Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
How I Became a "Woke" Black Girl and the Journey I'm Still On...
Summer 2009, my estranged mother and I began speaking again for the first time in about eight years. That same summer I was whisked away, involuntarily, to Virginia to live with her. Up until this point in my life, I grew up in Louisiana, surrounded by lots of family and even more mosquitoes. Now that all that was gone, it was up to me to adjust to my new surroundings. My new life came with a new White stepfather, two little dogs, and two new White step-siblings. A bit much for a girl who was used to being an only child living with her grandparents. Nonetheless, I made the best of my situation. I kept my head low, never acted out of character, and got decent grades for a someone who had to get over a hell of a learning curve. I finished my first year of middle school relatively okay considering the changes. Then in seventh grade, things began to shift when I developed my first crush and I started to notice some things...
By Raven Bickham8 years ago in Viva
The Feminism of Buffy
I wasn’t introduced to Buffy until high school. I had passed reruns on TV a few times saw a vampire go poof and thought it was the dumbest thing ever until my dad made me sit down and actually watch the first episode. I immediately made him play the second episode and then the third. After that my life was different, I binge watched Buffy like it was the only thing keeping me alive and for a while after that it was. Buffy (and a lot of other female characters brought to us by Joss Whedon) is the perfect symbol for feminism. She is strong and kicks ass, yes, but she is also not afraid to be vulnerable or emotionally weak, and her motives are not male driven. She saves the world because it’s her job, for her friends, and for her families. She isn't the way she is because of a guy which is the problem with a lot of “strong” female characters on TV and in movies.
By Alexandrea Callaghan8 years ago in Viva
My Rape Recovery
As expected the occurrence of rape can change a person. A simple, despicable act can alter the bubbliest of personalities. So many things come to surface when you face the path that someone else has chosen for you. You feel as though you have no control over any situation at all. There may even be a period of time where you knowingly begin to self-destruct.
By The Darkest Sunrise8 years ago in Viva
And Valerie, So Over It
People around the world are struggling to come to terms with what appears to be a giant pratfall for mankind. After years of progressive politics, the bugle klaxon to stop and march backwards seems to have been sounded. A new US Presidency looms large over North America, and with it a sense of foreboding is creeping up on us. Questions of individual rights are again central, and we all know that women's rights will be among the first subjects queued up.
By H. Robert Mac8 years ago in Viva
She Said, "Me Too."
Part of me had no desire to destroy his reputation. Except maybe that's not possible if I tell my side of the story. It shocked me the number of women who decided to defend his point of views. Actually, it doesn't shock me one bit, because that proves his manipulation has worked it's way to his friends as well.
By Amy Johnson8 years ago in Viva
Inspiring Feminist Quotes
Inspiring feminist quotes are a big part of my life. Sometimes I use them without even realizing it because what it means to be a woman is to confront a society rigged against you. That's especially the case if you're not a cisgendered, heterosexual, able-bodied, affluent, white woman. But females are strong as hell! We make history happen and we wear bloody shoes. Get to steppin'!
By Chica Reyass8 years ago in Viva
