family
Family life from the feminist perspective; can women have it all? Can anyone?
It Must Be Nice
It must be nice... It must be nice to be able to stay awake as long as you want playing video games while your significant other is listening for the baby hoping to get a little rest, after being up until 6 AM taking care of the same baby that you helped create. It must be nice to sleep the whole night knowing if your child makes the slightest little fuss your significant other will be right there to attend to the baby's needs while you sleep through the night. It must be nice to nap whenever you want, whether someone needs your help or not.
Sabree TurnerPublished 6 years ago in VivaBecause You’re a Girl
Dear fellow readers, Full disclosure, I suck at typing but nevertheless, I am here today to tell you my story. The story of being a girl. It may be typical but to me it’s been anything but typical. Now, let’s jump right in.
A Complicated & Confusing #MeToo
Do you remember, Daddy? Or is it something an elementary schooler would make up? Because I honestly don’t remember my childhood besides the few incidences we had. It’s something I’m just now dealing with at 20-years-old and I’m slowly starting to realize that you were the catalyst for my mental illnesses and personality disorder. Well, and Mom, but that’s a different kind of abuse. Now don’t get me wrong, my mother didn’t know about the abuse while it was going on. “How would she not?” I’m sure that’s what many of you are asking. The reason is because when my parents divorced when I was two, my mom moved back to Oklahoma and me and my dad stayed in Florida, coming to Oklahoma occasionally. Conveniently, most of the abuse happened in Florida from what I can remember.
Carmen PenningtonPublished 6 years ago in VivaYes, Dad, #MeToo
Yes, Dad, #MeToo I have been trying, and failing, to speak my truth for years. To my parents. To my friends. To my coworkers. Every time I open my mouth to speak, I choke. The rare few times I have opened up to family members and close friends, I’ve been rebutted (“Wait, didn’t you sleep with that guy anyway?” “You were drunk.” “Well why didn’t you call the police?”). Eventually, you develop survival techniques for living with your secrets. Some of us happen to favor the unhealthy ones. My personal favorite is: If I distract myself by keeping my glass of [insert alcohol of choice here] full, I won’t think about what happened to me. The problem with my coping mechanism of choice is that, if you’re an unpredictable drunk like me, sometimes all you’ll be able to think about is the one thing you’re trying not to think about. That, or you end up speaking your truth before you’re ready, in fractured pieces to unwilling participants (which, in my case, includes my parents).
Brooke ElizabethPublished 6 years ago in VivaDear Working Moms, It’s Time to Stop Feeling Guilty
Whether you’re a stay at home mom or a working mom, you can admit the lifestyle has its vices. By the title, I imagine you know which one I’ll be speaking about. Let’s stop there though - this will not be an argument on which role is harder, which role is better, or anything of that sort. Being a mom is hard and being a mom is awesome. Period.
Rayelle PaulsonPublished 6 years ago in VivaLiving Uneasy
The Beginning A few days before my eighth-grade year started, my life changed drastically. Nobody ever believed me. Nobody ever listened. I was the kid who “asked for what I got” and was never helped.
Courtney QuickPublished 6 years ago in VivaCase Number 171,039,522
My name is Itzel Christina Villarreal and I am 22 years old. I want to share my story to the world about how I was sexually assaulted by my own cousin, Manuel, four years ago.
Itzel ChristinaPublished 6 years ago in VivaPlease Grow Up To Be a Fool
Sometimes we get into moods where we think too deeply, we muse too strongly, and we feel just too much. And so we must get it out. We must express it. And so on 4/7/18, after a particularly rough day, my mind wandered into its darkness as I watched a wonderful movie, and came out with the following.
Hope MartinPublished 6 years ago in VivaRapist in What Used to Be My Home
It was a few days before Christmas. The season of giving, as we all call it. My mother and I were driving to have lunch at a local bagel shop that we quite enjoy. It was a Sunday, coldest day of the year so far. It was -20 degrees F before wind chill.
Pain Part I
Pain. Pain is something that lets you know you're alive. At least that's what I used to tell myself. My story is long and painful. If anyone has even read the book The Child Called It, then you partially know my story.
Angie KemterPublished 6 years ago in VivaMy Daughter
Sit down, kid. So, you’re going out? Anyplace fun? Sure. Look. I don’t want to make you nervous or anything like that. I know you’ve probably seen TV and you know that traditionally, this is the point in the evening where you’re supposed to come off respectful and I’m supposed to threaten your life.
Pete SearsPublished 6 years ago in Viva- Top Story - February 2018
Reflection on Self-Esteem
Most women (and girls) have found themselves trapped in a negative mindset, criticizing their imperfections, the flawed put on a spotlight, or have even made a thoughtless remark about someone else. Carving out more reason to distrust the good and the beautiful still there in the mirror. This is where to seek mindfulness, learn to push past that negative voice, and accept the beautifully imperfect and love the soul beneath! Cherishing it slowly and with time, heal the misconception that only outward beauty determines respect and esteem.
Melissa JohnsonPublished 6 years ago in Viva