Tattoos

This picture was taken in the US in 1907.

I've been wanting to write about my opinion of tattoos for a while now. I was going to take this blog in the direction that would be against tattoos but after research the history on tattoos, I want to argue this blog from both points of view, starting with mine. :)

I do not have any tattoos nor do I want any. I did want ONE little one somewhere along my bikini line before I turned 18 but I didn't know what I wanted. So after a few years of not knowing what I wanted I thought to myself, if it is this difficult for me to decide what I want on my body for the rest of my life then it's probably not necessary. On the other hand, a decision like that should be thought about in depth. But it just didn't seem THAT important for me to mind boggled myself about for however long so I decided that I wasn't going to get any tattoos.

Now, that was a like 6 yrs ago so since then I've put more thought into the popular
trend. Why is it so popular? And why is it frowned upon in society?

Tattoos have been around for about 5000 years. With that said, some would argue that they shouldn't be considered a trend because they have stood the test of time. I can agree with that. But I have to say that I believe the difference between cultures that differ from the US is that they put more thought into their body art and they probably have more meaning behind it. Some of you might disagree with my last sentence but if you think about it, you know it's true for the most part. People thousands of years ago and even today in societies that differ from the US's have more meaning and rituals that extend back for centuries that, I guess I could say justify their body art. It means a great deal to them and their families. I find people explaining the reasons that they get tattoos saying things such ass, "There's a story behind every one of my tattoos" which is great. While this may be true for some, I do not believe that it is true for most in the US. I've heard of some people not knowing what they're going to get tattooed on them until the get to the tattoo parlor. I'm not saying this is wrong at all, well yes I am. LOL. Decisions like that just simply aren't smart.


In the US, tattoos also stereotype people as well. One reason I don't understand why people still get them. Tattoos have been associated with having spent time in prison. Who wants to be associated with that population if they're not apart of it? I know it's normal for anyone to have them now but years ago, this is what was thought of someone who had tattoos.

I know one or two in discreet places really isn't a big deal but people today are going to the extreme. For example, face, neck and even hand tattoos are not discreet at all. To me, it's kind of like these people want attention. Not to mention, if tattoos aren't discreet, it could effect your employment options. This amazingly still doesn't stop some people. Why?

Some people call it body art. I'm all for art but why does it have to be on your body permanently? People buy paintings to hang in their houses and it's very possible that they could tire of them after 10 or 20 years, right? So what makes a tattoo any different? Plus, it's PERMANENT! I know they are removable now but that's sort of irrelevant because who gets a tattoo thinking, "Well, if I don't like it then I could go through an even more painful process than getting the tattoo to have it removed." Why get it if you have doubt, right? Right, so that's irrelevant for those of you who were thinking, "It can be removed."

I really did try to argue this blog both ways but I can't anymore. I can only argue it respectfully for the cultures that actually get tattoos for deep meanings which I already have. There is no deep meaning behind even getting your child's face tattooed on you. Don't you have a picture of your child? Why do you need a second picture of the SAME THING on your body? I really find name tattoos humorous. Like, you don't know your name or you want everyone else to know it? If so, why not just wear a name tag? Lol. They do come in handy if a person with a name tattoo is found dead somewhere and their body needs to be identified but then again, so do dental records. Again, WHY?


So we're back to square one; what's the POINT of getting tattoos? I feel like it's just something else to do. It's become a "coming of age" sort of thing now. It's a very popular trend. I just don't get how it became that way. Like why are people so okay with marking their bodies up permanently? I forgot to mention it's a sin. Not the main reason I'm against it, but one of them. Sin has definitely become very normal and accepted but we can repent. But how do you ask for forgiveness for something that's permanent? I'll have to look into that. And I REALLY don't get getting like sleeve tattoos (arm covered in tat's like a "sleeve") and even having one's whole body covered in tattoos. They must really not like their skin.

One last issue is that I don't get how tattoos make men feel more manly or masculine. A man can just be very muscular, he has to have some tattoos to or he's not manly enough. Weird. And yet again, WHY?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against people that have tattoo's. I know it may sound like I am but I'm really not. To each his own. I don't frown upon it at all....for the most part. It honestly just fascinates me because my generation has taken it to a whole new level.

I appreciate ANY AND ALL input. EVEN IF YOU DISAGREE WITH ME! :)

Cold weather DOESN'T cause colds or the flu. Read what DOES cause colds and the flu.

I stumbled across this while googling something else. This misconception of this subject has always annoyed me til death. I hate when people say things like, "You better bundle up before you catch a cold." I'd be in the background screaming, "You don't catch colds from being cold!" Lol. I hope you all learn something from this article that I stole from About.com. 

Question: Does Cold Weather Cause the Cold or Flu?

This question has probably been asked since the first time the flu made someone sick. After all, cold and flu season occurs when the weather is cold, so there must be a connection, right? Well, not quite. No matter how many times your mother and grandmother told you not to go out in the cold because you would catch a cold or the flu, it just doesn’t work that way.

Answer:

The truth is, the flu and the common cold are caused by viruses. People get sick more often in the winter because they are exposed to each other more in the winter than in the summer. When it is cold outside, people tend to stay inside and are more likely to spread germs to one another. Also, because school is in session, kids are around each other all day and are not afraid to share their germs. With so many people in such close contact, the likelihood of passing germs is much higher when it is cold outside than when it is warm and people are outdoors. There is also evidence now that viruses spread more easily through dry air. When it is cold outside, the air is drier both outdoors and inside (where people have their heaters on) which may make it easier for germs to pass from one person to another. But it is not the cold weather that causes the cold, it just might make it easier to spread the virus.

In tropical areas, where it does not get cold, the common cold and flu season generally occurs during the rainy season. But again, these illnesses are not caused by the rain. They are just more prevalent because people come in closer contact with each other than they do during the dry season.

Why Did You Make Me Black Lord ....

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS POEM!

Why Did You Make Me Black Lord ....

Lord .... Why did you make me black?
Why did you make someone
the world would hold back?

Black is the color of dirty clothes,
of grimy hands and feet...
Black is the color of darkness,
of tired beaten streets...

Why did you give me thick lips,
a broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did you create someone
who receives the hated stare

Black is the color of the bruised eye
when someone gets hurt...
Black is the color of darkness,
black is the color of dirt.

Why is my bone structure so thick,
my hips and cheeks so high?
Why are my eyes brown,
and not the color of the sky?

Why do people think I'm useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do people see my skin
and think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don't understand...
What is it about my skin?
Why is it some people want to hate me
and not know the person within?

Black is what people are "Labeled"
when others want to keep them away...
Black is the color of shadows cast...
Black is the end of the day.

Lord you know my own people mistreat me,
and you know this just ain't right...
They don't like my hair, they don't like my
skin, as they say I'm too dark or too light!

Lord, don't you think
it's time to make a change?
Why don't you redo creation
and make everyone the same?

GOD's Reply:


Why did I make you black? 


I made you in the color of coal
from which beautiful diamonds are formed...
I made you in the color of oil,
the black gold which keeps people warm.

Your color is the same as the rich dark soil
that grows the food you need...
Your color is the same as the black stallion and
panther, Oh what majestic creatures indeed!

All colors of the heavenly rainbow
can be found throughout every nation...
When all these colors are blended,
you become my greatest creation!

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool,
such a beautiful creature is he...
I am the shepherd who watches them,
I will ALWAYS watch over thee!

You are the color of the midnight sky,
I put star glitter in your eyes...
There's a beautiful smile hidden behind your pain...
That's why your cheeks are so high!

You are the color of dark clouds
from the hurricanes I create in September...
I made your lips so full and thick,
so when you kiss...they will remember!

Your stature is strong,
your bone structure thick to withstand the
burden of time...
The reflection you see in the mirror,
that image that looks back,..that is MINE!

So get off your knees,
look in the mirror and tell me what you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness...
I made you in the image of ME!

Why women SHOULDN'T work

I know many of you think that a woman should be college educated and have a full time career to help support herself and her family which to us, doesn't sound horrible because we think the way that society wants us to think.

I want to throw a few facts out there for you all won't think that I'm just talking out of my ass. First of all, the BIOLOGICAL best age for women's bodies to bear healthy children and remain healthy after birth is 19. I know you all probably think that that's super young and what would a 19 yr old do w/ a baby but that is how society is set up for us to think . It's designed for us women to put off having children until we've graduated from college and got our career and finances under control. And by the time we've got all of that under control, we're in our 30's. Sooo many more health risks for ourselves (women) and our unborn children come in effect in our 30's. I've also read about a lot of women who do do it the way society wants it to be done end up NOT having children because they aren't young or as fertile anymore. One prime example of this is Oprah Winfrey. There are a lot more "Oprah's" in the world; they just aren't famous. Another thing that needs to be thought about is how many children are desired. If a couple wants 3 children by the time they're I don't know...30, they should start by the age of 23 or 24. I also don't know if anyone else but me has noticed that celebrities are waiting longer to have children as well these days because they are obviously putting their careers first. That's the rumored reason why Brad Pitt left Jennifer Aniston who still has no children. Kourtney Kardashian just had her first child at the age of 31 I believe and Kim Kardashian is 2 years younger than her and has no children. Beyonce is 29; no children. Tyra Banks; no children. Janet Jackson; no children. Halle Berry just had her first child at the age of 40 I believe. The list goes on.

Another fact that society has sort of made easier for working mothers is breast feeding. Nursing mothers are supposed to breast around 6-10 times a day if not more. How is a working mother supposed to accomplish that?! Oh yea! Society has made formula for that dilemma to disappear. Smh. I had a health class in college my junior year and I learned that children are supposed to be breast fed until they are 4 years old! I know some of you are thinking, "That's so old!" But once again, that's what society wants you to think. The research of breast milk being healthier and also the fact that children who are breast fed are smarter than those who are not should speak for itself. And guess what?? It's cheaper because IT'S FREE! A prime example of someone who was breast fed until he was 4 is Michael Jordan. You've heard of him right? Lol. Need I say more??

The biggest fact of all that stood out to me and almost made want to get knocked up immediately was the fact that young women have more energy and patience with their children as opposed to older women who don't have as much patience and most definitely don't have a ton of energy to play with their children and grandchildren. I read up about this on a website. I don't know about other women but I want to be super involved w/ my children and grandchildren. I want to be able to play basketball w/ them in the driveway and go swimming with them etc. I want to listen to their every little problem. I don't want to be the older mother that just wants them to get out of my face. You know? There were comments from every different age mother possible on this website and the ONLY problem that the younger women felt was a problem enough to speak about was money. Now, don't get me wrong; a steady amount of income is needed to raise a family (in todays society) BUT you don't need to be rich. And money wouldn't make other problems go away. I've heard that it actually brings more. And it damn sure won't bring happiness so I don't want to put too much emphasis on money because it's not THAT important. I know some people that live in poverty but are happier than a rich person could dream of but that's a different blog topic. ;) But on the contrary, women who had a stable income obviously didn't have to worry about money but for some, it was harder to conceive and they talked about being tired a lot because of them being older. I believe a few even said that they wished they could have had their children earlier. Some did say that since technology is reaching new highs every year w/ procedures such as in vitro fertilization that they didn't think conceiving would be all that hard later in life. They thought wrong.

Bottom line, women are putting their careers before their families. Does that sound right?! Even if the children aren't born yet, women are STILL putting their careers before their families. Why is it everyone's plan to give 30+ years to some company, that probably doesn't care too much about them, and hardly ever spend time w/ their families?! Beats me. But ONCE AGAIN, that's what society WANTS us all to do. And not being present enough in your children's lives sets them up for even more problems throughout life and who would want the system raising their children anyways? Us women should want to raise our children. I'm just so against the way we people are "supposed" to live. I'm ready to live on a farm and live happily ever after. Lol. All of these pressures from society on how everything is "supposed" to be done would vanish. I'll find a way around this storm though. All in all, there are pros and cons to both but in my opinion, there are more pros than cons to having your children young. Plus the pros are more rewarding to the mother's and the children. If biology can't show you all that women AREN'T supposed to work and are supposed to raise their children while her husbands provide for them all, I don't know what will. Until next time folks... Sianara.

A lot of things were controlled in this blog. For example, the father actually being in the picture and being a good father/husband. That wasn't my point. I just wanted to talk about the pros and cons of when children should be had ASSUMING that the mother is w/ the father. Today's men is also a different blog topic.

Again, I'd REALLY APPRECIATE if you all would comment. I don't know it all. ANY AND ALL input even if it's against what my view is very much appreciated. Thanks in advance. :)

Men respecting women

Tonight on twitter, one of my followers called me a bitch and a hoe for no apparent reason. Mainly because I commented on one of his tweets about not being fond of that sort of language directed towards women. I got very angry about it and actually reported him to twitter. I don't condone that language at all. I'm always ready to fight if anyone calls me out of my name. Some of my friends would always look at me like I was crazy because I'd get so angry when a male would call me bitch saying things like, "It's not a big deal." It was a big deal to me! When is it NOT a be deal to be disrespected when I did nothing to be disrespected?! I'm the type of person that demands respect ONLY because I respect any and everyone of all walks of life.

I'm just curious to know why do men disrespect women like this and why don't women demand to be respected by men and whose fault is it to begin with??? I know the old saying goes that people are only treated the way they let people treat them but why don't men WANT to treat women with respect?? Why is it so common for men to belittle women and disrespect them?? Do men feel powerful from disrespecting women? I know people all across the globe abuse the little power they have in tons of situations from sibling rivalries to managers at McDonalds' and even police officers. But shouldn't men want to respect their girl friends and wives and mothers?? Wouldn't they be some what hurt if a random boy at school called their sister or daughter a slut or bitch for no reason?? Just to belittle her and make her feel small...

But some women call THEMSELVES bitches these days so where is the line?? It's almost as if women are enabling men to disrespect them by turning the word bitch into a good term i.e. "The baddest bitch" so it's not as bad to be called a bitch by a man. Now women are disrespecting themselves! When is it going to STOP?!

I truly don't believe it will ever stop. BUT, if something were to be done about it, I believe women would need to be the ones to start DEMANDING respect from these disrespectful men. Trust me, if a man couldn't get ANY woman UNTIL he started respecting them, he'd DEFINITELY change his act.

I'd appreciate any input at all on this topic if you all have time because I'm really puzzled about it and I'd like to know more about it. Thanks in advance! :)

A lil about me

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. My name is Breanna and I'm a recent graduate from Michigan State University. My major was political science although I think I have more of a passion in learning about people. I've recently discovered that i'm really interested in people. This is probably due to how often I use twitter. I've been wanting to start a blog but I didn't think anyone would read it or if I'd keep it up but I guess we'll all see. I feel very strongly about a lot of different subjects and I think it'd be fun to voice them and see if others felt the same. I'm always so interested in how other people feel about certain things so even if you don't agree with me, I still very much want to hear your opinion. It might give me a different prospective on the subject matter and i'm very open minded to those types of things. So please stay tuned. I'm pretty sure I'll write about something that'll get the wheels in your brain turning. :)