(www.tsquirrel.com)

My post this week was going to be about Spring cleaning, but it will have to wait. For some reason I cannot stop finding the opinionated, headline making, soon to be pop culture icon Amber Rose interesting. She keeps my attention more than cleaning so she wins. I never intentionally look for her, but when she ends up on my newsfeed or if I hear about something she’s involved in, she never disappoints. The replies she gives to her critics are audacious and humorous. Not to mention she has pretty thick skin, and is able to take the kind of insults that would make many hide under the covers for days until people forget, but she instead quickly uses them to her advantage. And, of course how could I not love that after she finishes “schooling” her biggest critics online, she lovingly signs her post “Muva”.

What I admire most about Amber is that this African, European, and Italian chick doesn’t conveniently fade into the background just because she’s not a favorite, or at times even liked at all. She’s a bit of a problem child, and that I can relate to. While I’ve never been a former stripper, there are many times I’ve chosen not to conform, follow the masses, or let past mistakes get in my way. She doesn’t mind being unpopular and she doesn’t run from people or situations that are stacked against her because of the bias support they give to her rivals. Ms. Rose refuses to be the only one in a room full of “wrongs” to apologize, just so everyone can get back to business as usual. This mentality hasn’t been seen often in a female, it’s one that will only take responsibility for their issues, and you dare not trick them into carrying anyone else’s. One can only wonder how different things could have turned out for Monica Lewinsky? If she only would have seen things this way, stood up to the President, and not allow society to shame her while the man involved is idolized? Thank goodness it’s no longer the 90’s.

This is increasingly becoming a world where there are so many people famous for nothing, or only for who they are dating. But, let’s be honest even that still has been reserved for a few. I respect that Amber is determined to also become rich and famous for the same, whether people want her to or not. If I had a daughter would I want her to grow up and be just like Amber Rose? No. I whole heartedly hope I can prevent her from having a difficult childhood, and succumbing to the fast money pitfalls that helped to create the persona of Amber Rose. However, what I do hope is that like Amber whatever hand she is dealt, she will play the hack out of. And also like Amber, won’t get up from the table to leave the game until she’s ready, and not any time before then. It wasn’t easy finding pictures of Amber Rose fully clothed, hence the head shots being used. There’s no doubt that as much as I encourage people to be aware of their self- worth from within, that I would be more comfortable tooting Amber Rose’s horn if she wore pant suits like Hilary Clinton, but she doesn’t. And, I’m adult enough to understand that she doesn’t have to be like me, doesn’t owe anyone an explanation, and that hopefully this isn’t her final chapter.

(www.musictimes.com)

Although her unrepentant, in your face, over the top sexual image has helped her gain popularity, I’m waiting to see what else she chooses to do with it. Hopefully, it does not keep her in a box and becomes the foundation that launches her into superstardom, with her business savvy being revealed. Their are plenty who have been successful at doing just that. One in particular, whom I didn’t want to mention, but to be fair I have to…Kim Kardashian.

Rachel Bryant Lundy