Motor City Match’s Post

*** Dressing Up vs. Growing Up from Society's Expectations *** So, lately, I've been feeling a bit under the microscope when it comes to how I dress. It's got me thinking about what really matters to us as a community. Seems like everywhere you turn, there's this obsession with looks. People are quick to judge based on appearances, whether it's a comment about needing to "dress nicer" or some raised eyebrows over what you're wearing. But here's the thing – does it really matter that much? Shouldn't we be focusing on what's inside, rather than what's on the outside? It brings to mind those old stories from Sheikh Saadi, you know, about how true identity goes way beyond what you're wearing. And it's not just about clothes. It's about what we value as a society. I've noticed this worrying trend, especially among young folks, where material stuff and looking good seem to take priority over everything else. It's like, instead of worrying about what really matters, we're too caught up in trying to impress others. But what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of chasing after some ideal image, we embraced who we really are? Imagine a world where people aren't judged by the labels on their clothes but by the strength of their character. It's time for a change. We need to rethink our priorities and start valuing substance over style. Because when we do, we'll create a community where authenticity is celebrated, and everyone can be proud of who they are, not just what they wear.

May 5th is Red Dress Day!!   Red Dress Day.  A day to reflect on all those women MMIWG2SL+ who have gone missing or were murdered.   Red Dress Day.  A day to remember how important each and every women, MMIWG2SL and how important they were to their family, their children, their spouse, their community and to every person who knew them.   Red Dress day:  A day to consider what justice would look like for each MMIWG2SL+ and what would allow them and their families to rest in peace and have peace of mind.   Red Dress Day.  A day to imagine what every woman MMIWG2S+ would have contributed to this world and how much better the world would be with them in it.    Red Dress Day:  A day to question political leaders what actions have they taken to address the situation off MMIWG.   Red Dress Day: a day for you to ask yourself what you have done to bring awareness to what Red dress day means and how have you raised your voice to add to calls for action.   Red Dress Day:  A day to proclaim every day Red dress Day and take action

Is the Handmaid's Tale becoming a reality? I just started watching/reading the Handmaid's Tale. For those who aren't familiar with the story (I wasn't until earlier this week), it warns about a time in the future where the rights of women have been lost. While the book focuses on the plight of women, I believe it is a cautionary tale for all underserved and marginalized groups. I've noted before about how the federal government was attempting to collect information I believed violated my privacy; information such as if I had illegitimate children of if there was someone who knew something about embarrassing about me of a sexual nature. While watching the first episode, I thought to myself "How did they know that much information about any of these women?"; my whistleblower experience came to mind. Someone attempted to collect information about me in a federal database that capture behavioral type of information. If governments are capturing that information now, what is stopping governments from collecting personal gynecological information on women... Gynecological information is part of our medical records - which are in digital/electronic format. How big of a leap is it to be transfered to government databases... Folks, we need to pay attention to what is going on and stop being distracted by petty stuff. The Rule of Law Matters! #handmaidstale #handmaidstaletiktok #womenempowerment #womenpower #womensrights #womensrightsmatter #womensrightsarehumanrights #womensupportingwomen #womensrighttochoose #womensrightsmovement #data #datatheft #privacy #privacyprotection #privacymatters #privacyviolations

This is only my second in person podcast recording and we talked for a good 90 minutes!! And this was late November.. Already feels like so much has happened since. (Also I had a black tie event to leg it to afterwards which is why I am *so* overdressed 🤣) Definitely give it a listen (or download the transcript) and hear some very honest and open discussion. Business Without Bullshit thank you for having me! #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #StartUpLife

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝. 💃 Recently, I took a stroll through Melbourne, armed with 50 red roses ready to spread joy to random women of various ages. Each flower represented a small token of love and kindness, but the impact was immeasurable. Their reactions were priceless—smiles, tears of joy, and heartfelt thanks. This experience reinforced a powerful lesson: acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create significant positive ripples. Imagine the impact if we all made an effort to brighten someone’s day. In business and in life, genuine connections and moments of kindness are invaluable. They build trust, foster goodwill, and create lasting impressions. By incorporating these principles into our professional lives, we not only enrich our relationships but also enhance our personal brand. Let's commit to making kindness a daily habit. Whether it’s a compliment, a helping hand, or a simple smile, these small gestures can transform someone's day and, by extension, their perception of us. 🌹 #kindness #socialexperiment #womenempowerment #inspiration #markmanmedia #mariamarkman #mmbrand #BRANDD Markman Media Pty Ltd

Please watch this one. This is SUCH a good example of “DEI washing”or “performative allyship” - businesses using models with limb differences to market themselves as inclusive…but refusing to sell paired items as single items for people WITH limb difference. If inclusivity is part of your commercial brand strategy, your better have the product offering to back it up…or else you’re going to get called out! #DEI #disability #inclusion #limbdifference #marketing #brandidentity

Very powerful, authentic, compelling storytelling for the need to change...businesses, fashion in particular, can be even more successful by doing more of the "right" things for garment workers and the planet...

💈Trying something new: Yes, white People can also get their hair braided! 🌟This experience isn't just about changing my look; it's a reflection of my mentality in life and business. I believe in being open to new experiences, both personally and professionally. If we stick to the same methods, we’ll only achieve what everyone else does. But when we try new things, we open the door to different outcomes. Sometimes, we don't know if a new approach will be better, but the key is to try, learn, and grow from it. 🌟 This new hairstyle also led me to explore the rich history behind cornrows, a hairstyle deeply rooted in Black culture. Originally, cornrows were used as a means of communication, symbolizing various messages, including social status and identity. During the transatlantic slave trade, they were also used as maps for escape routes and even a way to hide seeds for survival. Embracing this style gave me a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance. #NewExperiences #CulturalAppreciation #Braids #Cornrows

"This 9-year-old double amputee will walk the runway at New York Fashion Week" When I see titles like these, I think to myself: "So what? Many other kids get to do this. Is it only the disability that makes her special?" But I often read the article anyway because the story may be interesting or inspiring, despite the unfortunate title. I'm always disappointed when, alas, the article highlights the disability, not the individual. Another opportunity missed to explore the inner life, dreams, aspirations, and emotions of a person with a disability. Another opportunity missed to illustrate that we are people first, living our lives, adapting to our challenges, pursuing our goals. Another opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary human being.....who happens to have a disability. I hate how insidious it is. It can be subtle, and often escapes the notice of disabled people, as well as able-bodied people. We need to start critically thinking, and pushing back. Start demanding person centered titles. Writers need to use quotes from the individual, not their caregiver. Share how they feel and what their goals are. How did they get here, and why is it such an accomplishment.

Is your company actively discussing disability bias? 🤔 It's crucial to examine whether unintentional barriers exist within your workplace. Be sure to make these important conversations a regular part of your monthly meeting agenda and ensure inclusivity is the norm. 🌍 #inclusionmatters #disabilityawareness