Hello, beautiful readers!
Girl Chat hosted a two part zoom call discussion these last 2 weeks
Throughout the chat, topics that have impacted us these past few months, from Black Lives Matter protests, Media abuses to COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions, were discussed, we also looked at Racism and explored notions of Misogyny and Women's rights.
Written by Sarah Manyok & Sobur Dhieu
On Saturday 15th August Girl Chat was back and better than ever with our weekly Zoom meetings. Although it had been a while, this did not stop a group of passionate and insightful young women from discussing the theme ‘Passive or Powerful’.
This theme was broad and included topics such as Black Lives Matter, recent and ongoing instances of police brutality, the current COVID-19 lockdowns and the implications these all had on our mental health.
The conversations were lively. As a group we wrestled with questions of identity in the face of these highly racialized injustices. We wondered ‘How can we overcome systemic oppression? Is our activism working or are we still powerless at the hands of the powerful?’ Quite hard-hitting issues— especially on a quiet Saturday evening.
We paused to reflect on the lack of justice Breonna Taylor has received after her brutal murder at the hands of police. As black women ourselves this was a critical issue which reflected not only the racial but gendered violence many women had been exposed too, including those among us.
While our Chat embraced these serious topics, as usual it was a great opportunity for us all to reconnect and catch up with each other. It was inspiring to find out that many had found ways to improve and manage their mental health in these difficult times through practicing mindfulness and limiting social media use, and some girls even landed new career opportunities.
Overall, Girl Chat: Passive or Powerful was another success—our conversations were so impassioned we had to do a Part 2!
Part 2 of our ‘Passive or Powerful’ discussion included topics on Misogyny and Racism in the media, we further explored the role the media plays when it comes to reporting on black people and the issues that occur.
Racism is a systemic issue in Australian media, and the media constantly negatively portrays Australian racial minorities, these minority groups are overrepresented as perpetrators of violent crimes in order to tarnish certain communities’ reputations, particularly the black community.
“We are marginalised”
“We are attacked as a whole whenever an individual does anything — negative associations become exaggerated”
It’s important we recognise the pivotal role the media plays, and fight against this act of covert racism!
In addition to that, the girls had also touched based on misogyny in the music industry, we looked at how female musicians are constantly being judged and scrutinised, and we further debated the WAP music video by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.
Why are Male musicians allowed to perform vulgar songs and get praised for it but when a female does it, It becomes controversial?
We live in a society where females are becoming more comfortable with their sexuality, and broadcasting openness.
Females in this day and age are pushing societal expectations aside and are doing what THEY want to do, despite the judgement and criticism that may come along.
Ultimately, every single one of these topics sparked passionate debates from all of our girls and we wanted to know your thoughts
leave a comment below and lets us know what you think.
Stay tuned for more & keep spreading the word! ‘cause Girl, the Conversation is not over!
The points made on females becoming more comfortable with their sexuality & how blatantly it unsettles the public is very true.