Lifetime’s “Dance Moms” has long come
to define itself as one of the most esoteric,
passionate and wild-child offspring of
American reality television. The show features
the unhinged and intrinsically convoluted
kingdom that dance teacher Abby Lee Miller
built at her Pittsburgh dance studio. Producers
painted Abby Lee as a maverick of the East
Coast dance scene and ultimately a brash,
unfiltered, iron-fisted ruler with no grace
or tact for anything other than a weekend
competition win and bedazzled, color-
coordinated jewelry. Abby Lee’s teaching
style could often be likened to a hardened,
Machiavellian-esque approach, in which her
clear favorites — those she believed had the
greatest potential for economic and cultural
yield for her empire — were handpicked to
be stars amongst the rest of her students.
Abby Lee’s manufactured and painstakingly
curated child prodigies were handed the most
vulnerable and beautiful routines, budding
music careers, one-on-one coaching and the
coveted Abby Lee-branded and approved
dance team jacket.
Abby Lee Miller is a delightful enigma in
her own right, and she built one of the most
recognizable institutions in dance from the
ground up, further cementing herself as a
highly-seasoned veteran of the craft. During
the show’s filming, Abby Lee was fond of
declaring that her students should save their
tears for the pillowcase, dangling solos as
the ultimate bargaining chip and using a
pyramid of the cast members’ headshots as a
weekly ranking system of their performance.
And viewers soon learned that the key to
success at the Abby Lee Dance Company
was to keep your head down, point your toes
just right and keep your mother from ever
contradicting Abby Lee’s administrative
decisions. Abby Lee was also managing
tangled legal troubles after she pled guilty in
2016 to federal charges of bankruptcy fraud
and received a one-year prison sentence
along with a hefty fine. In April 2018, shortly
after her release from prison, Abby Lee was
diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, and she
temporarily lost her ability to walk after a
long ordeal with cancer treatment and spinal
surgery. And now the last and most recent
season of “Dance Moms,” outfitted with a
new cast of moms, climatically yields a more
self-aware Abby Lee Miller.
Adhering to its namesake, the stars and
catalyzers of “Dance Moms” were the moms
themselves. Often at odds with Abby Lee
over solos and duets, costume assignments
and Abby Lee’s spontaneous hiatuses from
work or ordeals of favoritism, moms and
daughters came and went. However, a core
group of moms came to define themselves
as the Abby Lee Dance Company’s original
wunderkinds, and more deeply, irreplaceable
in every regard. Melissa Gisoni, Maddie and
Mackenzie Zeigler’s mother, was known
for her steadfast support of her children
and their opportunities. Jill Vertes, Kendall
Vertes’ mother, was known for championing
her “Little Kendall’’ at every turn (maybe
rightfully so at times). Kelly Hyland, mother
of Paige and Brooke Hyland, dragged
Abby Lee by her hair during an altercation
and left the show, though soon after, was
canonized as one of “Dance Moms” most
missed and audacious mothers. There was
Christi Lukasiak, mother of Chloe Lukasiak,
who was well-cherished for her quick wit,
objectivity and shrewdness. And lastly,
and most importantly, there was Dr. Holly
Hatcher-Frazier, mother of Nia Frazier, most
known for her integrity, loyalty, care and
even-minded impeccable class.
In a world where a pandemic is
restricting the way of life we have always
known, why has only 18.4% of the United
States’ population received their first dose of
the vaccine? Why are a third of Americans
so uncomfortable and untrusting of the
vaccine and the vaccine production process
that could protect us all from an even
longer painful experience? While 18.4%
is a disappointing number, according to
data reported by 35 states on COVID-19
vaccinations by race/ethnicity, only 7%
of the Black population has received the
first dose; in comparison, 13% of white
Americans, 5% of Hispanics and 11% of Asian
Americans have received the first dose of
the vaccine. These statistics are partly due
to the historical mistrust between the Black
community and the medical community; a
mistrust that runs so deep Black Americans
are skeptical of a vaccine that could slow
down the spread of COVID-19 which has
caused 531,000 fatalities in the U.S. alone.
This
virus
has
disproportionately
affected minority groups, and yet many
minorities do not have access to the vaccine
even if they do have interest. Across the
country, and especially in the South,
minorities are forced to drive long distances
to find a vaccine site. In Dekalb, Ga., Black
residents are 56% more likely to live over a
mile away from a vaccine site compared to
white residents. However, these barriers
extend beyond the South. In Queens, N.Y.,
Black residents are 106% more likely to live
over a mile away from a vaccine site.
These statistics speak volumes regarding
the lack of progress not only in the medical
industry, but in government as well. Time
and again, minority communities have
to go out of their way to receive the care
they deserve, and in this case the lack of
transparency surrounding the vaccine due
to political tension and misinformation
has not helped calm the nerves of Black
communities.
Instead of strictly adhering to scientific
facts, the vaccine became politicized as
the year went on, fogging the messages
communicated by scientists who supervised
these programs.
Americans
never
received an opportunity to
become
comfortable
with
the process of the vaccine
production.
While
scientists
were
trying to educate the country
throughout
the
creation
timeline, the political climate
overshadowed these facts, creating a barrier
of distrust between the American people
and the product being sold. One example of
the issue that is lacking transparency would
be the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, which
began in 1932 and concluded in 1972, in which
medical personnel intentionally prevented
hundreds of African American men from
receiving proper care for the sole purpose
of observing the progression of untreated
syphilis. The ripple effects of this experiment
continue to affect Black Americans today
as the life expectancy of Black men at 45
fell by 1.5 years, while also discouraging
Black Americans from receiving medical
assistance out of fear and a history of
improper care. Furthermore, the Henrietta
Lacks story of 1951 is another example
of medical experimentation without a
participant’s consent or knowledge. Doctors
took cells from her cervix when she was
battling cervical cancer for use in scientific
research, and her cell harvest led to amazing
discoveries all at the cost of her comfort,
her family’s comfort and the comfort
of Black Americans
today.
Many
more
stories
show
the
medical
community
wielding Black Americans
as pawns rather than treating
them as patients who deserve
great care.
We as a country must get
to the point where we create a
nurturing medical environment for
the Black community, so that there
may be some confidence in the vaccine
and medicine in general, which could be
accomplished through better education
on the vaccine and complete transparency
on processes within the medical world. To
overcome this pandemic, a majority of the
population, including Black and Brown
communities, will have to be vaccinated to
stop other variants. For us to trust our health
care and our government with our bodies,
we must be willing to overshare and reach
out to communities who are systemically
left out of the equation. Without trust,
security and honesty, the community’s ties
with its dark medical past will continue into
our future.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Michigan in Color
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 — 7
YOUR WEEKLY
ARIES
Rest and recharge ahead of the
Equinox and the arrival of the Sun
in Aries – because from that point
on, you will need to act quickly
and decisively.
AQUARIUS
GEMINI
Ask for backing for a new
business idea or project – you’re
likely to get it. Focus on your
community too and seek to make
a difference.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
SCORPIO
CANCER
An excellent week for students,
and a positive one in your love life
too, with a chance to see eye to
eye again if there have been
problems.
TAURUS
Make room in your life for the
spiritual and the mysterious, even
if you have to change your
schedule in order to accommodate
it.
VIRGO
PISCES
LIBRA
LEO
New ideas and new experiences
are beckoning – get better
organized this week so that you
have more time to enjoy life to the
fullest.
Read your weekly horoscopes from astrology.tv
It’s a loving and romantic week in
your relationship, with plenty of
magical memories to make – but
watch out for jealousy once the
Sun moves on.
A very hectic week finds you trying
to tie up loose ends and finish
complex projects – but romance is
on the way as the Equinox
approaches.
Fun gives way to focus as the week
progresses. You sense that you
have a lot of work coming up, but
it’s important to maintain a
balance between work and
personal life.
Good news links money and
domestic matters this week and
there’s also the chance to start a
new, fun, exciting hobby or past
time
Your powers of persuasion get a
real boost this week, and it’s a
good time also to think about
moving home, renovating your
home, or redecorating.
People love and value you, but you
don’t always realize how much.
This week, your self-esteem gets a
boost as it becomes clear how
adored you are.
Enjoy the confidence boost of the
Sun in Pisces before the Equinox
shifts the focus to your values and
your financial situation.
WHISPER
“Ahem... your mic is on.”
“I am interviewing for a pro-
motion tomorrow! Less work
more money!”
“Top o the morning to ya!”
How “Dance Moms” Nia and Dr. Holly
refined American reality televison
SIMONE ROBERTS
MiC Columnist
The four thousand word essay
“The ‘sickness’ of the lover is distinct from
other illnesses. / Love is the astrolabe of the
secrets of God.” (Rumi, Masnavi)
Heralded as a great thinker and poet,
and relevant 800 years later, Rumi is a
favorite amongst many Americans. His
verses are plastered on watercolor paintings
and hung in the homes of many, ultimately
immortalizing his legacy. Rumi spent much
of his life learning about Islam; his father
was an Islamic scholar, he spent some time
in Syria studying Islamic legal codes and was
even a seminary teacher in Turkey. More
notably, his mentor and great friend Sham e
Tabriz taught Rumi fundamental Sufi ideas,
which is apparent in his poetry. As a Sufi,
Rumi put a heavy emphasis on mindfulness,
or Muraqabah: meditating and contemplating
the individual’s connection to Allah, being
in tune with creation’s connection to Allah
or more divine power and the human
connection to the systems and flows in the
natural environment, which is, essentially, an
Islamic ideal.
Thus,
I
always
wondered
why
a
Western nation steeped in stereotypes and
assumptions about minority groups such as
Muslims had put a Muslim poet on a pedestal.
And, more importantly, why is Rumi’s
identity never discussed or acknowledged?
The reason Rumi’s poetry is popular in
Western dialogues is that it touches on ideas
of mindfulness through metaphors of deep,
everlasting love. However, in Sufi poetry
traditionally, these metaphors are commonly
used in comparison to one’s relationship with
Allah, emphasizing the idea of experiencing
fulfillment through one’s love for Allah.
Today’s translations of Rumi’s poetry leave
out this quintessential Islamic connection
because it doesn’t fit into the accepted
narrative. However, Rumi was a Sufi Muslim,
and Sufi Islamic theology was the main focus
of his writings.
For my extended essay (a 4,000-word
essay per the International Baccalaureate
coursework), I decided to learn more
about the Islamic influences in Rumi’s
works and that of his successors. I chose
to write about trends present in Sufi
Islamic poetry over time, analyzing the
figurative language in three different Sufi
poets: Rumi; Allama Iqbal, an Indian poet
who inspired the partition between India
and Pakistan; and Danial Abdal-Hayy
Moore, a current Sufi poet who derives his
message from his experience as a Muslim
convert. Particularly, I focused on the
idea of muraqabah. Working to cultivate
muraqabah can strengthen the connection
between the individual and Allah, which
Rumi, Iqbal and Moore all mentioned in
their literature.
Staying true to my exploration of
mindfulness, the essay forced me to
spend long hours reflecting on the idea of
mindfulness (particularly in the shower).
After typing the 4,000th word, I let out a
sigh of relief. I felt satisfied with my work,
believing I had effectively communicated my
ideas.
Six months later, I received my score for
the essay, which was lower than I expected.
I was disappointed, but only momentarily,
because through this essay, I felt I had
creative freedom for the first time. I relished
my journey through each poem and my
newly-founded relationship with muraqabah
and my spiritual state. I gained a greater
appreciation for poetry, Sufi ideology and
myself. Despite the looming score, I’m proud
of the essay and the message behind it. I
pointed out the connections between the
words and muraqabah in Rumi’s poems and
those of his successors. I argued that this core
idea is present, was always present and will
be present in the lines, forever, for if it is Sufi
poetry, then the language is derived from the
author’s intuitive connection with Allah.
Each poem I mentioned introduced a new
perspective to me of how to view my place
in this world and my position before Allah.
Rumi showed me that love and Allah are
inextricably tied together, and one cannot
function without the other. Iqbal’s insights
empowered me to be mindful of the control
I have over my actions while retaining my
connection with Allah. Moore illuminated
to me the importance of being mindful of the
interconnectedness with the world and Allah.
Though my grade on the piece could have
controlled me, I chose how it would affect
me, solidifying destiny for myself. Indeed,
the score is an indication that I had not been
writing with perfect clarity and that I had
not properly implemented a structure to the
piece. But it also indicates what I gained from
my journey with mindfulness and poetry,
which I will always cherish. My favorite verse
mentioned in the essay is from the book “Bal
e Jibril” in Urdu — or “Wing of Gabriel” — by
Allama Iqbal. The verse inspires the reader
to take charge of themselves and develop
confidence. The speaker imagines a direct
conversation with Allah, solidifying control
over their destiny.
“Develop the self so that before every decree
/ God will ascertain from you: ‘What is your
wish?’ / It is nothing to talk about if I transform
base selves into gold: / The passion of my voice
is the only alchemy I know!” (Iqbal, Bal e Jibril)
ZOHA KHAN
MiC Columnist
Is this racism?
Does this qualify
my statements, my actions, my desire for
change
when I have not faced the darkest depths
of injustice
or really ever looked it in the eye
When my most intimate encounter with
such
might merely be the lies of my own
internalized fear
of my mom speaking in front of my friends
and in turn
closing the lid of my lunchbox between
bites
When even the truths of my experiences
feel less than valid
in all the moments second-guessed
between the microaggressions and
ignorant questions and the occasional slur
or jokes and slit-eye drawings that, hey, I
absorbed without complaint
and after years, mastered the art
of turning my heritage into comic relief
anyway
And yet it lingers
A conscious shame for looking like myself
one that hurts and that haunts
but never enough for me to speak forth
that I cannot punctuate nor hyperlink nor
write into prose
that I can only find hidden
in its ambiguity
perpetually in ambiguity
And then I think
about Vincent Chin
and Fong Lee
and Cau Tran
all who did not live to see 30
all who were brutally killed
with a baseball bat, by another white man,
because of a ten-inch vegetable peeler
by an ebens and an andersen and a
marshall not serving a day
but only receiving a medal of valor
And I think
these are not mutually exclusive
they are not at all
and if we quietly teach ourselves to
compare and repress
instead of to point to the beast underlying
where the common denominator is
an insatiable system that feeds on itself
then who is that serving
And when I mutter to myself
Is this racism? It can’t be
am I only conflating it with my family’s
simply being poor
or my unbelonging for a reason attributed
otherwise
and am I neglecting the shield
of my father’s masters degree
We fall into that trap
and keep our mouths shut
and get lost in the second-guessing
failing to connect the dots
towards a liberation that coincides
failing when, right now, our
grandparents
cannot make it home alive
I wonder if our encounters brushed aside
and history untold or forgotten
has turned into a gaping hole
of invisibility
and silence that
only please the white man
Stream of consciousness on a
Tuesday afternoon, perhaps for
one Asian American
SARAH AKAABOUNE
MiC Columnist
Read more at
MichiganDaily.com
Black America and the vaccine
By Yoon Kim, MiC Columnist