history
The roots of feminism were planted millennia ago; we must understand feminism throughout history to contemplate how much farther we can go.
That Ain't Ego- That's How We Go With Black dynamite
This piece is dedicated to all the women of color who, in embracing their strength, taught me to harness my own. I have come across a lot of authors on my journey to become a semi-successful writer. There have been many strong women whose stories and words have inspired me and made me become more confident. From Joyce Carol Oats to Alice Walker and lastly Maya Angelou, each of them had one thing in common: These women were honest in their expression of a world that tried to contain them. They took this same world and liberated many through their stories. In participating in their journey to find themselves and in their love for truth, I've realized the power of my own words. From a girl and then to a woman, I have been endlessly inspired, everyday, to become the best version of myself.
All About Corsets
The corset has a bad reputation. And unfairly so, according to real women, and actual evidence, who say this undergarment of centuries past is not nearly as evil or confining as modern folks have come to believe. First, though, a bit of quick history - The corset has been an indispensable article of clothing for several centuries in Europe, evolving as fashion trends have changed. Women, as well as some men, have used it to change the appearance of their bodies. The corset first became popular in sixteenth-century Europe, reaching the zenith of its popularity in the Victorian era. While the corset has typically been worn as an undergarment, it has occasionally been used as an outer-garment; corsets as outer-garments can be seen in the national dress of many European countries. Even as it gained popularity, the corset was not worn by everyone. Mary, Queen of Scots, for example, did not wear a corset. During the reign of Louis XV of France and again during the French Revolution, the corset went out of style, as the fashions were simpler. But, what you know as a corset, and the term corset itself only came into use at the start of the Victorian era (1820s and 1830s) and lasted up through the 50s and 60s. Previously, women (and mostly in England - the french were less keen on them) wore stays. In early 16th century Europe, corsets called “payre of bodies'' or ‘stays’ pushed the breasts upward and shaped the torso into a slim cylinder, thanks to boning made of horn, buckram or whalebone, and a flat wooden “busk” running down the center. But by the 17th century, corsets took on more of a cone-like shape, often made of two separate pieces of boned fabric known as stays, held together in the front with the busk. For a brief time, from 1800 to 1830, the Napoleonic high “empire waist” allowed for short stays to reign briefly.
Jules MonfortPublished 3 years ago in VivaRemembering the Real Mothers Of Gynecology-
Institutionalized racism is a concept we have heard more and more after George Floyd’s murder. We have seen racism against Black Americans across all spectrums, however, America’s Medical System, its evolution of modern science, and practices are all a direct product of racism, abuse, and non-ethical standards. Today, I want to highlight the abuse of several black, enslaved, women who underwent the exploitation of a racist and unethical physician, James Marion Sims, a 19th century doctor who was known, initially, as the “Father of Gynecology,” a title that has been taken away after uncovering the truth.
Evangeline EmmanuelPublished 3 years ago in VivaMary Kenner created the sanitary belt
It is always troubling to me to hear that the color of someone's skin or their gender is the only reason they were not treated fairly. I will never wrap my head around the fact that many modern inventions were unfairly delayed because of racism and or sexism. The black female innovator that I am writing about today created something that was very useful to women during her time. This product is no longer in use today and many young women may not even have heard of it. Mary Kenner invented the sanitary belt which gave women a method that was beneficial during their monthly periods.
Cheryl E PrestonPublished 3 years ago in VivaQueen's Do Not Cry
‘They tell us not to fear the unknown. They tell us that all will well, as long as we believe. As long as we keep the faith, we will be okay. At least that's what they tell everyone else. From a young age, I was taught differently than the common folk. I was taught to not show fear, to not show sadness or grief. I was taught from a young age not to cry before our subjects. Not even when my mother passed around seven was I to cry at her funeral. I was forced to watch as the carriage, and rows of horses carried her body up to the royal cemetery with my head held high. I remember my father did hold my hand, my older brother Stephan beside him and my grandmother in a black veil. My father pulled me along when our carriage came to view, he helped me inside and I thought it was safe to cry, but he wouldn't have it.
C.N. McDonaldPublished 3 years ago in VivaFIRST BLACK WOMAN ON A POSTAGE STAMP
The first black woman to have her likeness honored on a United States postage stamp did not happen until 1978 as a part of the Post Office Black Heritage Series.
Paula C. HendersonPublished 3 years ago in Viva- Top Story - November 2020
6 Reasons Why I Would be Accused of Being a Witch
The Salem Witch Trials that occurred in 1692-1693 saw a rise in the accusations of witchcraft in the United States. It’s a popular topic nowadays, especially with the rise in the pagan religion and practice of witchcraft. In these modern times, not a lot of people think twice about these spiritual practices given the increase in religious and spiritual acceptance and tolerance. Claims from back in these trials ranged in severity from witches sacrificing animals to putting curses on families and possessing young girls. Over the years that preceded, many guidelines were put into place on how to spot a witch, and the following hysteria resulted in roughly 25 deaths. The Salem Witch Trials have been largely denounced, considering there is not an accurate way to spot a witch, and even if there is, the tolerance and understanding towards the spiritual practice has grown so much.
Alesia BrooksPublished 3 years ago in Viva Witches, The Original Feminists
Witch. What a powerful word. When I used to think of a witch, my mind would run to Glenda the “Good Witch”, the wicked with of the west, and the classic ladies of “Hocus Pocus.” Spells, black cats, culdrens, and black magic weren’t far behind.
Lauren ShipleyPublished 4 years ago in VivaQueen Nanny
October 19 is an important day in Jamaica... Heroes' Day. The public holiday celebrates the men and women who have made an outstanding contribution to Jamaica. The day also recognizes seven historical figures who make up Jamaica's 'National Heroes'.
The Woman Who Fought For Our Annual Thanksgiving Tradition
In 1846 a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale began a campaign for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday that is celebrated annually on a fixed date. Up to now Thanksgiving was primarily only celebrated in the Northeast.
Paula C. HendersonPublished 4 years ago in VivaWomen In History
One of the most Courageous women in history, Anne Frank will be an Inspiration for us women within the pages of history --- for as long as we have the “History Book.”
Ruth Elizabeth StiffPublished 4 years ago in VivaWomen In History
Possibly one of the most misunderstood women in history, the name of Maria Antoinette is well-known. The last Queen of France was sent to the guillotine at the young age of 37, and some of her last words were courageous: “Courage! I have shown it for many years; think you I shall lose it at the moment when my sufferings are to end!” Yes, this Queen is an Inspiration!
Ruth Elizabeth StiffPublished 4 years ago in Viva