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Petiri Ira

Assembly •

How has Black beauty been colonized? — | Malala Fund

“It’s time our societies accepted Black people without needing us to conform to White beauty standards first,” writes 18-year-old student Petiri Ira.

When I was in third grade, I watched my friends slick their hair back in water after swimming lessons so they could look like mermaids. I wanted in on the fun too. But when I tried to slick my kinky hair back it did not stay down on my scalp. I remember my classmates laughing at my failed attempt to mimic them. I felt inferior to them and excluded
gal-dem •

Black 3D artists are creating better afro hair for video games

Video games have come a long way. While graphics mean players can immerse themselves in almost any reality, scenario, and sometimes on different planets there still remains one predictable limitation for the characters: black hairstyles that aren’t ugly, boring, or dated.

Multiple Black gamers have called out games like Outriders and Elden Ring’s lack of Black hair representation in their character customization avatar. But there are Black creators innovating to bring Black culture and identity
COSY •

Society Is Addicted To Performative Change and Performative Activism

Digital activism is more comfortable, isn't it?

Instagram and social activism; these two have been boldly bonded companions for the last two years. When you think of activism, the first thing that may pop into your head is those aesthetic carousel posts we see being shared on Instagram. Whilst, those posts do make a difference, they can’t be substituted for making concrete change, you know out in the real world.

Society is so infiltrated and sucked into this digital world that we forget that I
Medium •

5 Seemingly Harmless Remarks Black Women Are Tired Of Hearing

As black women, we encounter an abundance of remarks that are clearly offensive to us as a whole. However, society doesn't realise that some of the remarks they make towards us are derogatory, when they may think they are harmless in effect. From my personal experiences, I can account for why these are disrespectful and wrong. It may be simple to say "just ignore it'' or ''it doesn't matter, they didn't mean it like that'' from an outside perspective, but as someone who has heard these remarks f
Medium •

The Difference Between Performative Activism and Genuine Allyship

The Difference Between Performative Activism and Genuine Allyship

Performative Activism: a form of activism used to increase one's social capital or personal gain rather than genuine support towards a movement, issues, or causes.

People who have demonstrated performative activism use it as a one-off action and on a one basis instance. Users of performative activism only act as "allies" when it is convenient for them…
Dear Dark Skinned Girl •

Being A ‘Strong Black Woman’ Dehumanises Me

The traits of being fierce and indestructible are said to be running through my terrifically tough superhuman veins. Society says that since I am a woman who is Black I am immune to all forms of feelings and emotions.

Though I am not a superwoman.

Well, I am here to inform you that, that is not the case nor is it me, it’s what has been passed down to me unwillingly. I will no longer take the back-handed compliment of strong. We need to acknowledge that ‘strong’ is a word used to justify the re
Medium •

“Blackfishing" Is The Modern Day Version Of Blackface

“Blackfishing" Is The Modern Day Version Of Blackface

Blackfishing is the modern version of blackface, this form of blackface and its use has emerged through social media

We are living in an age where non-black people are using a modern form of blackface that enables them to get opportunities because of this “Black Aesthetic”. However, black women struggle to get the same opportunities that people who blackfish do.

Black features are seen as marketable and desirable in society, only when our

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