Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

Sexy isn't Shameful
There is nothing wrong with being confident with your body and who you are. However, as women, many of us have grown up with the notion that we have to be self-conscious and not stand out for fear of getting the wrong attention. We are conditioned to feel shame and guilt over what we wear, what we do, and what we say. From girls at school to women in the workplace, there is a constant worry about how one’s sexuality might accidentally excite or offend someone. We are discouraged from being sexy, from owning our looks and feeling confident because the implication is that to be sexual is to be trashy, easy, a slut or a whore, or plain old desperate. We get catcalled on the streets no matter what we wear, and shrivel up and walk faster to avoid being called on further. If we fight back unwanted advances, then we are called prudes, and if we give in, we are called sluts. If we drink too much, it’s not ladylike and apparently, we are also putting our body on a silver platter for men to use—but if we don’t drink at all, we are, once again, prudes. There is a clear double standard lingering over everything we do, with a strong emphasis on sexuality.
By LHR5 years ago in Viva
Hearts on the Wall
For the first time since we set up camp in North East, Tennessee two days ago, I washed my face. It was the smoke that eventually made my dirty face unbearable. Hours and hours of my husband, Shelby’s, prize-worthy campfires, filling my pores and sticking to the leftover sweat from yesterday’s hike. “I’m just admiring my fire,” Shelby said when I noticed his far off look and asked what was on his mind. It’s true he could construct a campfire to be admired, and for thousands of years, as long as men have ignited and contained fires, this was a skill to be boasted. I kissed his lips 3 times as is our custom and left him to his admiration for the nearby bathhouse.
By Brittany Shelby-Phillips5 years ago in Viva
J.K. Rowling is a Dirty Rotten TERF
First, let's get a few things out of the way. Feminism benefits everyone. If you think feminism's only goal is to serve cisgender women, then you're doing it wrong. The goals of feminism help everyone. If true equality and equity were achieved all the harmful structures set in place by the patriarchy would be dismantled. That means men could express their feelings, and wouldn't have to resort to violence as the only way to express themselves. It also means that the control construct could be dismantled, and the idea that the best way to gain power is to rip it from someone else. Ultimately this is a really good thing, but some people have a hard time with the idea that they are still privileged in comparison to someone else.
By Paige Graffunder5 years ago in Viva
What is true feminism? RBG's crusade for the cause
Since Ruth's death we talked about how she did a lot for women. I want to talk about the feminism movement and what Ruth did for the movement. I will talk about both new school and old school feminism.
By Lena Bailey5 years ago in Viva
Businesses Fighting For Female Empowerment
When brand ethics shine through, customers will appreciate the company’s commitment when it comes to championing inclusivity and empowerment.
By Caitlin Purvis5 years ago in Viva
Wondering if I’d Get There Quicker If I Was A Man
Wondering if I’d Get There Quicker If I Was A Man: Life and Times as a Woman in The Entertainment Industry Throughout my journey into adulthood, I have grown into my own opinions and thoughts about what it means to be a woman in society. In my personal life, my career, and my education, I’ve had to do what I call double dutch; where I have to cater to the standards and roles that society and the patriarchy, in particular, have set for me.
By Tess5 years ago in Viva
How to Identify Symptoms of Womb Cancer
Womb cancer, when diagnosed at stage one, has a very high survival rate at 95%. However, far too often it is not diagnosed until it has progressed to more advanced stages. This is because there is a lack of awareness of womb cancer and its symptoms, meaning women often seek medical advice only when the cancer has already progressed beyond stage one.
By R.S. Sillanpaa5 years ago in Viva
Women In History
One of the most Courageous women in history, Anne Frank will be an Inspiration for us women within the pages of history --- for as long as we have the “History Book.”
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff5 years ago in Viva
Just an Observation
Just an observation: Recently a comment was made that really got me thinking about people, our society, and basically double standards among my own gender. During this time of race issues and violence that in so many instances are only related to the color of the victim’s skin, it is hard for me to wrap my head around critique of another woman’s professionalism, education, or skill set based on her appearance. Appearances in many cultures even within our own state, neighboring state, and/or country skew the norm for some very close minded individuals. From the psychological angle, the take is an outcry or expression of the aggressor’s own insecurity coupled with possible narcissistic idealization of one’s own superiority or “higher class” / status.
By Carolee Baumgartner5 years ago in Viva
Those who make #metoo claims years later or for attention, fame, money or to ruin someone's career
I wanted to talk about this topic for a while. As a me too survivor I have to deal with people not believing me because of people who make claims that come at times that make people question the authenticity of the story. People throw the word liar around a lot when maybe the people are telling the truth. I want to talk about the people who make others question the me too movement. Let's talk about these groups individually first.
By Lena Bailey5 years ago in Viva
Unexpected
Dante woke up that morning with such excitement. It was July 4th, and he was going down to his girlfriend’s lake house for the next two days. He got himself out of bed and walked over to the other side of his bedroom where his phone charged for the night. He took his phone off the charger and looked at his notifications.
By Josh L5 years ago in Viva
What it was like back then:
For me, #me too began in a flower shop in about 1974. We didn't call it that back then, of course. In fact, we didn't talk about such things much at all. I started looking for work as a very shapely, older-looking 14 year old in a large urban area. I did so not because we were living in poverty. Quite the opposite: my dad owned a very successful business. But I was bright and independent. Perhaps too much so for my own good. School bored me to tears - I could maintain straight A's while going to every class high. And dad and I could not get along - at all. We would fight for hours - literally and very loudly - most days when he came home, and especially if he had been drinking, which was at least once a week. It brought my dear mother to tears and entertained my brothers and friends and neighbors as they sat outside under the windows. It wasn't that we didn't love each other. I was the eldest child and only daughter and the apple of dad's eye. I was just growing up too fast and he was trying to put the brakes on a runaway train. I needed to escape and there was only one honorable and allowable way to do so - get a job.
By Terry Lerma5 years ago in Viva