AURIA CORTES

From Wikipedia: In April 2003, in a speech at Kansas State University, Banfield raised concerns regarding media coverage of the conflict in Iraq. She also blasted “cable news operators who wrap themselves in the American flag and go after a certain target demographic”, specifically naming Fox News Channel as an example. According to a New York Times article, her speech angered NBC management who rebuked her and lowered her profile. She was fired in 2004.

I was originally going to write about the fact that someone found my blog by searching “wearing glasses over a burka.” I figured this blog came up in the search engine results because of the commentary I posted on Abelina Galustian and the references I’ve made regarding the series of paintings I’m creating called Girls that Wear Glasses. But then I came across a post on The Huffington Post called Islamic Like Me: Does This Burka Make Me Look Fat? where the blogger decides to wear a burka for a week and document her experience. I decided to blog about that instead.

When I heard the premise for her “experiment” I quickly became uncomfortable. As I read her thoughts, I became even more so. 

First, the part of the title that reads “Does This Burka Make Me Look Fat?” pissed me off. Um, no. It doesn’t make you look fat. The burka you had on was all black. We all know that black is slimming. But that isn’t why I’m critical of the title.When I read her post, it seemed that title had nothing to do with the content she wrote about. It felt as though she heard “does this burka make me look fat” delivered as a punch line by a slightly overweight, balding pretentious asshole at a high society cocktail party and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to use it herself.

She then points out that she had trouble walking when wearing the burka. I rolled my eyes when I read that part. You see, I’m a tomboy. Not the Rosie O’Donnell kind, but more like Laura Ingalls type. One day I put on Lee Press On Nails for a wedding I was attending that evening and found it difficult to type and pick up items.  While talking with a friend, I asked her how she can function with long fingernails. Correctly so, she pointed out that she’s used to them because she dons real fingernails everyday - unlike me who put on fake fingernails for one occasion. On a side note, she also took time during our conversation to let me know that Lee Press On Nails are a fashion “don’t.”  So, when I read that the Huffingpost blogger had difficulty with the burka, I was reminded of the conversation I had with my friend. The fact that the blogger had a hard time was a “duh” moment.  

What bothered me the most about the blogger and her “experiment” is that I don’t understand her purpose. She has written part three, which I will read once I post this, and tomorrow she’ll post part four. Maybe by the time I have read all her posts, I will begin to understand her motive. 

Her series of paintings, two of which appear above, showcase women in burkas donning lingerie and high heels. Feminists can be found in all religions and cultures. I’m proud to be one of them.

Read an interview she provided the Huffington Post.

I must admit I have nothing over Slim Shady. My so-called clever observations and storytelling skills take a back seat to Eminem’s alter ego. But I lay the blame for this solely on Linda. She’s kept me hidden in her subconscious all our lives—until now.  

I like Linda. Don’t get me wrong. But over the years, I’ve grown jealous of her. While she has been living her life, I’ve had to sit on the sidelines—at times applauding her accomplishments and at others, covering my face in horror when she was about to step in it.    

However, we all have a moment when we realize enough is enough. This epiphany came to me this past summer when Linda’s first nonfiction book was published. You see, I am an aspiring artist and novelist. Seeing Linda’s book on the bookshelves gave me the courage to try and break free of her so I can pursue my own dreams. 

I began working on an original series of paintings, Girls Who Wear Glasses, and writing my novel, The Devil’s Playground (working title). But Linda keeps stifling my growth. Whispering in my ear. Making me feel self-conscious. Most of the time, she wins and I retreat, just as I always have. 

No more. I’m done. It’s my turn now.  

Welcome to the Auria Cortes Blog where, as a payback, I will share Linda’s dirty little secrets, life observations, and the progress I’m making with my novel.