If you haven't seen it yet, stop whatever you are doing immediately and watch this video:
What an absolutely beautiful role model for girls everywhere. If for whatever reason you can't watch the video right now, here's the gist:
With more role models like Lupita Nyong'o, women and men alike can turn the media around and make some serious and much-needed changes on society's idea of beauty. I think this video perfectly echoes what Dr. Coyne's closing remarks were on Monday, so I really don't have much to add.
It's sad, but also very cute in a weird sort of way. I like it.
Also, everyone in the world should be obsessed with Kina Grannis because she is wonderful and talented and the best thing ever. AND SHE'S MARRIED TO IMAGINARY FUTURE AND THEY ARE SO CUTE I COULD DIE. Their babies are going to be so musically talented it's gonna be ridiculous.
I'm not a total weirdo. I don't watch and enjoy just any kid show. But there is one show that I suppose is for kids, but it is easily the coolest show that has ever graced the TV world.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
I will unabashedly love this show forever. It is just too cool not to love.
This obsession does not stem from childhood reminiscence. I saw this show for the first time as a senior high school. Yep. Remember how my parents don't believe in paying for tv? Well, because of that I was never exposed to Avatar until my friends were having a marathon one night. At first, I was resistant. "I'm not into that anime kind of stuff." FOOLISHNESS. This is not your run-of-the-mill "anime" and now that I've seen it, I don't even put it in the same category.
The (extremely watered-down) premise of the show is this: people can control elements, and there is only one person, the "avatar" who can control all four elements. Epic adventures, awesomeness, and hilarity ensues. Just watch the trailer:
I wish I had thought about this show when we talked about prosocial media in class, because this show is a PERFECT example of prosocial television that is great for middle childhood aged kids (or if you're 21, whatever). Of course it has violence, but every act portrayed has consequences, has justification, and revolves around good vs evil. The main character, Aang, is a monk for crying out loud. Being the Avatar, he has the responsibility to bring balance to the world, which requires kicking some bad-guy butt every now and again. But there is never a moment/episode that he does not struggle with it enormously, because he is so determined to resolve things peacefully and in a way that won't hurt anyone.
It's all just so great. Seriously. The script is mature enough to be entertaining for a much older audience, but the lessons taught are SO great for kids. And if you made the mistake of seeing the movie without ever seeing the show, than have no fear, because the two are absolutely nothing alike.
Second confession: I'm not even a little sorry about it.
I don't see what there isn't to love about letting the people around you know that you like them a whole lot. And not necessarily in a romantic way, but in a "Hey! I think you're great!" kind of way. It's the best.
This week I was lucky enough to find this awesome video of guys singing to girls they don't know. It's much less creepy than it sounds. Just watch.
ADORABLE. Letting people know they are awesome -even when you don't know them- is always a great idea. People should do it more often.
So whether you're taken, single, have your eye on a special someone, or are taking a break from love and stuff: get out there today and let someone you know that you're thinking about them! Even better, let somebody, even if it's a perfect stranger,feel special. Everyone deserves it.
As I'm sitting here on my couch in my cozy little apartment, I'm grateful to have a roof over my head instead of being stuck outside in the rain.
But at the same time, I look outside at the very Seattle-esque weather today and can't help but feel joy in my heart for things I so often take for granted, like the rain.
I'm feeling all sappy and stuff because of this sweet video that I'm sure many of you have already seen at this point thanks to social media. But in case you haven't, you're in for a treat. Here's a little girl experiencing rain for the first time.
There is absolutely nothing more precious in this world than the wonder of a child. The best moment is at :27 when she reaches her hands to the sky and just lets out the most honest "WOW" I've ever heard.
For whatever reason, this video did more for me than just fill the daily cuteness quota. It struck a chord within me on a level I never expected from a silly youtube video. It has made me think about appreciating things a little better in life. Life is hard and comes with it's troubles, but really, everything around us is just. so. amazing.
There should never be reason to lose that wonder. The world did not become less marvelous and awe-inspiring, but we've just become complacent with allowing the extraordinary to become ordinary. I hope we can all take a note or two on this little girl's enthusiasm over a little rain and learn to enjoy life a little more.
