Take This Pink Ribbon Off My Eyes
I'm a hypocrite wearing one hell of a homemade disguise.
Just A Girl by No Doubt came out in 1995, I was in the 5th grade. I’ve always appreciated being able to count what year school I would be in by the calendar year. For some reason, my whole life I kept forgetting.
Maybe it didn’t seem to matter what year school I was leaving or entering. By the 5th grade I was testing out at the 12th grade of every subject, and I’d end up dropping out anyway.
When I first saw Gwen Stefani, it was an instant crush. I wanted to be her, I wanted to be picked by her — within reason. I’ve never been a true fan girl to any celebrity.
She seemed strong and smart and fearless.
An empowered woman who didn’t mince words and demanded respect.
And then after leaving a marriage rumored to have cheated going on, she began dating a married man. I prefer to be confused much less.
I keep seeing people argue on the internetz about how important it is to bring awareness to issues. That complaining in dramatic reels is vital to ending injustices.
Except we’ve been bringing awareness to issues non-stop for decades that continue to persist. Remember the War on Drugs? D.A.R.E. Program? Let’s hold hands around the world and sing Michael Jackson songs while sipping a Pepsi to restore Peace and harmony.
Talking a good game doesn’t mean 💩 at the end of the day.
Output ≠ outcomes.
And I check myself at the door every time, because I’ve opted out from direct action in many ways myself. Feeling somehow superior most days because, at least I didn’t waste 4 hours on the internet bitching and complaining.
The irony isn’t lost on me of the song that randomly followed Gwen singing Take this pink ribbon off my eyes / I'm exposed, and it's no big surprise / Don't you think I know exactly where I stand?
The Universe keeps trying to walk me towards the end goal. Universe, I’m listening.
The greatest men I’ve ever known, only ever existed in my head.
Get naked, climb into bed.
Linen sheets, a down pillow to lay my head.
Slept a deep little sleep. Woke an hour ago but couldn’t bring myself to reanimate. Lay like the dead in a coma listening to Miles Carter orate.