Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Mary Kenner created the sanitary belt
It is always troubling to me to hear that the color of someone's skin or their gender is the only reason they were not treated fairly. I will never wrap my head around the fact that many modern inventions were unfairly delayed because of racism and or sexism. The black female innovator that I am writing about today created something that was very useful to women during her time. This product is no longer in use today and many young women may not even have heard of it. Mary Kenner invented the sanitary belt which gave women a method that was beneficial during their monthly periods.
By Cheryl E Preston5 years ago in Viva
Society.
Eyes as crystal blue as the sea, luscious blonde hair, perfectly sun kissed skin without a blemish or impurity in sight. This is what society would call a “perfect” and “desirable” woman...but any woman that doesn’t fit that category is deemed “undesirable” or “less than.”
By Katelyn Carpunky5 years ago in Viva
Talk About Women’s Bodies
Hello, my name is Cleo, I’m almost 21 years old and I was never taught about my body. I was born in America to a Catholic mother and Christian father. This means that we did not go to church — but we also did not discuss puberty, sex, or anything like that. I was never told when I would develop breasts or the difference between bra types. I didn’t know what a Menstrual Cycle was or when I would get my first period. I was never given a sex talk or was told about Birth Control Methods. To be a functioning woman in society, I’ve largely had to teach myself about these things. This left me feeling repulsive and alienated for most of my teen years and young adult life — that is why I’m here to talk about my experience.
By Cleo Jarnagin5 years ago in Viva
Best Friends Forever
Have you ever heard that saying, men are from Mars and women are from Venus? Of course, you have, we all have; it’s one of those household statements. As a woman, I literally can’t wrap my brain around what men think about in a day, but I also found that up until I became an adult, I also had a very hard time relating to other women. Throughout my years in school, I had a hard time maintaining friendships with girls, in fact, it wasn’t until my freshman year of high school that I actually managed to make and maintain a girl-friend for the entirety of a year or more. Why does any of that matter?
By C. L. Henderson5 years ago in Viva
Queen's Do Not Cry
‘They tell us not to fear the unknown. They tell us that all will well, as long as we believe. As long as we keep the faith, we will be okay. At least that's what they tell everyone else. From a young age, I was taught differently than the common folk. I was taught to not show fear, to not show sadness or grief. I was taught from a young age not to cry before our subjects. Not even when my mother passed around seven was I to cry at her funeral. I was forced to watch as the carriage, and rows of horses carried her body up to the royal cemetery with my head held high. I remember my father did hold my hand, my older brother Stephan beside him and my grandmother in a black veil. My father pulled me along when our carriage came to view, he helped me inside and I thought it was safe to cry, but he wouldn't have it.
By C.N. McDonald5 years ago in Viva
Birth Control, Is It Right For You?
Birth control. It's not really talked about. We aren't fully informed. And honestly, it's a little scary to know which is right for you. As a young woman who isn't quite ready to have a baby (whereas my partner very much so is), I've been left to be in charge of making sure that my eggo does not get preggo.
By L. M. Williams5 years ago in Viva
Why Bridgerton is a victory for all women.
Bridgerton, a series of wealth, lust, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, has been the surprise hit of the 20/21 year. Netflix - the darling of those with a creative bent - supported the project with aplomb, but I doubt they thought it was going to be a major runner. A bit of fluff for the ladies.
By Germaine Mooney5 years ago in Viva
