The Inbetweeners

As a people, we have got to find a way to disagree with one another that does not result in one side being demonised or the drawing of fistacuffs. This post is inspired by the recent resignation of the leader of the Liberal Democrats political party in Britain over comments he made regarding homosexuality and how it intersects with his faith (side stepping this issue here). See, I believe that we live in a society wherein disagreement, or anything negative has been banned by practice: we refuse to see the merit in anger, or anxiety or disagreement. If we never see the merit in these things how can we hope to understand them and use them for their intended purpose. If Disney's Inside Out can get this right, then why can't we? Case in point: anger, frustration and sadness inspires people to fight for change, anxiety can keep you safe and, at it's baser level, acts as a warning signal (not downplaying how serious the mental health issue is but rather drawing upon my own...

I recently got a wig, and boy am I flossing . I am strutting around town like I declined an OBE. Right now, I feel like the world is my cat walk and honey, I ain't about to sashay away anytime soon. But when I take it off and I'm left with my cornrows, I feel less beautiful. Somehow, less fierce. Never mind that I can't pull of cornrows. But mind that I my self-esteem goes through the roof whenever I have extensions on - essentially whenever my hair is not in it's quintessential afro. And boy does this realisation hit you like a ton of bricks.  How deeply internalised 'Black is not beautiful' is. How when I need to go to interviews, I can spend an hour on my hair ensuring its presentability. Willing the curls to be looser, or that they once, stop defying gravity with their propensity to stick up and out of place. Wishing that I had taken the effort to actually do my hair. Praying that no-one will notice. Taking the time to beat my face to perfection to som...