Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 5 juin 2020
Billy Porter Talks White Privilege, LGTBQ+ Rights, and Voting in a Powerful Video
Image Source: Instagram user theebillyporter
In a candid video shared to his Instagram account on Thursday, Pose star Billy Porter spoke about the heartbreaking realities of being a member of both the Black community and the LGBTQ+ community in America. In the powerful video, Billy opened up about the hate, oppression, and inequity he faces as a Black man every single day and how the country's race-based infrastructure plays a massive role in holding up centuries-old systems of injustice.
"As Black people, we risk our lives every time we leave our homes. As queer people of color that risk is doubled," Billy said. "We move about our days sucking it up, hiding our pain and terror from the world, trying to make ourselves small so white people and straight people feel comfortable. Our parents try to prepare us for the realities of this world: the fact that the playing field is not leveled, the laws that protect white people do not do the same for us, and that we have to be at least 10 times better at anything we choose to do in life to simply get in the rooms where things happen."
There have been an outpouring of protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer on May 25, and Billy insists there is far more work to be done. "Progress has been made. But as we can see, centuries of progress can be rolled back and snuffed out by white men who fear they are losing their power."
Similar to Lizzo, Leslie Jones, and other celebrities, Billy addressed the fact that the Trump Administration has only contributed further to this inherently destructive societal imbalance and encouraged viewers to vote come the November elections. "This election is the most important that we've ever seen in our lifetime," Billy said. "Democracy is on the ballot. White supremacy is on the ballot. Homophobia. Women's rights. Trans rights. Muslim rights. All human rights. All on the ballot this November. And I ask you America: will we be better than this? . . . It's time for change. And this time, change for good. Vote. Vote. VOTE. VOTE."
Watch Billy's full speech here and find out what organizations you can donate to in support of racial justice.
Vanessa Morgan on the Portrayal of Black Characters on TV: "Tired of Being Used as a Sidekick"
Riverdale star Vanessa Morgan is using her platform to speak out about the injustice surrounding the portrayal of Black characters in Hollywood. Known for her role as Toni Topaz in the Netflix drama, Morgan is the only Black series regular, but points out that she is paid the least. In the wake of George Floyd's death and the subsequent ongoing protests, Morgan recently shared a string of tweets on Twitter, opening up about her experiences as a Black woman on a mainstream TV show.
"Tired of how Black people are portrayed in the media, tired of us being portrayed as thugs, dangerous or angry, scary people," Morgan said in a tweet on May 31. "Tired of us being used as side kick non dimensional [sic] characters to our white leads. Or only used in the ads for diversity but not in the show. It starts with the media. I'm not being [quiet] anymore . . . Usually everyone is fake listening. I really hope a change is coming."
She's since pledged to only accept future roles that properly represent the Black community and says she will only endorse Black designers during future red carpet appearances. "To my Black fans, I have now made it my purpose to fight for us," Morgan wrote in a tweet on June 3. "To the six year old [sic] me who had no role model that looked like me on TV. This is for you. We aren't your token black non dimensional characters. This is being black in Hollywood. I will fight for YOU." Morgan is also now advocating for Hollywood as a whole to put the voices and experiences of the Black community front and center.
Keep reading to see all of Morgan's tweets advocating for positive change, and find out more about ways you can protest the unjust treatment of the Black community.
Vanessa Morgan on the Portrayal of Black Characters on TV: "Tired of Being Used as a Sidekick"
Riverdale star Vanessa Morgan is using her platform to speak out about the injustice surrounding the portrayal of Black characters in Hollywood. Known for her role as Toni Topaz in the Netflix drama, Morgan is the only Black series regular, but points out that she is paid the least. In the wake of George Floyd's death and the subsequent ongoing protests, Morgan recently shared a string of tweets on Twitter, opening up about her experiences as a Black woman on a mainstream TV show.
"Tired of how Black people are portrayed in the media, tired of us being portrayed as thugs, dangerous or angry, scary people," Morgan said in a tweet on May 31. "Tired of us being used as side kick non dimensional [sic] characters to our white leads. Or only used in the ads for diversity but not in the show. It starts with the media. I'm not being [quiet] anymore . . . Usually everyone is fake listening. I really hope a change is coming."
She's since pledged to only accept future roles that properly represent the Black community and says she will only endorse Black designers during future red carpet appearances. "To my Black fans, I have now made it my purpose to fight for us," Morgan wrote in a tweet on June 3. "To the six year old [sic] me who had no role model that looked like me on TV. This is for you. We aren't your token black non dimensional characters. This is being black in Hollywood. I will fight for YOU." Morgan is also now advocating for Hollywood as a whole to put the voices and experiences of the Black community front and center.
Keep reading to see all of Morgan's tweets advocating for positive change, and find out more about ways you can protest the unjust treatment of the Black community.
jeudi 4 juin 2020
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Bring Their Aussie Love All Over the World
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have been spreading their love all over the globe ever since they first got together back in 2005. From their picture-perfect red carpet moments at the Cannes Film Festival to their cuddly appearances at award shows, this hot Australian duo does not shy away from showing PDA. Keep reading to see their best moments.
All the Times Blair and Serena's Coordinated Outfits Made Them TV's Most Stylish BFFs
Name a more stylish TV duo than Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen; I'll wait. While some may say the women of Sex and the City are the most stylish BFFs to hit the airwaves, I have to strongly disagree and say it's Blair and Serena. Not only do the two of them wear a slew of fashion designers ranging from Chanel to YSL, but they also know how to accessorize the heck out of a school uniform, and that, my friends, takes talent.
While rewatching the show in preparation for the spinoff airing on HBO Max, I noticed that there are plenty of moments where Leighton Meester and Blake Lively's characters are spotted on the Upper East Side wearing coordinated looks. The scene where they run around New York City dressed up in matching backless dresses designed by Blair's mother is one that will forever be cemented in my memory. (I know I'm not the only one who tried to replicate those photos with my best friend in high school!) From matching plaid skirts and tights to breezy, coordinated summer outfits, I'm counting down all of the times this duo prove they are the most stylish best friends on TV. Read on to see my favorite outfits.
Meghan Markle Delivers Powerful Commencement Speech to Her Former High School: "George Floyd's Life Mattered"
On Wednesday evening, Meghan Markle delivered a virtual commencement speech addressing the class of 2020 at her former high school, Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. She offered her encouragement and also her support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
"You're going to have empathy for those who don't see the world through the same lens that you do. You're ready. We need you, and you're prepared."
In a video shared exclusively with Essence magazine, the duchess opened her speech by saying, "What is happening in our country and in our state and in our hometown of LA has been absolutely devastating. I wasn't sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing, and I was really nervous that I wouldn't, or it would get picked apart," Meghan admits. "I realised the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing, because George Floyd's life mattered, and Breonna Taylor's life mattered, and Philando Castile's life mattered, and Tamir Rice's life mattered, and so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we do not know."
Meghan also shared her experiences of growing up in Los Angeles during the LA Riots, "I was 11 or 12 years old, and it was the LA Riots, which was also triggered by senseless act of racism [. . .] and those memories don't go away."
"I'm so sorry that you have to grow up in a world where this is still present," Meghan's powerful speech continued. "We're seeing people stand in solidarity, we are seeing communities come together and to uplift. You are going to be part of this movement," she said, closing her speech by offering encouragement and optimism for the graduating class.
"With as diverse, vibrant, and open-minded as I know the teachings are at Immaculate Heart, I know you know that Black lives matters. You're going to use your voice in a stronger way than you have ever been able to because most of you are 18 – or you're turning 18 - so you're going to vote. You're going to have empathy for those who don't see the world through the same lens that you do. You're ready. We need you, and you're prepared," Meghan said.
Head to Essence magazine to watch Meghan's full commencement speech.
37 Times Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid Had the Very Best BFF Style
Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid coordinate their outfits on the regular and alternatively flaunt their own signature styles while wearing the same designer. And whenever they're spotted on the street or the red carpet, we immediately text a pic to our own partner in crime. "Can we just be them already?!" we moan.
Well, if we learned anything from the pair of supermodels, it's that their looks are pretty easy to re-create. So grab the Kendall to your Gigi, and let the inspiration take hold. Read on to find 37 amazing style moments we'll never forget, brought to life by our favorite It girls. And don't you dare leave the house until you're both wearing leggings and bomber jackets or, you know, a really sexy set.
Related: These 19 Sets of Famous Sisters Have 1 Thing in Common: Great Style
73 Reasons to Celebrate Angelina Jolie's Red Carpet Evolution
We're taking a closer look at one of Hollywood's most celebrated - and beautiful - actress's style evolution. Since Angelina Jolie has grown up in the public eye, we've seen her morph from girl to gothic princess to red carpet queen.
The current Angelina impresses us regularly with her affinity for thigh-high Atelier Versace gowns, slinky Jenny Packham numbers, and classically chic Ralph & Russo creations. Join us as we celebrate the actress and humanitarian with a look at her magnificent red carpet transformation in honor of her 45th birthday.
- Additional reporting by Zara Patel
All the Times Blair and Serena's Coordinated Outfits Made Them TV's Most Stylish BFFs
Name a more stylish TV duo than Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen; I'll wait. While some may say the women of Sex and the City are the most stylish BFFs to hit the airwaves, I have to strongly disagree and say it's Blair and Serena. Not only do the two of them wear a slew of fashion designers ranging from Chanel to YSL, but they also know how to accessorize the heck out of a school uniform, and that, my friends, takes talent.
While rewatching the show in preparation for the spinoff airing on HBO Max, I noticed that there are plenty of moments where Leighton Meester and Blake Lively's characters are spotted on the Upper East Side wearing coordinated looks. The scene where they run around New York City dressed up in matching backless dresses designed by Blair's mother is one that will forever be cemented in my memory. (I know I'm not the only one who tried to replicate those photos with my best friend in high school!) From matching plaid skirts and tights to breezy, coordinated summer outfits, I'm counting down all of the times this duo prove they are the most stylish best friends on TV. Read on to see my favorite outfits.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Bring Their Aussie Love All Over the World
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have been spreading their love all over the globe ever since they first got together back in 2005. From their picture-perfect red carpet moments at the Cannes Film Festival to their cuddly appearances at award shows, this hot Australian duo does not shy away from showing PDA. Keep reading to see their best moments.
Meghan Markle Delivers Powerful Commencement Speech to Her Former High School: "George Floyd's Life Mattered"
On Wednesday evening, Meghan Markle delivered a virtual commencement speech addressing the class of 2020 at her former high school, Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. She offered her encouragement and also her support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
"You're going to have empathy for those who don't see the world through the same lens that you do. You're ready. We need you and you're prepared."
In a video shared exclusively with Essence magazine, the duchess opened her speech by saying, "What is happening in our country and in our state and in our hometown of LA, has been absolutely devastating. I wasn't sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing and I was really nervous that I wouldn't, or it would get picked apart," Meghan admits. "I realised the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing, because George Floyd's life mattered, and Breonna Taylor's life mattered and Philando Castile's life mattered and Tamir Rice's life mattered, and so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we do not know."
Meghan also shared her experiences of growing up in Los Angeles during the LA Riots, "I was 11 or 12 years old and it was the LA Riots, which was also triggered by senseless act of racism [...] and those memories don't go away."
"I'm so sorry that you have to grow up in a world where this is still present," Meghan's powerful speech continued. "We're seeing people stand in solidarity, we are seeing communities come together and to uplift. You are going to be part of this movement," she said, closing her speech by offering encouragement and optimism for the graduating class.
"With as diverse, vibrant and opened minded as I know the teachings are at Immaculate Heart, I know you know that Black lives matters. You're going to use your voice in a stronger way than you have ever been able to because most of you are 18 – or you're turning 18 - so you're going to vote. You're going to have empathy for those who don't see the world through the same lens that you do. You're ready. We need you and you're prepared," Meghan said.
Head to Essence magazine to watch Meghan's full commencement speech.
Watch Peaceful Protesters Come Together to Sing "Lean on Me" Outside the White House
Protesters in Washington DC united for a powerful and peaceful moment on Wednesday night, as they sang together in front of a blockaded White House. As demonstrators continued to call for justice for George Floyd and countless other slain Black Americans, singer Kenny Sway set up in the middle of the crowd for a poignant and beautiful rendition of "Lean on Me," originally performed by Bill Withers. Protesters quickly joined in and conveyed a message of support for one another as they swayed with their phone flashlights shining.
Shabtai Gold, journalist with the German Press Agency, caught the moment on camera and it's a stunning sight to behold. Watch his clip below to see the moment for yourself, and then check out ways you can help in the fight for racial justice, even if you can't attend a protest yourself.
Sing along outside the White House now to Lean on Me by Billy Withers pic.twitter.com/Ep2K6OyrVA
- Shabtai Gold (@velvetart) June 4, 2020
Watch Peaceful Protesters Come Together to Sing "Lean on Me" Outside the White House
Protesters in Washington DC united for a powerful and peaceful moment on Wednesday night, as they sang together in front of a blockaded White House. As demonstrators continued to call for justice for George Floyd and countless other slain Black Americans, singer Kenny Sway set up in the middle of the crowd for a poignant and beautiful rendition of "Lean on Me," originally performed by Bill Withers. Protesters quickly joined in and conveyed a message of support for one another as they swayed with their phone flashlights shining.
Shabtai Gold, journalist with the German Press Agency, caught the moment on camera and it's a stunning sight to behold. Watch his clip below to see the moment for yourself, and then check out ways you can help in the fight for racial justice, even if you can't attend a protest yourself.
Sing along outside the White House now to Lean on Me by Billy Withers pic.twitter.com/Ep2K6OyrVA
- Shabtai Gold (@velvetart) June 4, 2020
Watch Peaceful Protesters Come Together to Sing "Lean on Me" Outside the White House
Protesters in Washington DC united for a powerful and peaceful moment on Wednesday night, as they sang together in front of a blockaded White House. As demonstrators continued to call for justice for George Floyd and countless other slain Black Americans, singer Kenny Sway set up in the middle of the crowd for a poignant and beautiful rendition of "Lean on Me," originally performed by Bill Withers. Protesters quickly joined in and conveyed a message of support for one another as they swayed with their phone flashlights shining.
Shabtai Gold, journalist with the German Press Agency, caught the moment on camera and it's a stunning sight to behold. Watch his clip below to see the moment for yourself, and then check out ways you can help in the fight for racial justice, even if you can't attend a protest yourself.
Sing along outside the White House now to Lean on Me by Billy Withers pic.twitter.com/Ep2K6OyrVA
- Shabtai Gold (@velvetart) June 4, 2020
Blooms For Beginners: These Houseplants Basically Take Care of Themselves
Give your home a taste of the outdoors with beautiful, easy-to-care-for flowers. Keeping plants alive doesn't have to be a full-time job, and these plants make sure you don't spend too much time tending to them. They are self-sufficient enough that even the most inexperienced gardener can look after them, and the best part about these houseplants is that they'll add a breath of fresh air to any room in the house. Whether they require little watering or are easy to pot, these buds will make being a plant parent extra rewarding. Nothing says warm weather like budding and blossoming plants, so get your green thumb ready to take things indoors. Read ahead to see which plants are the easiest to take of care now.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Peloton Instructor Alex Toussaint on Racism: "My Life Is More Than a F*cking Hashtag"
Senior Peloton Instructor Alex Toussaint is speaking up about the impact of racism not only in his life, but in the lives of other Black Americans. In a passionate and heartbreaking video shared to his Instagram account on Wednesday, June 3, the fitness instructor is used his platform to bring attention to the realities of his life as a Black man in America. "My people are dying. Black individuals like myself, young Black men, kings and queens, are not making it home safely," Toussaint said just days after George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25. "They get killed in broad daylight on camera. This has got to stop, man."
Toussaint told his audience that sometimes, his biggest milestones in the day are waking up and making it back home safely, because these small moments are not a guarantee for Black people. "Some of y'all think this racism sh*t isn't even real. Listen, if I'm in your home, if you're rocking with me, racism is real," he said. "Racism is in your life. I'm in your life . . . I'm not exempt from this 'cause I work at Peloton where I got cameras in my face when y'all show love."
Toussaint urged viewers to look beyond this particular moment and to recognize the deep and ongoing pain of racism in America. "I'm a grown-ass man. I text my mom every single night to let her know I'm alive," he explained. "My life is not a trend; our lives are not trends. My life is more than a f*cking hashtag . . . I'm f*cking scared, I'm tired, I'm hurt, and I'm angry . . . I'm just trying to make it another 24 hours."
Touissant also encouraged his thousands of followers to take action, get informed, and actively strive to change the societal structures that make these daily struggles a reality. "I need you to really wake up," he urged viewers. "I need you to ultimately do better. I need you to teach your families, teach the people in your communities, surround yourself with individuals who do not look like you . . . Stop repeating the same sh*t. It's time to evolve."
Blooms For Beginners: These Houseplants Basically Take Care of Themselves
Give your home a taste of the outdoors with beautiful, easy-to-care-for flowers. Keeping plants alive doesn't have to be a full-time job, and these plants make sure you don't spend too much time tending to them. They are self-sufficient enough that even the most inexperienced gardener can look after them, and the best part about these houseplants is that they'll add a breath of fresh air to any room in the house. Whether they require little watering or are easy to pot, these buds will make being a plant parent extra rewarding. Nothing says warm weather like budding and blossoming plants, so get your green thumb ready to take things indoors. Read ahead to see which plants are the easiest to take of care now.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Blooms For Beginners: These Houseplants Basically Take Care of Themselves
Give your home a taste of the outdoors with beautiful, easy-to-care-for flowers. Keeping plants alive doesn't have to be a full-time job, and these plants make sure you don't spend too much time tending to them. They are self-sufficient enough that even the most inexperienced gardener can look after them, and the best part about these houseplants is that they'll add a breath of fresh air to any room in the house. Whether they require little watering or are easy to pot, these buds will make being a plant parent extra rewarding. Nothing says warm weather like budding and blossoming plants, so get your green thumb ready to take things indoors. Read ahead to see which plants are the easiest to take of care now.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
SNL's Chris Redd Launched a COVID-19 Relief Fund to Help Raise $250,000 for BLM Protesters
While people are protesting throughout the country and worldwide against police brutality, demanding justice for the murder of George Floyd and others, the unfortunate reality is that the global pandemic persists and puts people at risk of contracting COVID-19. To help protesters, Saturday Night Live star Chris Redd launched a relief fund for those who may contract the virus while marching the streets. "I would hate for my people fighting for justice [to] struggle later because of it," he wrote in a tweet on June 1.
Chris set up a GoFundMe on Tuesday, working towards a goal of raising $250,000. "As thousands of people take to the streets to protest racial discrimination and the many Black Lives lost at the hands of injustice, we also have the unfortunate fact that this deadly pandemic is still upon us," Chris wrote on the page. "The lives at risk of the injustice being fought against are also the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Many will not be in position to pay the inevitable cost associated with their brave efforts."
According to the page, the gathered funds will specifically be used for testing, treatment, and any hospital bills in relation to COVID-19, injuries obtained while protesting, and bail relief and court expenses for protesters. As of June 3, the fund has raised over $170,000. Check out the link below to donate to Redd's COVID-19 relief fund, and learn about more ways to help in the fight against racial injustice.
And here we go!!!!https://t.co/M4VTgrjnpS
- Chris Redd (@Reddsaidit) June 2, 2020
Peloton Instructor Alex Toussaint on Racism: "My Life Is More Than a F*cking Hashtag"
Senior Peloton Instructor Alex Toussaint is speaking up about the impact of racism not only in his life, but in the lives of other Black Americans. In a passionate and heartbreaking video shared to his Instagram account on Wednesday, June 3, the fitness instructor is used his platform to bring attention to the realities of his life as a Black man in America. "My people are dying. Black individuals like myself, young Black men, kings and queens, are not making it home safely," Toussaint said just days after George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25. "They get killed in broad daylight on camera. This has got to stop, man."
Toussaint told his audience that sometimes, his biggest milestones in the day are waking up and making it back home safely, because these small moments are not a guarantee for Black people. "Some of y'all think this racism sh*t isn't even real. Listen, if I'm in your home, if you're rocking with me, racism is real," he said. "Racism is in your life. I'm in your life . . . I'm not exempt from this 'cause I work at Peloton where I got cameras in my face when y'all show love."
Toussaint urged viewers to look beyond this particular moment and to recognize the deep and ongoing pain of racism in America. "I'm a grown-ass man. I text my mom every single night to let her know I'm alive," he explained. "My life is not a trend; our lives are not trends. My life is more than a f*cking hashtag . . . I'm f*cking scared, I'm tired, I'm hurt, and I'm angry . . . I'm just trying to make it another 24 hours."
Touissant also encouraged his thousands of followers to take action, get informed, and actively strive to change the societal structures that make these daily struggles a reality. "I need you to really wake up," he urged viewers. "I need you to ultimately do better. I need you to teach your families, teach the people in your communities, surround yourself with individuals who do not look like you . . . Stop repeating the same sh*t. It's time to evolve."
How to Explain White Privilege to Your White Working Class Friends and Family
In 2020, with the tragic deaths of Black men playing out on the evening news and protests against police brutality taking place in cities across the country, it's hard to understand how anyone could deny the existence of white privilege. But in conversations with friends and loved ones, I've learned that there are still many who associate privilege with wealth and opportunity, two things that are often out of reach for people living in underserved, mostly white communities.
I know this because I grew up white in one of the poorest states in the country, where loss of industry has devastated the economy, the opioid epidemic has increasingly led to children being placed in foster care, and even necessities like clean water aren't guaranteed. People are suffering, but not because of the color of their skin - and that's where we must draw the distinction, if we ever hope to confront racial injustice and affect meaningful change.
Once an academic term, white privilege refers to the benefits that come with being in the racial majority, regardless of your socioeconomic status. While approaching this topic with people in my own life, I've found that presenting this thought exercise can help someone who's resistant to recognize the reality: As a white person, you may not be able to live in your preferred neighborhood because the cost of housing is too high, not because you were made to feel unwelcome, based on the color of your skin. When you walk into a store, you're unlikely to be perceived as someone who might shoplift, even if your bank account sits at zero. And while getting a ticket may make it harder to feed your family, being pulled over by police is unlikely to put you in immediate danger.
The same isn't true for people of color - and the Black community, specifically - even if some members of that community have privileges you don't. As Black journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones wrote in The New York Times Magazine, following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of the police in 2016, there's always the risk that "if stopped by the police, we may be stripped down to our most basic of elements, that one part of us that is a complete fiction: our race. And that fiction - the American crime of blackness - can turn a broken taillight into a death sentence."
And there is even more data to present to convince people that this privilege makes a difference in the outcome of our lives. White children who are born into poor families are more likely to accumulate wealth in adulthood than poor Black children, likely due in part to underrepresentation in top colleges and discrimination in hiring. And when they do get accepted into an elite university, as many Black people have detailed, they're more likely to be characterized as having overcome adversity to earn their spot than fulfilling some quota.
That is white privilege, and it's the result of hundreds of years of systemic racism that can only be dismantled when white people acknowledge that we experience the world very differently than minorities. That important work starts at home.
SNL's Chris Redd Launched a COVID-19 Relief Fund to Help Raise $250,000 for BLM Protesters
While people are protesting throughout the country and worldwide against police brutality, demanding justice for the murder of George Floyd and others, the unfortunate reality is that the global pandemic persists and puts people at risk of contracting COVID-19. To help protesters, Saturday Night Live star Chris Redd launched a relief fund for those who may contract the virus while marching the streets. "I would hate for my people fighting for justice [to] struggle later because of it," he wrote in a tweet on June 1.
Chris set up a GoFundMe on Tuesday, working towards a goal of raising $250,000. "As thousands of people take to the streets to protest racial discrimination and the many Black Lives lost at the hands of injustice, we also have the unfortunate fact that this deadly pandemic is still upon us," Chris wrote on the page. "The lives at risk of the injustice being fought against are also the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Many will not be in position to pay the inevitable cost associated with their brave efforts."
According to the page, the gathered funds will specifically be used for testing, treatment, and any hospital bills in relation to COVID-19, injuries obtained while protesting, and bail relief and court expenses for protesters. As of June 3, the fund has raised over $170,000. Check out the link below to donate to Redd's COVID-19 relief fund, and learn about more ways to help in the fight against racial injustice.
And here we go!!!!https://t.co/M4VTgrjnpS
- Chris Redd (@Reddsaidit) June 2, 2020
How to Explain White Privilege to Your White Working Class Friends and Family
In 2020, with the tragic deaths of Black men playing out on the evening news and protests against police brutality taking place in cities across the country, it's hard to understand how anyone could deny the existence of white privilege. But in conversations with friends and loved ones, I've learned that there are still many who associate privilege with wealth and opportunity, two things that are often out of reach for people living in underserved, mostly white communities.
I know this because I grew up white in one of the poorest states in the country, where loss of industry has devastated the economy, the opioid epidemic has increasingly led to children being placed in foster care, and even necessities like clean water aren't guaranteed. People are suffering, but not because of the color of their skin - and that's where we must draw the distinction, if we ever hope to confront racial injustice and affect meaningful change.
Once an academic term, white privilege refers to the benefits that come with being in the racial majority, regardless of your socioeconomic status. While approaching this topic with people in my own life, I've found that presenting this thought exercise can help someone who's resistant to recognize the reality: As a white person, you may not be able to live in your preferred neighborhood because the cost of housing is too high, not because you were made to feel unwelcome, based on the color of your skin. When you walk into a store, you're unlikely to be perceived as someone who might shoplift, even if your bank account sits at zero. And while getting a ticket may make it harder to feed your family, being pulled over by police is unlikely to put you in immediate danger.
The same isn't true for people of color - and the Black community, specifically - even if some members of that community have privileges you don't. As Black journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones wrote in The New York Times Magazine, following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of the police in 2016, there's always the risk that "if stopped by the police, we may be stripped down to our most basic of elements, that one part of us that is a complete fiction: our race. And that fiction - the American crime of blackness - can turn a broken taillight into a death sentence."
And there is even more data to present to convince people that this privilege makes a difference in the outcome of our lives. White children who are born into poor families are more likely to accumulate wealth in adulthood than poor Black children, likely due in part to underrepresentation in top colleges and discrimination in hiring. And when they do get accepted into an elite university, as many Black people have detailed, they're more likely to be characterized as having overcome adversity to earn their spot than fulfilling some quota.
That is white privilege, and it's the result of hundreds of years of systemic racism that can only be dismantled when white people acknowledge that we experience the world very differently than minorities. That important work starts at home.
How to Explain White Privilege to Your White Working Class Friends and Family
In 2020, with the tragic deaths of Black men playing out on the evening news and protests against police brutality taking place in cities across the country, it's hard to understand how anyone could deny the existence of white privilege. But in conversations with friends and loved ones, I've learned that there are still many who associate privilege with wealth and opportunity, two things that are often out of reach for people living in underserved, mostly white communities.
I know this because I grew up white in one of the poorest states in the country, where loss of industry has devastated the economy, the opioid epidemic has increasingly led to children being placed in foster care, and even necessities like clean water aren't guaranteed. People are suffering, but not because of the color of their skin - and that's where we must draw the distinction, if we ever hope to confront racial injustice and affect meaningful change.
Once an academic term, white privilege refers to the benefits that come with being in the racial majority, regardless of your socioeconomic status. While approaching this topic with people in my own life, I've found that presenting this thought exercise can help someone who's resistant to recognize the reality: As a white person, you may not be able to live in your preferred neighborhood because the cost of housing is too high, not because you were made to feel unwelcome, based on the color of your skin. When you walk into a store, you're unlikely to be perceived as someone who might shoplift, even if your bank account sits at zero. And while getting a ticket may make it harder to feed your family, being pulled over by police is unlikely to put you in immediate danger.
The same isn't true for people of color - and the Black community, specifically - even if some members of that community have privileges you don't. As Black journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones wrote in The New York Times Magazine, following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of the police in 2016, there's always the risk that "if stopped by the police, we may be stripped down to our most basic of elements, that one part of us that is a complete fiction: our race. And that fiction - the American crime of blackness - can turn a broken taillight into a death sentence."
And there is even more data to present to convince people that this privilege makes a difference in the outcome of our lives. White children who are born into poor families are more likely to accumulate wealth in adulthood than poor Black children, likely due in part to underrepresentation in top colleges and discrimination in hiring. And when they do get accepted into an elite university, as many Black people have detailed, they're more likely to be characterized as having overcome adversity to earn their spot than fulfilling some quota.
That is white privilege, and it's the result of hundreds of years of systemic racism that can only be dismantled when white people acknowledge that we experience the world very differently than minorities. That important work starts at home.
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