It was as I scrolled further down the news home page on the Daily Mail site that I saw the headline and surprisingly, ignored it. From first glance I just assumed that it was some arrogant and unintelligent person being reported for having a petty drunken rant. I had no idea of the frenzy that the viral video had caused online or the extent to which it had angered people, and I add, angered people of all ethnicities. 

For those of you who don’t know what I’m getting at, and I’d be shocked if you hadn’t seen or at least heard it by now, 34-year-old, Emma West of New Addington, London, (she was identified and outed by press earlier this week) was secretly filmed on a packed tram as she hurled racial comments targeted at black people, “brown people”, and any other nationality that in her deranged mind wasn’t British (Polish people included). The offensive footage shocked the masses on social networking sites and users incessantly shared the Youtube link.

Piers Morgan even managed to tweet something along the lines of: “This despicable lady should be deported!”- back to where I’m unsure- unless her relentless claims to British heritage was a twisted ploy to cause trouble on public transport. Even so, fortunately for us this anonymous passenger recorded the whole uproar, which lead to the mother being charged with a Racially Aggravated Public Order offence under Section 4a- ‘intentional harassment, alarm or distress’.

Now if I’m perfectly honest, although I fully understand the international condemnation this foul-mouthed woman has received- it’s bad enough that she showed no respect for her young and impressionable son sitting on her lap or for anyone else on that unsettling journey, I can’t say that it shocked me to the extent I imagined before watching it. Maybe the fact that she sat there unnerved and not in fear of a physical attack shocked me the most, but the words themselves were no different I feel, to what is said behind closed doors, in BNP conferences and in many homes around the UK.

So what was it that really upset people? Was it the fact that she couldn’t comprehend that a non-Caucasian person could be English? “You’re not English, you’re black!” was a phrase that stood out for stupidity, and pointing behind her referring to Asian passengers as brown, of course that was disgusting. Or was it her brash language and swearing?

The crux of her argument, albeit without any tact, was that Britain had lost its ‘Britishness’. We just witnessed an intense sense of nationalism. I’m certainly not condoning her actions, but the only emotion that clip stirred in me was pity that someone of her age had not been integrated well enough to think differently, but let’s not pretend to be oblivious to the fact that attitudes like hers do still exist.

Some of you reading this may not like to tie any logic into her speech, but immigration was basically what she was getting at and it’s a serious issue, especially when it acts as a drain on social provisions and resources. Anyone within the state benefit system would certainly agree with me, and before you follow the tabloid bandwagon and call them all scroungers, bear in mind that some of those have put decades of taxes into the system.

I can only imagine how frustrating it must be when you’ve lived and grafted in any country all of your life, only to find that when you need access certain entitlements your name is placed on a waiting list way below your foreign neighbour.

If I had been there on that tram I would have undoubtedly wanted to slap the ignorance out of her brazen mouth, but she spoke for no one but herself, so leave her with her ill-informed opinion and get over it.

For more Comment: Nabaeela Zahir, Huffington Post,  Sunny Hundal, Guardian.co.uk & Anorak.co.uk

So-called ‘women’s issues’ are never the easiest to discuss and this unease doesn’t exclude the House of Parliament which is set to debate later today the controversial amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill. Tabled by backbench Tory MP Nadine Dorries and Labour’s Frank Field, abortion has been thrust into the forefront of the news agenda recently and has unsurprisingly ruffled a few feathers amongst women’s groups and fellow MPs. The proposal seeks to reduce the current 200,000 abortions taking place on average every year by 60, 000. Sounds like a sensible plan doesn’t it – especially when a third of those 200,000 are repeat abortions? But that certainly isn’t the general consensus at the moment.

Luckily I happened to be watching Sunday Morning Live last week and tuned into a 20-minute give or take, quite in-depth and fiery discussion of the bill, which in a nutshell is calling for all women seeking an abortion to be offered independent counselling away from and on a separate premises to the clinic where the abortion would be carried out – cancelling out charities such as Marie Stopes who offer abortion services. According to Dorries the counselling is not compulsory, but if the law is passed it will become mandatory for abortion clinics to offer women access to this counselling. The reasoning behind it to me sounds rational, Dorries feels that there is a financial conflict of interest in advising women seeking terminations, which makes perfect sense considering on average 96% of these are paid for, but with strict impartiality regulations and a shared concern for women’s welfare, is it fair to accuse these charities of railroading women into having terminations? Are her defaming assertions even substantiated? Of course, Marie Stopes and various others have spoken out against the accusations, and a rival bill has been produced, but the fear is that if we push already vulnerable and confused women out of the hands of non-judgemental and professional organisations we’ll be taking a giant leap backwards.

Personally, I don’t see the logic in why some people have argued this is somehow making it harder for women to obtain abortions, thus intensifying an already distressing time, but I certainly don’t believe that this is something for men in suits to discuss and then toss to the side. Which is what will happen as David Cameron is firmly against it. Fortunately, I’ve never been in a situation with an unwanted pregnancy, but the only people who should decide whether this bill is passed are the brave women who have sat in a consultation room with a nurse or counsellor considering their ‘options’. They are at the head of this debate and only they know whether there are in fact negligent practices where abortion is concerned. But if this is the case, then I am all for partisan counselling. There are enormous physical and mental risks attached to terminations, perhaps even more so the younger the mother, so I don’t fully understand why there is such a huge outcry against what seems to me to be reasonable and maybe beneficial.

Please let me know what you think of this sensitive matter, I would love to hear from some women who have been through it.

Like most young women my age, I like to experiment with hair, makeup and fashion. I call myself “low maintenance”, which just to clarify, does not equate to “cheap”, but I’m not exempt from the subconscious pressure to look my best. I’m also aware that on many occasions I look far from, but with that many looks to choose from I don’t know whether I’m going into Footlocker for a pair of Adidas Mids or strolling into Cow for a floral print skirt. Not to mention the extortion attached to such items. So to ease the mental chaos I tend to go for my favourite which is ‘cool, loose and relaxed’.

Let me visually explain to you guys the turmoil that I’m in…

Sometimes I would love to look like this…chic and sophisticated…

But with my hair and afrocentric alter ego, I think I’d be more suited to this…

However, I’m still trying to be a cool kid…

But I can’t resist effortless and slightly loose.

I know your 20s are the time to wear what the hell you like. I mean, our bodies will never look this great again, but I don’t handle choice well, and if I don’t sort my style out soon it will stay in disarray forever. So what the f*** do I do? Wear it all?

“Five Great Wisdoms…

1. If you’re right then there is no need to get angry – and if you’re wrong then you don’t have any right to get angry.

2. Patience with family is love. Patience with others is respect. Patience with self is confidence.

3. Never think hard about the past – it brings tears.Don’t think more about the future – it brings fears. Live this moment with a smile! It brings cheers.

4. Every test in our life makes us bitter or better. Every problem comes to make us or break us. The choice is ours whether we become victims or victorious.

5. Search a beautiful heart, not a beautiful face. Beautiful things are not always good, but good things are ALWAYS beautiful.”

Nails by Tamore

Play: DJ Gutu House Mix

So it’s not often that I go to great lengths to pamper myself. On the contrary, I’ve visited a nail salon twice and despised the wait on both occasions, have never spent time in a hotel spa covered in brown slush, and am too much of a control freak to bare being prodded and poked when I could do it myself far quicker. That’s not to say that I won’t visit my beautician for a perfect bikini wax, but that’s for another blog post. I’m not particularly glamorous, so when I was invited by my friend, Jazmin Wilson to attend her charity Ladies’ Night in aid of British Red Cross, I jumped at a chance to maybe patch up my DIY manicure and take part in something feminine for a change.

L-R Host Jazmin & guest

While I circulated the room with my camera, the intimate crowd of sassy women began to gather around the different stations with open ears – armed with questions. Therapist & Skincare Specialist, Janet was on hand for eyebrow waxes, facials and hand massages – which by the way worked absolute magic, while Natalie of Bella Donna Artistry delivered live makeup demonstrations along with Tamar of Mary Kay Cosmetics, meanwhile Tamoré Nails prepped and polished our fingertips.

Natalie & model DJ GutuTamar demonstrates a smoky eyeJanet works her hand massage magic

The evening was a success with over £100 raised for charity and between the bubbly and cupcakes I was able to bag some great tips for all of you beauty enthusiasts…

1. Change your mascara every 3-6months to keep it at its best and prevent irritation.
2. When using eye shadow start off with a light coverage and build up gradually. It’s easy to add, but very hard to take off!
3. If you can’t find your perfect foundation shade, buy two and blend to match your complexion. Never go shades lighter or darker…you will look strange.
4. Your makeup bag essentials should be: cream blusher for a nice dewy glow, mascara to open the eyes and powder to matt your t-zone and keep excess oil at bay.
5. To open the eyes apply highlighter on the inner corners of the eyes, below the eyebrow arch and also down the middle of your nose.
6. Always apply blusher on your cheekbones to contour the face and create a permanent smile.

Janet, Therapist & Skincare Specialist, Regis Hair & Beauty Centre = T: 0121 6343434

Tamar Doyley-Jones, Independent Beauty Consultant, Mary Kay Cosmetics =                    M: 07947620913  E: thingz2go@hotmail.co.uk

Natalie Posteraro, Bella Donna Artistry = M: 07973848865                                                                        E: natalieposteraro@live.com

Tamar demonstrates a smoky eye

Just some tunes to remember him by…Enjoy the vibes!

The veranda in the morning

Beneath the zinc rooftop where the bug-seeking lizards scurry between tree bark and wooden planks, and there opposite the half-brick half-concrete liquor shop, the sound of dominoes slapping down from rum touched and sweaty palms echoes and travels across the decrepit road - with the shock factor of an unsuspected mosquito bite. Overlooking trees which bare many brightly-coloured fruits, the most prominent in the yard being the long-limbed plum tree. Elegantly shaped, its branches shelter the three-legged dog from the draining sun, but there amongst all of the peculiar countryside dwellings stands the veranda. The hub of Jamaican family life. Varnished in the sun-kissed shade of sienna with a top-coat of dusty footprints. Sweet with the aroma from the fire-stoked pots, alive with patwa chat and laughter. The veranda has years of tales to tell…(This I wrote while fighting flies off of my arms, hidden from the mid-morning sun on my plastic garden chair. Just a bit of creative writing on my holiday).

The closed shop

The most elegant tree of them all

The pet with 3 limbs and no name

Premiered just yesterday on the US Centric TV, the video shows the sensual side to the singer as she seduces her willing male counterpart, meanwhile in the split screen the passion is replicated by another couple, who unlike Ambrosius, fail to use protection. Off the back of Hope She Cheats On You (With a Basketball Player) and the emotive Far Away there is no doubt in my mind that this conscentious follow-up won’t be successful – in both getting people to be more sexually cautious and in its progression up the charts.   

I had always imagined what the visuals for this raunchy slow jam would be and although I’m suprised, I’m definitely not disapointed. Check the video, Late Nights & Early Mornings below and tell me if you agree.

Rihanna’s name has been splashed all over the internet recently, but it isn’t that much of a suprise as we all know that the RnB songstress does nothing by halves. Slammed by critics after allegedly groping a young female fan at a meet n greet session, suing fashion house Gucci for $5 million worth of damages and then releasing the “controversial” Man Down video earlier this month – it’s been all about the island girl in the eve of her international Loud Tour.  

Following my rant  a little while ago, I’ll admit that for once I’m in defence of her intentions. Taken from her fifth studio album, Loud, the video shows Rihanna shoot an alleged rapist at vantage point in a crowded street. Since its release the video has caused obvious ill-feelings. Actress Gabrielle Union spoke out in defence of the artist having also attempted to shoot her attacker when she herself was raped at 19-years-old. In a message to fans on June 1st Rihanna tweeted: “Young girls/women all over the world…we are a lot of things! We’re strong innocent fun flirtatious vulnerable, and sometimes our innocence can cause us to be naïve! We always think it could NEVER be us, but in reality, it can happen to ANY of us! So ladies be careful and #listentoyomama! I love you and I care!”

I’m not too easily shocked and we’ve all seen worse than someone being shot in the head, let’s be honest, music videos always push boundaries. But unlike her usual frolics in tribal-print panties and singing about the stench of sex in the air, the message surrounding sexual assault is one that can never be repeated often enough. Putting an issue into the forefront doesn’t mean that you condone it, it’s called raising awareness…

And so I was reminded of Marsha Ambrosius’s Far Away…

The inspiration behind the flamboyant title? I pictured a friend of mine flicking hers around as she spoke out against Remi-challenged women whose weaves are, to put it nicely- tired. The topic behind it? Ethnic notions of beauty. And when I refer to ‘ethnic,’ I mean black females, irrelevant of their ethnic origin or complexion.

Jourdan Dunn

The conversation began a few hours ago in a quirky and atmospheric café. Four girls, some with mugs of hot chocolate, another roaming her Blackberry, but each with a distinct image and equally unapologetic point-of-view. Whilst ranting about the dire state of our chipped nail varnish and debating femininely matters, one sassy lady who I’ll nickname, ‘Sasha Fierce,’ proceeded to become the butt of her own jokes by ridiculing her ‘fake’ add-ons: hair, nails and eyebrows. (Which by the way are the best illusions you’ll ever see.) Of course this sparked a humorous anecdote about the number of layers her future boyfriend will have to unravel to get to the ‘real’ her. Or did I say that? Anyway, all said in jest obviously, but Sasha also commented on her dislike for black females who make others feel inferior for celebrating such additions.

Now I can’t say I dabble in weaves that much, my first and last try ended with mild concussion due to excessive punching of my itchy scalp. I also have an extremely confident mother who has always embraced her natural beauty, and drummed into me that a lady should look different from daytime to evening. But what is the big deal? Some wear make-up, either to enhance or conceal, some prefer to volumise their hair with weave. Meanwhile, some have the confidence to rock nothing but some lip-gloss and a pair of jazzy earrings.

Fayruz Abdiaman

All of them beautiful, but yet have to defend their image from the criticism of fellow black women. Natural hair Vs. Relaxed, Fairer skin Vs. A chocolate glow, Kinky Vs. Loose curls- why is it that we’ve continued to adapt the same derogatory methods of separation as used against us years before? I myself am on a self-love mission, but blusher and lip stain makes me feel that little bit prettier, and nothing beats a confident woman, however they achieve it.

Beauty in its many forms

Post your comments below, guys as much as girls tell me what you think…

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