Tasnia Nasar, Author at Womens Post

Politics June 11, 2015

The City Council From A Millennial’s Perspective

With only a few years left before I graduate from post secondary education, I have taken it upon myself to experience as many things as possible before I’m expected to become an integral part of society. However, I’m beginning to realize that quenching my thirst for knowledge will never be possible as the opportunity to learn something never ends. So when I had the chance to attend my first City Council Meeting at City Hall yesterday- I went.

The atmosphere was serious; a large group of well informed citizens gathered to listen in on what their councillors had to say. Various issues from around the city were raised as each councillor took turns addressing them in a professional, timely manner. It was similar to stimulations we, students, take part in during debates in our Political Science classes. Except this time, the debaters were older, the topics were more current, and the results affected people instead of grades. The Key Matter of the day; the Gardiner Expressway.

My involvement in the Gardiner Expressway debate is fairly recent. As I began to learn more about the Hybrid and Boulevard options, I saw the importance of making the right decision. Being a Millennial, I am invested in the wellness of our future. Therefore, being informed on the environmental, economical, and health factors associated with the Gardiner East options allowed me to have an opinion on the matter. It is the reason I attended City Council. Preparing to live tweet the proceedings, I anxiously waited for some decisions to be made.

However, when City Council announced an in-camera session, I was immediately disappointed. As members of the city, we deserve the right to be informed and be involved in the matters that affect us. As the public paced outside Council Chambers, the 10 minute recess turned into a 3 hour wait. How can a matter affecting so many people be dealt with so privately?

Council was essentially preventing us from gaining the knowledge we need to be an integral part of society. Our need to be well informed citizens was demolished and our intent to be part of the decision was shattered. Not allowing the public to hear the arguments on such as important debate not only lacks transparency, but it effectively demonstrated the importance political power over expert advice.

My day at City Hall may not have revealed a lot about the Gardiner East, but it did reveal one thing; the debate will be a close one. Within a few hours, I was able to hear many different arguments from the public. While one citizen expressed interest in removing the Gardiner East due to the lack of use for it, another citizen deemed the hybrid a necessity as it allows him to come to the city from his home in Brantford.

Council is set to continue the debate today. Stay tuned for more updates.

Featured June 11, 2015

The Time I Dated Myself

Masturdating (v): the act of dating yourself by going out alone to a movie or restaurant

When I first heard this term I, like many of you, cringed. It’s hard enough to watch senior citizens eating alone in a restaurant. Their old, brittle hands attempting to cut through their steak might as well cut through your heart. And then there’s the fear of the cashier at the box office judging you when you ask for just one ticket to Channing Tatum’s new movie. Not to mention the added horror when you end up sitting beside a couple still in their ”honeymoon phase.” Blegh.

However, with the concept of dating yourself becoming more and more embraced (recommended, even), I became drawn to discovering the fascination behind it. Even though I consider myself to be an independent person, the thought of masturdating never occurred to me. I’m all for a night in with a cup of tea, my favourite PJs, and 45 hours of Netflix. But to go to dinner and a movie alone– with 3 dimensional people? Interesting. So one rainy Wednesday afternoon, I decided to masturdate.

Wearing a black, lace dress and some red lipstick, I strolled into a busy downtown cafe for lunch. Mumbled conversations of business meetings and friendly coffee dates filled the air along with delicious aromas of expensive lattes, waffles and pasta. “Fancy, aren’t we?” I thought, as I ordered the $18 plate of carbs with a side of salad, eyeing the waiter for signs of judgement. None. I was already impressed with myself. Financially stable and pretty? Score!

There were a lot of things I learned while I sat at this table for two. For one thing, people do notice you. Within the hour, one man, also sitting alone, asked if I was waiting for someone while an elderly woman proceeded to ask where I was from. No, and oh, hell no. I gathered enough courage to smile at two other women at the table across from me to let them know how obvious their staring was. “Sorry, we’re in love with your bag.” They admitted, as I quickly changed the subject before they asked me where it was from. They all seemed to be thinking something different about me. And then I realized- I didn’t care.

The food was good. I looked good. And there was no awkward small talk to fill the silence. In fact, it was rather emotionally stimulating being lost in my own thoughts in such a busy restaurant. The vulnerability of being alone added some spice to the elements of a successful first date. The feeling was similar to going out with someone you’ve had a crush on for a very long time. Even though you think you know everything about him or her, including where they went on vacation back in 2006 (thank you, Facebook!), you still end up getting a little nervous trying to impress them. Masturdating, I learned, is the idea of impressing yourself instead of trying to impress the one across from you.

I would like to address some concerns before I masturdate again. I proved to be a little less than perfect when I found myself mindlessly scrolling through Twitter and Instagram, forgetting my line of thought. Or- when my thoughts were diverting somewhere I didn’t want to go. It was like texting your best friend when your date says something weird. It was rude.

All in all, I would definitely say yes to a second date. I already have an outfit in mind. Dinner, maybe? Can’t wait.

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Entertainment June 9, 2015

MUST WATCH: 6 Year Old’s ‘Respect’ Performance

6 year old, Johanna Colon’s, performance to Aretha Franklin’s Respect is putting smiles on millions of faces since her internet debut a couple of days ago. The video went viral immediately. What can we say; her sassy, fierce moves will have Beyoncé shaking in her leotards.

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Feminism June 3, 2015

The Best Response to #WomenAgainstFeminism

#WomenAgainstFeminism is apparently a thing. Thousands take to social media every day to write about the reasons they don’t need feminism in their lives. Whether it’s because ”they want to be stay at home moms” or ”cook for their husbands,” its evident the hashtag is for women clearly uneducated on the concept of feminism.

Although the campaign went viral last year, feminism is rapidly becoming recognized as a positive movement supported by celebrities such as Tina Fey, Emma Watson, Beyonce and even men such as Mark Ruffalo and Will Smith. But fear not fellow feminists; we always have each others back.

Just read what blogger Libby Anne Bruce wrote in response to #womenagainstfeminism. We’d say she took the words right out of our mouths. Maybe even in a nicer more adequate way. Right on, sister!

“My response to the “I am not a feminist” internet phenomenon….

First of all, it’s clear you don’t know what feminism is. But I’m not going to explain it to you. You can google it. To quote an old friend, “I’m not the feminist babysitter.”

But here is what I think you should know.

You’re insulting every woman who was forcibly restrained in a jail cell with a feeding tube down her throat for your right to vote, less than 100 years ago.

You’re degrading every woman who has accessed a rape crisis center, which wouldn’t exist without the feminist movement.

You’re undermining every woman who fought to make marital rape a crime (it was legal until 1993).

You’re spitting on the legacy of every woman who fought for women to be allowed to own property (1848). For the abolition of slavery and the rise of the labor union. For the right to divorce. For women to be allowed to have access to birth control (Comstock laws). For middle and upper class women to be allowed to work outside the home (poor women have always worked outside the home). To make domestic violence a crime in the US (It is very much legal in many parts of the world). To make workplace sexual harassment a crime.

In short, you know not what you speak of. You reap the rewards of these women’s sacrifices every day of your life. When you grin with your cutsey sign about how you’re not a feminist, you ignorantly spit on the sacred struggle of the past 200 years. You bite the hand that has fed you freedom, safety, and a voice.

In short, kiss my ass, you ignorant little jerks.”

Written by: LIBBY ANNE BRUCE

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Featured June 2, 2015

Confessions of A Creative Woman

It’s the top skill discussed in an interview, the ability most highlighted in my resume, and the characteristic I’m most known for by my friends and family. I laugh at my own Instagram captions and marvel at how witty my tweets are. I take an extra 20 minutes to make my meals look presentable only to eat it a few seconds later. The stationary section at Chapters is like my Disneyland and overpriced lattes are my chardonnay.

If I just told your life story, you my friend, are creative. We’re often misunderstood. We’re often ‘self-employed’. But we’re also a lot of other things. So it’s time I sat down and confessed why we are– the way we are.

Our life is an organized chaos

I have a laptop case in my purse without a laptop in it. I have a wallet too, but my debit and credit cards are usually in the side pockets. When I’m hungry, I indulge in the smell of gum wrappers and dig through to find a few tangerines…at least that’s what they used to be. Give me a ring while my phone is in my bag and I will need at least 3 missed calls before I can pick up. And after a long day of searching and stuffing things in my purse, I like to come home and throw the said purse on my bed, on top of the clothes that I tried on but did not approve of when I got dressed in the morning.

You may see a mess, but this space is a reflection of what goes on in my head; an explosion of thoughts and opinions waiting to be organized into smaller, more comprehendible messages. Don’t get me wrong; I put those clothes back in my closet using colour coordinated hangers spaced out to perfection. My credit and debit cards are eventually put in my wallet in each assigned slot. Although we creative people have a hard time keeping organized, we have a process that can’t be interfered with. Picking an outfit, slaying at work, or just getting through the day is all a form of art to us. At the back of our minds, we know that blue tank top is somewhere in the pile of our rejected #ootd. So try to fix our ‘mess’ and we’ll spin out of control.

The snooze button was invented with us in mind.

My alarm goes off at 5 a.m. Morning people rejoice at this fact. The birds chirping, the coffee brewing, runners running– it’s a different world, really. However, it’s a world I’m not familiar with. The only reason for my 5 a.m alarm is because it takes me 3 hours to get up in the morning. Creative people can relate to this ‘flaw’ of mine. We are essentially allergic to this part of the day. Why wouldn’t we be? Whether you’re up at night writing your next bestseller, sitting on your floor creating your artistic masterpiece, or just laying in bed thinking about what your next big thing should be, bedtime is no earlier than 2 a.m. Anyone is bound to be a little tired with this type of work ethic. We don’t mind at all, though. Juices flowing, words creating, imaginations wandering– it’s also a very different world. But this time, it’s a world I’m all too familiar with.

Deadlines are impossible to meet.

“Wait, when was that due?” is my catchphrase. Whether I have 3 months, 3 days, or 3 years to finish a project, my prime time to work on it is the night before. The pressure to create something wonderful becomes so significant, it is only at this time when my creative juices start flowing. Missing deadlines is a way of living on the edge. Before this deadline, we almost always ‘lack inspiration’ or have ‘writer’s block.’ As Adam Douglas so accurately said, ”I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” Managers may have a hard time with this life motto of ours, and although we apologize for the inconvenience, we can’t really help it. So the best advice we can give is to embrace the fact that a deadline is really the official date for us to ‘get started.’

We have impeccable fashion sense.

Style. Everyone has one. Yes, fine; sweatpants and hoodies are a form of style as well. If that’s what you feel confident in, then you work those grey palettes! Basically, you have your Britney Spears and you have your Taylor Swifts. Us Swifties (is that what they call themselves?) like red lipstick, dresses, and Pinterest-worthy hair. Our wardrobe is well thought out and requires hours and hours of hard work – and shopping. We think through every little detail, from the colours to the accessories to our shoes. You may not notice, but the neon coloured fringe of my earring matches the tip of my shoes. Unfortunately, we’re often shunned because of the effort we put in into looking good before walking out onto a dirty, smelly sidewalk.

Personally, the effort I put into my appearance isn’t because I look forward to strangers asking me where I got my pants from. I don’t want to tell you where I got my pants from. Because that would put me at risk of being unoriginal. Although it is flattering that people are interested in my fashion sense, the clothes I wear, to me, isn’t fashion. It’s a statement. Whether its putting on a maxi dress to showcase my free spirit or toughening up in a leather jacket to show my edgier side, my attire is my personality. I want you to see it. I need you to see it. Creative people don’t have to tell you they’re creative, you know. You’ll figure it out as soon we step out in front of you.

Our friends have deemed us the quirky one.

Sometimes I’m the life of the party. Other times, I’m the girl in the corner, observing what’s going on around me. “She’s in one of her moods.” I often hear my friends say. I find it rather difficult to identify as an extrovert or introvert. But fear not fellow Lost Souls, this is a mere sign that you’re a woman of a creative nature. You see, we don’t have a work-life balance. Our work is our life. Our life is our work.

The conversations I have with my mom, that strange encounter I had at the coffee shop, thoughts I have while showering; it all factors in to the work I produce. So the next time we’re hanging out and I seem to be in a daze, it’s because I’m thinking of how to incorporate what just happened into my next story. Or I’m redecorating your living room in my head. Or I’m hungry and wondering why I haven’t been offered food yet. The possibilities are endless.

Creativity. It’s a beautiful thing.

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Entertainment June 1, 2015

Caitlyn Jenner: Olympian Hero to Transgender Icon

Former Olympian champion Bruce Jenner made his debut as a woman today on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine. The cover is currently going viral on the internet and we know exactly why! Whether it’s the brunette locks, her fierce expression, or those super toned legs, Caitlyn Jenner completes every criteria of the modern day bombshell.

Just a few months ago, the reality star sat down with Diane Sawyer, still known as Bruce Jenner, in an emotional 2 hour interview, coming out as a woman. Now referred to as her, this is Caitlyn’s first public appearance since the interview and transitional surgery. It is confirmed, however, that Jenner has not yet gone through genital surgery.

“If I was lying on my deathbed and I had kept this secret and never ever did anything about it, I would be lying there saying, ‘You just blew your entire life. You never dealt with yourself,’ and I don’t want that to happen.” Jenner stated in the 22 page cover story, on newsstands June 9.

Caitlyn Jenner took to social media to tweet from her new account “I’m so happy after such a long struggle to be living my true self. Welcome to the world Caitlyn. Can’t wait for you to get to know her/me.” Celebrities, friends, family, and her fans also tweeted out their support and commends Caitlyn for her bravery.

It’s no doubt the 65 year old has become an overnight icon for the transgendered community. She joins the list of other transgendered celebrities such as Sonny and Cher’s son, Chaz Bono and former Miss Universe contestant, Jenna Talackova. We’re looking forward to seeing what more Caitlyn has in store for us.

Although North American society is quickly becoming more welcoming towards the LGBT community, it’s evident that the ‘T’ is often overlooked. Like Jenner, there are still many people out there who are struggling to come out as transgendered. If you or someone you know needs help with any transgendered related issues, visit http://www.translifeline.org/.

#TOPOLI with Thomson May 28, 2015

‘Tampon Tax’ To Be Removed on Canada Day

Go ahead and buy that bigger tub of ice-cream, ladies. The Federal government announced their decision to remove the Goods and Service Tax from tampons and other feminine hygiene products today. The changes will be made effective as of July 1. A Happy Canada day it shall be.

In an announcement from the Department of Finance, the government stated they would remove the GST and HST from the sale of “a product that is marketed exclusively for feminine hygiene purposes and is a sanitary napkin, tampon, sanitary belt, menstrual cup or other similar product.”

The issue was first brought up earlier this year when dozens of online petitions that began across the nation as females protested about the rather arbitrary tax. Women took to social media pointing out the sexism that exists with the “tampon tax” despite other necessary goods such as groceries and prescription drugs being zero-rated.

According to change.org’s Canadian Petition , approximately 17,876,392 Canadian women between the ages of 12–49 spent about $519,976,963.00 on menstrual hygiene products with the government raking in $36,398,387.00 from said amount. The petition has garnered over 74, 000 signatures since it began early this year.

It’s certainly a step forward for Canada to realize women’s menstrual cycles are not something to be making money off of. Society has been deeming periods as shameful and impure for decades now. Whether it’s through unrealistic commercials or the stigma of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), it’s time to change the perception of periods for what they really are; a natural process of the human body.

Featured May 28, 2015

Gay Feminist Student Shuts It Down With This Yearbook Quote

17 year old Caitlyn Cannon wrapped up the school year with probably the most relevant quote you’ll see today.

The recent Oak Hills High School graduate from California said she found the quote on Tumblr and changed the parts that were written from a man’s perspective. Her choice was followed by her decision to leave something behind that was both different and true to herself.

The quote states, ““I need feminism because I intend on marrying rich and I can’t do that if my wife and I are making .75 cent for every dollar a man makes.”

In an email to The Huffington Post, Cannon stated “I was tired of seeing the same old quotes from popular books and movies and authors, and I wanted to call attention to a problem that women face, I’ve never really been ashamed to say that I am gay, so the LGBT aspect was simply who I am.”

Her friend tweeted the photo out yesterday which has since then, gotten over 6000 retweets.

Featured May 27, 2015

A Message To Those Who Attended #CropTopDay

Students took to a Toronto high school yesterday to protest a dress code after one of their fellow classmate’s choice of attire was deemed inappropriate. After feeling uncomfortable over the way teachers were ”judging her”, the student took to Facebook to create an event called #croptopday.

“I told [the principal] I had a lineup of outfits planned out because this was my birthday week,” the student stated in an interview for the National Post. “Because I wanted to feel very beautiful, look very beautiful and feel very confident in myself and be happy — and they were sexualizing my outfit.” She will be turning 18.

Although the event received an overall positive response and attracted the attention of social media platforms and news outlets across the nation, a spokesman for the Toronto District School Board reiterated the same thoughts in a statement saying ”students need to dress appropriately for school and what Halket wore wasn’t considered appropriate.”

And while the students showed great initiative by taking a stand in something they felt passionately about, I too, have some thoughts on the matter. So below is a brief message for those that attended Crop Top Day:

In all honesty, I think the school board has a right to implement a dress code. It’s essentially an institution where students go to gain knowledge and learn skills that will help them become an intregal part of society. Jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly acceptable forms of attire in this type of environment.

Here’s a thought; dress-codes are implemented in the workplace as well. Men and women are to wear professional, conservative attire. Not because it’s ”distracting” in the workplace to wear crop tops – but because its just inappropriate.

If we, as adults, can come to terms with the dress-codes implemented in our workplace, you, as teenagers should be able to come to terms with your dress-codes as well. Trust me when I tell you this: covering your midriff at school will not hurt your ability to retain information and get better grades.

The fact of the matter is, it’s school. There are rules. Save your crop tops for when you’re sneaking out of the house at night. Or wear it to your birthday party, Alexi.

As a 20 year old feminist myself, I can ensure that you are not being sexualized by your teachers. Your male classmates are told to pull up their pants and wear shirts to school as well. You’re not being oppressed by being told what not to wear. You’re being disciplined because you are, whether you like it or not, at the bottom of the hierarchy. The popular girls aren’t at the top of this hierarchy– your principals and teachers are.

So do us all a favour, and cover up a little. A t-shirt, a blouse, a burqa; there’s so many options! You will be respected by teachers and classmates, take less trips to the principal’s office, and most importantly– you’ll still turn heads in the halls. Because you’ll still look beautiful, even with your midriff covered!

Featured May 26, 2015

6 Looks to Try At Work This Summer

The sun is shining, the grass is growing, and the temperature is rising. Summer is here, ladies. So you may be finding it a little warm under that blazer for the next couple of months. Follow these quick tips on how to stay cool and still look fashionable for work this summer.

Sun’s Out, Gun’s Out

After all those bicep curl ups at the gym during the long winter months, it’s finally time to show off those results. A sleeveless button up top like this one is professional yet comfortable for the summer heat. Pair it with nice, structured dress pants and take on a day at the office looking chic and tailored. Dress up the look with simple accessories or keep it effortlessly fabulous with a sleeked back up-do.

Maxi, Maybe?

Who says maxi skirts are only for a day at the beach? With button down top, a stylish blouse, and a structured bag, you can bring street style into the office with some easy accessories. Be ladylike and powerful with this flowy piece. Play with different colour schemes and try out different looks as a maxi skirt is probably the most versatile item to look forward to this summer.

Pop Star

Bring out the colour! Black blazers and grey sweaters are behind us now. Whether it’s a coral pink or a vibrant orange, a pop of colour can be all you need to transition your wardrobe from winter to summer. Don’t be afraid to wear bold shades and mix and match with prints and patterns. Why should you sacrifice fun summer fashion during your day at the office?

Classy and Sassy

Channel your upper east side persona with this girly look. A bright coloured skirt and a neutral top is sophisticated and feminine. Have fun with your accessories and jazz up your outfit with some fun flats or heels. The trick to looking like you walked off the runway into the office is to wear your outfit with confidence.

Less is More

Dresses. They’re light, they’re airy, they’re effortless. Choose a structured dress or rock this flowy number with ease. Finish your look off with a statement necklace or a belt and strut your way down the halls in comfort. Dresses have a way of creating a stylish, feminine look with minimal effort. The best part; they can take your outfit from day to night with a quick change of shoes. (Don’t forget to leave your work at the office!)

Pretty in Palazzos

Ladies, whatever you add to your summer wardrobe this year, make sure it includes palazzo pants! Here’s a little secret: they’re a little more comfortable than pajamas. Not only do they add some texture to your outfit, but they’re also incredible fashionable at the moment. Hot off the runways this season, palazzo pants can be worn with a simple button down top or a tshirt and blazer. The look will turn heads and you’ll be the most comfy you’ve ever been. Ever.

Work wear doesn’t have to be boring. With these tips, you can make be the powerhouse of your office in style. Be a top employer and fashion icon this summer! Good luck!

*All photos have been taken from Pinterest*