Racisim Really? Its Out Of Control!

I Support American Eagle Sidney Sweeney's Ad

When I first came across the advertisement featuring Sydney Sweeney, I was struck by her youthfulness and vitality. The image radiated a sense of freshness that is often associated with the latest trends in fashion. It made me pause and reflect on the world of advertising and how it can sometimes provoke unexpected reactions.

I decided to delve deeper into the surrounding discussions and controversies that had emerged in the media regarding this campaign.

 This led me to visit my local American Eagle Store, where I was pleasantly surprised to find the place bustling with activity. The store was packed with enthusiastic shoppers, and as I browsed through the racks, I discovered some fantastic jeans that made me wonder why I had never considered purchasing them before. I can confidently say that I have since added a few pairs to my wardrobe!

However, amidst the excitement of shopping and the allure of new fashion, I couldn't help but think about the underlying issues that seem to overshadow such campaigns. (DEAR GOD HELP!)

It is indeed perplexing that we often find ourselves caught up in discussions about race and identity when there are pressing global issues at hand, such as wars and humanitarian crises that demand our attention and action.

Yet, here we are, dissecting the implications of a jeans advertisement. GOD HELP!

The advertising campaign, which launched this week, features the blonde-haired and blue-eyed actor dressed in denim and it bears the tagline: "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans."

This tagline, while catchy, ignited a wave of discussions about race and representation in advertising.

The narrative that emerged, suggesting that the campaign was Genetically and racially insensitive or exclusionary, was incredibly frustrating for many. As if she had some divine connection to beauty.. Geesh!

It's important to recognize that the conversation around genetic racism in the United States has been ongoing for at least the last five years, if not longer.

 The persistent racial divide has become a focal point in political discourse, reminiscent of issues that were purportedly resolved over two centuries ago. Yet, paradoxically, it seems that such discussions have now become the norm, influencing how we perceive and interpret various aspects of society, including advertising.

There are individuals who claim black heritage, often for the sake of fashion or social media visibility, which complicates the narrative further by the amount of social media hype!

 A striking example of this phenomenon is Meghan Markle, who, after marrying Prince Harry of the UK, became a focal point for discussions about race and identity.

Throughout her life, she identified as Caucasian on official forms, yet her most recent public persona has been intricately tied to her mixed heritage. Fueled by supporting entertainers and politicians alike using her to PUSH their attention getting racial agenda... (will she ever learn?)

This duality raises questions about authenticity and the societal pressures surrounding identity. Markle's use of makeup and tanning to emphasize her Blackness has sparked debates about representation, particularly when she was labeled as the "Black Princess," despite the fact that there have been other women of mixed skin color in royal history.

So, what does any of this have to do with the American Eagle jeans? The connection lies in the clever wordplay of the advertisement. The phrase "great genes" plays on the dual meanings of "genes" and "jeans," highlighting Sweeney's appeal as a model. ( do we really care?)

She is portrayed as a beautiful young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, fitting the traditional mold of many fashion models.

 The ad aims to sell jeans, plain and simple, yet it inadvertently invites scrutiny and debate about race and representation in the fashion industry. Because it's now a paid job to find faults, racism and politics in everything.

Anyone remember the iconic ads from the 1980s? In 1980, the then 14-year-old Brooke Shields starred in a series of print and television ads for Calvin Klein Jeans, which stirred up considerable controversy at the time.

Yes, she was just 14 years old, yet her undeniable beauty captivated audiences and helped to sell jeans. Yes SELL JEANS!

Interestingly, Calvin Klein has since embraced diversity, featuring both Black and White models in their campaigns, some of whom undoubtedly possess "great genes" as well.

The slogan from those ads, "You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing," has become a cultural touchstone that transcends generations. It prompts us to reflect on how far we have come—or perhaps how far we have fallen—in our societal attitudes towards beauty, race, and representation in advertising.

Ultimately, the core issue here revolves around the commodification of jeans. Brands like Abercrombie and Fitch have successfully used both Black and White models to market their jeans, yet there seems to be little backlash for their choices. As in many other fashion houses who use Denim!

This raises the question: where is the outrage when it comes to their advertising practices?

So, what exactly is the issue at hand?

Some have pointed fingers at Sweeney's family, who have donned MAGA hats in the past, suggesting that their political affiliations somehow taint the advertisement.

But really, is a hat or a pair of jeans worth such divisive scrutiny?

If this is what we consider a pressing issue, then perhaps we need to reevaluate our priorities. We should focus on the fundamental truth that we are all created in the image of GOD, and it is crucial to foster love and understanding rather than perpetuate the cycles of division fueled by social media and the quest for likes, shares, and attention.

For those seeking attention or validation, I encourage a shift in focus towards community service and outreach. There are countless individuals in need of love, compassion, and support, and it is through these acts of kindness that we can truly make a difference.

Let’s move beyond the politically correct narratives and the biases that cloud our judgment, and instead, strive for a more united and understanding, caring society.

Dr Theresa Phillips

TheChicagoVoiceInfo@gmail.com

I Saw an Island... A New Land Emerge Out of The Indian Ocean

As I led worship last night in church, I felt an overwhelming urgency to go deeper into the presence of God. It was as if I was being beckoned into a profound moment in time, a deep calling that resonated within my spirit and urged me to explore the depths of worship and connection with the Divine.

As this spiritual experience unfolded, I was suddenly enveloped in a vision that felt both unique and significant. The intensity of the moment compelled me to share what I had seen, as it seemed too important to keep to myself.

I saw an island materialize out of nowhere in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. This island was not marked on any map, as if it had existed in the shadows of time, hidden from human eyes until now.

But I sensed that its time had come; it WILL BE SEEN! A new land, rich with promise and potential, was about to be discovered.

On this island, I envisioned a tribe of people who were diverse in appearance, with many shades of skin reflecting the beauty of humanity. Their garments were vibrant, adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors that spoke of their rich culture and heritage.

This community lived by a society rooted in laws and mindfulness, fostering a sense of harmony and respect for one another. The island itself was pristine, with shores that sparkled with white sands, inviting and untouched by pollution or neglect.

The foliage of this land was lush and abundant, filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables that thrived in the fertile soil. Birds of many colors flitted through the trees, their songs adding to the symphony of nature, creating an exquisite atmosphere. The tribe was not only beautiful in their appearance but also powerful in Spirit, embodying a sense of unity and purpose.

Suddenly, my attention was drawn to a man of the tribe who was holding a Bible in his hands. It had washed ashore from the ocean, its pages worn yet remarkably white, a symbol of hope and faith.

The cover was faded, but it was undeniably a BIBLE! In a miraculous display, when the man pointed the Bible toward the sky, it began to rain, a divine connection manifesting in the natural world. When he directed it toward the ground, the rain ceased, showcasing the power of this sacred text. Another man approached him, and as the first man pointed the Bible toward him, he fell to the ground in a state of repentance. It was evident that this tribe understood the POWER OF THE WORD and its SIGNIFICANCE in their lives.

Was this salvation as we know it? The realm within the church began to shift dramatically. I could perceive an increase in angelic activity within the room, and the atmosphere transformed into one of Holy reverence. It was as if the very air was charged with Divine Presence.

Amidst this spiritual awakening, one lady shared a word about the importance of washing feet, a profound act of humility and service. My husband, Robert, took the initiative to grab a towel, and I poured glory oil over it, symbolizing the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Several bottles of water were poured over the feet of those in attendance, creating a sacred moment of cleansing and renewal.

A Holy Awe enveloped the room, filling every heart with a sense of reverence and connection to the Divine. As I returned home later that evening, I sensed a move of GOD like I had never experienced before. This was not a new phenomenon; it was HOLY in its essence.

It transcended the typical expressions of shouting and praising; instead, it was marked by a deep reverence that felt both different and yet ancient, as if we were tapping into something timeless and sacred.

I found myself questioning whether we had touched upon an ancient moment in time, as if Eternity was drawing closer to the congregation. Did we fully grasp the magnitude of what was happening? I pondered this for some time, and this is what The Lord spoke to me in response.

Paraphrasing mine

Isaiah 43:19

¹⁹ Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? (LAND) I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. (where there was none before)

I believe with all my heart that we will soon hear about a land discovered that had never been seen before. I have faith that this group of people will shine as lights in the darkness, illuminating the path for others.

Furthermore, I believe that we will hear prophets expound on this revelation, proclaiming messages like, "for such a time as this..." But I say to us all, in the name of Our God, that a New Land will emerge.

A New people will be found, and the boundaries of maps will change as we know them. This vision aligns with what I had months ago about the strategies in heaven, where boundaries would be redefined and expanded.

HERE IS THAT WORD

Thank you for reading and sharing

God bless

Dr. Theresa Phillips

TheChicagoVoiceInfo@gmail.com