MAZE Magazine

Interracial Acceptance

We enter an era of ever increasing interracial friendships and marriages. Cultural difference are becoming embraced and appreciated in many different facets of American life.

This racial acceptance exists because the American youth is significantly more exposed to different racial groups than their parents and grandparents were. People are learning to interact and embrace different ethnicities. The University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy released a study showing that young adults who were 15 -25 years of age are “more tolerant and open-minded than previous generations”. Many college students are required to take courses on cultural diversity. And when choosing a university, young students research the school’s diversity statistics. Also, the schools attempt to create organizations that consider every culture and race on the campus. They promote cultural diversity in recruitment techniques through scholarships and grants.

Elementary school students are constantly exposed to cultural activities that promote diverse friendships among them. With television popular children’s programs such as “Dora the Explorer” and “Little Bill”, children learn to recognize, accept and relate to people of all races. Through cultural exposure and education, the youth is increasingly accepting of people of other races.

Opinion polls show overwhelming popular support, especially among younger people, for interracial marriage. On June 12, 1967, only 44 short years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ended a Virginia statute barring whites from marrying non-whites. 15 other states also overturned similar bans after this decision.

As USA Today states, “Since that landmark Loving v. Virginia ruling, the number of interracial marriages has soared; for example, black-white marriages increased from 65,000 in 1970 to 422,000 in 2005, according to Census Bureau figures.” Interracial dating and marriages are becoming increasingly accepted.

In the business environment, companies are respected for promoting diversity. It is beneficial because employees from different cultures can provide unique input and opinions. Each person can provide vital viewpoints that others may not have the knowledge of. Diversity helps a company remain competitive in the global economy. It also adds a creative marketing edge to have input from people of different walks of life.

PRB.org stated the following regarding the New US Census, “The 2010 questionnaire lists 15 racial categories, as well as places to write in specific races not listed on the form. The 2010 Census continues the option first introduced in the 2000 Census for respondents to choose more than one race. Only about 2 percent of Americans identified with more than one race in the 2000 Census, but the percentage was much higher for children and young adults and will likely increase in 2010.”

With the new US Census statistics it will be clearer than ever to compile new, relevant data regarding interracial living in America. From this information, we will be able to determine which states are the most diverse and relate it to numerous other studies.

This increasing acceptance leads to fulfilling friendships and relationships. It is exciting to imagine the world 50 years from now, embracing culture and unity.

By: Brandy Bynum

2011: 08/09
CATEGORY: Culture
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The Olsen Reign Continues: Launch of Stylemint.com

Mary-Kate and Ashley, the style mavens also known as the Olsen Twins, are once again proving their staying power in the world of fashion. By collaborating with Beachmint.com, a websiteowned by Josh Berman, the twins have just introduced their new website called Stylemint.com to the masses this month. Despite starting out as actresses in a host of movies and TV shows, Mary-Kate and Ashley are most well known for their contribution to fashion with their clothing lines and other various fashion endeavors. DualStar Entertainment Group, their own brand management company, boasts retail sales that have grossed $1 billion dollars in sales according to Vogue. With the launch of their new website, which incorporates an innovative celebrity-styling approach, the Olsen’s are putting a digital twist into the field of personal styling.

Stylemint.com isn’t your average go-to guide for style advice and shopping, but rather a virtual personal shopping experience. Instead of simply showing the clothes and the celebrities whom they may have adorned, the website goes step-by-step getting to know the shopper and their personal style. They first make you create a free style profile and from that, the top selling styles are offered. After the first purchase is made, the shopper is offered a membership with Stylemint, earning the opportunity to receive first notice on upcoming collections, trends and as styles that pertain to their style profile. Besides the fashion insight received, members will also receive personal style recommendations from the twins themselves. What are you waiting for? Get started! http://www.stylemint.com

What adds to the experience of shopping with Stylemint and Mary-Kate and Ashley, is their emphasis on true style as opposed to the actual clothes being offered. Starting off with high- quality simple tees, the twins explore the different ways a simple tee could be worn. Whether your style is bohemian, nautical, rocker, or modern sophisticate they show how the tees could be worn for all occasions. It’s an essential style tip that has worked many times for the twins.

The moral of this story? “Less is more!” Your true style lies not in the designer names that you wear, but rather in how you can pull together an outfit with something as basic as a college tee and wear it as if it’s worth a million dollars. Play around in your closet while cleaning up your house and just throw on some heels while you’re at it! You’ll be surprised how often random ensembles will prove to be super cute! Throw on that faux fur vest that’s been tucked away in the back of your closet and wear it with those sweats you work out in. Or add a cute lip color to that white tank top and skinnies you have.

Simple yet chic. The “effortlessly chic” trend is stalking the runways this upcoming Fall/Winter season! The twins and I are just keeping you afloat and ahead of the game.

Cheers.

Tiffany Kelly

2011: 08/06
CATEGORY: Style & Beauty
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How to Move on from Your Ex

Moving on from a relationship can be a very difficult and depressing time. You had commitments, memories and love for this guy. It is so hard to accept that this is all over. However, with the help of these 5 tips, hopefully things will be a little easier:

1. Be positive and consistent on what you want.

If you are not 100% positive that you want to move on from the relationship, your instability will reflect in your backslide into it again. There is no point in attempting to move on if you are not sure that you want to. You will put yourself through constant emotional turmoil if you do not have a consistent stand in being committed to letting go of the relationship.

2. Identify your triggers.

You are vulnerable in the state of a breakup, and things that remind you of him trigger a relapse. Identify the things that trigger you to call or text him when you know you shouldn’t. Does stalking his Facebook or Twitter account always leave you disappointed? Or maybe it’s going to your favorite restaurant or theater. If he is still attempting to get back with you and you have not identified the triggers that win you over, then his moves to get back with you will work. You have to identify these things and be committed to moving on by eliminating them.

3. Get a new hobby.

Sign up for a class that you have always wanted to take. You may not have made time for the yoga class or piano lessons you’ve always wanted to try out, but now is the perfect time to channel your thoughts and energy into activities that are new and challenging. Learn to enjoy things that help make you a better person. Challenge yourself to do things you always wanted to do. As an added bonus, engaging in any exercise course will also release stress!

4. Accept that his friends are NOT yours.

Conducting casual and polite conversation with his friends when they are around is completely appropriate. However, calling and meeting up with them after the breakup will not help you heal. You will be reminded of times that you all shared together and there is a likely chance your ex will be mentioned. And chances are, his friends like you but can definitely live without you. The bottom line is that when your ex finds a new girlfriend, they will embrace her, just as they warmly welcomed you. Witnessing such a situation can lead to pain if you falsely believe that his friends are also truly yours too.

5. Have a reassuring saying that will help you in tough times.

Try saying things like “This is a temporary emotion,” or “I have to feel emotion without acting on it.” Or try quotes that will uplift your spirit, such as “I am too amazing to be fall back into this,” or “I am in control of what I accept and deserve.” Remind yourself that this emotion is temporary but acting on it will steer you away from your goal. Repeating reassuring expressions can help keep you in focus.

If you follow these tips, you will be on a successful path to moving on to someone even better! Also, make up your own tips that are helpful to your unique circumstances. The key is consistency and commitment to your goal. Good luck!

2011: 08/06
CATEGORY: Body & Spirit
Sex & Love
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Censored Playlist

An old quote says “you are what you eat,” so I wonder are we also a product of what we listen to? Maybe not but others may think you are. A recent study at the University of Cambridge explained that what we listen to is a direct reflection on our personality, goals and other personal characteristics. For example, we assume that the jock only listens to the latest top 40 and hip-hop music while the nerd’s iPod is sure to be loaded with classical artists like Mozart and Beethoven.

“This research suggests that, even though our assumptions may not be accurate, we get a very strong impression about someone when we ask them what music they like,” said Dr. Jason Rentfrow, who led the study.

Pulling up to your annual job cookout playing Lil Wayne sends a completely different message than if you were playing Jill Scott. Being stereotyped by the music we listen to is inevitable. However, as women we must remember to always send a positive message even if it is through our music selection. So before you roll down the windows and blast the music, take a second look at your song selection before you press play.

By: DJ Eskada

2011: 08/06
CATEGORY: Culture
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Make Your Mark on the World

In an era where liberal beliefs are accepted more than ever, continue to

chase your destiny. Do not allow

your sex to define your potential.

Women in America have historically been discriminated against and forced to remain in undesirable positions with little opportunity for advancement. And although that era is not completely over, we are living in a period with much more acceptance and respect for women. We should take advantage of our opportunities and reach all of our goals.

According to the 2010 Catalyst Census:

Fortune 500 Women Executive Officers and Top Earners, there has been a 2 % increase in leadership positions for women over the past two years.

It is encouraging to see an increase in leadership roles of women in Fortune 500 companies. Women in the U.S. earned 36.6 percent of MBAs in 2009 and 2010. This increase has a direct effect on their existence in leadership positions. They are gaining an advantage in the professional world at a vastly quick pace.

The information is inspiring a new generation of women with strong beliefs, ideas and lifestyles. It encourages the future to follow their dreams and set goals. It also instills faith in a life full of accomplishments.

It is not fair or realistic to categorize women as having one set of distinct characteristics. Each person in the workforce can bring creative and unique strengths to any business. Through diversity, companies gain a competitive advantage against competitors. The gender gap is closing as businesses accept and appreciate the contributions that women can provide.

Never settle for a career that is not fulfilling. Women have to continue to close the gender gap in the workforce. In the years to come, there will be a more diverse, fair and competitive American business arena. Be inspired to dream and conquer.

By: Brandy Bynum

2011: 07/28
CATEGORY: Body & Spirit
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Mint.com: Your Answer to Easy Budgeting

A budget planner is a great tool to have these days, especially if it is free and accessible at the simple touch of a mobile application. If you are not already familiar with Mint.com, I suggest you get familiar with it! Through Mint you can categorize your transactions, prepare a budget and set and achieve your goals. Between having lunch with the girls, happy hour with co-workers and retail-therapy, budgeting our money is a must! It is important to know where your money is going and how much you can afford. Mint makes our busy life easier, as it produces graphs of our spending over time, compares our income to spending and shows us where most of our money is going through pie charts.

So how does this budget planner work? You simply sign up and allow Mint to automatically pull all your financial information up from your bank account, credit cards and even your loans and investments.

Yes, it is only normal that you feel skeptical in providing all of this information to Mint. The New York Times published an article titled “Should You Trust Mint.com?”
In this article, Jay Foley, the co-founder of the Identity Theft Resource Center, stated, “What makes me trust the site is that it is owned by Intuit and has Intuit’s reputation behind it.”

So needless to say, this online budget planner is known to be trusted but you can never be safe, then again when are we ever really safe from identity theft? I believe Mint will help you much more than hurt you. Mint is a safe, easy way to organize your personal financial information in one place so you can finally get the entire picture. You do not have to waste time creating a budget yourself; it calculates your average spending and creates one for you. Timely alerts are also available and you can send bill reminders, credit availability, and low balance notices with your choice of text messages or e-mails. Not only does Mint.com help you save but it also finds savings for you through comparing credit card rates, home loans and more.

Can it get any better?

By: Eskedar Melaku

2011: 07/28
CATEGORY: Work & Wealth
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Monthly How To: Stunning Brides

As Summer is here with its beautiful weather, the wonderful season brings weddings and its beautiful brides. It is no secret that a wedding is only one of the most important days in a woman’s life, so looking your best is eminent!

Whether it is a small romantic event with your groom to be or an illustrious celebration, the bride is always the main attraction. So coming up with the perfect look can become tricky. The key is finding that look that works best for YOU.

The bride wants to be recognizable when looking in the mirror, yet feel confident and beautiful walking down the aisle. Being comfortable is very important, as wedding days can be quite long. One look that always works is the traditional bridal look. Here are a few tips that can be followed to accomplish this traditional look:

Face:

Clean and tone skin with a hydrating cream, lotion or gel with a foundation brush.
Prep the skin with a silky primer. The primer gives the skin a smooth palette for foundation.
Starting with the eyes makes it easier to complete the entire face. Plus, if you make a mistake it will be easy to clean up.

Eyes:

Start out using a flesh colored eye shadow all over the eyelids.
Use a matte and slightly pearlescent shadow for the eyes. Shimmery colors do not stand up well under flash photography.
With a fluffy blending brush, apply a light brown color that is darker than the flesh color into the crease and blend well into the first color.
Intensify the outer corners only with a dark matte grey. Use a pointed brush to precisely place the color.
Blend this same color along the bottom lashes.
Get waterproof gel eyeliner in a dark brown or black brown color and apply a very thin line close to the top lashes.
Curl lashes. If you need to, apply two coats of waterproof (again, in case of waterworks) to top and bottom lashes. Comb out gently with a lash comb.
Groom brows with a brow pencil. It is okay to go a little stronger with color here as brows tend to disappear when photographed. Ensure, however, that they still look natural in real life.

Face:

Use a matte liquid foundation and apply to the face with the same foundation brush. Make sure the foundation is the same color of the skin, because flash photography will show the color difference.
Apply right into the hair line, blend up by the ears, under the eyes and under the jaw line. Blend, blend and blend well!
Apply a matte concealer as needed under the eyes and around the nose and mouth. Blend with the ring finger. The natural warmth of the fingertips causes the product to blend into the skin easily
Apply a light dusting of finishing powder all over the face.

Cheeks:

Smile and apply a light rosy blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend up through the temples.
You may want to re-apply throughout the day to ensure that your blush appears in your pictures.

Lips:

For the lips start with priming the lips with a soothing balm.

Line your entire lips using a natural lip liner. Then, fill in the lips with that same liner. Find a lip color not too far from the liner you used and fill in the lip.
Dab a rosy lip gloss over the bottom lip, but not too much gloss.
Spray your entire face with fixing spray, and voila!

A trick that every bride should keep in mind before the big day is to drink lots of water. This will help keep the skin hydrated as well as give a glow. Another trick is to apply ice cubes to the face prior to applying your makeup. This is a relaxing technique to help the blood circulate, giving your skin a more radiant look.

By: Shardia Thomas

2011: 07/28
CATEGORY: Style & Beauty
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The Story of a Woman, as Depicted by Lady Gaga

I had an interesting conversation with my hair stylist about women and their self-esteem. Rather, lack thereof. She sees clients on a daily basis for the sole purpose of helping improve their overall image. That is what every woman wants. When we look our best, we feel our best.

The conversation arose from me telling her about MTV’s special “Lady Gaga: Inside the Outside.” Lady Gaga has earned so much respect as an artist, and more importantly as a woman, ever since she has been in the spotlight. Lady Gaga was rejected by many of her peers growing up, labeling herself a “perpetual underdog.” She was bullied throughout school, told she was worthless and even thrown into a garbage can by some of her peers.

My hair stylist proceeded to tell me how some of the most beautiful women would come into the salon complaining about trivial things. She said she has heard things like “My hair is too coarse,” “I’m too skinny,” and (jokingly) “My eyes are too far apart.” We laughed in an attempt to make light of it, but as we continued conversing I told her that what she was saying was true. The way we demean each other makes matters much worse. As women, we are all we have. If we are to make an impression or be held in high regard, we must first impress ourselves and hold ourselves in high regard. You get back what you put in.

A good male friend of mine once said, “Females always complain or discredit themselves if they feel they are anything less than perfect. If you want to change something, change it.”

He went on to say, “Ladies—if you know your good features, accentuate them. If you love your lips, wear nice lip colors to draw attention to them. If you have nice legs, wear clothing that makes your legs stand out.”

I think it is amazing that a guy would make these types of observations. However, it is also unfortunate that some of us do not realize it ourselves. We seem to be so concerned with our appearance to others that it takes away from our own enjoyment of life and of ourselves.

Women were raised to always be concerned about how we look. We were taught to be dainty, to have class, to keep our hair done, to stay out of the dirt and to sit with our legs crossed. As women, we should strive to lift each other. It never hurts to give the woman standing next to you a compliment. This definitely shows security and esteem in one’s self.

What Lady Gaga has expressed depicts thoughts that have crossed every woman’s mind at least once. We all have or have had insecurities. Since we know this much, we should at the very least attempt to encourage each other instead of condemning each other. These are Lady Gaga’s words:

“I didn’t use to be brave. In fact, I wasn’t very brave at all…I want you to forget all of your insecurities. I want you to reject anything or anyone who has made you feel like you didn’t belong. I define my own fame, I define my own existence, I define my own identity, I define my own beauty, for myself.”

Thanks, Lady Gaga, for being a paradigm for all women, for opening the minds of so many, and giving those who feel like they did not have a chance to receive the gifts of hope and imagination.

We need more like you.

Shannon Jones

2011: 07/27
CATEGORY: Q U E E N
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Show Life Who’s Boss!

1. We are fully deserving of all of our heart’s desires

2. Create your own worlds/universes

3. Non-conformity is key.

4. Through experience comes knowledge. the answers are out there.

5. Drink tea. a lot of it.

Last but not least.

6. Question EVERYTHING.

2011: 07/27
CATEGORY: Body & Spirit
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“I Am Troy Davis”

Serving as an inmate on death row for 22 years, Troy Davis, who was convicted the 1989 murder of a policeman in 1991, was executed on Wednesday. Davis faced accusations of killing off-duty police officer, Mark MacPhail, outside of a burger establishment in Savannah, Georgia. The murder weapon was never found, nor was any DNA linked to Troy Davis. To date, 7 out of 9 “eyewitnesses” have come forward to retract their accusations against Davis and one man has even admitted to the murder. Davis was placed on death row in 1991 and has had a rigorous battle for clemency ever since, to no avail. Davis’ execution was scheduled to take place at 7:00 p.m. Sept. 21, 2011. Around 5:00 p.m., Georgia denied a stay of execution on Davis. At that point, Davis’ lawyers sent their emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court for one final plea of innocence and a fair trial. The federal court denied stay of execution roughly three hours after he was scheduled to be murdered by releasing one statement. Hours later, Davis was executed at approximately 11:08 p.m..

It seems that the death penalty would be outdated in 2011. It has never been justifiable that power is “lawfully” vested in one human to kill another. Regardless of the law and government rules, no one man should have that much power. At this point, it seems that the highly-esteemed, infallible justice system (I say that with as much sarcasm as possible) has proven itself flawed time and time again. How are we, as citizens of the so-called free world, expected to have any faith in our government and our judicial system if we are subject to injustice and mistreatment? The saddest reality is that this could have been any of our brothers, fathers, sons, or friends. The Troy Davis case implies that it does not matter what you say or how innocent you plead yourself to be, if you are a black man at the scene and people say you did it, you do not have a chance.

Protesters formed domestically to hold vigils in Georgia outside of Davis’ prison, Washington, DC, and other cities, as well as internationally in London and Paris. Some carried signs. Some wore t-shirts that read “I Am Troy Davis.” Some chanted, “Too much doubt,” while others taped their mouths to symbolize the fact that Troy Davis and his supporters had no say in his fate. With riots and revolutions happening all over the world, it will be interesting to see what happens next for America.

When it comes to issues regarding race, it has been statistically proven that whites are executed more often than blacks. However, blacks are executed more often for being accused of murdering whites than any other ethnicity.

The outcome of the Troy Davis case contradicts everything that the constitution states and makes all the history our country has overcome worthless and invalid. This is not the first time justice has not been appropriately served, and it very well may not be the last.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Troy Davis, may your soul rest in paradise.

Shannon Jones

2011: 09/26
CATEGORY: News & Current Events
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Magician the Makeup

Lately, I’ve noticed the increasing amount of men “rallying” against women wearing makeup. I think a lot of the influence comes from pop culture with artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Huey mentioning it in their songs. It’s to the point where now guys think they can extend their own makeup advice. Annoying!!!! Granted there are women who give makeup a bad rep and end up looking like Harajuku Dolls, and there are some who cover up flaws, but not everyone wears it to cover up insecurities. So spare me on the pity trip guys. Since when did you all become so particular?

Some of us just like to wear makeup and are good at applying it. SUE US! If anything we are just trying to accentuate a feature of ours that we like, just how men get to the “landscaping” on their mustaches or beards. For example, to enhance the beautiful shape to your eye, black eyeliner or a dark smoky eye helps that. The same goes for lashes with mascara and a loose powder for evening out your already great skin. Sometimes minimal makeup just seals the deal on a clean look.

Nobody wants their face to look like they just rolled out of bed and then threw a ball gown on when they attend an event, like actress and model Joy Bryant. All makeup does is accentuate what is already there and pull everything together into a “look”.

Men stop racking your brains on something that is simply not meant for you to understand. Some women may look at it as a self-esteem builder in accepting who you are, but I think it’s a joke.

And as you read this, I hope you feel all of the eye-rolling and neck popping emotions that went into this post. I’m venting.

Tiffany Kelly

2011: 09/13
CATEGORY: Style & Beauty
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The Reality of Modern-Day Slavery: Saving our Generation

Whether we know it or not, slavery remains prevalent in our society today. Thousands of people are being forced into labor and sexual captivity, most unknowingly. There are multiple countries, 184 to be exact (including the U.S.), that have dangerous, sometimes fatal, trafficking rings. Many of the undercover police units specifically targeted towards combating human trafficking have been steadfastly trying to track down these inhumane individuals.

In Spain and China, slave laborers have been forced to work in sweatshops for long hours and compensation of next to nothing. In Africa and the Middle East, victims have been forced into sexual bondage at the hands of criminal organizations. This leaves one to wonder how a person could be put into circumstances such as these. CNN reports that these huge criminal organizations transport people to countries giving them false hopes of employment then proceed to take their passports and force them into prostitution and/or labor exploitation. Argentina’s president has recently banned classified advertisements offering sexual acts. Some of their media publications have received large amounts of revenue from sex ads, humiliating and degrading women to the lowest extent. Ironically, headlines against human trafficking were previously not allowed in Argentina’s newspapers and other forms of print.

We cannot view modern-day slavery as something that is not relevant to our country. The evils of the issue are real, and they are happening every day. The statistics of victims and traffickers are alarming. In 2010, the U.S. State Department estimated about 12.3 million people in modern-day slavery worldwide. This number includes adults and children. Out of 12.3 million, only 33,113 victims were identified, and only 3,619 people were convicted. Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, affirmed, “[Human trafficking] is a threat to national security, public health, and democracy.” It is our responsibility to help those without a voice.

There are several ways that you can take a stand against human trafficking. The first step is awareness. We must remain aware of circumstantial signs of victims because the chances of victims being able to cry out for help are rare. The U.S. has established a Trafficking in Persons report (TIP) as well as a Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) through the State Department. The U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act contains guidelines and standards which countries must adhere to. If the guidelines are not followed, the U.S. has the right to issue sanctions. The report lists countries according to how well they meet the standards. The second step is prevention. If you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, it is imperative that you report the occurrence(s) to the police as soon as possible. If you have not been directly affected by human trafficking, there are still a variety of ways that you are able to help. Some include joining local organizations, donating to rehabilitation centers and shelters, and starting community outreach and awareness groups.

For more information, visit http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/and http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2011/ as well as websites of advocates for trafficking victims. The 24-hour National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline phone number is 1-888-373-7888.

Shannon Jones

2011: 09/13
CATEGORY: News & Current Events
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A Young Woman's Manifesto