and a choker. 

(4) Laura vamped up her business-casual white pinstripe short pant suit with gold chained belts and gold bangles. She wore white heels along with a white Bralette as a top.

(5) Laura would not have any  problem catching a ride at all in this House of CB's Moren wool pink trench coat! Her woven leather corset top was all the rave and served as a great pairing for her distressed boyfriend jeans. She also wore hoop earrings , a brown choker, and a leather handbag that matched her arm band. She held her tan Louboutins in her hand, because what fashion divah would hitch hike in those? Tuh!

(6) She gave us golden goddess in this sheer gold jeweled top and white pant. Laura wore gold arm pieces and same colored Louboutins to complete the look. 

(7) Laura Govan looked like a trophy at the ESPY awards in this silver-sequined and feathered waist line Shades of Shea dress. She accented her look with a silver arm band and silver pumps from.... you guessed it Christian Louboutin!

(8) Laura loves her a trench coat honey!,  but she never ceases to amaze on how many looks you can wear with it. She paired her coat with a dramatically long lace black dress. She finished the look with black closed-toed pointy pumps , diamond earrings , and gold jewelry giving us Hollywood Divah ! 

(9) In this look Laura gave us boss business women in this white suit ensemble. Her droopy bowtie on her sheer polka dot shirt gave this fit a dramatic flare!

(10) Laura swooned over these so-called fashion models with her bright pink cut winged dress. She gave us back with the low cut V down to her bottom! She wore electric yellow Louboutins to complement her dramatic fit.

What Makes a Woman Strong ?

A strong, good woman is a lady who has been through struggles and trails; but seem to withstand the pain by continuing to push forward and keeping a leveled head throughout the low times. Although that woman is going through so much she will still tend to put a smile on her face and help others out as if she do not have problems of her own. She uses her wisdom to enlighten others and lead them using her testimony. A good strong woman is more powerful than she know because she has the ability to take her past circumstances and change lives.The woman who embodies the qualities of being good and strong is self-aware, wise, and isn’t perfect. 

 A good, strong woman is self-aware.She is confident about who she is and doesn’t need validation from anyone other than herself to make her feel valuable. For example, a compliment or insult about her is both neutral in the way that it makes her feel. What people think about her doesn’t effect her negatively or positively, because she knows that those are just opinions and she knows her truth. She’s a leader in a sense because she’s head-strong and doesn’t look to others for affirmation because she is her own guide. The leadership aspect about her is something that draws people towards her for advice and guidance. People are unconsciously attracted to her and that's because her strength gives off an energy when they are around her. I know this to be true because I am that strong woman who is self-aware. I was bullied at a younger age and insults about me throughout the years has helped me become stronger and built immunity towards anyone's opinion. I became a leader because I wasn’t following the crowd, I was always an outsider. Being an outsider taught me how to think on my own and be self-guided. 

She is a wise person. She is strong because her trials have exposed her to many problems which required solutions. She has wisdom because she has adapted to becoming a constant problem solver when the chips are down. She now knows how to handle situations or whether or not she should react to them. Things that she has been through life prepared her for new obstacles which inevitable amplified her knowledge.The wisdom that she now has contributed to her strength and being a better woman. 

Most importantly, a strong and good woman isn’t perfect. She isn’t perfect because she makes mistakes which are why she is so strong. She is learning every day and is using her mistakes as lessons. Her imperfections have made her open to seeing everyone in their goodness because she knows that everyone isn’t perfect either. She doesn’t dwell on her imperfections but instead works on becoming a better person.

Being a good and strong woman consists of many traits but of them all, she must be self-aware, she isn’t perfect, and she has wisdom.She is strong because she knows her value and self-worth which is priceless.She helps people by giving advice from her past circumstances and applies her wisdom for problem-solving circumstances.She isn’t perfect and sh knows it but dent let her imperfections hold her back but instead tries to build herself up. Many women are often patronized and treated unfairly just because they are simply a woman. The treatment and trails that we have faced inevitably make us strong women. 

Being Frugal in College Series : Food

Food is a college students everything ! We eat to celebrate, when we are relaxing, or when we are sad... Food is comforting and seem to be there when no else is , its a college students go-to pick me up. With all the food that we eat , how in the world could we afford it ? Well, there are many ways college students survive off of the budget they we are given. If we want it, we will find a way to get our fix.
For the students who are on the colleges' meal plan, the cafe is the ideal place to eat "for free". The cafe has different varieties of food throughout the week that will fill you up until the next meal.In some instances its not always the best place to get food , but you have to make lemonade out of lemons. For instance, I rarely go to the cafe, but when I do I make sure to grab some fruit to take back to the room for a snack or breakfast the next day.  I also take advantage of taking the bottled milk thats in the cafe in the morning and use it for my oatmeal , cereal, or cookies for when I get back to the the room. There is also coffee to drink on the days that you simply can't afford to get your favorite Starbucks brew. My schools cafe also has Tazo tea packets that I stuff in my purse as well and save for later. I know you're thinking, "This will make me look like a complete weirdo ! ", but in college anything goes and its normal to see people stuffing food in their bags for later. We all know the struggle so, its a judge free zone!

Grocery shopping for food is also a great way to save your coins throughout the week. Always have a set amount of money that you would like to spend on groceries throughout the week. These groceries will come in handy when your money is getting to low to go out to eat. My favorite grocery store is Kroger because their are always great deals on food everyday. Kroger also has a clearance section with lower prices items such as cakes, yogurt, and drinks. I also tend to go to Kroger, because they have a way to save more by taking money off certain items if you swipe your Kroger's card. Also stores like Aldi has great low prices on food for your budget and a very simple store for beginner shoppers. Before going grocery shopping be sure to grab a Sunday paper and check out the deals and price match to make sure that your are getting the bang for your buck.
Lastly, for your frugal food spending you don't have to drop your favorite fast food spots. For example, I have text alerts from Moes,Popeyes,Subway, and Pizza Hut coming to my phone throughout the week with food deals. I choose whichever one I'm feeling that day and save by using my coupon code. Some food deals are an everyday thing or once a week deal. For instance,  Moes have Moe Monday and on this day burritos are 5 dollars and it comes with chips and salsa enough, to fuel you for the day. Popeyes has the 5 dollar box , in the box  there are 2 pieces of chicken a biscuit and 2 sides come as well ,which is really filling. Subway is also a money saver with the $3.50 six inch sub of the day throughout the week.

I love applying for the text clubs and emails because I still get to eat my favorite meals without spending too much money. I survive every semester using these smart habits everyday, it isn't easy but its worth it.

Being Frugal in College Series : Clothing

As a college student everything is expensive to us. We are literally stretching dollars to make it through the week.Some students work to afford their necessities,some rely on work-study checks , and there are those who are living off of allowances. College may seem fun, but everyday is a struggle.So, how do we do it ? Well, we budget and live off of the resources that is given. 

Clothing

College is the time in life were you can really express yourself and find out your style. Every one want to look good and make an lasting impression on professors and classmates.But, to stay in trend could get very expensive while being on a small budget. What some students fail to realize is there are places to shop with reasonable prices for college students. For example, In my college town we have a store named dirt cheap. Dirt cheap is an discount store with brand name clothing, shoes,furniture and home goods. Basically everything a college student needs. The Dirt Cheap in my neighborhood takes in overstocked target clothing which is really trendy for a student. The clothes and shoes are new with labels and are discounted for over half of the original price , which is really a good deal.

 Also, there is another store which is Plato's Closet ; this store has lightly worn name brand clothing that is affordable and trendy as well. But, they also will buy your lightly worn clothing giving you extra cash for your pockets ,if in dire need. Plato's is also known for there "bag day" On this day you can bring in a bag and fit in however many items into that bag and buy it for a set price. Now that's a steal! The thrift store is also a great place to go to save more money on clothes. The thrift store is great for buying winter coats , evening gowns,  or interview wear. These items will usually cost a heap load of money at Macy's or Belk but at the thrift store you could leave with a basket full of items with 20 - 40 dollars. Okay now that I got that out of the way; I know you don't want to fully throw away your favorite stores in the mall for secondhand clothing.So, I will give you a few tips for shopping in the mall. Most likely your favorite store has an email or text club to notify you on deals throughout the week. Be sure to pick out the best deal and use those deals at all times instead of paying the full price. Make sure you look in all of your favorite stores to get the best deal on the item that you are looking for. In lastly take advantage of holiday sales, make sure that you buy big items like coats,shoes,and bags during these sales to save more of your cash. These places are a sure way to keep you in trend on a budget.Just think smart and ask yourself,"Do I really need this items? ", or (  my favorite )" How may times will I actually wear this ?"Being a college student will definitely teach you the value of a dollar if you didn't know it before. Until next time,

 stay smart,work hard, and be frugal !

Life after College : What Now ?

Weeks before commencement most graduates are hit with the sudden realization that this is really happening. Some of us are filled with emotions of excitement, relief, and maybe even sadness. I'm in the stage of weariness. Now that I'm officially leaving questions such as "So have you applied for grad school?" are among some of the popular conversations pieces. I've spent most of my life in school and to be asked that question means there will no longer be an end to achieving the standard of success that others want you to. So this has me asking myself is my good not good enough? I was told in high school in order to get a decent job I must complete college , now that I'm here I'm now told that in order to compete I must go to grad school .  This isn't necessarily a bad thing to be pushed  as of a result of being greater; but what if you decide not to follow through with grad or getting a job soon after? Are you deemed to be a failure ? You aren't necessarily deemed to be a failure, but success isn't a sure thing after the degree. We have to remember that every thing is a one step at a time process. Not all graduates will get a job, car , or internship right away; but not having those things will make you work harder and appreciate those things when you do receive it. Personally I'm taking this time of not having any real responsibilities to take risks and reach for those dreams that I would like to pursue. I am moving away from home to my ideal state which is Florida and risking failure. I'm doing this now so that I can go for my dreams and never keep wondering what if I took that chance. This is the time to figure out what you truly want to do for yourself .Most likely you probably won't end up in the work force you majored in and thats fine.This is the time to set longterm and short term goals for yourself in order to achieve your definition of success.

Spring/Summer Essentials

Spring and summer is vastly approaching and we are super excited to get rid of our sweaters and slip on our swimwear ! 

Here are a few must haves for the sunny weather that is near.

 Shoes/ Sandals 

We can finally show off our pedicures, but which style of shoe would compliment our pretty toes ?

-Espadrilles 

These shoes are perfect for the beach,mall , or pool party all in the same day.

-Simple Strap Heel 

Keep it fashionable with the vintage style strap heel for meetings,dinners,or date with your boo!

Clothing

Yes, it is about that time to start wearing less and going out more, these items will be sure to have your potential boo gawking over you. 

-Body Swimsuit

Bikinis are old and tired ,try wearing a full body swimsuit that is fitting to your curves.This piece leaves more for the imagination.

-Mini T-shirt Dress

This Dress is ideal for the hot weather , you will look effortless bomb on top of that you won’t lose your comfort.

-Jogger Hem Shorts 

These shorts are transitional from the gym to hanging out with the girls. Try pairing these short with mini heels and bandeau and jean jacket to create a simplistic fashionista look. 

Purse ??

-Mini Backpack

First thing first, ditch the purse and get a mini backpack ! It's hotter weather meaning you need to carry around sunscreen, haircare items, gloss, and  that “just in case” swimsuit. A small backpack is more suitable for your summer carry along must haves.

Miscellaneous

-Lemonade Braids  

Beyonce scalp braids that she wore in her video Hold Up has just now gained popularity in salons across the nation. This style is quick easy ,affordable, and not to mention convenient. This style isn’t quite new ,butby Queen Bey rocking it in her video reminded many of us how trendy this style is.

-Satin Fabric

  

Satin-esque clothing and accessories are taking fashion shops by storm this year.The lustrous fabric is eye-catching and unique making it nearly impossible to not want to buy.

-Vintage Western Belt  

This style of belt has been added to every notable clothing store stock this year. This was one of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez's  favorite belts to wear and fans are paying tribute by imitating her style lately. Selena Gomez and Kendell Jenner are among some of the fans who are taking a liking to this trend.

Is Courtship Obsolete with Millennials : Single Female Problems

With the vastly growing popularity of technology, millennials has taken the tech route as the primary source of communication.The constant communication through technology has made courtship somewhat extinct.  Tinder is an dating app which has been construed into a hookup avenue for young adults, this ease of access has made it harder for people who are looking for a serious courtship to find true love. This way of communication has handicapped some millennials of not knowing how to approach a person formally. Commonly this generation does not look for love on dating sites, but instead through social media. There has been love stories throughout the internet of a love connection through sending DMs ( direct message ), but is that considered courtship? As a young single woman dating , I have experienced this form of "courtship'' way too often.Nowadays ,this generation has set the bar so low for dating that people settle for that standard.For example, if I'm "dating " a gentleman and ask him to go out for a movie or food often times its seems as if its taboo to ask for a real date.I'm not saying that dating should be in  the form that we see in old time movies but why can't it be? This generation commonly wait until after they have established a relationship with a label until they actually consider going out with each other. This practice is often caused by millennials dating multiple people at a time; they can't afford to get caught with another lover or either afford to take them all out.Netflix and chill is also the norm for dating that is popular with young people. This practice consists of watching Netflix and it ending in making out or sexual intercourse. So, young men expect a woman to give up her most sacred part of her to him, but  put in no effort or do the bare minimum in order to receive it. You can stand up for your moral beliefs and wait for the gentleman who could meet your expectations , but the practice of talking is so normal that it is hard to find that guy. So, what do you do just wait for a proper courtship that probably won't happen or lower you standards? Well, it has come to the conclusion that we have indeed lowered our standards with this form of dating for the mere reason that we don't want to be left out or alone no matter what the circumstances may be. I believe that if young women take a stand and don't be afraid to tell a potential lover what they expect, all the wrong candidates could be thrown out early before feelings get involved.

Lazy Day Outfits

We all have those days when we just  DON’T. Don’t want to get all dolled up and fresh but we have to put something together right ?Well here are few lazy dress day ideas to wear on your Don’t Days.

Warm Up Suit 

The warm up suit is perfect for the cool weather because you can wear long johns underneath and look decent at the same time. The Adidas warm up suit is really popular and classic which makes you look stylish, but at the same time comfortable.  

Sweatshirt and Jeans 

Those days when I only have one or two classes I say to myself “ Hey, why waste an entire outfit when you won’t hardly be out and about?” So, I put on leggings and an oversized sweatshirt to hide my junk-food belly and my behind. I slap on some shades when I don’t have time to put on makeup along with a dad hat to hide my un-flatironed leave out.

Jumpsuit or Dress 

When I am on the go but have meetings and classes sometimes I really don’t have time to piece together an outfit. I usually go for a solid jumper or dress to easily hop in and get my day started.