Sweatpants Season
He has a
big…smile.
It was the first thing I noticed that day
until he stood. His grey sweatpants hung off his hips and I didn’t want to look. I really didn’t.
I’m a
feminist.
I don’t believe in objectifying men. I
don’t catcall men. I don’t ogle the bodies of men. I don’t view men as objects of my affection rather than complex people with feelings, wants, and needs of their own. I don’t treat men the way
society often treats women.
I treat men the way I want to be treated as
a woman—with respect!
So, when Carlos ran into me while I was
reviewing my interview questions in the park, it surprised me to see my photography classmate out of context. I was also surprised to see as much of him as I
did.
It wasn’t just that it caught my eye. It
was the fact that it held my attention.
It wasn’t just that it was large. It was
the fact that it was visibly large.
It wasn’t just that it was Carlos Richmond.
It was the fact that I am Akila Bishara.
And I am not seduced by anything other than
intelligent conversation, witty rapport, and meaningful actions.
I am not seduced by a dick
print.
I am
not.
Seriously, I’m
not.
Cuffing Season
A Standalone Spinoff of Sweatpants Season
I wasn’t looking for a
man.
I was looking for a
mentor.
When renowned photographer Luca Romano
returned home to teach a Photo Storytelling workshop, Hamilton University was buzzing. But a campus wide email warned us not to approach Luca if we weren’t selected to participate—and I wasn’t
selected.
I wasn’t looking to break the
rules.
I was looking to break into the
industry.
I knew getting photographed by Luca Romano
would catapult my career. I hoped he’d call, but I had no expectations. I wanted to converse with him, pick his brain, expand my portfolio. That’s all.
Listen… I wasn’t looking to be his
muse.
But I wasn’t going to tell him
no.