Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Things Feminists Want You to Know
I am a feminist. I hate men, I am offended by everything and anything, and I am disgusted by the thought of wearing pink/dresses/high heels/makeup/anything remotely feminine that the patriarchy forced on me. If you read that sentence and understood I was being sarcastic, from all feminists worldwide, thank you. You know your stuff. If you read that and didn't think I was being sarcastic, this article is for you. I hope I can change your mind. It gets tiring, trying to justify that yes, I'm not out to make female supremacy a thing, and yes, I'm allowed to shave my armpits and wear skirts. If I can make my life a little easier, and the lives of many other feminists a little easier, then I've succeeded.
E.W HemmingsPublished 5 years ago in VivaThe Fears of an Indie Artist
Someone in the industry told me that a plus-size female singer will never make it. But I still keep pushing and putting out new music. THOUGHTS in my HEAD. If I post an indecent photo revealing my derriere to get attention, would more people listen to my music? THOUGHTS in my HEAD. As an artist, I want to be more open and honest and not overthink my posts but society has taught me that being TOO open could backfire on you. THOUGHTS in my HEAD.
Doubt and Insecurity and Back-handed Compliments... That's What Some Little Black Girls Are Being Made Of
My nose got pinched more as a child than my cheeks did. Minus those obligatory Sunday mornings at my church home Franklin St. Johns, that is. And when someone wasn’t pinching my nose they were instructing me to pinch it myself. It was a chore that became part of my routine much like brushing my teeth, saying my prayers, and washing my ass.
NOTTHAT SAVEDYETPublished 5 years ago in VivaStretch Marks
Stretch marks are ugly, hideous, I wouldn't want them—so I've been told. Why is everyone afraid of their own body? You should love yourself for who you are even if it's hard sometimes. I had stretch marks from a young age onwards. I was only 10 years old when I spotted mine and I didn't care what anyone thought of me or my body, I was pure and innocent. I did not hate my stretch marks or myself for having them, in fact, I thought everyone had them.
Emily EmilyPublished 5 years ago in VivaRebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway Scam Men in New Trailer 'The Hustle'
Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson have joined forces and will soon hit the big screen in The Hustle, a film featuring two badass women who swindle wealthy men out of massive sums of money.
Reigning WomenPublished 5 years ago in VivaWomen Need Women
In my travels throughout the internet the other day, I came across a TED Talk featuring Hollywood legends Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. These are two women whom I've seen throughout most of my life; my mom was a fan of their film with Dolly Parton, 9 to 5, and I have many memories of seeing Tomlin's phone operator Ernestine or her little girl Edith Ann. Many of my contemporaries watch Grace & Frankie on Netflix, and the lifelong friends have struck me as women who are probably just as funny offscreen as they are onscreen.
Christina St-JeanPublished 5 years ago in VivaPond Muck
Wearing my purple leopard tankini with the turquoise stripes, I stand at the edge of the pond. I look down at the muddy green water watching the little fish playing in my shadow among the pebbles. Then I look out at the brown muck that creates a five-foot wide ring that hugs the edge of the pond in front of me. A frog croaks from somewhere within the secret world of wreaths that have cotton corn dogs on their tops.
Women Won Big at 2019 Grammys
The 61st annual Grammy Awards took place on Sunday night, an evening that seemed to be themed around all things woman. Female songwriters, rappers, producers, singers, and engineers racked up awards left and right, with a grand total of 31 women taking home awards.
Reigning WomenPublished 5 years ago in VivaStruggling with Sexual Expression
As women, we are raised with the understanding that our bodies are viewed differently to men's bodies. The media, society, the boys at our schools, the adults who push problematic school uniform rules onto us. Girls must wear skirts, but not too short because then it's inappropriate. Remember to keep those shoulders covered, otherwise your skin will distract the boys and the teachers! We're taught that our bodies are something men will feel the entitlement to shove their dick against in a club before we're even aware of their existence. We know if we confront them with our frustration and disgust, we're the ones causing shit. We know it's easier to simply move out of the dick's way, and give our friends that watch out for the creep look.
Katie GasterPublished 5 years ago in VivaHere's Why Women Wore White During the SOTU...
The State of the Union recently went down in Washington, and it came with no surprise. Among other things, the women of our country came out to make a statement, and that's precisely what they did.
Reigning WomenPublished 5 years ago in VivaSexism: Reality or Fiction?
You've heard the saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." This statement holds true in the sports arena when it comes to the differences between male and female athletes. In today’s world, female athletes are learning the hard way that even if they train harder than their male counterparts and out-perform them, they will still not receive the same recognition or money that the guys make.
Joseline BurnsPublished 5 years ago in Viva10 Ways Toxic Masculinity Affects Dating
People, I gotta tell ya. The dating pool needs chlorine in it, big time. It's not that there aren't sexy people out there; even the average person is fairly good looking. No, the problem isn't looks. It's peoples' attitudes.
Sasha KonikovoPublished 5 years ago in Viva