"Smashing the Beauty Box," Presented by Guest Speaker Rosie Molinary
What is beauty? Author Rosie Molinary believes it can be a confining box, where too many women either place themselves, or are placed by others. In a talk at UMass Amherst, she'll share tools to help break free of those difficulties.
"Every day, we perpetuate non-inclusive body and beauty ideals that limit our possibilities," Molinary says. "It is time for women of all colors, sizes and ethnicities to confront the boxes they are placed in... and create world views that are expansive and empowering. Frank discussion helps women escape the stranglehold of beauty so that we can concentrate our energies on using our skills and experiences to improve our world."
Molinary is a freelance writer, author and teacher whose works have appeared in national, regional and literary magazines and books. Her first book, Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image and Growing Up Latina, published in June 2007, offers a provocative look at beauty, identity and womanhood as defined by ethnic culture, parental upbringing and American standards. Molinary also teaches workshops on creativity, journaling, social justice and writing for continuing education programs, schools, colleges and conferences.
This event is co-sponsored by the Bilingual Collegiate Program; Everywoman’s Center Counseling Services; Health Education at University Health Services (UHS); the Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center; the Malcolm X Cultural Center, and the Women of Color Leadership Network.