sjsumosaic

[sjsumosaic]

Policing of Black Bodies

Policing of Black Bodies

When you were a child did you ever sell refreshments to people or go with a parent to a store to get a treat? How about when you were older? Did you ever BBQ with your family or swim at a gated pool? What about use a coupon or having access to the entrance of your apartment building? Even though these experiences sound like every day normal experiences, they can be a nightmare for others.

  In…

[sjsumosaic]

15 things I Learned Taking a Month Off of Social Media| Charlotte Theriault

15 things I Learned Taking a Month Off of Social Media| Charlotte Theriault

     In the beginning of February, at 3am, I lost a snap-streak with my #1 best friend. For anyone who doesn’t go on Snapchat, that means that the person I interact with the most on Snapchat hadn’t send me a picture within a 24 hour window. I was deeply upset (which is ridiculous, I know) and felt very lonely. In that moment I decided to delete all of my social media apps for one month in order…

[sjsumosaic]

Beyonce's Pregnancy and Santeria

Beyonce’s Pregnancy and Santeria

A Summary of Beyoncé’s Recent Achievements Are Met with Criticisms Rooted in Misogynoir A look into Beyoncé’s Pregnancy, The Grammy’s, Lemonade, and Religion Maternity Photos… OH MY! Beyonce recently shared with the public that she is pregnant with twins by posting a maternity photo of herself on Instagram Beyonce is seen in the picture on her knees and holding her belly, surrounded by a bed of…

[sjsumosaic]

Real Friends; How Many of Us?: A Discussion About Solidarity | Kendrick Williams

Real Friends; How Many of Us?: A Discussion About Solidarity | Kendrick Williams

  Hi y’all! Welcome to this edition of the Mosaic E-digest blog! I hope you’re having a great March so far! Today, with events that have happened in the entertainment industry, I think it is important to have a discussion about solidarity in POC communities.      About a month ago, a Mexican-American comedian named George Lopez took the stage at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix for a stand up…

[sjsumosaic]

Article is a look into Beyoncé’s Pregnancy, The Grammy’s, Lemonade, and Religion

Maternity Photos… OH MY!

   Beyoncé recently shared with the public that she is pregnant with twins by posting a maternity photo of herself on Instagram Beyoncé is seen in the picture on her knees and holding her belly, surrounded by a bed of flowers. Her veil left the impression that she was trying to give off a ‘Virgin Mary’ look. Her caption was,

     “We would like to share our love and happiness. We have                    been blessed two times over. We are incredibly grateful that            our family will be growing by two, and we thank you for your          well wishes. – The Carters” 

       The internet went wild and so did a lot of my friends! The day she released the pictures, I remember my best friend called me and asked me if I had heard the news yet. Like others I was definitely stoked forBeyoncé. She is great at keeping things very private until she chooses to share! Queen B was definitely the topic of discussion for the next couple of days.

Another one of Beyoncé’s maternity photos

  Beyoncé’s Maternity Photo’s and Critics

     Beyoncé’s good news, however, was met with criticism. R.A. Farley, an author from The Refinery29 , responded to the photo’s saying,

“This excitement is all well and good. But it seems that no one, aside from a few brave souls on social media, wants to admit the truth: The pictures are tacky.”

     Later in the article she continues her critique of Beyoncé by criticizing Beyoncé for moving beyond her generally “minimalist” approach to fame.

  Beyoncé’s Grammy Performance

     It is common to expect nothing but the best from Beyoncé when she puts on a show. The 2017 Grammy Awards Show was just that (in my opinion) the best. Beyoncé’s performance that included a hologram of Queen B. was considered a “magical” performance, and yet, some critics disagreed and expressed negative criticism for her performance. Piers Morgan tweeted ,” Didn’t really ‘feel’ that Beyonce [sic]  performance. [It] Seemed heavier on the narcissism than the music. #GRAMMYs” and, “Awful acceptance speech too. Looked bored as hell reading it. Come on Beyonce [sic] , you’re better than this.”

     I don’t think that folks, especially Piers Morgan, fully understood the religious symbolism behind Beyoncé’s performance though. The religion I am referring to is Santeria. Bey’s Grammy performance is not the first time folks have noticed her Santerian depiction of Oshun (a Santerian goddess), and it’s important to understand what messages she’s conveying about the religion.  

  Santeria: Misconceptions and Truth

     Santeria is a religion with spiritual practices that was started by Yoruban people from West Africa including: Nigeria and Benin. The Yoruba people were a group of many tribes with similar but distinct religious practices. Santerians worship orishas and saints.

Orishas and Historical Context

Before the slave trade, Yoruba lands had multiple major cities and were used as centers of worship for different Orishas. When slaves began “intermixing” and were forced to settle outside of their homelands, worshipping of Orishas got mixed up as well. This is when the practice of worshipping multiple Orishas became “standard” in the Santeria religion. There are sixteen Orishas. It is important to know that Santeria is not voodoo or black magic as the media likes to portray it. A Santeria worshipper said

“First, there are a lot of misconceptions about African-based religions in general.  If you go by what you see on television, you’d think practitioners of Voodoo and Santería are devil worshipers who practice black magic.  They stick pins in voodoo dolls and cast evil spells that kill their enemies.”

Some Orishas & Descriptions Provided by Santeria Church of the Orishas

“Eleggua”

the first and most important Orisha in Santería. He is the owner of the crossroads, the witness of fate and acts as the connecting agent in this world. Elegguá is often perceived as a trickster or impish child who tests our integrity.

“Ogun”

 Ogún is a mighty warrior, the divine blacksmith who crafts tools and weapons and the hardest working Orisha of them all. Ogún is the father of technology, the cutting edge of the knife and the power of metal. Ogún is often perceived as a powerful muscular man wearing a skirt made of palm fiber and he carries a machete.

  “Oshun”

 Description: Oshún is the Orisha of sweetness, love and beauty. She is the embodiment of feminine grace, and is a flirtatious coquette.  She is a generous and loving mother, but she can also quickly turn bitter if she is wronged. Once she is soured, she is unforgiving and unbending. Oshún can accomplish miracles untold. She is the youngest of the orishas and is depicted as a flirtatious, mixed-race woman dressed in yellow, gazing in a mirror.

Speculation of Beyoncé Depicting Oshun: The Receipts

source: vibe.com

     Above is one of Beyoncé’s maternity pictures and below is an animation of Oshun. In the picture above Beyoncé is being compared to the Orisha “Oshun”. Oshun is the goddess of love, fertility, beauty, and prosperity. Oshun also gave birth to twins, so it is fitting that Beyoncé is honoring the goddess with her maternity pictures.

Beyoncé’s Depiction of Oshun in Lemonade: (Similarities in Personality Traits)

     Beyoncé dressed in a yellow dress as she is dancing in the visual for “Hold Up.” In the song Beyoncé tells a narrative of experiencing infidelity. The Goddess Oshun is also known for experiencing hard times in her love life. At the beginning of the visual Beyoncé´ talks about wearing all white, trying to change, fasting for sixty days, and talks about being baptized in a river. Oshun’s main element is the river as she is the Goddess of the river.

As a disclaimer,I am not saying I am an expert on Santeria, but my best friend’s family does practice Santeria. I have witnessed both of her parents go through the the “crowning” process. During the process both of her parents attempted to cleanse themselves to become ‘pure’ once again. They wore all white for a year, had no sex, alcohol, and were told to avoid specific food and behaviors during that year.

Depiction of Post Infidelity Reactions

     As mentioned above Oshun is also known for having a difficult time in her love life. Though rumors spread about her being cheated on by her long time husband Jay-Z this narrative is yet to be proven. Regardless of whether it is fact or fictionBeyoncé plays the part of a Woman who has been betrayed by her lover, and calls herself “crazy.” Oshun is also known for falling head over heels for lovers who do not necessarily treat her as she should be treated.

       Below is a picture depicting Oshun (left) who is dressed similarly to how Beyoncé  (right) is dressed in the Lemonade video.

  Santeria or Appropriation: The Debate

     My motives for writing this post was not to prove that Beyoncé is Santerian. Regardless of my hunch, and other folks findings I still don’t know if  Beyoncé practices Santeria because she keeps her personal life very private. Some folks feel like Beyoncé is appropriating the African religion. My reason for writing this post was to invite others to ask questions before assuming a certain religion is just “black magic” or “voodoo.” The mainstream media and “white man’s” version of history has influenced folks to believe spiritual practices apart of the African diaspora are dark and demonic like. This is not true though. The African Diaspora refers to refers to the communities throughout the world that have resulted by descent from the movement in historic times of peoples from Africa, predominantly to the Americas and among other areas around the globe.”

    Here is a response from Maximiliano Goiz who’s post on Facebook went viral when he talked aboutBeyoncé depicting Oshun. He gives more context on why he thinksBeyoncé is emulating Oshun’s aesthetic.

     Regardless of how you feel about Beyoncé  I encourage you to ask questions about the ideologies we are quick to believe and whose truths we are buying into!

Peace,

Emilie Rodriguez

How Beyoncé’s Life and Career Are Met with Criticism| Emilie Rodriguez Article is a look into Beyoncé’s Pregnancy, The Grammy’s, Lemonade, and Religion Maternity Photos… OH MY!

[sjsumosaic]

Another Quiet Asian Woman | Jenna Edra

Another Quiet Asian Woman | Jenna Edra

During an evaluation of my work performance, a supervisor told me that I could speak more during the weekly meetings. I brought up the point that the weekly meetings often consist of debriefing events that are optional to attend, for which I am not often present due to class or other obligations. My opportunities to speak are partially limited. But their viewpoint remained the same–I was just “so…

[sjsumosaic]

The Quietest People Have the Loudest Thoughts: Introversion in Society | Kendrick Williams

The Quietest People Have the Loudest Thoughts: Introversion in Society | Kendrick Williams

     The definition of an introvert according to the website introvertspring.com is “a person who gains energy from being alone and loses energy in stimulating environments, such as social events”. However, even as the website says, there is much more to being a introvert and someone’s introversion can vary from person to person. Some can be shy, while other have no problem dealing with people.…

[sjsumosaic]

Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Virginity is a Social Construct

Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Virginity is a Social Construct

TRIGGER WARNING: This blog will talk about sex, virginity, and struggling to form opinion and self-identity around the concept of virginity as a sexual abuse survivor. Sexist slurs are also mentioned in this article, uncensored. Survivors of rape, sexual assault, and/or sexual abuse may be triggered by the contents of this piece.   The notion of “virginity” is one we are typically all…

[sjsumosaic]

My Natural Hair Journey | Chelby Gill

My Natural Hair Journey | Chelby Gill

     I have had an enlightening hair journey over the past couple of years.  January 2016, I officially started my journey towards “natural” hair.  “Natural” in the Black community means to not use chemicals or heat of any kind that will alter the growth pattern of the hair. The journey so far has been exciting, liberating and expensive. Having natural hair is a personal choice but can also be…

[sjsumosaic]

Why Jennifer Lawrence's Apology Won't Suffice

Why Jennifer Lawrence’s Apology Won’t Suffice

We all have problematic faves. Jennifer Lawrence, or “JLaw,” as tabloids have dubbed her, is a critically acclaimed actress who is the youngest to be nominated for four Academy Awards. In addition to being a favorite within the academy and amongst others working in her profession, Lawrence has won over much of the U.S. — and the rest of the world — with her “quirky” and seemingly down-to-earth…

[sjsumosaic]

Ableism Is alive and well in 2016 | Charlotte Theriault

Ableism Is alive and well in 2016 | Charlotte Theriault

Trigger warning for ableism, sexist language, bodily fluids Following the shocking results of the election, many people took to social media to express their thoughts, fears, and concerns about the bigoted President-elect Donald Trump as well as the majority republican House and Senate. It quickly became apparent that the United States were deeply divided, and that we needed to take a hard look…

[sjsumosaic]

Sexual Assault, Mental Health, and Re-traumatization at SJSU | Jenna Edra

Sexual Assault, Mental Health, and Re-traumatization at SJSU | Jenna Edra

Trigger warning: Sexual assault, rape      For survivors of sexual violence, school can be a danger zone of potential re-traumatization–an emotional relapse into the initial trauma caused by the assault. Re-experiencing trauma is also a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which almost one in every three victims of sexual assault develop. Incoming SJSU undergraduate and graduate…

[sjsumosaic]

Wells Fargo: Why This Bang Isn’t For Your Buck | Kendrick Williams

Wells Fargo: Why This Bang Isn’t For Your Buck | Kendrick Williams

       Hi Spartans! It’s great to be writing all of you again in this turbulent November. In this edition of the MOSAIC blog, I will be talking about the recent scandal that happened with Wells Fargo. This article is pertinent to the perilous fight of social justice, because this will be discussing the economic side of the struggle.    The issue:      Wells Fargo is currently under fire by both…

[sjsumosaic]

To blame Trump or not to blame Trump? That is the question. | Emilie Rodriguez

To blame Trump or not to blame Trump? That is the question. | Emilie Rodriguez

The 2016 Presidential Election is Today!      Americans have waited for Election Day and today is the day. Over the past two weeks there has been even heavier news coverage on each presidential candidate. There are countless online articles focused on what they have said in private, in public, and on social media accounts like Twitter. Running for President of the United States almost promises…

[sjsumosaic]

The Single Story | Chelby Gill

The Single Story | Chelby Gill

    In this blog post I will be discussing Miss Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “TED Talk” entitled “The Danger of a Single Story” (scroll to the end of this article to watch her TED Talk).  The consequences of the “Single Story” will be addressed using Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump’s political campaign rhetoric. Lastly I will be drawing comparisons using Black centered movies that are…

[sjsumosaic]

Black Exploitation on Film | Chelby Gill

Black Exploitation on Film | Chelby Gill

     Recently Donald Trump has made some more interesting comments about the Black community, or “The Blacks” as he calls them. He constantly refers to black people as people who are living in “Hell” , which are the inner cities, riddled with drugs and crime.      These stories that he has conjured up sound more like the setting of a 70’s blaxploitation film or an episode of “The Wire”. Now that…

[sjsumosaic]

Female Sexuality, a Social Experiment | Charlotte Theriault

Female Sexuality, a Social Experiment | Charlotte Theriault

Content warning: sexist language, ableist language, and pictures of bruises/hickeys Inspiration Strikes  A few weeks ago I was waiting in line to get Taco Bell at the Student Union before work. While I was in line, a masculine person walked passed me with fat hickeys all over their neck. I seemed to be the only person who noticed. “Damn, he has a LOT of confidence” I thought, thinking about the…