The downside of ‘Booty Pop’ panties

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theGrio

By Talia Whyte

I recently saw a commercial for the “Booty Pop” panties — a pair of panties that is padded to increase a woman’s gluteus maximus, and thus her confidence — available in several sizes: extra-sweet, sweet, sweeter, sweetest and super-sweetest. The panties are available in both black and nude shades. The commercial was clearly geared towards young white women without actually saying as much. And doing a quick search around the Internet, it’s clear the artificial buns are really popular; even with talk show host Kelly Ripa.

What makes this product interesting from a black woman’s perspective is that we have long dealt with low-self esteem and the idea that our bodily features — especially our stereotypically big butts — are not only unattractive, but also inhuman. I remember reading in school about the life of Saartjie “Sarah” Baartman, a black South African woman who was exhibited literally like she was a caged animal throughout Europe 200 years ago because of her large backside.

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Top 10 environmental issues affecting urban America

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(AP Photo/Mark Stahl)

theGrio

By Talia Whyte

Earth Day turns 40 this year, but many African-Americans have never seen environmentalism as a priority until recently. With Van Jones and Majora Carter becoming household names, green is now the new black. Here is a list of 10 environmental justice issues affecting the black community that should be given full attention by all Americans.

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The Casino Debate & Communities of Color

The recent controversy around NFL player Michael Vick’s participation in dog fighting put a spotlight on the many gambling habits happening within high risk communities around the country.  According to those who are against the Massachusetts casino proposal, they say casinos would only exacerbate problem gambling among those mostly affected, namely people of color and low income communities.

A study from the Washington University in St. Louis shows that problem gambling in minority communities is 2-3 times higher than in white communities, however, minorities receive little to no care prevention and treatment. Many surveys show that people of color have the highest lottery participation rates in many states.  As a matter of fact, lottery participation in minority communities is such a problem that many personal finance analysts call it Lottery Riches Syndrome.

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KFC doubles down on controversial bun-less sandwich

theGrio

By Talia Whyte

Next Monday Kentucky Fried Chicken will roll out the controversial Double Down “sandwich” nationwide. If you recall from last summer, KFC created online buzz when the bun-less sandwich only consisting of two white meat chicken breast fillets with a filling of bacon, Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese with the Colonels Sauce was test marketed in Rhode Island and Nebraska.

Outrage over the existence of such a high caloric beast came from many quarters, myself included, who believe that the fast food company is only contributing to the nation’s obesity crisis, especially in communities of color where access to healthy food is lacking. With the national roll out, KFC is getting ahead of another potential PR disaster by getting out all the facts about the Double Down.

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