Real Girls Have Real Problems
RGHRP was birthed out of Khalisa’s belief that society does not make it acceptable for women to have problems. Everywhere women look, so many influences in their lives are trying to fix them up, clean them up, straighten their hair, thin them out, make them sexier, and hide their flaws. Very few sources promote self-love, the embracing of flaws, and facing the reality of issues. Our society often ignores women’s problems, as if that will make them go away. Furthermore, there are even fewer sources that tell women to clean up their insides, before they worry about their outsides. Everyone tells women to “wear this”, “be cool”, “have swag”. No is one saying, “give back”, “be kind”, “clear your mind”, “get focused”, “manage your anger”. We are broken. Let’s accept it and work toward inner healing.
Praise
“What a vibrant book! Williams’ [Rae’s] use of imagery is a powerful introspective into the life of growing up as a woman of color and the affect of popular culture. My favorite poem is the one about how girls don’t have to grow up to be princesses. Stellar work!” —Dasan Ahanu
“Williams’ [Rae’s] first book is a gift to all of us. Looking forward to reading and supporting her work again in the future.” —Melissa Haggard