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[rlh625]

Vegans, throw out your leather.

I consider myself a yoga practitioner. I practice yoga and I am learning how to reach enlightenment through meditation. But, there are definitely times in life that I am not “zen.” One common practice of yoga is veganism, which I do not adhere to. I certainly don’t believe animals should be abused and mistreated; I love animals. But I eat meat, wear leather, wool, and fur, and honestly, I don’t even know if my cosmetics are tested on animals. I’d hope they’re not, but I haven’t done the research to confirm. I’m courteous to my fellow yogis and refrain from wearing my ostentatious fur coats to the studio, despite looking down and seeing that the shoe rack in the locker room is filled with shoes made with leather.

Does it make me a bad person, like vegans accuse, because I wear and consume animal products? In theory, I guess you could say that I lack compassion. But I also consider myself one of the kindest humans you may ever come across in your life. I raise money for children’s educational programs, buy/make sandwiches for the homeless, and donate so much of my clothing that sometimes I look in my closet and I realize I’ve given away half of it. Is it right for vegans to look down on me and title me a murderer because I believe in Survival of the Fittest, eat meat, and wear animal products?

One big issue that gets lost with animal rights activism is that it’s not necessarily about killing the animals. It’s about the inhumane treatment that these animals receive before they’re killed - the ducks that have tubes probed down their throats to fatten their liver for foie gras or plucked for your pillows, the chickens that are genetically altered to produce bigger eggs or extra body parts, the wild animals that are caged and tortured before they’re killed and skinned. I shudder when I think about these actions, but I also believe that if they’re killed humanely, it’s really just the circle of life. In the wild, animals kill other animals for survival… According to vegans, it’s wrong that we as humans do this. Why? They claim that animals have emotions and feelings, yet these highly “emotional animals” lack the emotional capacity to “go vegan” and stop killing/eating other animals. So, in my eyes, consumption isn’t wrong, it’s how we go about killing them.

Recently, an “Instagram yogi” posted a huge blurb about being vegan, loving animals, etc., but then was also seen in a video dancing around the yoga studio in her adidas superstars, made with “smooth, premium coated leather.” Come on, chica.

On the same note, there’s a man who has been going around NYC verbally harassing women wearing fur (including Lady Gaga), video recording it, then posting it on his Instagram page. Ok… I respect a passionate activist. I continued to scroll down and watch more videos of him screaming at women in fur… And then came across a post in which he worships Stevie Nicks. I dare you to google “Stevie Nicks Fur,” little man. Warning: your world may crumble.

Veganism has become more of a fad than an actual lifestyle (just like yoga). If you wish to live a vegan lifestyle, by all means, I applaud you. It’s tough to eliminate all animal products from your life, and if you can successfully manage to do that, you are one driven person that I view with the utmost respect.

But if you’re a “vegan” that shames others for their carnivorous lifestyle, stop it. Be a legit vegan or shut the front door. It drives me crazy to see people claiming to be vegan, hating on people that wear fur and eat meat, yet lace up their sneakers made with leather and pull that wool sweater over their head, the same head that rests upon down feather pillows at night. Or, even those that aren’t vegan and wear leather, eat meat and foie gras, but think fur is horrible and anyone that wears it is a murderer. Just because a fur coat is more of a luxury item than those basic sneakers of yours (that may have been produced in a sweatshop #alllivesmatter), you’re still killing an animal in the name of fashion. And what about that leather handbag?? I’ll be honest, most of my furs are vintage and were passed down to me from an era where fur didn’t have the negative connotation it has now, but I also didn’t think twice about purchasing that supple suede Lanvin purse last month.

I agree, it’s all wrong on some level, but it’s also wrong to chastise others for something you’re not doing 100%. You’re not vegan, you’re just a vegetarian that jumped on a bandwagon. And in doing so, you look ignorant. Your preaching is filled with empty words if you can’t fully conform to the vegan lifestyle.

The best activists educate, not castigate.

[rlh625]

A riot is the language of the unheard.

While I am not going to state an opinion on the Ferguson Grand Jury decision, I will voice my thoughts on the public’s reaction: the riots.

Firstly, let me just say: it is absolutely ridiculous that, in the year 2014, RACE IS STILL AN ISSUE.  We should be beyond this.  As a minority that still faces racism from my peers, I can understand why the Black community feels that this was a decision based on race. 

Racism is alive and healthy.  I’m pretty positive that, at some point in our lives, we’ve been guilty of it, too.

All Asians look alike. Blacks are thugs. Latinos are drug lords. And, white people.. um.. like pecans on everything.

But, what are we doing to fade those stereotypes?  To end that racism?  Certainly, creating riots, burning things to the ground, and destroying businesses do not help.  The change we want is in our own hands.

After the Virginia Tech shooting by Cho Seung-Hui, people would move away from me on public transit, look at me differently, whisper.  But no one went to Koreatown on 32nd Street and started burning down shops.  In the same regard, blonde Caucasian women didn’t start riots after OJ Simpson was announced not-guilty.

We can only expect people to judge us as the people we show them we are.  I can’t find any “nice” way to say this, but, the actions that took place last night after the Ferguson decision was announced, are the very cause to why Blacks are still facing the struggles they so passionately want to end.  Small businesses, property, and lives have been ruined because of these riots.  This is no way to earn equality and justice.  You’re shooting yourself in the foot.

I hope I live to see the day that racism no longer exists, and the shape of my eyes or the color of your skin do not affect how people judge one another.

Slavery ended 149 years ago, yet, we must remember that it existed for 175.  Progress and change require time, and behavior like this sets us back.  It’s been a long struggle against racism, but we can’t stop fighting the fight.  From one prejudged minority to another, end this violence.

[rlh625]

United Colors of Humanity

School has started and it's been projected that 50.3% of public school students will be "minorities," by definition.

[Source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Education]

If I'm not mistaken, that makes the "minority" the "majority."  Despite the "white" demographic accounting for multiple ethnicities of European descent, "minorities" are accounted for separately, as per their ethnic descent.

Eg., When filling out a form or application, a French American and Italian American check the same box, but an Asian American and a Latino American each have their own box.

Let's eliminate those boxes.

How, you ask? Let me break it down, as best as my crazy mind can do so.

Why are primary schools so unequal? All children deserve the same education, regardless of how much their parents make and the amount they pay in taxes.  A topic like this is highly disputable, as one could say - some children are given the world and do nothing with it; some children are given nothing, yet change the world.  Agreed.  But, we can't withhold equal opportunities during the adolescent and most important years of a child's developmental stages.

With that being said, "education" is so much more than core classes: Math, English, Science, History, Art, and Language (and in my schooling, Religion).  Cultural immersion, in my opinion, is also just as important.  I was fortunate enough to attend a secondary school that offered cultural after-school clubs and study-abroad programs. But, these were all extracurricular and optional.  Why aren't they implemented as staple core classes?

Depending on the type of family we're born into, we typically lack a real-life understanding of other cultures until we travel.  This lack of understanding causes ignorance, which I hold responsible for the isolation, ethnocentrism, and continuation of all minority groups.  By culturally immersing children at an early age, we eliminate ignorance, racism, bullying, and ultimately, the word "minority." We eliminate color.

Unfortunately, there are people in this country that have never interacted with someone of a different ethnicity.  Perhaps, due to a poor upbringing, lack of travel, or simply a disinterest.  This is the very reason for why people even question what my primary language is (or quite frankly, if I even speak fluent English), despite living in the US my entire life.  They see an Asian and assume that my English is poor.  It's the reason for why, recently, two 30+ year-old females (of Colombian and Puerto Rican decent - a.k.a. minorities) from Miami used the fact that I'm "Asian," as a form of attack.  I was quite flattered, as that was really the only attack they could come up with... honestly, having a young face, great hair days, and a fast metabolism are never bad things! (Pardon my cockiness)

Ironically, although I can speak Korean... half of my family is from Italy, my mother speaks Spanish and French, and I can actually speak better Spanish than the Colombian girl.  Yet, not once did I ever consider insulting these girls for being "Hispanic," because that's not how I was brought up.

While it's easy for me to say that these women lack class, education, and intelligence, I remind myself to take a step back and empathize.  With not many degrees of separation between us, I've learned that they haven't had the best upbringings (their fathers abandoned them, they grew up in affordable housing, etc.).  Had they been offered the cultural immersion and education that I aforementioned, perhaps they wouldn't have even considered using my ethnicity as a form of insult.  This education should be offered in ALL schools, regardless of your household income!

Why put each other down for something we're all personally trying to overcome?  The reason why we're all still separate check boxes and isolated minority groups is because of ignorance.  Pure, raw ignorance.

When will this country, and ultimately the world, stop seeing skin colors and start seeing humans?

The first step is to unite all minority groups; we are bringing each other down.  It seems to be a constant battle to the top, and we're all pushing each other out of the way and slowing progression.

The culprit: lack of assimilation.

I support multiple Latin American-focused nonprofits, and I'm almost always the only Asian that sits on the boards and attends the events.  In fact, I'm actually not even involved in nor support any Asian-focused nonprofits.  Contrarily, my Italian American best friend supports the Korean American Community Foundation (KACF), which I think is spectacular. 

We are so consumed in supporting our own culture and its organizations, but the interest to support other cultures is lacking.  A quick Google search will show that there aren't many organizations that support multicultural immersion.  Asian Americans for Equality, Latino Equality Alliance, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Yea, I get it... power to your ethnicity, but let's assimilate a little.  You can build one of the strongest and well-funded cultural/equal rights organizations, but once you get to the top, you're still just a large group of minorities.  Doesn't that defeat all of the hard work you've done to make a voice for yourself?

It's like saying:

So now, how does my rambling all tie in together?

We can diminish cultural ignorance and segregation through educational immersion of all races.  This should also be done in the early stages of life to avoid ignorance, support cultural awareness, and open the minds of our youth.  Strength in numbers, my friends.  Our "minority" voices can become a loud majority, if we speak together, as one.

[rlh625]

Closing statement.

As I understand that my previous post makes me look insensitive to the altercation that happened between Laura Ramadei and Brian Lederman, I'm actually not.  I think he deserves castigation for his mistreatment of women, as well as his vulgar, idiotic responses to the situation.  I understand Laura's side, I feel for her, I think Brian was wrong (if he touched her), I loathe men that mistreat women.  I just do not agree with her method of handling it.

My argument, which not many are capable of opening their minds enough to understand, is that Laura Ramadei handled the matter in an ineffective way. Sure, she gained followers, supporters, media exposure, and pity.  But what did she actually do to prevent something like this from happening again?  I'd say... not really much.  So what, now everyone knows that Brian Lederman is an asshole.  If he truly is, then people don't need a viral Facebook letter to figure that out.  How will her public defamation change how men treat women?

"In what world would anyone consider his wife hot? I wouldn't touch her with your dick."

"Actually, I Googled her -- typical Hamptons douche climber with an over sized summer rental and and daddy issues."

"Is anyone going to mention he's apparently married to Casey Anthony? Look at the picture, are we not going to talk about this?"

"Yeah, if the girl in that pic is any indication of the usual kinds of women he enjoys, it must have come as real culture shock to him to have come up against one with a brain that actually gets used."

Suuuure, if Brian had kept his hands to himself, none of this would've happened.  But is that fair?  He made Laura feel uncomfortable, so for that, Laura wants to make him uncomfortable, even if it means dragging his wife and family into the situation.  There are certain ways to handle a situation in order to obtain results.  She sought revenge and brought others down with her, including other women and chivalrous men that work in finance, such as my boyfriend.

She spoke to a gossipy newspaper about her sexual harassment incident, that is at this point, only hearsay. She felt the need to include irrelevant information about her personal life, work experience, lack of finances, acting aspirations, ask for job leads, and complain about her hardships.  Then she proceeded to stereotype.  Omit the BS and just make your point, girl!

I don't want anyone to think that I would ever react the way that she did, had I been in her situation (which I have been, just not as a bartender).  I'm a woman that works in a boy's world and I try to earn respect and equality through positive actions, not negative ones.  Let's be real, historically and presently speaking, men and women are not equal and women still have a lot of progress to work for.  Her rant makes women look like advantageous-situation-seekers.  I've spent 29 years growing a thick skin;  I don't need a girl that wants to live in NYC, yet work less than 30 hours a week, affect how people in my work environment view me as a woman.  OH.  You don't think it will?

A man walks into a bar, allegedly sexually harasses a bartender, she posts a public shaming, sells it to multiple newspapers, exposing his name... and unnecessarily points out that he works in finance.  Now, everyone that works in finance is, obviously, a misogynistic douche bag, according to every liberal-infested comment section I've read on websites that have posted her article.  Laura's "of course you do" statement supported the stereotype that, if you work in finance, of course you're a perverted pig.  She had plenty of time to revise her Facebook post before it got picked up by these media outlets.  Why does that finance detail even matter?  I know a ton of assholes that work in the service industry.  Get it???  Just like how you Main Street people think everyone in finance is a douche, my Wall Street people will think I'm a whiny little girl.

It makes me frustrated that women would rather bitch and moan on a social media site than take it up with management and file a police report.  The excuse made by many of Laura's supporters, as to why she didn't handle it with the legal system, is that it would have been ineffective and she would have lost the lawsuit.  Ok, so, filing a police report, finding a pro-bono lawyer, and putting it on the record is just a waste of time then?  No.  It would have given this guy a strike... and if he does this to as many women as he stupidly claims he does, too many strikes will send his name to the sexual offenders list.  That's how to handle a situation like this.

She violated her position as a bartender and retained a customer's personal information from his credit card to use for her own personal gain, stalked him, then posted his employment information on the internet.  Kudos for not publicly shaming the rest of the men you've had previous misogynistic encounters with, Laura!

I might look like the bad guy because I'm not all like, "Girl power! You rock!," because.... she doesn't rock.  She didn't make women look strong; she just stalked some guy from the name on his cc receipt and blasted him from behind her computer.

On a positive note, high-five for speaking up, it takes courage.  But, she did it in a way that won't bring any change in the future.  Posting a sad story on the internet doesn't make one a martyr, by any means!  When will people start realizing that revenge doesn't make change?  Had she used that experience to do something positive, like, speaking out to other women to inspire them to build the courage and report these men to the authorities, then I would have commended her.  But no, she sold her story to the New York Post so that one individual man could get a new one ripped by the public.  A real world-changer.

And as a side note, how did he even touch her ass if she were behind the bar? Not saying I don't believe her, but she went into depth about what she wore and how many fingers were placed on her ass, yet she never specifies how he was able to make physical contact with her, if she were where you'd think most bartenders would be - behind the bar.

[rlh625]

I decline the invitation to this Pity Party.

I typically refrain from publicly expressing my views on life issues because quite frankly, I don't feel like dealing with conflicting opposition.  I have my views, you have yours... I'm not forcing you to believe in mine, don't try to make me believe in yours.  Seeing as how this world functions (or rather, dysfunctions)... we're ALL doing something wrong.

Simply put, I believe that women should know how to cook and men should know how to fix things.  Lots of feminists would hate some of the things that I say... but until men can become pregnant and give birth, there will always be certain things that differentiate men from women.  I am a conservative, however, I do support gay marriage, the right to choose (but not on taxpayers' dollars), immigration amnesty under certain circumstances, and gun control. 

So, this morning I woke up, checked my emails, hopped on Facebook to see what my friends were doing [without actually interacting with them]... you know, the norm.

Then I see that a couple of my female friends (one a thespian, the other a former bartender/bar manager) shared and supported an article that publicly defamed a man, named Brian Lederman, who allegedly "groped" a bartender in SoHo.  Not cool.  I TOTALLY GET IT.  But, the fact that the internet is pitying her has been eating at my brain all morning... for a multitude of reasons.  Let me dissect - and don't scold me for doing so.  This woman felt the need to expose this to the world; she should expect responses.

Shame on you, Brian.  In an article published on Dealbreaker.com, Mr. Lederman admitted making this inappropriate comment... but really, words are words.  I feel for his wife more than the bartender.  Bartender girl (Laura Ramadei), if you're going to voluntarily seek out of a job in which you're surrounded by people consuming the alcohol that you served them, you should probably expect mischievous behavior and grow a thicker skin. I'm not excusing it, but how long have we been aware that alcohol causes rowdiness?  Lucky Strike, do you have surveillance footage of this alleged gentle, three finger left butt cheek placement?

Um, the bill was only $15.24.  That's what, one drink?  How long did it take you to make that one drink (a Stoli on the rocks, as you stated)?  Let's say an excessively long five minutes.  Do you truly believe that you deserve more than $24/hour = $960/week (calculating 40 hours.. that's how long most of us work in a week, at minimum) = $50,000/year in gratuity for putting ice cubes into a glass and pouring 1-2 ounces of straight vodka?  The fact that you pointed out the amount of his tip and posted a photo of his receipt, leads me to believe that you are more upset about the money than you are about his behavior.  I'm actually surprised that he left a tip.

Of course you do?  What does that mean?  I work in Investment Management.  A hedge fund, to be precise, just like Mr. Lederman.  Does this make me a woman-ass-grabber also?  If you don't want me to judge you based on your choice of job, don't make ridiculous statements about this man's behavior having any correlation to the industry he works in.  Your ignorance is right alongside his.

All I hear is... "blah blah blah, feel bad for me."  We all have bills.  You seem to be justifying why you have the job you have... why?  Are you ashamed?  Is this a cover letter or a public defamation?  Let's not go off on irrelevant tangents.  Stick to the defamation.  This is New York City, lady.  You want to live comfortably, yet you despise the discomfort at your bartending job.  Maybe you'd feel safer utilizing your NYU degree at a job that pays less, but has a real HR department (Facebook is not an HR department).  You may struggle to pay bills for a bit or move to an outer borough, but you won't be putting yourself around drunktards.  We can't have our cake and eat it too.

"Maybe - just maybe - via the intimately connected internet world, my post will reach you, and you'll learn something about how hurtful and upsetting a small comment or gesture might be."

Do you understand that publicly defaming someone on the internet is not only damaging to that person, but also you?  Your names will now show up on Google, forever.  And although you were hoping that your post would help you find pity, support, progression, and a new job to pay off your student loans, it will also deter employers from hiring you.  They'll contemplate if you'll get upset at something and run home to call the New York Post.  They'll question your credibility and maturity.  If you had a problem, you should have spoken to your manager.  Now, your allegations have not only caused this man public exposure, but also his wife.  Does she deserve this?  Was this really the best way to handle the situation?  Truthfully, wherever you go, you're going to run into people like Brian Lederman.  It's unfortunate, yet inevitable.  Until the world stops selling sex, people will always think it's something they can buy.  When you go to a night club or party, do you wear a tight dress, heels, and makeup? Or your loose fitting long sleeved shirt and jeans sans makeup?  Now, if he actually did put his three fingers on your behind, I agree - unacceptable.  Physical interaction is a crossing of boundaries.  But you're a bartender... weren't you behind the bar?  Or, I know what it is - Brian Lederman is really Stretch Armstrong!

I know I sound insensitive.  And, no, I don't support sexual harassment.  I've even dealt with it myself at a former workplace, when I worked in the fashion industry.  How did I handle it?  I quit my job and reported it to the appropriate authorities (not Facebook).  I struggled to pay bills for 8 months, spent more time at home so I could save money, and even started my own company.  Defamation on the internet is just childish and, in your case, self-propaganda (some articles link to your personal website with professional head shots... explain to me the relevance, please).  I don't know this Brian Lederman guy, I agree he acted out of line, but I have no pity for you after some of the statements you made, Miss Laura Ramadei.

[rlh625]

[rlh625]

Save the Date! Cuban Artists Fund is hosting a Spring Fling on Thursday, May 15. Details will be announced next week.

Cuban Artists Fund está organizando un Spring Fling el jueves 15 de mayo. Detalles serán anunciados la próxima semana. 

[rlh625]

New office.

[rlh625]

Times Square Arts and Cuban Artists Fund Presents Cuban Artist Esterio Segura’s Installation Goodbye My Love. Felicidades, CAF! 

[rlh625]

We gave up bread for lent but we’re also giving bread to the homeless.

[rlh625]

Today’s amazing team.

[rlh625]

Photo shoot behind the scenes.

[rlh625]

[rlh625]

#caf #cubanartistsfund #detrasdelmuro #municipalartsociety #mas #cuban #artists #fund

[rlh625]

Guntheruecker (at Haunch of Venison)

[rlh625]

Galavanting.

[rlh625]

#rlhpr #rlh #rachellee #public #relations #publicrelations #boutique #nyc #fashion #luxury #firstandcompany #victordesouza #sweet1985 #roncois #ninhcollection #designers #upcoming #newyorkcity #california #cali #seattle #eastcoast #westcoast #representation #love #menswear #womenswear #accessories #stylists #style #styling #logo #mitchwells #artist #talent