#SumItUpSunday: October 11th, 2020
What can I say? Shit is still pretty wild. Between you and I, I have kind of been losing it every single day. The cruelties of people and the injustices we face & witness is enough to knock anyone down. But that's a whole other conversation we can have! If you would like to have that conversation, or need someone to chat with, reach out! Certainly do not have all the answers, or a much answers at all, but quitting is just not an option. Let's turn this passion into something greater than you and I!
This week's article will touch base on
-Thoughts and opinions around the movie, "Cuties".
-How Love&Truth has contributed into my peace.
-A kick-ass mantra for this week.
Let's get it baby!
So the movie "Cuties"...
I have not seen it. I will not see it. Here is my opinion written on a screen.
The amount of open dialogue that this project has ignited is pretty fucking amazing. People have yelled left and right and declared whether they stand by it or not.
I have experienced and witnessed abuse too often to have the heart to support it in any way. This film, in my opinion, has gotten a lots roars. This does not mean I stand by it. Sometimes really fucked up shit has to be thrown right in people's faces for them to finally listen. Unfortunately, most times people don't care unless it affects them directly. I have spoken on sexual abuse and rape culture; I will never stop, it never ends.
"Cuties" should of never happened. The shots that people express they saw should of never been filmed. Regardless of the intention behind "Cuties", the suggestive shots in itself are very contradictory to the mission.
It has been stated by the director, Maïmouna Doucouré, that "during filming [they] were extremely mindful of their age [and that] a trained counselor was present on set". Isn't the issue captured perfectly in this example? here's what I mean.
Regardless of what the intention was, regardless if they had counselors present every step of the way, regardless of this being for a movie, isn't the problem that this still happened?
We tend to justify wrongful acts for many reasons.
I wonder if the parents questioned their decisions throughout the film. I wonder how many times the counselors realized they were in a unique situation where they may have been part of a big traumatic childhood experience, but instead of stopping them- the children were coached through this film. How about the camera people? At some point, when one of them were directed to zoom into some private areas, was there hesitation? is there a chance these camera people got off on getting paid to film this? Did anyone speak up for the girls throughout this film?
Today, are you having open conversations with your friends about their and/or your kids? Are you more aware about your environment and what information you allow your kid to absorb? Are you calling out that uncle that always made you feel uncomfortable when you were growing up? Are we doing more than just talking about it and looking for the next thing to binge watch?
Change is coming!
My instinct is to be mad! Anger and I have been close friends for a long time and sometimes bestie wants to come out and show these hands. I could have a screaming match with every other person that isn't as passionate as a sexual abuse survivor trying to just live in this world.
But guess what? More things ARE happening outside of just open conversations. People are getting mad enough that legal action is now being taken. I look forward to all of us, as a collective, to continue moving in this direction.
>>>"Netflix is standing by “Cuties” after being indicted by a grand jury in a Texas county district court over claims the French film promotes “lewd visual material” depicting a child.
The indictment, filed in Tyler County, Texas on September 23 and obtained by TheWrap, claims that the film “depicts the lewd exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of a clothed or partially clothed child who was younger than 18 years of age.” The charge names Ted Sarandos and Reed Hastings and argues that the critically acclaimed film has “no serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.” Read full article HERE.
Because you don't talk about it does not mean it doesn't exist and because you don't talk about it, it continues to exist.
Continue having these difficult conversations!
Lotus, Love, and Truth.
As we all know, life is life and that involves a crock-pot of tribulations and all happy moments all at once. Life is a continuation of all types of poems. Every day we have a choice to set ourselves up to be true or to be less than that. Check out "Lotus, Love, and Truth" to embark on a gentle journey of healing by Ashley Irvin.
I try my best but that shit is hella hard man! We have all faced drastic changes recently. Like my own life, many of our lives have been flipped upside down and we are adapting one day at a time. The times that we are living offer a lot of great things and collective changes. With that, comes tremors of chaos and bewilderment as well. Ashley, owner and founder of -Lotus, Love, and Truth-, is currently offering weekly meditation classes focused on each individual main chakra including "a brief history of each chakra, what it means, color association, crystal association", and about an hour of focused work.
It's been a really raw and organic experience.
If you are interested in these intimate opportunities here is some information.
The next session will be October 17 @ 6:30 pm & will be focused on the Third Eye Chakra. Here HERE to book this class.
After that, the final session of this specific bundle will be October 24 @ 6:30 pm & will be focused on the Crown Chakra. Click HERE to book this class.
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In short, my experience has been greatly appreciated and welcomed. There are a lot of things coming up for me and fortunately I have been able to articulate myself thoroughly and in simple terms. Lessons have been revealing themselves almost in an organized way. I been able to break things down and simplify it as much as possible. Dude, for me- that is huge! It has been a pleasing experience being able to trust others as I continue to trust in trusting myself.
This week's mantra:
Baby, you are dope as fuck.
Period.
If having issues, view video HERE.
You can also watch the video via YouTube HERE.
Find the lyrics in English and in Spanish HERE.
To start a convo regarding a collab, click HERE.