It’s been a very very long time since I updated this blog with something related to my travels. I’ve been trekking across Brasil since September 2011, with the desire to actualize my dream of living in the country while pursuing my writing career. I’ve probably changed my plane ticket three times, had way too many almost-homeless scares, and certainly enough financial struggles to even make a broke college student blink twice. But finally, things are turning around and the universe has proven that it once again has everything under control.

I arrived in Rio de Janeiro almost 30 days ago with a little more than 20 U.S. dollars to my name and 4 months of Bahia memories. I attended a Vipassana silent meditation course for 10 days in Rio’s countryside (yes, it’s not all a city), received some much needed peace/clarity, ventured out into Rio de Janeiro the city when it was done, and began a journey that even my most well-connected friends and family members in the States are dumbfounded to explain. Without even trying, I’ve met some major artists doing groundbreaking work in Rio’s arts scene. I’ve had lunch with Black Brasilian activist legends. And I’ve met some incredible friends who have adopted me like family. After almost a month of craziness, hostel living, and so much uncertainty, I have finally achieved some balance in my traveling life. And I have made a huge decision.

I am staying in Rio de Janeiro…indefinitely. Meaning, I have no plans of going home and every intention of staying in Rio as long as possible.

The truth is that I had been on the fence about when I would return due to pending film festival applications for my film Bideology back in the United States. But as I have yet to receive a compelling offer, I’ve decided to truly pay attention to what all the signs seem to be telling me. The time and right opportunity will come for Bideology. It may not be a film festival premiere. It’s not something I should worry about. I need to focus on writing and Brasil is the place to do it.

That being said, I recently moved into a beautiful apartment in Rio that I’m sharing with an amazing young couple from Brasilia. And I’m steadfast building my writing portfolio, Corset (my magazine), and my consulting business to achieve a higher level of success. Opportunities have been flying out of the wind, allowing me to truly feel comfortable and confident in my progress here. And now that I’m feeling more financially secure, it’s looking like I’ll be able to prolong my love affair with Rio for as long as I please.

I want to thank everyone for all of your support and love during this process. Your messages have been very encouraging on Facebook, your emails have made some heavy transitioning days much lighter, and your donations have made the road smoother.

I made New York City my personal home almost five years ago. And now, I’m happy to say that Rio holds my next chapter.

I love you and if you’re ever in Rio de Janeiro, please let me know. I’d love to see you!

Until the next time we meet again…

Keep in touch,

Arielle Loren

I have some great news! Two months ago, I received an exciting email from the Women’s Media Center saying that renowned group of feminists, including Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, and Carol Jenkins, had selected me as a nominee for the Women’s Media Center Social Media Award. The nominees represent a diverse group of journalists and bloggers that use the Internet and social networking to make sure that the voices of women and girls are visible and powerful in the media. The winner will accept the award at the Women’s Media Center Women’s Media Award show alongside special honorees: Soledad O’Brien, Lara Logan, Yanique Richards, and Maggie Wilderotter. I am humbled to say the least.

Here’s what I need you to do:

Go to this website: http://action.womensmediacenter.com/page/s/social-media-award-2011 

(If you want to see my picture/bio, scroll your mouse to the right over the pictures until you see “Arielle Loren”)

And vote by scrolling down, filling out the form, and selecting Arielle Loren from the list of nominees. It takes less than 180 seconds to do the whole thing and I’d definitely appreciate it!

In addition, if you really want to help (after you vote), please post on Facebook or Twitter “My friend Arielle Loren is up for the 2011 Women’s Media Center Social Media Award. Vote for her! (it takes less than 2 minutes) http://action.womensmediacenter.com/page/s/social-media-award-2011” 

And one more (very important) thing:

I’ve launched a fundraising campaign to cover the remaining costs of my travels, film, and new magazine. As many of you know, I have self-financed all of my projects in the past and the majority of my travels. But now, more than ever, I really, REALLY need your support, even if it’s only $15. If you’ve ever enjoyed one of my articles or been inspired by what I do, I’d appreciate a donation. I can’t do this alone anymore.

Click here to go to my fundraising page: http://www.gofundme.com/arielleloren

I mean it when I say that no donation is too small and have some great rewards to offer for your support!

I know this award and even the reasons behind this campaign would not have been possible without your support. And for that, I am thankful and look forward to taking my work to the next level to empower more people interested in women’s issues, sexuality, health, and traveling the world.

Onward and upward!

Sending you hugs from Brasil,

Arielle

If you haven’t been following the news, Israel’s parliament voted over the weekend to construct “massive detention centers” for illegal African immigrants in order to preserve “Jewish culture and character.”

Yes, you read that correctly. Despite European Jews and many elderly Israelis experiencing similar treatment under the early stages of the Nazi regime, Israel has decided to build ghettos and round up illegal African people like cattle. As the U.S. government spends millions of dollars funding Israel’s defense budget, I have a SERIOUS issue with the U.S. giving another penny to a state that clearly has no interest in human rights.

An Israeli official has stated:

And the center, where the migrants would be housed, fed and receive medical care, would be a “humanitarian solution” for dealing with them until they are repatriated or sent to a third country, he said.

Read the full article here

Yet, Israel’s Cabinet minister of prisons already stated that the country is ill equipped to run this type of facility. Thus, it is bound to be another ghetto. There is no way that any type of “refugee” facility rooted in “preserving Jewish culture and character” (i.e. ethnic cleansing) would be humane. If anything, we can just look at Israel’s construction of Palestinian ghettos if we want a lighter preview for what’s to come. I expect this facility to be very similar, if not worse.

Moreover, how does Israel plan to “fill” these facilities? Racial profiling of any brown person walking the streets? Random door busting of “prospective” illegal African homes?

We’re about to witness the first comings of the Israeli “Gestapo” using the same ruthless tactics as their former German oppressors, not even a century after recovering from the Holocaust.

Let us be clear. Many “illegal” African immigrants arrived in Israel LEGALLY. They were employed, visas expired, and many of them continue to work for Israeli employers.

Israel, did you really expect people to respectfully repatriate themselves after being given meaningful employment in your country that better serves their families? Not to mention, how many European Jews (some illegal) “took” employment from the “white” race back during the WWII era? Was that not the same justification that Hitler used to throw your people in ghettos like the ones you are about to build?

It is the year two thousand and ten. Is it impossible for governments to establish comprehensive immigration reform that doesn’t threaten human rights?

Another thing, I’m sure that Africans are not the only illegal immigrants in Israel. I find it so interesting that these facilities specifically are being built for them.

As the U.S. government often fails to have a backbone in dealings with Israel, it is likely that we are about to witness the beginnings of a second Holocaust. As the good poem by Martin Niemoller goes …

When the Nazis came for the communists, 
I remained silent;
 I was not a communist. 

When they locked up the social democrats, 
I remained silent; 
I was not a social democrat.

 When they came for the trade unionists, 
I did not speak out;
 I was not a trade unionist.

 When they came for the Jews,
 I remained silent;
 I wasn’t a Jew.

 When they came for me, 
there was no one left to speak out.

Between legalization of racial profiling in Arizona a few months ago and Israel’s continued shenanigans, I’m almost speechless.

What are your thoughts?…

As a Black American, I’m sure that my perspective on politics has been shaped by my “community” history. What is “community” though? Is it inherently racial or composed of ethnic background? I have to say that I don’t feel very communal at all with many Black Americans on the issue of personal responsibility. While certain cultural practices descending from African people certainly are an integral part of my life, on this particular issue I feel distant. My stance is outside of the majority.

Black Americans are the most resilient people that I have witnessed in my 20-something years on this earth. We have overcome many obstacles, strived for excellence, and, in the past, held a work ethic that was insurmountable. What happened to that in the last 30 years is debatable, but one thing remains. Personal responsibility seems to be a conversation that we’re shoeing under the rug in exchange for a stronger focus on structural discrimination and our issues with larger institutions.

Many American conservatives have preached the rhetoric of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. ::cue patriotic music and Uncle Sam voice::

“Take PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY! You can SUCCEED in the American DREAM if you work HARD! Be a PRODUCTIVE citizen!”

This makes partial sense for me. I believe in the bootstrap theory IF and ONLY IF we give people boots to wear. I think most people would nod their heads in agreement to that…but where the disagreement begins is what quality of boots do people need in order to be successful (i.e. economically empowered-not necessarily rich, educated-in some capacity or field, and maintaining good health-sexually, mentally, and physically).

The majority of Black Americans will not have equal footing with most White Americans for at least another two generations. Social change takes time, lots of time. Thus, waiting for structural change instead of focusing more heavily on personal responsibility will continue to give us the same (if not worse) results that Black Americans currently see in most of our communities. In my lifetime, it is likely that we will see the one or two success stories as time progresses (i.e. President Obama).

But the reality is this: most of us will have to learn to walk in K-Mart quality “boots” during our hike to success in exchange for future generations rocking Louis Vuitton “boots” and having an easier journey. We need to acknowledge this reality and stop twiddling our thumbs waiting for real institutional change that likely won’t arrive for another century.

Is it fair? NO, but it’s a reality. I’m not advocating that we stop challenging the system (I hope you voted today), but rather our efforts need to be fiercer amongst motivating each other.

There is a level of personal responsibility that we all need to take. For example, we need to tell our kids (and some adults) that just because you’re in a school district with 10 year old text books, doesn’t mean you are defeated from learning. People of African descent come from a lineage of innovators and geniuses. Study ancient african civilizations and you’ll see a foil to the overwhelming Black American reality. Matter a fact, you don’t even have to go that far back to see our capacity for seeking knowledge. Regardless of America’s legal debauchery and discrimination, some of our ancestors learned to read through newspaper scraps and bent up religious texts. I’m sure that if we instill the right DEMAND in each other, we can manage with decade old text books in public school classrooms. We have far more resources than they did including public libraries with books of various reading levels to challenge those of us that  want more. We don’t have to wait to be spoonfed, and while other races may have it easier in the education sector, we’re capable of learning under these “conditions,” which really aren’t that bad if we’d just focus.

Now let’s talk about sexual and reproductive health. Another example, just because there isn’t a free clinic on every block doesn’t mean that we can’t find ways to protect ourselves sexually and use family planning tactics through buying condoms at the corner store or local CVS. Or better yet, we can march ourselves to the clinic even if it is an hour or two away to get birth control and other safe sex materials. Our grandparents walked all types of crazy miles for political boycotts, I think we can walk a little to “get some” safely. Actually, you can even use those rights that they gave you to ride public transportation. People will travel all types of distances for new sneakers and concerts, but any lengthy steps for your sexual health are too much? Nope, stop the bullshit: take PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

And what about economics? Numerous Black American families are struggling: the middle class because they spend beyond their means and to make appearances, the poverty class because they don’t have it. We need to put our money toward cleaning up our credit, paying bills on time, and if there’s money left over, saving. These efforts have to cross generations: young, middle aged, and old, we all need to help each other stay afloat financially and swim when possible. Economic empowerment depends on income obviously. Education is one tool toward getting a career that produces decent income, whether it be through college, technical training, or the military. We also need to accept that the goal should not be to get rich, but to find a career that has some sort of personal longevity with our interest and that can produce an income to help steer our families and communities back on track financially. The majority of us will not be rich, that’s just the way it is, but I do believe that we can all be comfortable if we take the proper steps and plan for our futures.

Speaking of financial planning, I’d have to advocate that we start recognizing that economic empowerment ties in with sex and reproduction. For young people (and adults) who cannot support themselves, starting a family right now will likely hurt you, the child, immediate family members, and the community. Call me classist, elitist, or whatever, but the reality is that kids cost money and if you don’t have it to spend, you need to wait until you do. I hope we one day get to a world in which everyone is financially empowered. I’d love for starting a family to simply be a personal choice. We’re not there yet though, so please take pause and plan.

The bottom line is that significant change takes time and generations. Operating without a high level of personal responsibility is dangerous regardless of the political climate. We’ve got to stop this and as much as we balk at the Bill Cosby, “Come On People” stance, it has it’s merits and we can’t continue to ignore our personal role in helping ourselves. Our efforts won’t take us all the way to change, but it’ll certainly help us more than standing still and waiting for institutions to save us.

What do you think? Have we lost an attitude of personal responsibility in our communities? If so, should that be the first thing that we work to restore rather than complain about institutional racism and discrimination?

Tell it like it is down there. Agree or disagree? Don’t hold back (you won’t be hurting my feelings)…

No Wedding, No Womb? You mean No Heterosexual Wedding, No Womb.

I challenged NWNW founder Christelyn Karazin on this very issue when she asked me to pen something for her online social blitzkrieg. Indeed, she may have never considered it, but how can lesbian and gay couples be asked to marry for their children’s sake, when same-sex marriage is illegal in the majority of the United States.

No Wedding, No Womb my ass.

Christelyn, being an awesome listener and open thinker, heard my concerns about this wedlock movement being too heteronormative. She encouraged me to write a piece on queer parents and how commitment could serve their children much better.

More and more same-sex couples are adopting and having children without being married. It’s truly not their fault, but it is important that we stress the importance of committed relationships for the welfare of children. It has been proven time and time again that children need stability and preferably two married parents. While we wait for the rest of the country to adjust their ignorance and remove discriminatory regulations against same-sex marriage, I encourage queer parents to make the effort to stay together if they’re going to bring children into their family. Once the laws are repealed, I hope they join the NWNW movement, marry, and set an example for their children. In the meantime, there’s also an option for a civil union even though I recognize it’s not the same. I encourage you to continue fighting for equal marriage opportunity and not settle for the common prejudicial argument for “separate but equal.”

My ancestors, primarily slaves, had a similar issue with this government. For centuries, they were not allowed to marry or protect their families. Yet, once the laws were repealed, they ran to find their love ones and tie the knot. They recognized the importance of legal and spiritual commitment to love for the benefit of their families and the community. I encourage same-sex couples to follow suit, even if you’ve lived so long without proper marital recognition.

While NWNW preaches marriage as the ideal for all couples, the core of the messaging lays in preserving commitment and respect within relationships. Additionally, the hub of NWNW doesn’t simply apply to unmarried persons; it should also encourage people to work within their marriages to drop these skyrocketing divorce rates. There’s no point in encouraging people to marry before having children, if they’re just going to divorce soon after. Be committed to each other, your children, and building a cohesive family.

I recognize that not all parents will stay together. Life happens, but we should all make the extra effort to try and stay committed for the welfare and strength of future generations. That being said, no one or two parents can teach it all. Children need to feel the influence of various role models, across different gender spectrums, in order for them to grow into respectful, tolerant, and productive citizens. Boys need men, women, and transgender people as examples. The same rule applies for girls. If our children are to understand the complexities of the world, we must teach them and provide examples.  Young girls especially need numerous female role models, in the same way young boys need multiple male examples. Heterosexual and homosexual parents cannot teach it all.

Make the best of your relationship, parenting, and children. Put forward the extra effort for our kids. Don’t just stay committed, but expose them to knowledge on the rest of the world.

Don’t take this movement at the surface, explore the deeper concepts. No Wedding No Womb is better for the future and creating a stronger community.

Check out more weigh ins on No Wedding No Womb here.

(Editor’s Note: I wrote a follow up piece to this one published at Clutch Magazine analyzing the entire #NWNW movement. Feel free to read it here)

For everyone who knows me, the NAACP was basically the launching pad of my activism. Our centennial convention was definitely a fabulous one, despite all the drama and the fact that I had to work during the majority of it. However, I did get the opportunity to sit in on an awesome panel discussion with Jeff Johnson and meet/introduce the GREAT Dr. Cornel West.

I’m not going to write for too long, but I will drop some quotes from Dr. West’s speech. Thank you for reinspiring me and my activism to new heights.

Read the rest of this entry →