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Some words. Some images. Mosaic of all things Copacetic
Monday, August 22, 2011
Pain by Charles Bukowski
Nothing you've had, lost or experienced is for yourself only
Take pain for example - have you ever considered that you are chosen to experience some things so that you are strong enough to help someone else? That's what this Charles Bukowski quote reminded me of, just as I was about to bitch and moan that it's all too hard.
I dedicate this to the Slutwalk Joburg organisors, supporters, victims and survivors - there are far too many of you to name, but I hope this means something to you
"Pain is strange. A cat killing a bird, a car accident, a fire.... Pain arrives, BANG, and there it is, it sits on you. It's real. And to anybody watching, you look foolish. Like you've suddenly become an idiot. There's no cure for it unless you know somebody who understands how you feel, and knows how to help."
— Charles Bukowski
Take pain for example - have you ever considered that you are chosen to experience some things so that you are strong enough to help someone else? That's what this Charles Bukowski quote reminded me of, just as I was about to bitch and moan that it's all too hard.
I dedicate this to the Slutwalk Joburg organisors, supporters, victims and survivors - there are far too many of you to name, but I hope this means something to you
"Pain is strange. A cat killing a bird, a car accident, a fire.... Pain arrives, BANG, and there it is, it sits on you. It's real. And to anybody watching, you look foolish. Like you've suddenly become an idiot. There's no cure for it unless you know somebody who understands how you feel, and knows how to help."
— Charles Bukowski
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| Source |
Street Cred 2011
www.strcrd.com
or Follow on StrCrd on Twitter
You need not be anywhere else (Except the JHB SlutWalk on the morning of 24 Sept)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Slut Walk Johannesburg
Stop the victim blaming!
What is a slut?
According to the dictionary definition:
Another definition I found stated:
For as long as I can remember, a slut was something dirty, without morals and essentially a woman who slept around? As the years went on, I got to thinking about this word rooted in hate and judgement, and I've come to realise that it only has power if it you give it. If someone calls you a slut - does it really reflect who you are, or who they are? What someone thinks of me has nothing to do with me, at all. And being said 'slut' is no reason to sexually assault someone.
A Toronto cop stated in court that "Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimised." and this is where the SlutWalk movement started.
From a blog i read "Slut" is just another way of saying "worthless" without having to come up with a reason. Little girls get called sluts before they even know what sex is."
Slut doesn't mean anything to me. But I don know it doesnt mean I should be sexually assaulted.
THERE IS NO REASON AT ALL TO RAPE SOMEONE.
Grandmothers in their beds have been raped
Guys in bathroom stalls have been raped
Babies in their cot have been raped
Prostitutes have been raped
School girls and boys have been raped
Your friend, your colleague, your brother, you sister, your mother, your uncle, your lecturer, the person at the next table, the girl in front of you at the bank, the TV star, the author, the housekeeper, the guy who fixes your car, the woman in a wheelchair you see at the coffee shop, the couple behind you at the cinema, the woman in her burka. I could go on, but the point is rape sees no race, age, social status, upbringing, education etc - it is a violation to all.
And none of them are to blame.
On the radio I listened to a discussion on rape and consent, and a revered journalist whose name I can't recall said that girls who dance on table deserve to be raped. This shocked me to the very core. How can anyone deserve to be raped?
So this is what the Slutwalk is about. Call me what you will, think of me what you will, but stop blaming me for being sexually assaulted. If I were a prostitute and sold my body, all rights are still reserved, and there is no reason for anyone to take that right away. The way I am dressed does not mean I want to be raped.
Slutwalk is a march against victim blaming, a march to say enough is enough, a march to come together to support victims and let them know we care, a march to say rape is wrong, a march of solidarity against the heritage that is becoming the stigma.
So please join me. 24 September (Heritage Day) at Zoo Lake, dressed any way you want to, with anyone you want to bring. Bring a poster, bring a smile and bring your support.
For more information: www.slutwalkjhb.co.za
Follow on twitter: @Slutwalkjhb and join the Facebook group.
Slutwalk Joburg
24 September
Zoo Lake
11am - 2pm
What is a slut?
According to the dictionary definition:
Dictionary.com - –noun
1.
a dirty, slovenly woman.
2.
an immoral or dissolute woman; prostitute.
Another definition I found stated:
- (n.) An untidy woman; a slattern.
- (n.) A servant girl; a drudge.
- (n.) A female dog; a bitch
For as long as I can remember, a slut was something dirty, without morals and essentially a woman who slept around? As the years went on, I got to thinking about this word rooted in hate and judgement, and I've come to realise that it only has power if it you give it. If someone calls you a slut - does it really reflect who you are, or who they are? What someone thinks of me has nothing to do with me, at all. And being said 'slut' is no reason to sexually assault someone.
A Toronto cop stated in court that "Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimised." and this is where the SlutWalk movement started.
From a blog i read "Slut" is just another way of saying "worthless" without having to come up with a reason. Little girls get called sluts before they even know what sex is."
Slut doesn't mean anything to me. But I don know it doesnt mean I should be sexually assaulted.
THERE IS NO REASON AT ALL TO RAPE SOMEONE.
Grandmothers in their beds have been raped
Guys in bathroom stalls have been raped
Babies in their cot have been raped
Prostitutes have been raped
School girls and boys have been raped
Your friend, your colleague, your brother, you sister, your mother, your uncle, your lecturer, the person at the next table, the girl in front of you at the bank, the TV star, the author, the housekeeper, the guy who fixes your car, the woman in a wheelchair you see at the coffee shop, the couple behind you at the cinema, the woman in her burka. I could go on, but the point is rape sees no race, age, social status, upbringing, education etc - it is a violation to all.
And none of them are to blame.
On the radio I listened to a discussion on rape and consent, and a revered journalist whose name I can't recall said that girls who dance on table deserve to be raped. This shocked me to the very core. How can anyone deserve to be raped?
So this is what the Slutwalk is about. Call me what you will, think of me what you will, but stop blaming me for being sexually assaulted. If I were a prostitute and sold my body, all rights are still reserved, and there is no reason for anyone to take that right away. The way I am dressed does not mean I want to be raped.
Slutwalk is a march against victim blaming, a march to say enough is enough, a march to come together to support victims and let them know we care, a march to say rape is wrong, a march of solidarity against the heritage that is becoming the stigma.
So please join me. 24 September (Heritage Day) at Zoo Lake, dressed any way you want to, with anyone you want to bring. Bring a poster, bring a smile and bring your support.
For more information: www.slutwalkjhb.co.za
Follow on twitter: @Slutwalkjhb and join the Facebook group.
Slutwalk Joburg
24 September
Zoo Lake
11am - 2pm
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Music and Me
Last week Sunday I attended one of the best Sunday live music events I've experienced in a long time.
Created by Dineo Ranaka, with the help of PR and Events extraordinaire Sunshine Shibambo, Music And Me launch of the series went off with a bang.
Music and Me, sponsored by Peroni and LoVodka, happens every first Sunday of the month at a sweet spot in Pineslopes called Cafe Culture. The Sunday is about live music, conversation, lounging experience and fun.
Last week had four acts performing, interspersed with interesting interviews by Dineo with the artists in the Peroni corner, which gave us more insight into the music they created.
First up on the stage was Muzart, a four person band who make some beautiful neo-soul/jazz with a touch of pop music. Thouroughly enjoyed their young energy and how much fun they themselves seemed to be having performing. They were followed by The Muffinz, who are slowly making it on to my Fantasy Birthday Concert list because of their easy listening jazzy music. AKA, Mr. Victory Lap, also bowled us over for the much anticipated live collaboration with The Muffinz. It was an incredible. Finally, Zakes Bantwini!! I have no words for this man. He had electrifying set that had even me dancing (I don't dance) Zakes Bantwini is an entertainer and I really enjoyed his lively performance in that purple jacket.
Spent most of the time planted on the comfortable couches enjoying beautiful live music. Thoroughly enjoyed myself, the atmosphere, the drinks and the company
Thanks Dineo - great concept. I loved the outfit changes.
Til the next one.
Created by Dineo Ranaka, with the help of PR and Events extraordinaire Sunshine Shibambo, Music And Me launch of the series went off with a bang.
Music and Me, sponsored by Peroni and LoVodka, happens every first Sunday of the month at a sweet spot in Pineslopes called Cafe Culture. The Sunday is about live music, conversation, lounging experience and fun.
Last week had four acts performing, interspersed with interesting interviews by Dineo with the artists in the Peroni corner, which gave us more insight into the music they created.
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| Peroni Interview corner |
First up on the stage was Muzart, a four person band who make some beautiful neo-soul/jazz with a touch of pop music. Thouroughly enjoyed their young energy and how much fun they themselves seemed to be having performing. They were followed by The Muffinz, who are slowly making it on to my Fantasy Birthday Concert list because of their easy listening jazzy music. AKA, Mr. Victory Lap, also bowled us over for the much anticipated live collaboration with The Muffinz. It was an incredible. Finally, Zakes Bantwini!! I have no words for this man. He had electrifying set that had even me dancing (I don't dance) Zakes Bantwini is an entertainer and I really enjoyed his lively performance in that purple jacket.
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| Muzart |
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| Muzart |
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| The hotness that these high waist leather pants are |
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| Think this was outfit change 3 |
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| The Muffinz preparing for their set |
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| The Muffinz |
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| The Muffinz and AKA |
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| AKA and Dineo pre interview post performance |
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| Zakes Bantwini and Dineo in the Peroni corner |
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| This man is quite the entertainer |
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| Props on the Peroni stage |
Thanks Dineo - great concept. I loved the outfit changes.
Til the next one.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
3 Must visit blogs this week
Hello
As much as I have been m.i.a. on this here blog, I have been keeping tabs on some of my fav's - which I'd like to share with you...
THOUGHTCATALOG:
ThoughtCatalog is my daily fix of random, non-fiction, opinion and entertainment in the form of words on a clutter free website. Boasting a bevy of brilliant contributors to keep me swimming in lexicon, laughing in familiarity, nodding in agreement and raising my eyebrows at opposing opinions. I have no idea how the contributors are selected, but almost all of them can stay in my good books. I love it. ... and as per the site's "About" section - I am, in a way, supporting the future of journalism.
Start with my favourite article: An Open Letter to That Guy at That Party with a Spare Cigarette
...and don't ever stop
MIXED TAPE DIARIES:
The Mixed Tape Diaries blog belongs to easily one of the most dynamic women I know. An incredibly interesting, articulate, and fabulous friend named Tumelo Moema. She feeds her baby almost weekly with a collection of all the things that fuel her and make her smile. From music to photography, fashion, inspiring people, poetry and a little bit of who she is. I wish she would post some images of her fashion style - the woman can dress. The blog truly is a beautiful mix tape of her love. (I may have said this before, but it bears repeating - I love South African bloggers who care, and she is one of them)
If the blog isn't enough - follow her on Twitter - @2Mellow
As much as I have been m.i.a. on this here blog, I have been keeping tabs on some of my fav's - which I'd like to share with you...
THOUGHTCATALOG:
Start with my favourite article: An Open Letter to That Guy at That Party with a Spare Cigarette
...and don't ever stop
------
If the blog isn't enough - follow her on Twitter - @2Mellow
-----
Wow. A collection of mesmerising pictures sourced from all over of beautiful black people. Not that there are ugly people excluded. Or that there are ugly people in the world. More like I'm having a moment with myself (a fulfilling exhale) at the thought of how beautiful black people are. *heavy*
Just glide on over to Le Coil and smile, and breathe, and be intrigued, and be appreciative of the beauty before you.
(Thanks to MissMilliB for the link)
-----
Blog Love over for now....
Element of Cool - Justice
Just have to take a minute and share the incredible style of Justice.
I look forward to seeing this young man at work everyday, because each new day brings with it beautiful and inspired style by way of his attire (usually coupled with the personality of that days' outfit)
What a breath of fresh air he is...
Photographer, graphic designer, blogger, street style cool guy <-- you can find him here
We love you Justice Mukheli...
I look forward to seeing this young man at work everyday, because each new day brings with it beautiful and inspired style by way of his attire (usually coupled with the personality of that days' outfit)
What a breath of fresh air he is...
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| Had to stop him in the passage and take this little picsha |
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| From his blog |
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| Mad Men Friday - captured by Mpumi |
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| from his blog |
Photographer, graphic designer, blogger, street style cool guy <-- you can find him here
We love you Justice Mukheli...
Hi Stranger
Miss me?
I missed me. Been a little cloudy and lost and uninspired and overworked and and and
The last few weeks, as fun and frustrating as they have been, have been a little blurry. Not a single focused thought in this here head of mine.
Yesterday's Women's Day somehow broke whatever chain had a hold on me though, now I can see, taste, smell and think a little clearer and I'm hoping to hold on to this strength for a while as I forge a new pathway. Nothing drastic happened; I think the major springclean I did yesterday and a spot of hair colouring did the trick - something new is about to happen to me. I may not know what exactly it is, what I do know is that it is going to be beautiful and scary all at the same time...
Anywhoo... here's to Wednesday... a few blogs coming up just for you (and me) and the happy universe
I missed me. Been a little cloudy and lost and uninspired and overworked and and and
The last few weeks, as fun and frustrating as they have been, have been a little blurry. Not a single focused thought in this here head of mine.
Anywhoo... here's to Wednesday... a few blogs coming up just for you (and me) and the happy universe
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