(*G.)oddamazon - Latest Comments

Re: [...::A Note on Anti-Blackness & Colorism between POC::...]

tony baldwin — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:23:30 -0000

No, I suppose my little contribution doesn't really add much to the conversation, after all...
There are a great many white men who find African women attractive. I'm not exactly an anomaly in that sense. I didn't expect anyone to get excited about one old, creEpy white dude, no. I really don't understand why anyone is considered inferior or unattractive for having dark skin. That has never made any sense to me, at all. And, no, I'm not going to say "I don't see color", because I do, and it's beautiful. That's all. (All colors, so, please, let's not bring out the "oh, he's fetishizing WoC.) Discrimination among PoC based on such a superficial and arbitrary characteristic makes even less sense to me, of course.
But skin color tells nothing about a person's character, intelligence, etc. Dark skin tells me that someone has ancestors with dark skin, and, of course, that their experience of the world in which we live is probably very different from mine, considering institutionalized oppression and discrimination against POC, and, of course, white privilege. I understand that.
I wish I could change that, but beyond not discriminating, myself, against PoC, and acknowledging my privilege (and being willing to point it out to others), I really do not know what else I can do...Okay, maybe voting to elect leaders who will work against racism and supporting legislation that promote equality, too...
I don't really expect WoC to give a damn about whether I find them attractive or not, unless I meet them and they find me attractive (however unlikely that may be), too. But I certainly don't expect them to be offended when I express my appreciation of their beauty (unless I was being offensive and sexually harassing them, which I don't do, anyway).
But my comment was simply a statement: African women are beautiful (well, many of them are, anyway), with a photo of an African woman, from Africa, even, whom I find beautiful.
You know, just because I'm straight, white, and male, doesn't mean I'm evil (homophobic, prejudiced, or sexist). I'd like to say,"You needn't assume that of all of us.", but I suppose that's really the safest position to take for you, isn't it? I suppose I can't blame you. That really makes me sad, but you do what you must to protect yourself, even if it means making assumptions about people you do not know, based on superficial and arbitrary characteristics, like, say, skin color....Oh, wait...Isn't that what started the whole racism mess in the first place? Hmmmm....
Catch 22...Discrimination based on superficial characteristics is wrong, and at the very heart of racism...but because of centuries of racism, it's probably safest for PoC to assume that white people are prejudiced...I don't have an answer for that...Wish I did.
Am I racist? I benefit from white privilege. I can't deny that. The author of this blog (who is beautiful...half my age and clear across the country, so no, I'm not trying to get into her drawers, either) is among those who have helped me to see that (and I hope she knows how truly beautiful she is, and not just physically, but because of her strength and intelligence and courage, too). But I didn't choose that. I do not wish to uphold institutionalized discrimination, and I am not prejudiced.
You (or WoC in general) owe me no gratitude or consideration, just because I acknowledge and appreciate your beauty. Nobody needs to pat me on the back or drop their drawers, or whatever. I expect nothing from you for expressing my appreciation. I felt led to express it, anyway. People should always be free to compliment whom they wish, be attracted to whom attracts them, love whom they love, etc.
I know that MoC have been lynched for complimenting a white woman, and that really disgusts me. I hope you won't bring the rope for my attempted compliment, however inept it may have been.

Re: [...::"If" Black Women were White Women::...]

aatwell3 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 11:53:45 -0000

I just wanted to let you know that this post had me church stompin'!

"If Men Could Menstrate" has always been a favorite and for you to take it and put in a Black woman's point of view is genius! GREAT work.

Re: [...::A Note on Anti-Blackness & Colorism between POC::...]

Libra_Lady — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 20:15:33 -0000

You understand your little contribution has absolutely NOTHING to do with the issue of colorism and anti-Blackness period, much less colorism and anti-Blackness amongst PoC, don't you? Or do you expect us darkie gals to cream our panties because ONE White man doesn't find us repulsive?

Re: [...::A Note on Anti-Blackness & Colorism between POC::...]

Goddamazon — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:05:33 -0000

You must fail at history. Like in the most epic way possible. Fuck outta here, b.

Re: [...::A Note on Anti-Blackness & Colorism between POC::...]

Ola — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:43:08 -0000

It was white conquest, colonization and slavery that started racism as we know it TODAY, which is what's really relevant.
C'mon son, don't play this game.

Re: [...::A Note on Anti-Blackness & Colorism between POC::...]

Jofranka — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:58:26 -0000

White people didn't start racism. You can't prove that and you know it.

Re: [...::Subculture Elitism::...]

Goddamazon — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:35:01 -0000

That's exactly what I was thinking. Like, too many of these girls think they have to look exactly like the models and idols in the magazines in order to be considered gyaru. There are different subsets of gyaru and not all of them call for circle lenses, doll lashes, and big wigs. Like the style I'm going for is onee-gyaru, which is typically done by any gyaru in their twenties (like myself). All the wild stuff is for the teenagers usually.

Re: [...::Subculture Elitism::...]

TJ — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:55:22 -0000

You're gorgeous and you look flawless in these photos. If the first thing someone thinks/says upon seeing them is something negative, then screw them. Some people can't help being negative and actively try to spread their negativity to others.

I've been a fan of gyaru fashion and attitude for years and the one thing I know is that, among other things, gyaru is an expression of creativity and confidence. A fan of the style doesn't need to look exactly like the models in the Japanese magazines---it's expensive and time consuming. Gyaru, like any other style, can be adopted to varying degrees and modified to fit the individual's comfort level. If the pictures you post are your take on oneegyaru fashion at that time, then people should accept that.

Re: [...::Subculture Elitism::...]

Meowkitty — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:43:29 -0000

Don't let the haters get you down. ! You have a lot of potential and good face structure to be a gal (sorry if that sounds weird) screw the haters ;) much love.

Re: [...::Step One -- Gyaru Starter::...]

Kat — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:05:52 -0000

love the lashes

http://thathaitiangirl.com/

Re: [...::A Note on Anti-Blackness & Colorism between POC::...]

tony baldwin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:37:09 -0000

These are pictures of Perola (means Pearl in Portuguese). She is a singer from Angola. She is gorgeous (I know I'm not the only one who thinks so). African women are beautiful.

Re: [...My Inner Universe::...]

alninyo — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:35:43 -0000

I feel exactly the same! My friends have said they thought I disliked them when we first met. My ex used to accuse me of having no emotions. It's all because I'm quiet and I have a hard time being myself when I'm not alone. I HATE small talk and it takes me so long to become comfortable around another person. I'm always in my head. I've found alcohol helps open me up but being drunk all the time would be a bad life choice, haha.

Re: [...::Take Care::...]

The Air Up There — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:46:17 -0000

Finally, someone who actually shares my opinion on this album.

Re: [...::Balance the Scales: Plight of the Libra::...]

Arii Price — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:25:26 -0000

Astrological breakdowns have much more logic than your atypical naysayer would like to admit. Those who claim they are "nothing like their sign says" are usually the epitome of their sign in grand delusional fashion.

Re: [...::Cultural Appropriation::...]

Shannon — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:05:05 -0000

I just seen a photo of a woman dressed as a Native American and she called herself a Navahoe, which I found to be completely ignorant. I don't see how that would be funny. The saddest shit, though, is that people were commenting on it, laughing and what not.

I think a lot of people choose to adopt certain cultures because they haven't one of their own, which is quite sad, to be honest. The problem with the adoption is that people don't really know the history, nor the meaning of what it is they're trying to adopt. I've also seen "slutty" Egyptian costumes, which made me upset. Half of my family members are comprised of Egyptians and although we don't practice any traditions pertaining to that, we still know how inappropriate particular costumes may be.

Re: [...::Cultural Appropriation::...]

CHANEL — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:43:18 -0000

This OMG. Just this. I applauded after reading this. Like, I- I'm speechless.

Re: [...::The Privileged Majority::...]

Goddamazon — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:50:29 -0000

You're indeed right. The ideals of beauty are steadily changing, however, in order for real change to occur, people have to be willing face their own ugliness (white privilege, racism, xenophobia, etc), acknowledge it, and try to grow out of it. With so many people coming together and mixing race and culture, it becomes harder and harder to be so set in the "old ways" or "separate but equal". There are people who want to preserve their race, and that's understandable, no one wants to be bred out of existence, but not everyone shares that sentiments.

Basically, there are better ways of sharing this planet than the current thing going on right now.

Re: [...::The Privileged Majority::...]

aimee — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:37:34 -0000

Okay, so I've been meaning to comment on this for a while now. (you've been posting so regularly the past couple of weeks!)

I really didn't know anything about the term 'white privilege' till literally a couple of month ago. I guess when you grow up surrounded by racists, you become passive and accept it, as if, 'okay, they are the superior race'. no one ever picks on them. You know it's wrong but it's only when it gets explained to you like you have done here, do I actually feel enlightened (to and of course angered at the same time).

Recently there was this thing on the news (I dislike the news program but this coverage was interesting haha), where a refugee with an arab name had been applying to hundreds of jobs and getting no reply. then for one job application he changed his surname to Smith, and got an interview straight away. This kind of sickened me, but I do imagine it to be so true...

I can only hope for the day where everyone is just, a person and not a race. But for now I guess it's all about education.

Beauty ideals (such as skin whitening, and surgery) are easier to change, I think, for they are more about struggling with your own self, rather than the judgement of an entire race. Sigh, oh society!

Re: [...::Shades of Brown::...]

Shannon — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:57:51 -0000

It's an issue that will forever be a problem to be honest. When I was younger, I went to a predominantly white elementary school, being the only black girl in my class, I wasn't bothered at all by the stares and comments. I'm not really sure why at the time, but now I know that I just don't care. It's the same with darker skinned women, as out of place as you may feel, you'll find that the less you're bothered by it, the more radiant your personality will shine through. My sister is darker skinned and she gets a lot more attention than a lot of lightskinned women I know, from black men mostly. Although she gets on my nerves terribly, she has such a sparkling, radiant and confident personality. She's never let anyone's complexion comments get her down or make her upset and I think that's very important. Her motto is "You don't have to like me, I LOVE me." Sometimes, no matter what the circumstances are, a love for one's self coupled with a shameless, unaltered self image can be a lot and shine through, even through the most ignorant of prejudices.

Re: [...::Quills::...]

Classcie — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:48:34 -0000

good stuff! I agree. I'll definitely be putting your novel blog on my blog roll.

Re: [...::Quills::...]

(*G.)oddamazon — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:22:36 -0000

Thanks, Cie! I'm trying to keep it up. I figure there's so many blogs about celebrities, pop culture, and music I should give people a chance for escape from reality for a while. :D

Re: [...::Quills::...]

Classcie — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:49:38 -0000

Good idea. I read part of the first chapter and you write so well. I'll definitely be keeping up with your work. Keep it up!

Re: [...::Girls Just Wanna Have Fun::...]

Charli — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:20:51 -0000

Love, love your site!

Thanks for sharing with us!

Charli
charlidholbrook.com

Re: [...::A Class(cie) Lady::...]

Classcie — Tue, 17 May 2011 12:46:48 -0000

Aw Aisha, that was flattering. =) Thank you.

Re: [...::Poisoning the Groundwater::...]

(*G.)oddamazon — Sun, 15 May 2011 11:23:53 -0000

That's the best thing to do. Most of the people on Twitter probably think promiscuity and reckless abandon are cute ways to garner more followers at first, but in the end that's all they'll ever be known for.