Author: Utopia Appaj

  • Why I Don’t Think Religious Titles and the ‘Good Work Mule’ Image Are Good for Black Women

    Utopia Appaj

    As a Black woman raised Christian, I was taught the values of faith and the importance of self-sufficiency. These lessons shaped who I am today, but there’s a deeper issue when these traits are imposed as expectations on Black women. We’re often praised for our resilience and ability to carry it all, but that same… Read more

  • Finding Wellness As A Black Woman In A GMO Saturated Country

    Utopia Appaj

    In a world where fast food chains, processed snacks, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) dominate the market, maintaining wellness can feel like an uphill battle—especially for Black women. Navigating health and wellness in a country saturated with GMOs is not just about the food we eat, but about reclaiming autonomy over our bodies, our nutrition,… Read more

  • Why Does White Media Want To Label Kamala Harris A Black Woman?

    Utopia Appaj

    In the realm of politics, identity often becomes a tool to shape public perception. Kamala Harris, the first female vice president of the United States, has frequently been categorized by media outlets in a manner that seems to serve broader societal narratives. One aspect of this is the insistence by predominantly white media to frame… Read more

  • The Need To Exploit The Black Woman’s Image For Clicks

    Utopia Appaj

    Is it just me, or has the constant attack on Black women on social media gone too far? Every day, it seems like there’s a new viral post or video aimed at tearing down Black women, and it’s exhausting. Recently, a video went viral that, like so many others, degraded Black women in such an… Read more

  • Is Data Misleading And Racist?

    Utopia Appaj

    I recently read an eye-opening book called Legacy by Uché Blackstock, a physician who deeply examines the intersection of race and healthcare. In the book, she shares the heartbreaking story of her mother, who died from a preventable disease simply because she didn’t receive the proper care. This story struck a nerve for me because… Read more

  • My Issue With The Hulu show “How to Die Alone”

    Utopia Appaj

    At first, I thought the Hulu series How to Die Alone was about a woman realizing her potential, accomplishing so much more in life, and moving toward a happier, more fulfilled future. The premise had promise, and I was ready for a refreshing, uplifting narrative. But after binge-watching three episodes, I was left sorely disappointed.… Read more

  • My Struggle With Fibroids

    Utopia Appaj

    My Struggle with Fibroids: A Journey of Pain, Resilience, and Healing Fibroids. A word I didn’t think much about until it became a defining part of my life. For those unfamiliar, fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can vary in size and number, and while some women may never… Read more

  • The Strong Black Woman Trap

    Utopia Appaj

    Social Issues The Strong Black Woman Trap: Breaking Free from Unrealistic Expectations The image of the “strong Black woman” is often celebrated as a symbol of resilience, power, and endurance. While this trope might seem empowering on the surface, it can be a double-edged sword that reinforces harmful stereotypes and unrealistic expectations. This label suggests… Read more