MODERN IFIGENIA

This weekend on what would be Canada Day and later turn into the 4th of July, I went to Niagara Falls. It was my second time visiting. I have no recollection of the first time. I just know that the first time I was not a U.S. Citizen and this time I was. The first time was in the early 80's when the Canadian government welcomed immigrants with a lot of hostility, this time it was the U.S. government. Nonetheless, I spent my time enjoying these Falls, appreciating their beauty and recognizing just how the times have changed. You would think that all of this history would be overwhelming and send me into deep thought, but there was something else that caught my attention: Nigerian women! That's right! While celebrating Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day, I noticed Nigerian women and their beautiful makeup. It has sent me into a search for online Nigerian makeup tutorials. Maybe next time you see me, instead of being a soaking bum, I will look more like a Nigerian princess....

I have always had an obsession with makeup. That obsession has gone hand in hand with the feeling that I am not attractive enough, and my love of colors. I have learned to master the art of makeup for every occasion, but never managed to look beautiful. I have looked pretty. In fact, the times I feel I look my best, my mom would comment that I didn't look good because the photo didn't really convey who I was. I never quite understood what she meant...until last week. Last week I had the opportunity to spend three days with female immigrant rights activists from across the country. I walked into the meeting room the first day and felt immediately ugly. These women were all beautiful, they looked powerful, wise, they seemed to own who they were. I have strived all my life to look like these women, but at best managed to look pretty. As the time went by with them I noticed one commonality, they didn't wear makeup. There were Mexican women, Korean women, Chinese women...