Lifestyle
For the lives that we love, and everything that comes with it.
They Called It...
Just over three years ago I, for the 1 million-and-tenth time, had to explain to my baby girl how her daddy wasn’t actually coming to get her again. That was the day I decided enough was enough and he wasn’t going to hurt her ever again. Not if I could help it.
By Secret Serenity8 years ago in Families
Women of Color, Shirley Chisholm and Intersectionality
Shirley Chisholm was the first U.S. Black woman to be elected into the House of Representatives in 1961. She becomes the political embodiment of the needs and wants of the poverty-ridden neighborhood Bedford Stuyvesant of Brooklyn. This challenged the traditional ways of the patriarchal democracy of the United States. Additionally, if this did not scare the patriarchal strings attached to the stagnation of progress in the black community, she decided in 1972, to be the first African American woman to seriously run for the presidency as Democratic nominee.
By Traveling From Heavenly Places8 years ago in Viva
Thoughts from an Adoptee
Adoption. Most people don't really know what it's like to be raised by parents who aren't truly blood related. But with myself, I grew up only knowing this life. I can't really remember a time when I didn't know that I had a second mother and father. My adoptive parents always raised me to know and understand that I was adopted. Growing up with this sense of mind, young me thought that everyone knew what adoption was. Since I was a 90's baby ('98 to be exact), most adoptions at this time were closed adoptions. This means that once I was put with my adoptive parents, I would have no contact with my birth mother. So my whole life I grew up knowing very little about my birth mom, so my mind would always wander and ask questions that turned into crazy dreams and ideas.
By Ellen Meissner8 years ago in Families
The Expectations of Children
Parents or guardians expect a child to achieve specific goals in their life. If the child shows signs in their early childhood years that they are not heading toward the straight path to these life goals the parent or guardian can become terrified of the unknown and deem them a disappointment. Additionally, this child is often treated unfairly, isolated, and neglected by the same people who are supposed to support him or her with unconditional love and understanding; that they will not conform to the life that their parents expect. In The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, the main character Despereaux is a non-conforming individual who naturally is not born with the mice-like instincts that his mom, dad and two siblings ascribe to. His mother states very early in his childhood to “please look for crumbs. Eat them to make your mama happy. You are such the skinny mouse. You are a disappointment to your mama.” (Di Camillo, 18) Despereaux, being a non-conformed mouse, is expected to be like all the other mice and follow all of the mice rules. When he does not follow the rules she and the rest of the family fear that he will become a disappointment and shame the entire family. This leads to Despereaux’s brutal treatment, isolation and neglect. Why does his family treat him negatively? Their expectations of Despereaux are not met and therefore, they fear that he will bring shame to their family. The author explores the ways in which Despereaux is treated when his parents and siblings don't accept the rambunctious mouse.
By Traveling From Heavenly Places8 years ago in Families
Out of the Closet
The most common [negative] LGBT narrative for coming out to one's family is that of the parents just utterly disowning their child. Calling them sinful fags, or other hurtful words, and I always sort of imagined a burly football-loving dad literally picking their gay, lesbian, trans, or bi child up by the scruff of their shirt and tossing them out the door.
By Ian Hazelton8 years ago in Families
Rats
Many people think one thing when they see a rat: ew! But, I want people to know what amazing pets they can be. Now, to start off, I am not saying to go find a rat that lives in New York sewers, because they could have diseases. However, rats that are meant for pets or feeders are actually rather healthy. While most feeder rats aren't as great for pets (because they are misbred to get more for food and can unfortunately get sick) it doesn't mean they won't make good pets. My first two were feeder rats and I adored them. While they didn't last long due to illnesses, I gave them a longer and happier life than they would have originally had. When a rat becomes comfortable in an environment, they will see you as their mother. You are their giant, hairless, rat mom. And they will adore you. They love to cuddle, especially male rats. They can eat just about anything a human could eat. Yes, even a little chocolate. Dark is better, but it won't kill them to have a little milk chocolate.
By Caitlin Cardinal8 years ago in Petlife
