Showing posts with label Things to think about. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things to think about. Show all posts
I am a Muslim and I am tired. I'm tired of mourning for innocent lives lost in this unnecessary bloodshed, claiming to be in the name of religion. But tell me what greater sin is there in Islam then to take a life of another? If we are not even allowed to harm an ant or a spider in our own homes, how can you even think of harming another human being? How is this act of sin acceptable? The Quran clearly states, 'I made you different from one another so you can learn from each other'. Tell me, by killing humanity, how exactly are you going to follow through with that notion? What did these innocent people, living their everyday lives do, to deserve meeting their deaths? This grief we carry should not be a regular occurrence and yet it is. My ears are numb and my heart is heavy. All because of this plague of terrorism.
It's that time of year again - where graduation caps fill Instagram feeds, and universities get busy with preparing graduation memorabilia. I remember graduation day pretty vividly. Walking up those steps onto that grand stage and claiming my degree, was a feeling unlike no other. I remember feeling like I has truly conquered education, and I was on top of the world. Seriously, I wouldn't stop jumping up and down that day with such excitement. Embrace that moment, and remember that feeling as you take your first steps into adulthood.
What do Miley Cyrus, Arianna Grande, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato all have in common? They were once all children, who dreamed of taking the stage and performing with all their heart and soul to a crowd that would listen. Children who actually managed to reach that dream before they hit their 20s. The teens who have literally grow up in the limelight, and have fortunately, developed successful careers in Hollywood. But they did not make it there un-scarred.
As these young stars have grow up, they've found it difficult to mature into adulthood and shed their childhood star images. Why? Because that's what people have come to recognise them as - child stars. Individuals who literally embody the essence of childhood - especially those who grew up alongside them, watching them year after year right before their eyes.
Once you're a child starlet - especially a Disney one - you can't really escape. The world has watched you grow up in front of their very eyes, and they are not quite ready to let that image go. Being pigeon-holed in this way makes it very difficult for the world to take you seriously, especially as you attempt to develop as an artist and mature into a young adult. These child stars are almost imprisoned in the image of these roles, which gave them their stardom with no true escape; no light at the end of media scrutiny. The irony! So what do many of them do? The extreme opposite to shed and reject that very image.
I remember in my first year of university, I took a module which discussed how woman in popular culture were either stereotyped to be innocent or promiscuous. There was no 'true' middle ground. When you take a look at the recent examples of Disney/Nick child stars, it's hard to not ignore that theory. Sometimes the only way these artists have found to truly break out of that image, is by crossing the ultimate line defying the image they once held. Rejecting any form of innocence entirely. While I accept that everyone has a right and is granted the freedom of creative personal expression, it's almost like these stars have been unconsciously pushed into making their choices. Would they have presented themselves this way, if they didn't have this stigma held over them? If they were coming into their careers now, would this have been the route - or the even image - they would have chosen?
It's not fair that these young adults are being judged and held accountable for moral responsibility, purely because they reached their fame as kids. The amount of pressure that puts on a young adult who is still trying to figure out who they are is cruel and unjust. But unfortunately it's a system that's hard to change, but maybe discussing it can be the first step forward. Even just acknowledging it can be healthy step towards changing the status quo.
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Image Source 1 2 3 / Edited by Creative in Arts
Aged 24, Matt Haig found himself feeling lost and hopeless, seeing no way he could go on living. Reason To Stay Alive is an account of that journey and how he overcome his struggle from the dark depths of his illness.
I remember stumbling across this book by accident through twitter. I had heard there would be a book signing with Matt Haig - and being an avid book signing attender I thought I'd go. Having the privilege of hearing Matt speak about his novel was pretty much what sold this book to me, and I'm so glad it did. Reasons to Stay Alive is an important non-fictional novel, that gives a preview into one individual's experience of depression and anxiety. To those who've suffered, it provides solace. To those who haven't experienced those troubles, it gives a glimpse into the hardships and struggles others face on a daily bases. I found this book re-enacts that heavy feeling of a weight you can not explain, and yet tells these stories with a hopeful twist for the future. Well worth reading, and definitely one of the must read novels for everybody this year!
Like many people out there, I loved One Tree Hill growing up. It had everything a successful television show should have - drama, romance and heart. From Lucas's insightful quotes, Brooke's sassy nature and the unstoppable Naley (Nathan and Haley for all you newbies!), One Tree Hill never failed to entertain me. But even after all these years, there is still one story line that I can not understand or even being to comprehend. One storyline that I will never be able to truly accept.
Robert Quinn - the father to Sophia Quinn and Callie Jacob. If you've been watching The Fosters recently, then you know exactly who I'm talking about. You'll also know about the custody war that has dominated this past season between the Fosters and the Quinns. In all honestly, I'm really disappointed with the way the producers have represented Robert Quinn's storyline in Season Two, and here's why.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons