It's embarrassing to admit how long it has been since I've wrote a blog post, especially considering I've wrote numerous articles and have actually been doing things in my six month absence from the blogosphere. Shockingly.
The all consuming nature of essay writing, video filming & editing, internship-seeking and trying to also have a social life has a way of crushing all hopes to jot down anything that doesn't require a in-text citation, pages of research or could be said in a quick FB conversation (you're lying to yourself if you say your social life extends beyond your Facebook conversations at times).
Hence the need for me to catch up, to dish my dirt and let it all out, because it's been one hell of a crazy year so far.
So let us just start with some of the craziness...
1. January - Women's March
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| Source: ManRepeller.com |
In wake of some seriously hard truths and events where we've seen groups of individuals become the victims and targets of anger, hatred and unfair policies, this was a beacon of light in what can often seem like a very narrow dark tunnel.
It warmed my heart to witness both older and millennial generations come together with the hope and strength that the threats of 'big' voices would be silenced as they held up a middle finger to a patriarchal, unequalled system that has no place in our modern democracy.
I'm proud to be a woman everyday, but this day was particularly special to me.
2. February - Oscars 2017
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| Source: Esquire.com |
I've got to admit, the title of 'movie-buff' must be reserved for someone other than myself.
However, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a sucker for these red-carpet events, and The Oscars this year definitely took the cake.
The grandeur of sparkling jewels, silk tuxes and dresses were only one of many highlights from the infamous Hollywood 'night of nights'.
Rightfully (and debatably) so La La Land took away some of the big awards of the night and Moonlight was an incredible win for 'Best Picture', not only for the sheer beauty that encapsulated that film but the amazing representation of LGBTQ+ characters and culture in the Hollywood industry. A real step, it seems, in the right direction for an award show that has been criticised for it's white-washing advocacy in award nominees and winners in the past.
Of course, we cannot forget that infamous meme-worthy television blunder that made the fantasy of Hollywood seem like a reality. Which was a breath of fresh air, despite the awkwardness we all felt but revelled in.
3. March - 13 Reasons Why
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| Source: pentilon.com |
I'll keep it quick with this one, as I still don't quite know how I feel about this incredibly popular Netflix series.
A series dedicated to tackling suicide is one thing, a series that focuses on the torment of individuals 'involved' in said suicide, well that's another.
I, like many, were drawn to the sheer anomaly of this show and continually found myself confronted by the themes and issues that I saw throughout.
I think that what the producers aimed to do may have been well-intentioned, however, we've all got different experiences with the themes that were shown throughout these episodes and unfortunately the concept of 'triggering' is a dangerous and scary aftermath that this series presented.
My advice: Watch with an open-mind and take caution. You aren't alone & you can always talk to someone. (Lifeline 13 11 14)
4. April - Syrian Chemical Weapons Attack
The Syrian War, since 2011, has been a world of pain and suffering for many people in the Middle East.In April (4th) the Khan Shaykhun chemical air-strike was just another one of many radical attempts to create fear and furthermore foster a political/religious regime that sees no positive outcome for Syria's future.
The worst part of these attacks is that the innocent are not free from it's peril - people too young taken from the world from such unsolicited acts of violence is truly heartbreaking.
As an Australian citizen, I feel so privileged to not have this war on my soil. However, I also know that in moments like these ignorance is weak and knowledge is strength, and we all have so much to learn.
War is not improbable, and we must be aware of this. It's more important than ever to be aware of our current military and political climate and remain intuitive and listen.
We all try to hide ourselves from the 'bad' news, but instead we must ingest the hard to hear truths and get out of our bubble.
5. May - Decriminalising Abortion Overturned
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| Source: SBS |
I got angry for all women who have been guilted by their choice to abort a pregnancy. A right all should have to make their own choices and have full control when it comes to their bodies.
I got angry for the practitioners who were deemed as 'evil doers' and punished for performing a procedure that was consented upon in a professional environment between a patient and doctor.
I got angry to see a bill that would abolish the criminalisation of abortion in the NSW Crimes Act of 1900 overturned in OUR Upper House of NSW Parliament.
No one is pro-abortion or anti-life (a terrible term coined in these discussions).
Terminating a pregnancy is no easy task. This is a hard enough choice for women to make without laws that further complicate and worsen the issue, but women should have the right to make that decision themselves.
It's about Pro-Choice and to see this happening in 2017 is deeply disappointing.
6. June - London is calling / Manchester is mourning
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| Source: Billboard.com |
The multiple London Bridge bombings and the horrific incident that saw young music lovers face death in light of what should've been one of the best nights of their life turned into a great sadness solicited by acts of terrorism.
When I saw the news about both of these tragic events my heart dropped. We hear about the wars in the Middle East and think they are 'so far away' but then we are faced with the reality that only oceans separate us and terror is not prejudiced.
In light of these devastating incidents I was amazed to see a response that deafened fear and animated strength. The #OneLoveManchester benefit concert was simply just one of those breathtaking responses. It reminded people that fear never wins but great spirit and strength does.
I pray that all those affected and those who have lost loved ones regain a sense of hope and let strength guide them through this difficult time. My heart truly goes out to each and every one of them.
What's been on your mind the past 6 months? Feel free to share :)
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