Catchy Katy--"Dark Horse"

Katy Perry's single "Dark Horse," number two on the iTunes charts, is unquestionably catchy (I've been humming the opening beat in my head for about a week now...), but besides the tune, what else is Perry's song throwing your way? By that I mean: what kind of message is "Dark Horse" sending, and is that message something you agree with? 

To help us out with this, let's watch a lyrics video:

via youtube.com

So you probably get a sense that it's about love (happy late Valentine's Day, by the way!). But this love isn't about mutual respect and romance. It's about seduction. It's about being crazy. It's about owning another person.

Katy demands her partner to "make her" his/her "Aphrodite," who is a Greek goddess known for insane jealousy and a tendency to exact revenge. So, not a great start. She then goes on to say "once you're mine / There's no going back." Though this might seem innocent, she removes the person's ability to decide for themselves in an effort to keep in control; this is not the foundation for a healthy relationship. 

Juicy J, in his rap, calls her "a beast," compares her to the cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer, compares her to a drug, and implies if you break her heart she'll go crazy ("turn as cold as a freezer").

Not only does this sound like a very bad relationship to be in--it's based on lust, not respect, kindness, or appreciation of the other person--it's also pushing forward a negative stereotype about women in relationships (that we're all crazy and vindictive).

I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy the song (I still do!), but it's important to realize what she's saying. And that it's completely okay not to agree with her or believe the song's message. I know it's just a song, but what we watch and listen to matter if we let it shape the way we think of others. So, word to the wise: remember that loving, lasting relationships are built on mutual respect, no matter what "Dark Horse" tells us.

~Emily

The Obama Girls Dress to Impress!

Via Google images

We all know about Michelle Obama's great style but what about Sasha and Malia? These girls must take tips from their mom (or does their mom takes tips from them!?) because they never fail to impress us with their great outfits and stylish dresses!                               

“They have tons of opinions,” Michelle Obama has said. “And it’s a joy to hear them think out loud about life. They’re growing into really interesting individuals.”

-Jennifer

What Are Celebreties Into?

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What do celebrities like to do?” Do they do what I do? What my mom does? What prince and princesses do in those movies that are 50% good and 50% ridiculous? Turns out the answer is a mix (celebrities are involved in some casual hobbies, some in odd hobbies, and some professional hobbies with a cause that really should be recognized).

Here’s a list :) 

 

*Beyonce Knowles – Shopping, Swimming, Reading, Dancing (always good to be active right? An ice ninja can’t complain) 

picture via google images

* Cameron Diaz – Snow Boarding, Rafting (looks like we got some active women in show biz)

picture via google images

*Madonna – Yoga, Reading, Writing (This diva an     academic??? You better believe it!! You don’t have to pick between being talented and being smart)

picture via google images

* Johnny Depp- Playing with dolls (Umm yeah that’s what has been reported… But if it’s true SO WHAT! Do what you want to do. A man can be captain of the cheer team.  Women can lead camping trips. ANYONE can be a leader (and anyone can play with dolls #yougoJohnnyDepp)

picture via google images

A New Kind of Princess?

I was so excited to see Brave when it came out in 2012. Yes, Brave the Pixar animation movie. Yes, I was 19 at the time. No, I will never outgrow Pixar. 

The real reason I wanted to see the film so badly was because Merida, the lead, has such huge, curly hair! Finally, some embrace of the curls! I couldn't remember the last time I saw a princessy character with anything other than straight hair.  Only later did I learn that Brave, Pixar's 13th movie, was also the animation studio's first movie with a female lead. Even better, but it sure took long enough. 

Via Slate

So what are Merida and her hair all about?

Merida is the daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, but her character is a sharp break from the princesses of Disney classics.  Merida is courageous, bold, and stubborn.  She's a sharpshooter with the bow and arrow, and would rather spend time racing across the countryside on horseback than do what her mother, the Queen, believes are more appropriate activities (a.k.a. getting married).  Merida has a developed and bold personality, and proves she can make choices for herself.  She's a healthy alternative from the pink-washed princesses we've all seen (and yes, perhaps love, #teamAriel) and I appreciate that a princess and leading female character is portrayed as tomboyish, independent, and athletic.  Merida is in many ways a boss, and perhaps serious role model material.


Fun Fact: I was at Disney World last year and tried desperately to find a Merida costume that I could try on, take a picture in, and then promptly return to the shelf. No luck, however. Apparently there aren't too many 5'8" people looking to fit into princess dresses.

Via Google Images

So what do you think? Do you and Merida have anything in common? Is she a character you might want to be like?


--Nicola

The Real Princesses

Forget Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, check out this Disney Commercial to see what it really means to be a princess!

-Jennifer

New Ice Princess

Have some of you been following the Sochi Winter Olympics? Or maybe you are an athlete yourself? Russia just took its first team gold, much thanks to 15-year-old Julia Lipnitskaia!! The 5-feet-2 figure skater just became the youngest athlete ever to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. Check out the below clip to see some of her moves:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRrjvrMh9cU

via google images

via google images

~Joy

Todays Women of the Week

It is monday and therefore time to highlight one specific female that can serve as inspiration to the not just women, but the world :)

Todays Hero

Angelina Jolie

    via google images                                                                       via google images

This superstar can sometimes be pre-maturely judged for her

films. Sometimes portraying the "naughty girl" she is brushed off as a bad influence by some parents; however, taking a closer look, this women is a serious inspiration!! This Angelina is a mother of six and dedicated to a multitude of causes that are spectacular in every way. Angelina is a Special Envoy of High Commissioner Antonio Gutteres for the UN. This means she is essentially is a peace promoter on the INTERNATIONAL level! On top of this she has founded charities and advocates for humanitarian causes consistently (basically meaning she contributes to events and foundations that promote human rights). This woman has some serious passion(and her serious style does not hurt either). Awarding her women of the week at this point seems like an understatement! Angelina your an inspiration to us all!

Desmond ;)