I started this month with my “Faith, Hope and Love” shirt which I wore with my black jeans. I think you all would agree that black jeans are a ladies wardrobe essential. For a lovely sunny out and about casual look it was a comfortable and perfect look! However, what is more important for me and the reason behind this post is more about the shirt and the words written on the shirt. Whenever I write a fashion post or any post in fact I love to communicate things of real significance that is on my heart to share with you ,and sometimes fashion can be a great vehicle in communicating as you will soon find out by the end of the post.
In a recent Huff post blog feature I talked about how important it is not to “Fetishize black girl magic” by reducing it to just a cultural issue, but instead recognizing it as a real social injustice. I also added how I had no problem with the cultural and social media factor, but felt that leaving it at just that level would not help. My main concern with non-active engagement has always been creating the problem of “us” and “them” instead of bringing about a collective solution.
After publishing my “Fetishizing Black Girl Magic” post I received a heart- warming message from a lovely lady who works at the Sunday Times Style who found my writing interesting she asked a very key question of how I felt this would be achieved? and the simple answer I can give to everyone is that I think it all starts with you! I strongly believe you can-not change culture without personally looking within yourself and getting your motivations right. Going back to the Vest-Shirt and using it as an example the words “Love, Faith and hope” have no real significance and are reduced to just words on a shirt until it is really embedded in hearts. We don’t really bring about any change until we actively carry out the change.
Imagine the difference that can be made in our society if we truly lived our lives in line with this instead of just leaving it on shirt. Engaging in dialogue understanding the faith and motivation of others walking in love and being hopeful or even encouraging others to be hopeful in the midst of rough and challenging times. This would do the world so much good than a shirt would right? That is precisely my point in that there needs to be active engagement to be able to bring about changes. The shirt still looks great and I would recommend you buy one ,but what is more important is how genuine you live out those words on it.
I have had a really reflective time on these ideas and would love to hear your views please share. If you are in the UK and would like FAITH HOPE LOVE shirt go on the contact page and register interest and the size you want (S,M,L).
photo credit Miguel Villar
