The magazine, Essence, which is geared towards the African American community, recently hired a woman to fulfill an open position as “Fashion Director”. Doesn’t seem as though it should make headline news right? Well here is the catch: the woman is white. Hmm I read this article a few hours ago and am still sort of scratching my head about it. I am not trying to be inconsiderate or ignorant, yet I am confused as to why this is such a catastrophe for so many African Americans in the writing/editing/publishing world. The magazine is aimed towards black women which is great. I understand that their are some issues that white women cannot relate to, however there are many topics and day to day activities that all women in general deal with – these are things that should unite us. The argument would be more valid if this company was run soley by white women but that is not the case; it is one qualified, experienced and capable woman who just happens to be white.
What do you all think? Am I way off? Very curious to see what everyone else thinks. Again, I don’t mean to come across as anything more than a slightly confused, interested young woman.
In other news I was forced to ask myself a very serious question the other day.
Am I nice or just stupid? I seriously considered this question for awhile, wondering which category I fell into. Until it dawned on me that I am both. I mean you can be sweet as honey and still not have a friggin clue, which seems to occasionally be my problem. The situation that forced me to ponder this happened so quickly that it almost seemed out of my control.
I was on the train, heading to watch the bf’s frisbee game (yes, he’s on a team, yes, they take it very seriously, and yes, I love watching him! and no, I have no desire to play (sorry hun)), when I found myself packed like a sardine between two men. There I sat, backpack, purse and pure annoyance in tow when I fished out my book, flipped thru the last few pages and threw it back into my bag, feeling a sense of accomplishment – “another book off the list, woopie”. The book I am referring to is “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, it was so good. In fact it was so good that my Dad and I squabbled as to who was going to get the chance to read it at the beach. I won that battle and promised to read it swiftly and then get it back to him.
Well, while I was sitting there enjoying the last few moments left with the characters I had grown to love, I overheard my neighbors phone conversation, “one order of General Tso’s chicken. Nope, just one order, thats all. Thank you”. Instinctively I looked to see if he had a wedding band. Nope. My heart sank. Dramatic? Yes. I can’t help it. He was probably in his mid fourties, not bad looking but definitely a little quirkly. I couldn’t help but feel kinda bad for the guy. I went on reading my book, as said earlier, tossed it in my bag and then just went into my usual daze thinking about pizza for dinner and which book to read next.
Quirky neighbor – “Um excuse me but how was that book? I have seen so many people with it, any good?”
Me – “Yes, it was so good! It wasn’t what I expected but I really enjoyed it, I definitely reccommend it!”
Quirky neighbor – “Oh good, I think I will have to go get a copy.”
Me – “Oh yea, I actually just finished it, great ending.”
(This is where stupidity enters)
Quirky neighbor – “Just finished it? Oh thats great!”
Me – “In fact, let me give it to you. I’m all done and no one else wants to read it” (sorry dad)
Quirky neighbor – “Noooo really?! Oh my gosh, wow! I have never had anyone give me anything on the train before. Now I will be certain to read it! Thank you so much.”
As I am pulling it out of my bag, the realization of what I am doing starts to kick in… wait what about my dad? Shit, what the hell am I doing? Ah darn it, too late now.
Me – “Oh good, hope you enjoy it.”
Fudge.
The book really was good though. If I had an extra copy I’d offer to LEND it to you… 🙂
Where One Goes 