Tag: uk
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It’s 2023, don’t “all lives matter” me
There is nothing more annoying than going about your business and having someone pull you into an unsolicited conversation about race. Believe it or not, not every Black person is waiting with bated breath to relish in the collective trauma of our community. White people are always the first to say that minorities make everything…
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Why September is the reset everyone needs
September, to me, has always meant new beginnings. Maybe this comes from being institutionalised during school – which sounds like a bad thing – but it’s the time of year I most look forward to. The change in seasons is so apparent I can’t help but spend the month breathing in air that makes me feel…
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It’s OK to turn down opportunities that don’t serve you
Since co-writing Hairvolution, lots of people have reached out to myself and my co-author, asking us to do talks, go on podcasts and be on panels discussing all things Black hair. It’s the one aspect of publishing the book I’ve enjoyed the most because I get to meet so many amazing Black women, hear their…
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Why are you laughing? There is nothing funny about this trial.
It doesn’t matter whose side you are on in the Amber Heard Vs. Johnny Depp trial. Many people subscribe to #JusticeForJohnny, whereas others feel like we could all use a refresher course in the #metoo movement. I personally think they’re just bad as each other, and things got really out of hand. From recordings of…
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Going to the gym for mental health
I hate gyms. As an obvious fat person, I have a warped sense that gyms are filled with people who are there to judge you and your body instead of working on themselves. As much as I know that isn’t true, just like with seasoned drivers who shout at learners on the road, some regular…
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Who were you before your anxiety?
I’m old enough to remember a time before we could pin our feelings and actions on our anxiety. Talking about mental health as openly as we do now was probably not something people imagined they’d see in their lifetime. For a long time, being open about mental health issues of any kind was a taboo,…
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Jackie the Ripper? Violence against women is not a gimmick
This post discusses sensitive topics about sexual assault. This International Women’s Day saw the latest in a long line of complete stupidity and disregard for the plight of violence against women at the hands of men. In a failed attempt at appearing equal, London Dungeon renamed Jack the Ripper – murderer of countless women and…
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Why is there always room for racism in a time of crisis?
What is happening in Ukraine is despicable. Considering millions of Russian people are putting themselves in danger to protest against an attack their country instigated, I think it would be hard to find a sane person who supports the assault on Ukraine. These past few days, the world has been rallying behind them, and social…
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The beauty of buying with a conscience
From buying black-owned to not buying from those who don’t support others, why you should consider the products you consume now more than ever. Despite all the atrocity that 2020 has thrown at us, one thing you can’t deny is that it has made us more conscious and aware. The handling of Covid-19 exposed every…
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The sublime intervention of ‘I May Destroy You’
Trigger Warning: this article contains themes of sexual assault, sexual violence and consent. Please do not read any further if any of these discussions trigger you. This article also contains spoilers. Michaela Coel had me from the moment she brought Chewing Gum into my life, and she’s outdone herself this time. ‘I May Destroy You’…
Sincerely, Saskia 