Y U MAD AT...Tiger Wood's Ex?

E! was met with an overwhelming amount of commenters crying foul at the actions of Tiger Woods former wife Elin Nordegren when they reported that in an extravagant display of wealth the former model demolished the 12 million dollar home she had recently purchased after deciding she didn’t like it anymore. People were understandably astonished by her wasteful actions.  But it was the anger towards them that concerned me. The unilateral cry of “how dare she?” that sprang out from commenters perplexed me because the majority of us waste things all the time.  A homeless person might be inclined to cry foul at seeing you tossing out a half bag of chips. And it personally makes my blood boil when people act like they are too cute to take home leftovers from a restaurant because if I paid for food best believe I’m eating it. The woman more than likely has serious issues and while trying resolve them with an Eat Pray Love type trip like the rest of the over privileged and under appreciated members of the first wives club would’ve made much more sense not to mention would’ve been much cheaper she chose to go in another direction...with a wrecking ball leading the way. I’m not defending her actions. But I am pointing out that that was her choice to make. Be mad at the system that gave her that choice.  Be mad that she is taxed far too little and publicized far too much. But don’t take time out of your day to judge how she gets through a break up. Abject poverty does not assign one automatic moral high ground and you have no more right to judge this woman than she has to judge you. Yes her actions were excessive and uncalled for. But can you honestly say you haven’t done anything excessive and uncalled for yourself? Uh huh I thought so. It’s not fair to hold people to a higher standard because from the outside their blessings seem to be greater than yours. The disparity of wealth in our nation is enough to make anyone angry (As fashionbombdaily pointed out luxury brand the Row sold out of backpacks whose price were equivalent to a recent college graduates starting salary!) but that is a fundamental flaw within the system not merely those who benefit from it. If you’re arguing that Nordegren’s behavior speaks to a flaw in her character it might be time to consider exactly what her character flaws have to do with you. And unless you’re a friend or a family member the answer to that is most likely very little. In which case it might be time to ask yourself Y U MAD?  

UPDATE:  Reps for Nordegren are saying that the mansion was torn down as a result of structural damage and she did allow Habitat for Humanity to take whatever was salvageable.

Armed and Intelligent....and appreciative

A year ago I got upset. And in typical Keyaira fashion I sat down at my laptop and wrote my feelings down. But this time I went off of the advice of my friends, family and co-workers and posted it online. The feedback and criticism from me doing so has been invaluable. The text messages, phone calls, comments and tweets have taught me so much in such a short time. I just wanted to thank everyone who takes time out to see the view from my little corner of the world and sincerely wish you all blessings in 2012.

Y U MAD AT..Justin Combs?

Yesterday Essence online reported that Justin Combs, son of mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs (unsure who he is? google Ciroc, Bad Boy or J.lo’s green dress) would be accepting a full athletic scholarship to attend UCLA. The post commended the young man on his stellar performance both on the football field and in the classroom. Some readers were not interested in furthering the congratulatory tone of the article. One commenter expressed their outrage that Combs would accept a scholarship considering the wealth of his father stating that the money should go to “someone who needs it”. While others felt there was absolutely nothing wrong with the young man and his 3.75 GPA being rewarded for a lifetime of discipline and hard work the majority of the comments insisted that it was Sean Combs responsibility to bless someone else with a full scholarship because his son had been blessed as a way of “paying it forward”. The inference that it was anyone should be required to atone for their blessings baffled me. The concept of paying it forward is beautiful, uplifting, and inspirational it is not however mandatory. If someone wants to build up some good karma that is their business and if they want to count their millions in a recently discontinued Maybach instead well that is too. The time and energy spent in barber shops, living rooms, and online forums mandating what someone else “should” do with their money could be better spent working to reform financial aid and scholarship programs across the country. Scholarships and economic assistance for students should be awarded on a case by case basis. The fact that they are not is a tragedy that keeps thousands of deserving students from attending college every year. But that is a flaw of the system not the individuals who benefit from it. Justin Combs met the criteria for receiving that scholarship so if you're inclined to judge him or his family consider whether or not you know anyone who would turn down a free education. And then ask yourself Y U MAD?

Teacher Knows Best (?)

 The venture to question the authority of professors is one that not nearly enough college students are willing to take. Even as full grown adults students often allow fear of retribution from their instructors to affect the quality of their education. In order to prevent total chaos from taking place it is the responsibility of teachers to enforce rules and organization.  I understand this I even encourage it. But I am not of the belief that educators should be gifted with some sort of mystical absolute authority over their students. It both confounds and concerns me that no matter what the situation students are blindly encouraged to “listen to the teacher”. And that any questioning of the teacher’s knowledge or authority regarding a subject is seen as disrespectful and unruly behavior.

The idealizing of this social role is not only potentially dangerous it is unjust. It does a disservice to all students because while they are formally educated and (usually) well versed in the subjects they are teaching teachers are not without the ability to be incorrect.

 We are repeatedly told “grades are not given they are earned” yet it is seen as bad form to risk pissing off the teacher. This attitude seems to be particularly applicable in humanities courses where educators often fashion their own definitions of terms and concepts. Here students are marked incorrect when their answer does not meet the confinements of their teacher’s definition despite the fact that the instructor’s definition may not be altogether accurate. Recently in my music survey course my professor stated quite confidently that “unless you know how to use an instrument you cannot call yourself a musical artist” completely eschewing song writers and producers. When I asked by whose definition she was defining the word artist she replied “the world’s” denoting that her narrow minded view of artistry was the only one that existed and significantly impairing her students’ learning experience.

 Now I don’t doubt that the qualifications for musicianship are regarded as interchangeable with that of an artist in many circles in the world. But to declare that these circles have absolute global authority with reckless abandon, especially in an academic setting, is just plain irresponsible. Yet teachers do this every day because acknowledging this irresponsibility, as I choose to do, is frowned upon and will continue to be until students begin demand that our educators stop hiding their personal agendas in the material they are supposed to teaching.  The opinions of instructors do have a place in scholarship. They help to present a more well-rounded view on any topic and frankly have the potential to make a boring in class discussion far more interesting. But the next time that your professor makes a sweeping statement that doesn't ring quite true to you don't be afraid to question whether or not your teacher actually does know best. Because it is imperative that in classrooms and lecture halls the line be clearly drawn between fact and fiction, even when the person delivering that fiction has a Ph.d.

McQueen Romances Nonbelievers

            For years fashion has been considered to be something frivolous. In what could arguably be called Martin Scorsese’s greatest masterpiece-it impossible for me to decide on a favorite The Departed was amazing but the man did direct Casino –a stellar adaptation of Edith’s Wharton’s novel The Age of Innocence the concept of fashion is mocked mercilessly. A dashing Daniel Day-Lewis as society lawyer Newland Archer remarks to Countess Olenska (played by a younger but no less enchanting Michelle Pfeiffer) that fashion is a serious consideration only “among those who have nothing more serious to consider”. While other forms of art such as paintings, literature, and sculptures have been praised as culturally significant the art produced by the fashion industry has been met with a sort of snobbery from mainstream culture.  



1/2 the line from the met steps



            But on Sunday August 7^th it seemed as if the rest of the world had caught on to what those with an innate interest in the fashion industry have known all along –Fashion is a viable form of art that can not only adorn starlets and faux-cialites but also have a profound impact on society. The proof of this was found in “Savage Beauty” an exhibition of the work of the late Alexander McQueen that showcased his substantial contributions to the fashion industry. A budgetary fashionista myself I’ve never been lucky enough to see the work of the designer anyplace other than the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar so the second I heard I could be in the presence of this man’s genius for just a $12 donation and a 6 hour wait I headed to the train station. I had no idea what I was in for. The wait, more like four and a half hours thanks to all those people who weren’t committed enough to endure the especially potent sun with the rest of us on a line that spanned more than three blocks, was worth every minute.



jackets shown as a part of the exhibit



            On line I struck up a conversation with two New York natives who were cool enough to invite me to view the exhibit alongside them and as we observed the one hundred ensembles and seventy accessories presented by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute we viewed and overheard the stunned reactions of fellow museum goers. Some were design students who sketched furiously overwhelmed with inspiration; some were fashion aficionados dressed for the occasion in sexy sandals and chic maxi dresses that couldn’t stop staring at the Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen head pieces, some were just curious tourists who had a desire to see what all the fuss was about but all were affected by the work produced by the self-proclaimed “romantic schizophrenic”. The walls of the exhibit gave McQueen a chance to try and explain his work to those unfamiliar with his complex concepts and the intricate manner in which he interpreted them his own words infusing his presence into the viewer’s experience.




quote from McQueen shown in exhibit

 



Hayek-Pinault



            McQueen, who was once head designer of the legendary fashion house Givenchy where he told the press his contract was “restraining his creativity”, stated that “You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition “and he did so with his combination of both the ethereal and the austere. The holographic image of a ghostly Kate Moss held an entrancing beauty that one would never think possible of a model in a gown spinning around. And the strength of the animal print dress from his spring 2010 collection that was actually worn by Salma Hayek Pinault on the cover of last June’s InStyle magazine stood out prominently against other garments from that season’s collection. It was fitting Pinault be photographed in this dress since not only is her husband C.E.O. of the company that owns half of the McQueen brand through one of its subsidiaries the actress herself is a fan of McQueen’s work she was also spotted wearing a similar garment to a Vanity Fair party that March. The garments were each paired by a pair of armadillo heels beneath them to complete the look.

the infamous heels

The severe style of shoes made famous by Lady Gaga, was met with gasps by those who had never seen or heard of them before. An elderly woman behind us stated that she flat out refused to believe that anyone was ever able to walk in those.  Images of the artist’s extremely ambitious runway shows were displayed on monitors throughout the exhibit and included a model partially restrained by metal poles sporting a frightening alluring expression and gesturing to onlookers vividly with her fingers and a model walking stoically into a puddle of waiting water. McQueen didn’t present romance in the clichéd terms that most have come to associate with the words but his romantic ideals were conveyed through his enticing silhouettes and rich color choices. He asked for the minds and hearts of those who were given the opportunity to view his work by attempting to transport them to a particular place and time period and it was clear at this exhibit that he was granted that. As the restraints of the literal and the expected melted away and were replaced with the possibility that there could indeed be multiple definitions of both the romantic and the beautiful people who quite possibly may never have the chance to attend a runway show were able to appreciate the passion that is placed into the work displayed there. By viewing this violent and purposeful assortment of genius it was clear to all that the loss of such a brilliant mind is blow not only to the fashion industry but the world. And despite the sadness that accompanies losing a man who was so inept at, in his own words dealing with “a dark side of personality” there is hope to be found that all different types of people with various ideals and values can recognize the impact made by his art.



image at entrance WSJ compared to the experince of waiting in line to see the exhibit  "heaven and hell"



Special Thanks to the lovely ladies nice enough to keep me company

DISCLAIMER: The photograph of the line is the only one i took myself the rest are from the met's website  Paris Breakfast and of course Instyle.com all credit due to them because i was NOT getting kicked out : )

Guiding Light: Scott takes a fresh route to reach memory lane

I’ll admit when I first saw the promotional material for Jill Scott’s new album I was a bit worried. Despite the fact that I’m a longtime fan of Scott’s I was concerned that the majority of the buzz seemed to center around her fairly recent divorce, significant weight loss, and controversial comments instead of the music- rarely a good sign. On the day of the album’s release I pressed play with trepidation. But with the first hint of the fresh hip hop beats and piercingly straight forward lyrics Jill Scott’s newest album Light of The Sun revisits the world first introduced to listeners with her Grammy nominated debut  “Who is Jill Scott Words and Sounds Volume One” and makes it clear that despite the mixed press Scott is  all about the music. But while listeners are given a taste of where it all began for the thirty-nine year old songstress there is something refreshingly different about this album where Scott’s lyrics and voice radiate a confidence that is as substantial as it is buoyant. “Le boom vent suite” wields this confidence like a sword the lyrics coasting haughtily over the track produced by JR Hutson and Scott herself. “All Cried Out Redux” not only features the legendary hip-hop artist Doug E. Fresh but a  savory self-indulgent air from Scott that adds a wonderfully light hearted element to her work.  On “Hear My Call” the Philly girl who cast a spell over the hip-hop and R&B community returns with a beautifully vulnerable performance. And she effortlessly delivers a ballad that is both downhearted and sensual with “Missing You” also produced by Hutson. The poem performed by Scott at an event celebrating American Poetry by the President and First Lady entitled “Womanifesto” appears under its original title although slightly modified and doesn’t fail to remind fans that Scott has earned her title a published poet as well as a songwriter and recording artist with its spirited message of self-validation. She steps fearlessly out of her comfort zone by collaborating with southern hip hop artist Paul wall on the sexy track “So Gone [what my mind says] in a totally unexpected manner. It is here that Scott brings a cool edge to her trademark neo soul style. And while the collaboration seems ill fitting it is a testament to Scott’s growth as an artist as well as her potential to break out of the often marginalized neo-soul genre. The album’s crown jewel is most her collaboration with fellow Philadelphia native rapper EVE on the triumphant and fun single “Shame”. It is this song that embodies the overall direction of the album. Instead of dragging Scott off course this shift in direction boasts a splendidly even distribution between the old and the new Jill, fusing together the very best of what she has to offer to create something masterful. And now that this balance has been struck there’s no telling what new and thrilling territories Scott will explore next now that she’s got the light of the sun leading the way.

Artists: Entertainers or Baby Sitters?

Today it seems as if parents have never had more ways to protect their children from influences they deem undesirable. With passwords available to block everything from wireless routers to cable channels, cell phone services that alert parents when their child is late getting home from school and a host of other tools even the busiest parent can now manage nearly every aspect of their child's life. But according to the http://www.parentstv.org/ they still need a little help raising their little angels. Recently the organization, combining efforts with http://www.industryears.com/ and the http://www.enoughisenoughcampaign.com/ campaign, has publicly criticized popular pop singer Rihanna for what them deem to be unnecessary violence in her video for her latest single “Man Down”. Premiering on BET on Tuesday May 31, 2011 the video addresses topics that aren't usually talked about on the network's popular video countdown show 106 & Park where it aired for the first time. In the opening scene of the nearly six minute clip a bewildered Rihanna is seen murdering a man at a nearby train station with a single gunshot to the head. The video then takes viewers back to the previous day where a happy Rihanna spends what looks to be a typical fun filled day in Jamaica before meeting dancing with and finally being sexual assaulted by the man she later murders. Outrage has been expressed by the Parents Television Council and other organizations who share their values at the level of violence in the music video, specifically the image of the singer taking justice into her own hands in order to get revenge against her assailant. Industry Ears stated that they felt the video was a waste of “a golden opportunity for the singer to send an important message to female victims of rape and domestic violence” and expressed their dismay that in their understanding “Rihanna released a music video that gives retaliation in the form of premeditated murder the imprimatur of acceptability.”In response to the backlash concerning her latest video Rihanna, who is no stranger to controversy (The clip for her single "S&M" was banned in several countries for its sexual connotations and her performance of the song with Britney Spears at the Billboard Music awards caused an uproar with conservatives who found it to be too provocative for network television), took to twitter to defend herself. The self proclaimed “twenty three year old rock star with no kids” raised a potent question to critics who felt as if she had abandoned her alleged “responsibility” to be an example of how to cope with abuse properly for her fans “What’s up with everyone wantin’ me to be a parent?” The struggle between pop artists and parents of their fans is not a new one. Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, and other celebrities with younger fans have fell victim to attacks from groups thinking they should alter their work and even personal lives to ensure that they set an example to the children that watch them. Rihanna is one of the first to publicly reject her unsolicited place as a pseudo-parent reminding everyone that she is an artist and reminding parents that it’s their jobs to “make sure” (their kids) “don’t turn out like us”. Whether you think Rihanna’s video was a brilliant and brave political statement in service to her fans and victims of sexual abuse everywhere or you find it to be an irresponsible and appalling display of gratuitous violence you can’t deny that the question she raises is a valid one. Should parents expect that the entertainment industry with provide their child with a daily dose of morality or should they monitor their children more closely and accept that in the words of Rihanna “the music industry isn’t exactly Parents R US”?