It seems like the world cannot get enough of the Kardashians. Every time I turn on the T.V., get online, check the news, or go through my Twitter feed, I am bombarded with pointless Kardashian news. The world we live in is saturated in meaningless news about the Kardashians, and do not get me wrong, I love me some Khloe K, but for the love of all things good, I do not need to know every detail about their lives. I see article headlines about what Kylie Jenner wore this week, what Khloe’s favorite work outs are, what Kourtney is going to do about her cheating ex-baby-daddy Scott Dissick and coming from someone who is guilty of giving this type of journalism attention, I am here to say, we have to stop. If you Google just the word “Kardashian,” you will be able to find news articles that were written and published within the hour.
Although sometimes the lives of the rich and famous can be interesting, here are some people with incredible stories that we should be talking about.
Malala Yousafzai
A Pakistani young woman, who defied the Taliban in Pakistan in order to receive an education. When Malala was 11 years old, she was shot in the head by a member of the Taliban on her way home from school. She survived this vicious attack and now speaks out and is an advocate for women just like her all over the world, who deserve to have a proper education. In 2014, Malala became the youngest person to ever receive a Nobel Peace Prize.
Leah Still
Daughter of NFL player, Devon Still, who battled stage 4 neuroblastoma at the age of 5 and is now cancer-free. Leah is now in the remission stage and recently rocked the catwalk at New York Fashion week in the Kids Rock! Spring 2016 fashion show. Her bravery and perseverance has inspired many and will continue to give hope to other children like Leah.
Neerja Bhanot
A Pan Am flight attendant who lost her life to save passengers on a hijacked flight in 1986. Post-mortem, Bhanot became the youngest winner of India’s highest peacetime military award for bravery. Currently, a film is being made to honor and recognize Bhanot’s bravery and legacy that she left behind.
Mercedes Wilson
A single mother of two whose life was threatened with cancer. Now cancer-free, she has established her own non-profit organization called “For Our Daughters,” an organization that aims to educate women on healthy living and body image. The mother of two has since given presentations to over 1,000 girls a year in schools across Lockport Niagra Falls, Lewiston-Porter and Buffalo schools. Wilson educates students to get to understand their body, stereotypes, healthy lifestyle choices, social media, and more. Wilson encourages students to discuss health issues with friends and families so they can live the best life possible.
Gemma Mortensen
The Executive Director of Crisis Action, a group that does the back work for the protection of civilians in war zones. Mortensen took Crisis Action from a small office of two, to its 10 year anniversary in 2014.
Lupita Nyong’o
Known for her role in “12 Years a Slave,” Lupita is a role model for women everywhere. Lupita now speaks out publicly on the beauty of women with darker skin and equality in beauty standards. The world needs more women like Lupita who encourage women to achieve greatness and to love themselves.
The list of women who are leaving a positive mark on the world could go on and on. I encourage everyone to start discussing women like these who have shown the world bravery, innovation, and passion because the world needs more of that, and less of what color lip-gloss Kylie Jenner wore this week.
