Soft Grunge: Mental Illness Is Not a Style

More than ever, the millenial generation has eagerly embraced the “sad chic” mentality. We worship existentialism as long as it has shiny packaging, with pretty people saying poetic things. Soft grunge basically transforms taboo emotions into an aesthetic. This appropriation of mental illness is troubling, and this is where the commodification and idolization of soft grunge becomes a problem.

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The Non-Dieter’s Holiday Survival Guide

It seems that every year around this time, I get gazillions of e-mails from folks who are nervous about the holidays. Explaining to your family that you don’t want to know the number of calories in pecan pie, or that – yes – you have put on a little weight, and it’s totally okay, may not be your idea of a fun holiday. So what can you do to survive through it? I’ve got some ideas.

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#BeThatGuy: 7+ Everyday Ways Men Can Transform Masculinity

I recently wrote a piece on my personal blog that highlighted seven men who are transforming masculinity, and I was blown away by how well it resonated. In reflecting on the post, I realized that it was so popular because it touched on an unfilled need. We need to talk about what a more inclusive masculinity could actually look like beyond “Real men cry, too.”

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Radical Self Expression

Have you heard of radical self expression? It’s a powerful movement pioneered by Akilah S. Richards. Check out this video essay by Akilah explaining the beginnings of radical self-expression and how it manifests in her own life. She discusses the negative connotations of the word “radical” and explains how radicalness can be a very positive tool of healing.

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