Je suis tired.

I am so tired of living in a society where violence has become a commonplace. It seems like every few months we have a new flag filter to change our profile pictures to, and endless #prayfor #jesuis etc hastags of support emerging. It's becoming so sickening. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying these things shouldn't be done, in fact, I'm extremely glad that they are being done, that this sense of togetherness and solidarity exists today in the midst of these inhumane acts of senseless terror plaguing our world. What's sickening is that we even have to do them, that these terrible acts even happen, that another human being could even think of doing something so horrible to others.

Another thing that irks me so much about these situations is that I've noticed the moment something like this happens and it goes viral, and there's an outpouring of support from the entire world, certain people feel the need to firstly point out the many other attacks across the world that didn't gain as much publicity. I understand where they're coming from, but why do you feel the need to take away from one tragedy by showing up another? (or several others as the case may be) As an individual, I try my best via my social media outlets, (mainly facebook and twitter as I feel they reach a wider audience) to bring to light all of the other issues and attacks around the world when they happen. I just find it extremely insensitive to use one tragedy just to ask people where there support was for another issue. Instead of using this passive aggressive method of raising awareness, why don't you all try doing it when the events actually occur? I know a lot of people do, myself included, but I also know a lot of people don't and they just show up when something big hits the media circus to put snide comments etc. I am very well aware of how the media works, and how biased it is, but that does not make it okay for you to make people feel like they're wrong for supporting one cause and not another (one that they probably haven't even heard about because like I mentioned, the media is biased). Instead, try raising awareness and making those attacks go viral the same way these do. I know that's easy to say and much harder to do, but it is worth a shot, and I commend all the people that do try to do this. All in all, stop being such a crappy human and adding to people's distress by telling them bullshit about not supporting other issues when they're already distraught by one.

A friend I went to school with was one of the first persons to post about the Brussels attacks this morning on facebook and I don't think I could've worded this any better than he has, so here's a direct quote:

"Is this honestly where the world is headed? Regular attacks on centres of population? Whatever the reason, random attacks on people are wrong- violence is not the answer to whatever plight you may be in, and as human beings we should not be creating situations where another group feels the need to resort to bombing an airport to express their feelings. It's on us to create a world where people are not forced into feeling like violence is their only recourse, and it is our responsibility to try to take the non-violent response. Actions such as this, Paris, 9/11, the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, all they accomplish is perpetuating this cycle of violence and hatred. Even if it's just one person, take a little time out of your day to spread a bit of kindness around, in this climate we're in right now, it really is the least we can do." - Philip Harnanan

xoxo, Shantilly.

"This Is What Happens When Determined Women Get Together"

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, this probably isn't a name most people are familiar with, I wasn't either until the Academy Awards of 2012. This brilliant Pakistani film-maker won the Oscar for Best Documentary (Short Subject) in 2012 for her film Saving Face which delves into the issue of acid attacks on women in Pakistan. This is a subject I was made aware of by my mother many years ago and I've researched it however it lay forgotten until Saving Face won that Oscar and I was yet again reminded of this horrific occurrence. I watched the film and needless to say, I was blown away by this film-maker's gutsy move to cover such a topic, something that countries plagued by it strive to keep hidden, and sweep under the carpet.

I did some research on Sharmeen herself and came across her amazing body of work which covers several issues plaguing the world, issues that are considered taboo, issues that people who aren't affected by them pay no mind to. If you do get the chance, you should definitely check some of these amazing films out, they might open your eyes a bit more.

The Academy Awards of 2016 saw Ms. Obaid-Chinoy win her second Oscar award in the same category as before, Best Documentary (Short Subject). According to Kate Dries, "During a night that was infamously lacking in diversity, A Girl in the River was a rare highlight." This time Sharmeen's work focused on another prominent issue of her homeland, honour killings. This is something I've spent a lot of time reading about and examining from my own point of view. Anyway, her film, A Girl In The River: The Price of Forgiveness, is quite possibly one of the most important pieces of film work in today's world.

The tells the story of Saba, an 18-year-old girl whose father and uncle attempt to kill her as a result of her marrying a man from a poorer family. This is what is defined as an "honor killing." In a twist to the tale, of course the main character can't just die, so Saba miraculously survives the shooting, and makes a vow to bring her father and uncle to justice. The laws in Pakistan prove to be a hindrance to her goal however,they state that if a victim decides to forgive the perpetrators of the crime, those disgusting individuals can walk free.

Many people may not know about it but, this particular film has made waves in Pakistan, reaching the highest of people, namely the Prime Minister. In her acceptance speech, Sharmeen said, "The Pakistani Prime Minister said he will change the law on honour killings after watching this film," she added. “That is the power of film.” Right you are Sharmeen. The Pakistani Prime Minister himself, Nawaz Sharif praised the film highly, he is quoted as saying, "We are striving to give women their rightful place in the society, both economically and politically and end all sorts of violence against them and bring the perpetrators of attacks on them to justice." These words may not seem like much to a lot of people, because they are after all, just words. But these words gave me so much hope in world tormented by so much injustice, I will hold on to them.

Saba's story is presented in an incredibly inspiring light, hopefully one that many take heed of. Apart from surviving the attack, her supporters included those male members of institutions that usually fail us as women in these circumstances, lawyers, doctors, and police officers. Unfortunately, the thing that fails her most remarkably is society itself. The pressures of society for her to forgive her father and uncle so they can keep providing for the family and community (now, I'm not even going to attempt to say how much easier any of this would've been if women weren't treated as second class citizens and allowed a chance to work etc. because that's a whole other story). We are also exposed to something that we see far too often today: the way people misinterpret Islam and the teachings of the Quran in a way that justifies some of their despicable, immoral actions. This is something that irks me to no end, but it is still quite prevalent in today's "modern" society. Also it must be noted that Saba’s acceptance of her situation (something that was incredibly difficult to do), along with her hope that it will get better for the baby she is carrying was so incredibly poignant. I'm so happy to hear that maybe Saba’s dream of a Pakistan that is safer and better for women is not so far off, and a step closer to reality thanks to this movie.

xoxo, Shantilly.

#OscarsSoWhite

This post is definitely not what you're thinking based on the title.

(from l-r) Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell, Olivia Wilde in Valentino Haute Couture, Rooney Mara in Givenchy, Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad.

White/Off-White/Cream was definitely my favourite colour of the night at the Oscars 2016. It's not what I'd usually be drawn towards but it was a total winner for me last night. These four ladies above were my definitely favorites. 

-Lady Gaga was sleek and modern in this stunning creation by Brandon Maxwell, zero complaints here. I loved everything about her look, the structure, the drapes of the skirt and of course the fact that is was actually a pant suit. 

-Olivia Wilde was sort of a hit and miss in this Valentino Couture dress. Plunging necklines are always triky, broaching the lines of inappropriate and sexy, personally, I think she pulled it off well (most fashion critics that I read didn't think so). It's not something I would go for for The Academy Awards but I don't think it was a fashion fail, also it's very Daenerys Targaryen. 

-Now for another of my favourites, Rooney Mara, who has not missed a beat in a long, long while. Ever faithful to Givenchy, she pulls off another spectacular creation flawlessly, and can we talk about that makeup?! Perfect fresh faced look, very Audrey Hepburn, love the bold lip. The style of this dress itself is so unique, drawing from various places, the buttoning down the neckline and half way down the dress is very reminiscent of some Middle Eastern Kaftans (see Moroccan and Jordanian style), the cut-out sticks to the ever growing trend, and the lace fabric and high slit are always a classic.

-And for my absolute favourite, my bae, Priyanka Chopra. The only Indian actress present at the Oscars and I couldn't be prouder. Even better is that she's wearing one of my top 3 favourite designers who can rarely do wrong, Zuhair Murad. My girl did me proud in this stunning sheer lace gown. There's really nothing bad for me to say really, I'm still fangirling tbh.

Extremely special shout out to Derek Blasberg and Jessica Alba who both got it spot on. I am so obsessed with Derek's suit, that oxblood colour is EVERYTHING. My weakness, along with just about every other woman I know, is a well fitting suit, so Mr. Blasberg pretty much made all my dreams come true in a well fitting suit in my current favourite colour, 10/10. Jessica Alba pretty much stunned me in this Roberto Cavalli gown. I was surprised at how much I liked this dress as I usually fall hard for the embellished, couture pieces, but this chic flowing gown wowed me with its crisp simplicity and elegance.

I am so upset that I can't find a proper high resolution, full length shot of Elizabeth Banks' gorgeous Ralph & Russo couture gown. I adoreeee the cape dress trend and R & R have some of the best pieces I've ever seen, this dress is so regal, perfect Oscars material.

The whites have done it for me this year. Definitely not my colour of choice and I was taken aback by how much I liked the way these actresses rocked the white. The Oscars were definitely, so white. 

Special attention must be given to how perfect Rachel McAdams and Michael B. Jordan looked together whilst presenting. Can y'all get together and have babies now please? :D Also, big congrats to Leonardo Dicaprio who finally got his Oscar! (Though I'll never be able to stomach watching The Revenant.)

xoxo, Shantilly.