Tag: identity
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The Soul for Sale

I would like to revisit two issues in this essay: the reality of women’s place in contemporary capitalist society, and the nature of corporate life. I remember during my adolescence constantly watching channels like MTV and E!, where I saw women with conventionally sexy bodies mingling with celebrities. I noticed how their “pretty privilege” seemed…
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Their Chosen Song

The last time I saw my biological mother, we were in a karaoke booth. We were supposed to be watching Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, but I was scared, so we saw Shrek instead. With time left over, she took me to sing. I don’t remember what I sang, but I remember her voice. For the first…
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Bob Marley’s Disciple

My dad taught me that the most important thing is to know my family history and where I come from. He spoke of the strength inherent in our family name, a spirit carried for generations, and of his immense pride in being African—something he insisted I also embody. His life is a collection of magnificent,…
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The Child Who Knew How to Rest

The other day, I was looking through my things from elementary school and found an activity where we were supposed to share what we like doing in our free time. I had put “napping.” My mom and I had a good laugh about what a lazy child I was—instead of playing sports or seeking other…
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My Face is Not a Trend

I could list the things I stand for, the music I love, or my opinions on the world, but every aspect of my identity is filtered through one undeniable lens: I am a woman. This reality shapes my experience in a society that remains problematic in its treatment of women. A pervasive issue I have…