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Lifestyle
Founders Of Color: Latina Sexologist Rebecca Alvarez On Building An Intimacy Empire For Women
She pioneered the sexual wellness movement.
10h
3006
Rebecca Alvarez
Rebecca Alvarez is many things: founder, sexologist, CEO, mentor, and more — as a Latina businesswoman, each of her endeavors is grounded in the strong principles of inclusivity and diversity, especially in sexual health and wellness. Bloomi is the product of her all of her shared passions, and with it she has fostered a community of like-minded, passionate women.
<p>To talk to Rebecca Alvarez about her conception of <a href="https://thebloomi.com/" target="_blank">Bloomi</a>, an e-commerce platform built to provide healthy and organic intimate care products to women. The carefully-curated site features small businesses and businesses owned by women of color, built with consideration of women's health and happiness in intimacy at the forefront.</p><p>Alvarez is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother, and above all a champion of women. Her words were infectious, pure gold to any woman, aspiring entrepreneur, and Latina businesswoman.</p><p><div id="div-gpt-2647869086-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><h2>What is the story you hope to tell with Bloomi?</h2><p><a href="https://thebloomi.com/" target="_blank">Bloomi</a> is really just a reflection of the things that are important to me in life. It fulfilled a need I had. </p><p><strong>Intimacy impacts our quality of life, so for me, <a href="https://thebloomi.com/" target="_blank">Bloomi</a> is addressing that. </strong></p><p>Intimacy can be complicated, so I want to take a thoughtful approach to it. For me, one of the biggest things is being inclusive. It's not just the terms we use or the messaging we have to customers. </p><p><strong>One of our primary consumers is the millennial woman of color. </strong></p><p>With everything going on with COVID, we did some internal soul searching and found what we could do. We are now launching exclusive women of color brands. We're helping them with business and strategy and branding. They have such great stories. I have a soft spot for these people. </p><p><strong>I love knowing our team can help these brands who have really great brands and products.</strong></p><h2>What has been your biggest challenge and highlight as an entrepreneur?</h2><p>In terms of highlight, I would say there are two. One of them is hearing from customers about how we're making their lives better. There's nothing better than to see we're making a positive impact on their health, relationships, and sex life. It drives us. </p><p><strong>It's also been really nice to be a mentor to other entrepreneurs who are one step behind me. </strong></p><p>I'm super grateful to entrepreneurs who are one step ahead of me, so working with other entrepreneurs who are starting to build businesses has been big for me.</p><p>It's super challenging to raise capital in this ecosystem. That's been the constant challenge for me. I want people to know. Sometimes when I meet with investors, people ask me why I'm having challenges raising capitals. That's a frustrating question for me because they're unaware of the disparities in the ecosystem. </p><p><strong>If I don't look like someone you've invested in before, take a challenge and write a check.</strong></p><p>The first challenge was that I didn't have a network. </p><p><strong>My parents immigrated from Mexico so I didn't have generational wealth or access to tap in to so I made connections on my own. </strong></p><p>That's a challenge a lot of entrepreneurs of color, especially women, have is lack of access. Now that I do have access the challenge is not being a traditional tech founder. </p><p><strong>Being a woman of color has its own challenges. But, because its a sexual wellness company, most VCs tend to be kind of conservative. </strong></p><p>So, I have to navigate the room. My fundraising strategy has morphed over the years and now I only pitch to women. I like to pitch to diverse women but I will take calls with men if they've reached out to me. </p><p><strong>I don't do any more reach out to men anymore because they are primarily white men. They don't resonate with the product.</strong></p><p>Our target is millennial women, and primarily millennial women of color so it's not what they're used to. </p><h2>How much does coming from a marginalized community play into the way you conduct business on a day-to-day basis?</h2><p>I don't necessarily feel marginalized on a day to day basis. I don't feel like me being Latina is a day-to-day racial issue. It's more like I feel it's just a repetitive issue in which I see that I am underserved. </p><p><strong>It's a constant issue of basically being the first to do something, but I've become very comfortable with being uncomfortable. </strong></p><p>I rarely see Latina founders or VCs in a room. I've pitched all the Latina VCs. </p><p><strong>I'm constantly pushing boundaries being the first. I feel like I shouldn't necessarily still be doing that. </strong></p><p>From the opposite viewpoint, being a woman and a mom a little older than traditional founders makes me more empathetic and aware as a founder. That makes me super aware of do-good missions. </p><p>Our business is very inclusive and we speak to moms about sexual health and that creates a lot of our core values for <a href="https://thebloomi.com/" target="_blank">Bloomi</a> that I'm really proud of. </p><h2>How do you feel social media and community building within it has changed the way you do business?</h2><p>Social media, specifically Instagram, is a primary communication channel from us to our customers. We have a lot of engagement there. Some people only follow us on Instagram. My co-founder, Julie, really understands community dynamics. I'm really thankful for her. </p><p>She recently came on as a co-founder even though I've been working with her for like a year. She is a community-building guru. </p><p><strong>We're not just a marketplace, we're actually a community-based business. The way we think about growth in the future is thinking about what our community wants next.</strong></p><p>It's been tough to raise the fundraising, but we're doing a crowd equity raise. The public can invest in <a href="https://thebloomi.com/" target="_blank">Bloomi</a> for a much affordable rate. It's just $100. </p><p><strong>We've raised $60,000 so it's been really fun to see the community engaged and if people see value in us, they can invest. </strong></p><p>It's a non-traditional way to raise but we're excited and think it's going to work. There are also challenges. For a sexual wellness company, we can't advertise on social. </p><p><strong>Social media still hasn't moved the needle on openness to advertising sexual wellness products. It's limiting in a lot of ways. </strong></p><p>We've gone to Facebook and talked to them about this topic. You can tell they're really just following policy and that it's going to take a lot to move a lot of these big social media giants. </p><h2>What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of entrepreneurs coming from marginalized communities?</h2><p>It's funny because I would normally say reach out to other founders who are one stage ahead whether that's seed or series A, somebody who has gone through something you're trying to accomplish. I would say that's my go-to though I know they're busy and don't always respond. </p><p>Build your network early on. I do think that's important in whatever you decide to do in building capital or fellow entrepreneurs. Consider educating yourself in creative ways. </p><p><strong>I am super well-versed in sex and sexology. I know the space and trends well. But I didn't always know business well. </strong></p><p>I didn't really feel I could go out and pitch and really know my numbers and there have been so many changes in the way people learn. You can listen to podcasts and listen to books. </p><p>I took classes at Stanford Business School for a couple of semesters and it was a continuing ed thing, and they were the same classes the MBA students were taking. Ultimately you need to know essentials like business models. </p><p>I would get really good at knowing the business side of your company.</p><h2>What can we expect from the future of Bloomi?</h2><p>So, big picture, I'm excited to make <a href="https://thebloomi.com/" target="_blank">Bloomi</a> a destination for all things intimacy. In the next couple of years, we're excited to offer a more robust offering of products and sessions. We're launching our CBD category. </p><p>We're going to be launching more products manufactured by <a href="https://thebloomi.com/" target="_blank">Bloomi</a>. </p><p><strong>We're working with more women of color founders to elevate their brands on our platform. </strong></p><p>The virtual sessions coming up are made to help women level up from the comfort of their home. </p><p>We have everything from sexologists like myself and others talk about how to increase your libido naturally or increase your sex life in relationships all the way to how to feng shui your bedroom for sexual intimacy in your bedroom or tantra and holistic sex. I feel like I learn a lot from them too.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1MDkzNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTk4NTc4NX0.6pWeBJQyVMxH3NjlAnnbQnq4ZrvF7Gnr5tjqrDmeoW8/img.jpg?width=980" id="766ee" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c4fe027c4670d4bef1e88c4cf202f68c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Rebecca Alvarez</small></p><h2>Rapid Fire:<br></h2><p><strong>What are your favorite accounts to follow on social media? </strong></p><p>@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/weallgrowlatina/" target="_blank">weallgrowlatina</a> is an incredible community and @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/shoplatinx/" target="_blank">shoplatinx</a> is like an Etsy for Latin-owned businesses.</p><p><strong>Tell us a book you'd recommend. </strong></p><p>I think an essential you must read if you're a business owner is "<a href="https://amzn.to/2EQpuhU" target="_blank">The Lean Startup</a>."<br><a href="https://amzn.to/2EQpuhU" target="_blank"></a></p><p>I also really like "<a href="https://amzn.to/3ibWOxm" target="_blank">Leapfrog</a>." That's a great one for underrepresented founders on how to hack your way into the system.<br></p><p><strong>What charities do you support? </strong></p><p><a href="https://girlsinc.org/" target="_blank">Girls Incorporated</a> — I was in it. It helps girls in youth have access to summer programs and scholarships and stuff like that so when I was in third grade I started being at that and when I was in college, I went back to be a sex-ed teacher. </p><p>Before I started Bloomi, I was invited to be on the board. They changed my life and I can see them doing that for other girls all the time. Girls in it benefit so much from being a part of it. </p><p><strong>What is on your nightstand?</strong></p><p>It always changes because I think that's important. It's important to try new products and things that make you feel good. </p><p>I have a couple of fresh flowers, I have a new toy I'd like to try with my husband and some arousal oil I use on myself. I can't lie, there's also a baby monitor. </p>
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Health and Wellness
If PCOS Has Taught Me Anything It's That We NEED A More Thorough Education On Reproductive Health
I didn't even know what PCOS was until I was diagnosed.
14h
1735
There is not a consistent standard for health education in the United States. There are a lot of variables that go into this — what state a student lives in, whether they go to a public or private school, and the district's funding and priorities. These variables can be argued for any subject, not just health class. But as we continue to grow as a society, hopefully bettering our education system along the way, it's crucial to consider this often-forgotten element of a child's schooling.
<p>Many health classes are one semester long (a year in <a href="https://c0arw235.caspio.com/dp/b7f930000e16e10a822c47b3baa2" target="_blank">some states</a>, no requirement in other states), covering a variety of topics. Most of us think about sex ed when it comes to our high school health class, with too many curriculums matching that weird coach in "Mean Girls" and his technique toward abstinence. </p><p><div id="div-gpt-2647868846-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</p><p>Or maybe you had a health class like mine — who just so happened to skip sex education altogether. I'm serious, the chapter covering sexual health in our very old fashioned textbooks had our teacher (and our uncomfortable class of high school sophomores) running for the hills, not to be mentioned even once. </p><p>No matter how cringe-y you remember your high school health class as, many adults are on the same page that it simply wasn't enough. Even thorough curriculums are often too short, having to cut corners on topics that many of us need to learn about as functioning members of society. </p><p>One of these more niche — yet still very impactful — topics is reproductive issues, specifically for women. Things like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, and what doctors are actually checking for when you go get a pap smear are all things that well-rounded young women should know about. There are too many women who are taken by surprise later in life, far after their limited health education is complete, who have no idea what it means when a doctor diagnoses them with a reproductive autoimmune disease. </p><p>When my doctor called me after a routine women's check-up with the diagnosis for PCOS, I had to Google what she was talking about. Was I dying? What did this mean? I had never heard the phrase polycystic ovarian syndrome, but I knew it didn't sound good. </p><p>Since that very confusing phone call, I've learned a lot about reproductive and hormonal issues that women face. I've asked an obnoxious amount of questions, trying to fill in the gaps of what I didn't know. Thankfully, I've met a lot of women who are more than willing to share their <a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/women-spill-all-living-with-pcos" target="_blank">experiences, expertise, and advice</a> with me. Each and every one of these women, all of different backgrounds, have agreed that there was so much additional learning they had to do about their reproductive system, thanks to the diagnosis they received. Sure, this is to be expected when a diagnosis is given, but for a disease that impacts 10% of women in the United States, you'd think we'd be able to know something about what our body was experiencing before we took to the internet. </p><p>That's really the foundation that we need from high school health classes — a basic understanding of things our body may experience, not just where babies come from. If having PCOS has taught me anything, it's that increased health education is a tangible way to positively impact lives. This extra knowledge gives people who experience certain conditions a headstart in what they need to know, and others the ability to be more considerate and aware. I love a good fun run or walk to raise awareness, but a few more lessons covered in school seems like the appropriate starting point for comprehensive health education, no matter what the topic may be. </p>
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Health and Wellness
Fitness Is Personal And Customizable, You Don't Have To Do What Everyone Else Is Doing
Everyone's journey to feeling healthy is very personal.
14h
918
In March, the whole country shut down. School was online, extra-curriculars were canceled, and I found myself laying in bed all day every day. One day, as I was laying in bed contemplating my laziness, I decided that I wanted to do something to make myself more healthy. I was feeling so down on myself and my laziness so I decided to make a change.
<p>My changes came in waves. At first, I decided to start running after my morning classes. I would wake up, watch my lectures, then go for a run. But I found no joy in running. It was April in South Florida and the humidity was too much. I forced myself to run anyway though, convincing myself that it was the "right thing to do." However, when you aren't enjoying what you're doing, you will never see progress, and it won't make you feel any better. So, I fell off of running and fell back into my pit of wondering what I could do to make this change that I desired.</p><p><div id="div-gpt-2647869507-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>Then, I found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=714i_cN6tcw" target="_blank">Chloe Ting</a>. Along with everyone else during quarantine, I saw her ab challenge videos, her mystical results, and I decided to give it a try for myself. At first, it was fine, I was sore and I thought that soreness equated to progress. But soon, the videos felt very repetitive. They felt like an obligation that I had to do to look better, rather than a tool in order to feel better and become healthier. I would wake up dreading them but saw no other option as to what I could do, so I kept at it for a while.</p><p>I'm not saying that through all of this I saw no results because I did. I watched what I was eating, trying to focus on having healthier meals, and only eating when I was hungry. I saw the results that I wanted, and other people noticed as well and would compliment me on my weight loss. </p><p><strong>But despite the gratification that I was receiving, I still didn't love my results, because I was miserable with the workouts that I was doing.</strong></p><p>At that point, I realized that I needed to find the workouts that worked for me. Fitness is an extremely personal thing. If we all ate the same, and all did the same exact workouts, we would still all look completely different. So, I started on my mission to find out what worked for me. There are hundreds of different workout videos online, and with my theatre background, I found that I loved the ballet training videos. I found that using weights for my arms and legs made me feel strong and that when I worked on my strength is when I felt the best about myself. </p><p>It is not an easy journey to find what works for you. So many times I thought that I had found it, but still wasn't feeling any better. Now that I have found what works for me, I am feeling better than ever before. I workout when I want to, feeling no obligation that I have to. I do the exercises that I want, rather than running because I think that it's the "right" thing to do. There is no right or wrong when it comes to fitness. It is a personal journey, but now that I have found what works for me, and what makes me feel good and healthy, I am so grateful for all that I have learned.</p>
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Entertainment
10 Songs That Made It Onto My September Playlist
September is the month for Los Angeles natives and Australian music fans.
19h
2910
The Neighbourhood, Bad Suns and The Driver Era are three Los Angeles bands that released songs this month. Not only was it a month for Los Angeles bands, but many Australian bands released new music — San Cisco's fourth studio album, Surf Trash single, Skegss single, and High Tropics single. I made new discoveries this month and was pleased by the amount of new music.
Read the listicle below to learn what came out this month in alternative rock music:
<p><div class="powrload_9edb92"></div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem1" data-id="1" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/1-the-neighbourhood-lost-in-translation" data-basename="1-the-neighbourhood-lost-in-translation" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
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1. The Neighbourhood - "Lost in Translation"
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<p>The Neighbourhood released their fourth album this September after releasing a handful of singles this summer. "Lost in Translation" is a personal favorite of mine after their July release of "Cherry Flavoured." "Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones" is a different sound for the band, but it will definitely bring in a new audience and remind long time fans why they love the band!</p>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem9" data-id="9" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/2-skegss-fantasising" data-basename="2-skegss-fantasising" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
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2. Skegss - "Fantasising"
</h2>
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<p>Skegss released a new single this month that has fans begging for an album. "Fantasising" has the typical Skegss sound exemplifying everything fans love about surf rock. The single follows their previous summer single "Under The Thunder."</p>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem3" data-id="3" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/3-coin-you-are-the-traffic" data-basename="3-coin-you-are-the-traffic" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
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3. COIN - "You Are The Traffic"
</h2>
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<p>COIN released their third album "Dreamland" at the beginning of 2020. The band, like many others, did not get to promote their album or tour due to the coronavirus outbreak. The alternative pop group from Nashville didn't let this stop them as they released 'You Are The Traffic" only a couple months after their album release, and fans are loving it!</p>
</div>
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<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem8" data-id="8" data-reload-ads="true" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/4-surf-trash-wrong-or-right" data-basename="4-surf-trash-wrong-or-right" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
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4. SURF TRASH - "Wrong or Right"
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<p>Surf Trash released "Wrong or Right," a short but fun song, this September. For those of you who are not familiar with the band, they are a three-piece alternative surf rock band from Australia. The band consists of the Scott brothers and their closest friend.</p>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem4" data-id="4" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/5-the-driver-era-fade" data-basename="5-the-driver-era-fade" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
5. THE DRIVER ERA - "Fade"
</h2>
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<p>As I have mentioned in my July and August roundups, The Driver Era has released new singles every month this summer in preparation for their upcoming and anticipated sophomore album. "Fade' is another great single from the duo that has us all wondering what is next and when can we hear it?</p>
</div>
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6. SUNFLOWER - "Better Days"
</h2>
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<p>I am always on the search for new music, and this time I was able to find a new artist through Instagram! The band, SUNFLOWER, who has two released songs on Spotify reached out to me, and I was able to discover another up and coming artist with an awesome sound. "Better Days" is a fun song that is perfect for a road trip or beach day!</p>
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<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem6" data-id="6" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/7-new-order-be-a-rebel" data-basename="7-new-order-be-a-rebel" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
7. New Order - "Be a Rebel"
</h2>
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="36fd21e9d48e712525829a4b7b64ee50"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f6E6ugW7TOo?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
<p>New Order is back with another single. "Be a Rebel" is a fun dance song for the end of summer and, it brings the perfect sound for the start of fall!</p>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem7" data-id="7" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/8-high-tropics-caroline" data-basename="8-high-tropics-caroline" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
8. High Tropics - "Caroline"
</h2>
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cc20cc0fb22bda702b1740a0406883eb"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/95I4NhWko-4?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
<p>High Tropics released a new single, "Caroline," for fans to enjoy this September. "Caroline" is upbeat with a catchy guitar riff and chorus.</p>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem10" data-id="10" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/9-tv-girl-lovers-rock" data-basename="9-tv-girl-lovers-rock" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
9. TV Girl - "Lovers Rock"
</h2>
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="01863afe4fed0f0d54100d5c93a417af"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ksEHfUof184?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
<p>Although "Lovers Rock" is not a new song, it is a trending one. The app TikTok, which you may know about for many different reasons such as entertainment or politics, has had this song on trending for quite some time now. After hearing it a few times, I found myself saving each video it was featured in to look up the song!</p>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem15" data-id="15" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sept-music-picks/10-bad-suns-baby-blue-shades" data-basename="10-bad-suns-baby-blue-shades" data-post-id="2647863894" data-published-at="1601460163" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
10. Bad Suns - "Baby Blue Shades"
</h2>
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8fe603b7a61b370ed9f309250914e29f"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jkfpqn5HRPk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
<p>Los Angeles natives and favorites, Bad Suns, released a new single this September named "Baby Blue Shades." The song has a unique sound, which is different from many of their previous records but has fans excited to hear what is to come. The band also recorded a music video that displays a pretty pink pastel, '80s vibe, and a glimpse of our current reality.</p>
</div></p><p><br></p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/odyssey-template-ipod-playlist" target="_blank"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ1MDMzOC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0Njg2NTM4Nn0.DzZUbqubl-h-dsER7dhZLpj_wldlZ83dy9YNp1oC4E0/img.png?width=980" id="451f7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5537325874cb33d3f93a47a0b6cb7a50" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt=""></a>
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Health and Wellness
Staying Active While You're Stuck Inside IS Possible, It Just Takes Some Small Steps
I know the last thing you want to think about right now is exercising, but it's time to put down the controller and put on your workout clothes.
23h
270
As someone who has also been living on a bed since March, I can guarantee you that working out has been the last thing on my priority list. It's pretty far down there, along with my motivation and brain cells I used to use for work. However, I have made an effort in the past couple of weeks to move up exercising to at least number three on my priorities list.
<p>Because I haven't gone out to eat, my weight has stayed pretty much the same. However, over the last few weeks as the stress of school finally kicked in, I find myself reaching for chips, chocolate, soda, and microwavable food a lot more frequently. </p><p>There are plenty of ways to stay active even if the gyms are closed, or you just don't want to go there because it would put you at risk. I totally get that. When I used to live on campus, I would at least try to go to the gym every two weeks. However, if I ever got lazy during some periods, I knew that I was still staying active because of how much I walk around campus.</p><p><div id="div-gpt-2647685191-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>This brings me to my first point — walking. </p><p>Walking is the easiest way for you to stay active. Research shows that even if you just walk around your house or your backyard, that will stimulate your muscles to stay in shape and keep the blood flow going. </p><p>With the weather getting better as we move in the winter months (also because climate change is being ignored but that's a whole separate article), going outside and walking will seem a lot more pleasing. </p><p>I personally like to wake up early with my dad, go to a nearby park, have my mask ready just in case it is crowded, and enjoy the little walk. Another plus is that my boyfriend convinced me to download "Pokemon Go," and now I just catch Pokemon on my walks while enjoying the scenery around me. </p><p>Another way I have been staying active is by doing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwJCJToQmps" target="_blank">Zach Bush's four-minute exercises.</a> I could never keep up with the long, hard, exercises of other personal trainers, but Zach's videos have truly changed my outlook on workout videos. The exercises are simple yet they do the trick. You might be thinking that four minutes might not do much to keep you in shape, but if you do the exercises every day, you will see great results. For me personally, I managed to lose around five pounds after just one week.</p><p>These are just two very easy tips that I can give for staying active. However, I do have to say that you should exercise in moderation. I think staying active will help your mental health and also give you some added serotonin in a world where getting that is now scarce. Too much exercise, however, will not only damage your body but also hurt your mental health. You shouldn't feel like you need to lose weight because society wants you to. You should always be wanting to lose weight because you want to and no one else has a say in it. It could get pretty dark when those two ideologies cross, but remind yourself before exercise that you are doing this to make yourself happy and you aren't doing it because of the expectations society has placed for you. </p><p>Now go on! Put on those work out clothes and lose that quarantine 15. </p>
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Health and Wellness
I'm A Survivor Of Unresolved Trauma, And I'm Here To Share My Story With You
My story is what's shaped who I am today.
23h
179
Content warning: article discusses sexual assault and may be triggering for some readers.
<p>When I was a freshman in high school, all the girls in ninth grade gym were taught self-defense, should they ever come in contact with a predator one day. I was informed that 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused or raped by the age of eighteen. Back then I knew deep down in my heart that one day I'd be that one put of four girls. I was right. I hate being right. </p><p>2016 was the year that changed my life forever.</p><p>I was 16, a junior who had just passed my driver's test and recently started working at a small restaurant on the main street in my hometown. I loved my job — the employees weren't dull. We were a family. There was one employee, however, whose eye's remained fixed on me every shift, and before I knew it, I had become their prey. </p><p><div id="div-gpt-2647863861-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>Let me fill you in from the beginning.<br></p><p>Towards the end of my second semester as a freshman, I had been walking down the hallway with one of my older friends, a senior. We were talking about random things when we were abruptly interrupted by this super tall guy who had pointed at me and very loudly said, "Damn, that girl is short!" I laughed, asking who he was, and my friend rolled her eyes, telling me he was just some goofy guy in her grade. </p><p>I never saw him before, and completely forgot all about him and his comment. I've always been short and I've heard short jokes and comments all my life. Two years later, I catch a glimpse of the same goofy guy walking across the room I was sitting in during my work orientation after being hired to host at the restaurant on Main Street. I thought to myself, "Oh no, not this guy again."</p><p>He started talking to me during my first shift, and we quickly became work pals. He was friendly, funny, and very easy to talk to. During my second shift, he asked for my number and from that night forward, proceeded to text me quite often. While meeting someone new and fun, I thought he was cute, and I'll admit I developed a tiny, shallow crush on him. Later it came up that he had a girlfriend, and I quickly dropped those faint feelings. He was a friend, nothing more and I wanted no drama whatsoever.</p><p>My coworker loved hugs. He was extremely tall compared to me. He was 6 feet and 8 inches, whereas, I am 4 feet and 11 inches tall. He loved hugging me and in doing so, he'd pick me up and spin me around. He hugged everyone though, so I never assumed his hugging to be any special affection. It was a normal thing he did to me, to everyone, and years later, I can only hate hugs.</p><p>He also loved taking my work tie as well as my other female coworkers and pulling us closer to him by yanking them and then playfully choking us. Back then it was a harmless thing he did and we always went to him willingly. This was his nature and we were used to it. </p><h4>I noticed nothing strange in the beginning, however, everything he'd been doing was leading up to my assault. </h4><p>Towards the end of our time together, and before he was fired, he spent one shift spanking and slapping the thighs of me and another coworker with dish rags. We were annoyed and asked him to stop but he just laughed and brushed it off. Every time we walked by, he slapped us with the rags hard — it did hurt. "No" means no, no matter what the situation is. </p><p>This friend of mine wanted me to drive him around and hang out with him outside of work. Mind you, he's three years older than me. He was an adult while I was still just a kid. I knew he liked me because he was flirtatious, always told me how cute I was, and how badly he wanted to be with me. Even though he had a girlfriend, he still flirted and I hated it. She even worked at the restaurant as well. She never even saw him flirt with me because she was the dishwasher, he was a waiter and I was in the front hosting. I wish she heard everything and saw the things he did to me, but things didn't unravel that way. When they did, she hated me. </p><p>It was a Tuesday night and had been like any other regular work shift for me. I clocked in, hosted guests, bussed tables, washed laundry, polished wine glasses and silverware, and helped servers when needed. We had just closed and my manager said, "we need napkins, go get napkins from upstairs." So I made my way upstairs, thinking nothing of it. My coworker followed behind and went upstairs to the storage room/laundry room with me. He sat on a table and watched as I grabbed tablecloths and napkins from the dryer to fold and put laundry from the washing machine into the dryer.</p><p>During that moment, he made his way over to me and got very close, towering over me. He yanked me by my work tie, choking me, and whispered in my ear, "Are you a virgin?" I was startled as he continued, "I can change that for you." I pushed him back and was immediately aggravated. I informed him that his girlfriend was downstairs and he needed to focus on her, not me. He laughed. He grabbed a rag and smacked me on my thighs and butt with it. I yelled at him to stop — another laugh.</p><p>He asked for a hug and I was deeply annoyed at that point. He begged with his baby face and dark puppy eyes so I gave in. As I reached out to give him a simple hug, he picked me up and held me tight in his arms, groping my butt and breathing on me. I was super uncomfortable and silently pleading for someone to come in the kitchen and catch him — they didn't. When he put me down, instead of letting me go, he grabbed me and held me on his lap. He groped my breasts and continued hugging on me. I pushed away but he didn't care. He finally let me get up and I was paranoid, my heart was racing. I couldn't believe he had just done that to me.</p><p>I was too freaked out to fold fresh laundry so I went into the storage room to grab other folded napkins instead. He followed. The napkins were in the back rack at the top. My coworker knew I couldn't reach them so he said to me, "I'll help you with the napkins if you give me a kiss." I told him no, but he was persistent and didn't leave me alone.</p><p>I watched him move things around to hide the camera from seeing both of us. He turned back towards me, walked up to me, and pulled me close to him. He had his arms wrapped around me, gripping me so that I couldn't get away. He repeated himself saying, "Give me a kiss and I'll get you the napkins." </p><h4>Again, I told him no. </h4><p>He took matters into his own hands by thrusting himself on me, groping me everywhere, kissing my neck, trying to force a kiss on the lips as I turned away, and biting my ears even though I begged him to stop and get off of me. When he finally let me go, he grabbed me napkins, spanked my butt, and followed me back downstairs. I was completely disgusted and at a loss of words on what to say or what to do.</p><p>While downstairs, I proceeded to buss and reset any remaining tables — he conveniently helped. I wanted to be left alone but he wouldn't go away. He asked if I enjoyed what he did to me and I said "No, not at all." And his response was, "Well I loved it." I was amazed at how sickening his mind was. After finishing my closing duties, my manager told me I could leave. What a relief that was, an honest from God blessing. I clocked out and as I walked outside, my co-worker was at the top of the stairs waiting on me. He asked me to come upstairs and give him another hug, I told him, no, and even after his constant begging, I refused again and hurried to my car. We never worked together again and I haven't seen him since that night.</p><p>My healing process has been a slow, horrific journey. In the beginning, I couldn't stand being around any men, even my dad or brother. I targeted tall men, hating only them. I had anxiety attacks in class. I couldn't stand the thought of being touched or even looked at. No matter how hard I tried, I never felt safe or comfortable in my own body anymore. Now, I don't know who I am or how to act around anyone anymore. </p><h4>Being a victim of sexual assault is something I feel so ashamed of even though I know it wasn't my fault. </h4><p>Being cornered, feeling so small — nothing has ever made me feel more powerless in my entire than when I was assaulted by someone almost three times my size. It was the worst and scariest feeling not knowing if things were going to escalate. I never sought out professional help. I never reported my coworker. He was nineteen, I didn't want to ruin his life in the way he has permanently ruined mine. His harassment towards me turned into sexual assault and I'm permanently traumatized.<br></p><p>As I'm still struggling to move on and heal from my unresolved trauma, I've had to grow and remind myself every single day for the past four years that I'm strong enough to get through my battles and understand that what happened to me will never define who I am as a person. I carry these ugly scars with me knowing they're forever here to stay, but I intend to use them in a way that makes them appear beautiful. I'm learning to accept life as a survivor because having the strength to share my story is one closer to moving forward. It's a big deal. Coping with this trauma, it's possible. Because so many people are doing it with and without anyone around them even knowing it. </p>
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I Got Clean At A Very Young Age, And It Honestly Saved My Life
At 18, the world looked so much different for me than it did for most other 18-year-olds that I knew.
29 September
482
Emmie Pombo
Going into rehab when I was 19 was hands down the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. My addiction started when I was around 17 and spiraled and spiraled out of control, as addictions always do. However, looking back, I'm so lucky my addiction started and ended when it did.
<p>At 17, I was riddled with mental health struggles. Amid wrong diagnoses and an uphill battle trying to find the right physical and mental coping skills for me, I turned to every single outlet I could find, be it healthy or unhealthy, productive or destructive. At 17, I was living with my parents and finishing high school. I didn't know the true ins and outs of addiction — all I knew was what I felt and what I did. I didn't know who I was and I was looking for my identity in every single place but myself. I tried finding it in significant others, friends, various hobbies, and anything else I could grab on to. At 18, I thought I found what I really wanted to do and got my makeup artistry certification, swearing to never step foot on a university's campus. I made plan after plan to leave home and never look back, making a name for myself by my own hand and my hand alone. At 18, the world looked so much different for me than it did for most other 18-year-olds that I knew. </p><p><div id="div-gpt-2647861139-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><h4>And then, at 19, I hit rock bottom.</h4><p>At 19, I had hidden my addiction from everyone in my life so well, that even I found myself not believing it from time to time. That's why rehab at 19 was so shocking and confusing to everyone I knew. No one knew me as the liar that perfectly camouflaged my addiction. No one knew me as the drug user and abuser I kept under wraps for years. No one knew the mental and physical prison that I was trapped in until, at 19, it all came crashing down around me.</p><p>However, I know that if my world didn't crumble at 19, I would be still stuck in that addiction cycle at almost 23. From ages 17-19, I wasn't smart enough to know how to find someone who would give me the drugs that I wanted. I didn't have the freedom to go wherever and do whatever I wanted as long as I was driven by my addiction. Growing older in my addiction would have only made me smarter, and if I didn't get clean at 19, I never would have learned.</p><p><strong>If I spent those middle years becoming "smarter" when it came to my addiction, I know I wouldn't be where I am now — a college senior, going to that same university campus I swore I would never step foot on. </strong></p><p>I wouldn't be working at a job that I love. I wouldn't be communicating with my loved ones the way that I am. I wouldn't have the same optimistic outlook on life that I'm so blessed to have. I wouldn't be who I'm made to be.</p><p>Getting clean at 19 will forever be my greatest accomplishment and highest reward. I found the love and acceptance I craved from people who had the same struggles that I did. Some of my favorite memories were from NA meetings. Some of my best friendships have come out of rehab. The most monumental epiphanies I had about myself were in the same house where I spent day in and day out fighting for my sobriety.</p><p>If I didn't have to go through that at such a young age, I doubt I would be here to tell the story. As much as it's strange to say, I truly believe that addiction at 17 years old saved my life. It permanently took away critical moments, but, in the end, it gave me the best life I was created to live — healthy, clean, and thriving.</p>
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7 Things Your Partner Can Do To Support You When You Have PCOS
Don't be afraid to ask for help or comfort if you need it.
29 September
13228
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may not be totally visible to the eye, which makes it a lot harder for your partner to understand what's going on with your body.
If you are in a relationship, it's important that you communicate your PCOS symptoms with your partner. I say "your" symptoms specifically because everyone's symptoms are different.
<p>If you know when your body typically has a cyst rupture or those heavy, PCOS period cramps then let your partner know what helps you through it so they can help take care of you when the painful pelvic pain begins.</p><p><div class="powrload_9edb92"></div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem1" data-id="1" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/partners-can-help-pcos/1-bring-you-cyst-rupture-cramping-essentials" data-basename="1-bring-you-cyst-rupture-cramping-essentials" data-post-id="2647857289" data-published-at="1601399947" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
1. Bring you cyst rupture/cramping essentials
</h2>
<p>If it's red wine and a <a href="https://amzn.to/3cIynqe" target="_blank">weighted heating pad</a> that helps you through this, then your partner damn well better know this without question.</p>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem2" data-id="2" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/partners-can-help-pcos/2-bear-with-you-through-your-mood-swings" data-basename="2-bear-with-you-through-your-mood-swings" data-post-id="2647857289" data-published-at="1601399947" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
2. Bear with you through your mood swings
</h2>
<p>The hormonal changes in our bodies are unlike any other, so if you're having a flare-up of symptoms, make sure bae knows that your mean streak will pass. It's best they just let it play out and not fight back (my fiance knows this one all too well).</p>
</div>
<div class="rebellt-item col1" id="rebelltitem3" data-id="3" data-reload-ads="false" data-is-image="False" data-href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/partners-can-help-pcos/3-know-your-body-and-whats-going-on-in-there" data-basename="3-know-your-body-and-whats-going-on-in-there" data-post-id="2647857289" data-published-at="1601399947" data-use-pagination="False">
<h2 data-role="headline">
3. Know YOUR body and what's going on in there
</h2>
<p>Ask your partner to do some research about PCOS so he/she can understand what it is and all of the potential side effects you may face.</p>
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<h2 data-role="headline">
4. Don't complain
</h2>
<p>This one sounds like a no-brainer, and it is, but sometimes your cysts are going to rupture and ruin your evening plans or your mood swings are going to make a good day a little salty. Some understanding and support in these situations will go a long way in strengthening your relationship.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:</strong> <a href="https://www.theodysseyonline.com/endocrinologist-pcos-questions" target="_blank">I Sat Down With An Endocrinologist To Ask All My Questions About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome</a> </p>
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5. SHOW your support
</h2>
<p>While knowing where the wine and heating pad are is wonderful, holding our hand and giving us a kiss on the forehead are some simple gestures that help us feel less alone and loved. </p>
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6. Encourage our dietary and supplemental needs
</h2>
<p>People with PCOS may treat their symptoms with gluten and dairy-free diets, birth control pills, natural remedies, and other solutions to aid their hormonal disorder. Make dinner with <a href="https://amzn.to/3n2B7DK" target="_blank">gluten-free noodles</a> for both of you or buy soy ice cream instead to help us feel more encouraged by the changes in our lives we had to make. </p>
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7. Make your S.O. happy
</h2>
<p>Whether it's coming over and surprising them with their favorite snack, flowers, doing the laundry, or giving them an orgasm, make them happy! </p>
</div></p><p class=""><em>As an Amazon partner, Odyssey may earn a portion of qualifying sales.</em></p><div class="post-pager js-listicle-pager" data-listicle-style="" data-async_load_parameters="platform=desktop&display_ads=1&settings=%7B%22enter_url%22%3A+null%2C+%22no_post_section%22%3A+null%2C+%22ads_breaks%22%3A+%5B3%2C+3%5D%2C+%22prevent_last_break_repetition%22%3A+false%2C+%22use_numeration%22%3A+false%2C+%22show_columns_on_mobile%22%3A+null%2C+%22ads_order%22%3A+%5B3%2C+3%2C+3%2C+3%2C+3%5D%2C+%22turn_into_posts%22%3A+null%2C+%22list_breaks%22%3A+null%2C+%22reorder_voting%22%3A+null%2C+%22cooldown_in_seconds%22%3A+null%2C+%22pagination_order%22%3A+null%2C+%22source%22%3A+%22engine_settings%22%2C+%22next_post_url%22%3A+null%2C+%22up_down_voting%22%3A+false%2C+%22allow_url_change%22%3A+null%2C+%22numeration_sort%22%3A+-1%2C+%22allow_url_update%22%3A+null%2C+%22use_pagination%22%3A+false%2C+%22body_text_above%22%3A+false%2C+%22use_ads%22%3A+true%2C+%22items_as_posts%22%3A+false%2C+%22multiple_answers%22%3A+null%2C+%22no_redirect%22%3A+null%2C+%22is_guest_voting_allowed%22%3A+null%2C+%22layout_type%22%3A+null%2C+%22voting_extra_fields%22%3A+null%7D">
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Health and Wellness
I Watched 'The Social Dilemma' And YIKES, I'm Terrified For The Next Generation's Mental Health
Millennials can remember a time without online social affirmation, but we may be the last ones.
29 September
7067
The Social Dilemma / Netflix
I've been in a media job for the entirety of my professional career. From part-time social media internships to full-time editorial work, I've continued to learn how to tell stories, write catchy headlines, and keep people interested. I believe working in media is a big responsibility, as well as a valuable way to advance our world.
<p>I also believe that media, specifically social media, can create negativity, divisiveness, and hurt. </p><p>This side of social media — the negative side, not the side that helps you keep up with your Great Aunt Ruth — is on full display in Netflix's "The Social Dilemma." People who can easily be considered tech geniuses, previously working in key roles at places like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, sit down for interviews relating to manipulative algorithms, addictive notification settings, and irrefutable harm caused by the devices we keep in our pockets. They not only discuss why the technological advances we see on our phones, tablets, and computers were built in certain ways, but they convey worry for where continued advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) may take us as a society. </p><p><div id="div-gpt-2647855746-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>This documentary contains a lot of stories and data, but the section I found most alarming was when Jonathan Haidt, Ph.D. from the NYU Stern School of Business spoke about self-harm rising amongst teen girls. He tells viewers that the number of pre-teen and teen girls admitted to a hospital for self-harm was relatively stable until 2009 when a noticeable spike began. </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ0NzE1NS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMDQ4MzE5OX0.u17qLUIOo9F4KIJnWLS6k8jd0MXmAGXA7NdaU6JJxd4/img.png?width=980" id="648dd" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2b10854a29d1b303afe6901dd0f214fa" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">The Social Dilemma / Netflix</small></p><p>He continues to share how the same spike could be seen with suicide. Girls between the ages of 15–19 saw an increase of 70% in suicide, and girls between the ages of 10–14 saw a 151% increase. He points this pattern to social media — <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/" target="_blank">Gen Z</a> is the first generation in history to get on social media as early as middle school, often carrying access to those social media in their backpacks. This generation is more anxious, more depressed, and less comfortable with milestones that other generations have considered normal (like getting a driver's license). </p><p>Middle school is hard enough. You're going through puberty, trying to figure out who you are, making friends, having crushes — and now kids are faced with a screen that tells them what to do, what to think, and how to be "cool." Instead of moms telling their girls to not compare themselves to the swimsuit model they see on a magazine in the store, these swimsuit models are displayed at all hours of the day, with each second spent on a photo telling devices to continue sharing these images. The pressure and comparison that can too easily come from social media, especially for still-developing minds, is horrifying. And it's already having a life-threatening impact. </p><p>It terrifies me to consider future generations, who even if their parents (like many of the tech giants featured in this documentary) don't give them screens at young ages, will still be hyperaware of the world of social media and the control it has on their life. It's so easy to be cruel, exclusive, and distracted from real connection when fun, <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/screen-time-addiction/" target="_blank">addictive</a> screens are at your disposal. As we can see with grown adults who are battling it out in the Facebook comments every day, social media can turn previously pleasant, civil human beings into divisive products that advertisers are trying to reach. </p><p>Other generations did not grow up with a constant stream of curated content placed before them during their developing years, and we all can attest to how hateful they can be toward one another. Now think about a generation who doesn't even remember life before an Instagram like could tell them how good they looked that day. They clearly don't have many examples of how you should act on social media, and clearly displayed metrics show how "good" or "bad," "liked" or "disliked" they are. </p><div id="b7d31" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="16bb2f15010c9a2eecc31858ec6133be"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1309595776931123200" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">At the beginning of 'The Social Dilemma' all these geniuses are sitting around trying to put their finger on what's… https://t.co/hKbqekc3qD</div> — Bridget Phetasy (@Bridget Phetasy)<a href="https://twitter.com/BridgetPhetasy/statuses/1309595776931123200">1601066938.0</a></blockquote></div><p>While the rest of us — the generations who had to fire up the old home computer to log into our Facebook account for the first few years — cannot erase these pressures younger generations feel, we are not helpless in this unhealthy pattern. We are first and foremost able to set examples of appropriate conduct online. We can turn off notifications. We can have at least one day a week where we go 24 hours without our phone. We can fact check information before we click "share." We can understand that each click we provide is a vote for the information we want to see. We can resist the world-wide web's innate need to make us pawns in an AI universe. <br></p><p>We can look at increased self-harm and suicide rates as a call to action that we actively participate in, instead of turning a blind eye and continuing to scroll. </p>
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Politics and Activism
One Indictment, Three Charges, And No Justice For Breonna Taylor
We can't settle for this decision or a system that is fundamentally broken and unequal.
29 September
21021
On March 13, 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was fatally shot in her apartment by police who were executing a "no-knock" warrant. Since then, there have been rallying efforts both in the streets and on social media demanding justice for Taylor and keeping her name known.
<p>Last Wednesday, approximately six months after Taylor's death, a decision regarding the case was made. Unfortunately, it did not bring the proper justice that the country has been demanding for Taylor. </p><p><strong>Only one of the three officers involved were indicted, and the charges were not for Taylor's death.</strong></p><p>Former officer Brett Hankison was indicted by a Kentucky grand jury on <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/23/us/wanton-endangerment-charge-breonna-tayler/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">three counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree</a>. If found guilty, he could serve up to five years in prison for each count. </p><p><div id="div-gpt-2647839678-content-ad" class="ad"><script>
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</div></p><p>However, this charge is not related to Taylor's death. Instead, Hankison is being charged for <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/breonna-taylor-decision-louisville-police-wanton-endangerment-grand-jury/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">endangering her neighbors</a>.<br></p><p>"How ironic and typical that the only charges brought in this case were for shots fired into the apartment of a white neighbor," Ben Crump, an attorney for Taylor's family, said in a statement according to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/23/us/wanton-endangerment-charge-breonna-tayler/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CNN</a>. "This amounts to the most egregious disrespect of Black people, especially Black women, killed by police in America." </p><p>The <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/09/23/breonna-taylor-charging-decision/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">other two officers</a> who were involved, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove, have not been charged. </p><p>"Our investigations show, and the grand jury agreed, that Mattingly and Cosgrove were justified in their return of deadly fire after being fired upon by Kennenth Walker," said Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in his <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kentucky-ag-daniel-cameron-takes-heat-after-no-direct-charges-n1240886" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">announcement of the ruling</a> last Wednesday. </p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1239776" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kenneth Walker</a>, the boyfriend of Breonna Taylor, was in the apartment with Taylor when police shot her. </p><p><strong>There are demands being made for evidence to be publicly released.</strong></p><p>Governor Andy Beshear <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1240970" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">called on</a> Cameron to publicly release evidence from his office's investigation of the shooting. </p><p>"Today, the attorney general announced a mixture of the findings of his investigation and the decisions of the grand jury," Beshear said, according to <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/breonna-taylor/2020/09/23/beshear-urges-daniel-cameron-post-evidence-breonna-taylor-case/3509315001/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Courier Journal</a>, "But he talked about information, facts, evidence that neither I nor the general public have seen. I believe that the public deserves this information."</p><p>CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/24/us/louisville-breonna-taylor-officers-indictment-protests/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reported</a> that Taylor's family and their lawyer also want the transcripts of the grand jury proceedings to be publicly released to see what evidence Cameron's office presented to the jury.</p><p>However, Cameron's office will not release the evidence at this time. Cameron's spokeswoman, Elizabeth Kuhn, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/www.reuters.com/article/us-global-race-usa-louisville/lawyer-for-breonna-taylors-family-calls-for-release-of-grand-jury-evidence-idUSKCN26G28I" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stated</a> that releasing this information right now would compromise the federal investigation and violate the ethical duties of a prosecutor. </p><p>Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/24/us/louisville-breonna-taylor-officers-indictment-protests/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">said</a> the city is working with the attorney general's office and the FBI to see what information can be released without interfering with ongoing investigations.</p><p><strong>The decision has reignited protests and leaders are speaking out</strong>.</p><p>The jury's decision and the handling of this case has sparked <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/us/live-news/breonna-taylor-announcement/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">protests in cities across the country</a>, including Louisville. Although a <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/3533902001" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9 p.m. curfew</a> was issued for Louisville last Wednesday night, protests continued. At least <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/officers-shot-louisville-ky-protests-breonna-taylor-grand-jury-decision/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">127 people</a> were arrested and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-frankfort-kentucky-louisville-breonna-taylor-28a283922de8784f6fca5c42fe8e5bca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">two police officers</a> were shot and wounded. </p><p>The city anticipated this unrest after Wednesday's announcement. Last Tuesday, Fischer <a href="https://louisvilleky.gov/news/mayor-announces-executive-orders-preparation-attorney-general%E2%80%99s-decision-breonna-taylor-case" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">signed an executive order</a> that placed the city in a state of emergency "due to the potential for civil unrest." The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) also declared its own state of emergency.</p><p>In addition to these protests, political leaders and advocacy organizations are speaking out.</p><div id="7698a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4a6a064cf354255b2274901aaf26d29d"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1308835310214807560" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Once again, the law says that property is more valuable than Black life.
We cannot let up in our fight for justice… https://t.co/98FAsj1p9y</div> — Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan Omar)<a href="https://twitter.com/IlhanMN/statuses/1308835310214807560">1600885629.0</a></blockquote></div><p><br></p><div id="77f01" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d54102f0f6ebfbd0f11af34b598b373a"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1308830763144577024" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Today's verdict is not accountability and not close to justice.
This is the manifestation of what the millions of… https://t.co/1WNBBOBQZB</div> — ACLU (@ACLU)<a href="https://twitter.com/ACLU/statuses/1308830763144577024">1600884545.0</a></blockquote></div><p>The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) — which founded the #SayHerName campaign — released <a href="https://aapf.org/2020/2020/9/aapfs-statement-on-attorney-general-camerons-announcement-in-breonna-taylors-case" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a statement</a> that condemns this lack of justice and the system's unwillingness to value and protect Taylor's life and other Black people's lives.</p><blockquote>"While we are deeply disappointed in this decision, we are not surprised by it. At every stage of this process, the value of Breonna's life was an afterthought to law enforcement … We must continue to address and challenge the broader systemic conditions that enable the kind of policing that predictably imperils Black bodies to continue."</blockquote><p>The NAACP also released <a href="https://www.naacp.org/latest/naacp-denounces-decision-not-charge-police-officers-responsible-murder-breonna-taylor/" target="_blank">a statement</a> denouncing the grand jury's decision.</p><p>Our country is angry right now, and rightfully so. Breonna Taylor's death and this recent indictment prove that the police and justice system are not designed to protect or value black lives. Taylor did not receive justice at all. We must keep fighting for her. We can't settle for this decision or a system that is fundamentally broken and unequal.</p>
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