#macroagressions too

[whatbettyread]

Finished my Goodreads review. I gave it five stars there even though I'm not sure it's a perfect read, I just think other people are too harsh

Reads Like: A sharp, thoughtful character study wrapped in the world of journalism, race, and queerness, with a tone that feels both raw and intimate

If You Like: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, Real Life by Brandon Taylor, Vicious Bonds by Shanora Williams (mostly in that-- a lot of the things people didn't like about Willow are criticisms people have of Mickey, and if you can see past those/like a complicated character, you'll like this book.)

What I Loved:

Homebodies is a exploration of being a Black lesbian navigating a predominantly white, beauty-focused industry. But that feels very... marketing copy. Very regressive, like it's ticking diversity boxes rather than writing a good story. And it is good, sharply written, with a lot of writerly details. Mickey, the protagonist, is complex—a character who’s flawed, relatable, and messy, in a good way. I... really felt for her in a lot of this book. I loved how the book doesn’t shy away from tackling big themes: it's about pressure, and you can feel it. It was refreshing to see a protagonist like Mickey—smart, sharp, introspective—who makes bad decisions, yet you root for her all the same. This novel also does a great job of exploring the complicated dynamics in Mickey’s personal relationships. She is looking for things to be easy, for things to make sense, for people to love her. She has that: but she still thinks about her past, too-- her romance with T. Hot lesbian fuckboys will break your heart.

What to Know Going In:

I legitimately think the description of this book is not quite right for what it is. This is a book about burning out: the inciting incident isn't her piece going viral, but quite the opposite. Mickey is surrounded by racism and microaggressions and expectations and one day all those things eat each other. This is a character-driven story that takes a reflective approach, so don’t expect a fast-paced plot. Mickey’s journey is messy, with highs and lows and a lot of moments where you say "oh no don't--". The narrative has a raw edge, especially in its portrayal of Mickey’s struggle with her sense of self-worth amid job insecurity and societal expectations. Some readers may find the lack of a “traditional” character arc frustrating, but I found her gradual self-realization both satisfying and honest.

Imagery:

Typing up SEO copy with a cooling coffee on the desk, panic attacks in the work bathroom, doing grandma's chores on a summer day.

Scented Candle:

Burnt coffee, something golden, and a hint of rose petals.

Other (Tropes, Content Warnings):

Includes themes of career disillusionment, self-discovery, and burnout. Content warnings for discussions around mental health, job insecurity, homophobia, fatphobia, and racism-- about the line between micro and macroagression.

homebodies review: Mickey is about to lose her job. she's the only remaining black woman at a beauty magazine that has been bought out, and they're looking for her replacement. luckily, she has a mostly supportive girlfriend-- unless they go back to said girlfriend's mom's house or if Mickey gets too depressed. mickey gets let go, signs an NDA, and then pens a scathing letter to the industry-- that initially gets 4 likes on twitter.

mickey is a mess: she's a gifted kid who has been told she's smart her whole life, and knows that she is that. she is supposed to be successful because those are the options: success or nothing. part of the book is about what success is, what striving means. there are lots of discussions of race in this book, specifically black lesbianism, and the specific cultural touchstones inside that.

another thing reviewers seemed to dislike about this book is they felt there was no growth or change in it, which don't agree with at all. I like that Mickey is a kinda fat black lesbian with a chip on her shoulder! I like that we know she's good at her stuff, and while she doubts that the book does not. I think a big portion of the book is mickey reflecting and changing. I think you need to go into the book knowing it's a character study, it's about themes, and then enjoy the kinda messy ride.

[hasfoudoneanythingwrong]

Day 50

Fouuu! fou fouuuu! (”Huh, where’s that echo coming from? Wait Fou?! Why are you wearing Mori’s helmet?”)

Fou! Fou fou fou kyau! Kill fou! (”Oh that’s a lot of malice. I’ll look the other way and hope Sherlock doesn’t decide to impart an investigation. Just don’t track the blood into my room, alright?”)

FouuuuufouuuFOUUUUUU!!!!!!! (-Fou runs off in the other direction and a scream that sounds vaguely like Merlin is heard from the distance-)

[juanitasupreme]

Did you see the rrailer for rhobh reunion 😯😯 It looks insane i hope the editing wasnt misleading and Andy really does lead the campaign against Erika's lies. But also doritoes and lip filler have gotten too bold with garcelle and need to be taken down. I'm more excited then i thought I didnt think they would actually come for erika

I hope too that Andy finally clocked in for works! Doritos truly been acting like a Karen this whole season, I can't stand the way she is disrespecting thee queen Garcelle. Like it's not even microagressions anymore but macroagressions towards Garcelle and it's very tiring/upsetting to watch. I used to like Dorito but now I want her GONE. And Rinna can go too but it's been rumoured that she also went at it with Garcelle about race so I know twitter will get her! I'm still not sure about the 4 parts reunion but I have a little bit of hope.

+ Dorito, Lisa, Kyle and Erika all looked horrible

[scortchedtoast]

Rhobh reunion got me heated! We need Dorito and Lipsa Rinna out of this show! The micro(or macro) aggression towards Garcelle were too much

Its truly awful those two need to be fired like the racism is too much with dorito its like macroagressions at this point and I get why Garcelle is playing respectability politics with these clowns cause she doesnt want to seem like an angry black woman but she needs to pop off on them at this point its too much and at this point 90% of people are in G's side so if she came full steam ahead for dorito and lipsa she would have tons of people backing her up

[fakekathy-blog]

On Mountain Day 2015, Part 2

Hi, all. Kathleen McCartney here to quell some hubbub! My goodness, I feel like President Snow in District one. Haha! (In all seriousness, my house is surrounded by Tracker Jackers so don't even THINK ABOUT IT).

It seems everyone's a bit flustered about, well, everything. Mountain Day, microagresssions, macroagressions, not being able to have rabbits in their rooms (just buy a hitachi magic wand! that's what I tell the trustees when they get all uppity. The rabbits are underpow... I'm so sorry. I got off on the wrong track there). (Oh, goodness! I said got off!)

As we were, Smithies. I've decided that we've become too reliant on Mountain Day. It's become the fossil fuel for our hope - the depleting resource that we're hooked on, like the last two seasons of The Wire. SERIOUSLY - IF YOU RUIN IT FOR ME, I WILL FILL PARADISE POND WITH YOUR TEARS.

It seems that we need to be weaned of Mountain Day. And, since I've already told you it's like fossil fuels, let's just divest!

See? I divested! I can do exactly what you ask me to as long as it's done in a circuitous and totally non-sequitur way!

I'm so proud of me for fixing this. I'm submitting a motion to the Board of Trustees that I henceforth not be KMac, but KMax - because I'm maximum effective!

Hugs and kisses, The Eleventh President of Smith College