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Independent Singapore
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
A dress that's 14 years in the making: 380 artists, 51 countries, countless stories
Photo: Wikipiedia CC / Red_Dress_(embroidery_project) There are very few things that connect civilisations like art. Whether it's through musical compositions, images on canvas, timeless monuments, or stitched fabrics, creative expression offers us the means to share who we are, our places of origin, and what's important to us. However, not often does one piece of imaginative creation succeed in representing the voices, values, and thoughts of people from all over the world. According to a recent article from Upworthy , the Red Dress project is one such amazing creation, where exquisiteness, storytelling, and connection are sewn together in every fibre of one elegant clothing. A royal garment from everywhere Ostensibly, the Red Dress looks like something appropriate for royals. But this is no regular stately dress. With its profound burgundy satin, elaborate needlework, and elegant form, it's difficult to assign it to any culture or tradition. Rather, it draws from all over Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and beyond—its design a seamless and synchronised blend of international influences. See also Employee asks, "How does one become a manager quickly?" Such universality was not achieved by chance. Consisting of 84 sheets of silk dupion brought from across the globe over 14 years, the Red Dress was worked on by as many as 380 individuals from across 51 nations. As they worked, personal tales and distinct idiosyncrasies were poured into the dress. What came out was a splendid apparel that goes beyond borders and expresses a language of grit, perseverance, memories, traditions, and beauty. Stitching stories: The women behind the art With each stitch of the Red Dress is a woman with a compelling story. Almost one-third of the embroiderers were skilled craftspeople, commissioned and paid for their work, and now have a percentage of the display fees. The others were unpaid assistants who participated in community cross-stitch events, who came from different walks of life. An astounding 97% of the contributors were women, and most of them were using the endeavour as a chance to express personal and cultural stories, some even discovering a path to economic solidity through their expertise. Some sewed traditional designs that have been passed down for generations. Others knitted in intimate self-examination—recollections, symbols, or sentiments—that spoke to their inimitable journeys. One panel was embellished by two women in Kosovo, who shared firm musings about their wartime experiences. These intensely personal insights and inputs shifted the dress into more than just a piece of clothing; it became a universal bedding of reflexive accounts and embodied experiences. From sketch to global symbol The Red Dress was initiated as an unpretentious drawing by British textile artist Kirstie Macleod in 2009, illustrated on the back of a table linen. Then it swiftly transformed into something more glorious — a collective platform to explore individuality and breed connection among women from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds. Finalised and completed in 2023, the dress comprises millions of stitches, a visual and emotive record of collective human experiences. Today, it is being toured around museums and galleries all over the world, frequently exhibited by women of different backgrounds and ages, each one exemplifying a piece of the women's shared narrative. See also Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden welcome baby daughter
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What a 5-year-old's unusual bedtime buddy reveals about emotional security
A 5-year-old girl has gone viral on TikTok for choosing a bedtime buddy no one saw coming: a life-size Chucky doll. Yes, that Chucky—the horror movie icon with the overalls, red hair, and menacing grin. But to her? He's just a snuggle buddy. The viral clip, first reported by Upworthy, shows the little girl cuddling up with her oversized doll as part of her bedtime routine. Her mom captioned the video with a mix of humor and disbelief: 'Is there any other 5-year-old girl in the world that sleeps with a life-size Chucky Doll?? Or is it just mine …' Related: Teddy bears aren't just for kids—why comfort objects might help adults sleep better too While many children find solace in plush animals or cozy blankets, others—like this little girl—form bonds with comfort objects that are a bit more…unexpected. And she's not alone. A toddler recently went viral for carrying around a wooden cutting board as a beloved comfort item. These moments remind us that when it comes to emotional security, it's not about what the object looks like—it's about what it means. Comfort objects, or transitional objects, play a pivotal role in a child's emotional development. Introduced by pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, the concept describes items that help children navigate the transition from complete dependence to growing independence. These objects offer a sense of stability and reassurance, especially during times of stress or change. Research suggests that about 60% of children in Western cultures develop strong attachments to comfort objects. Experts say these connections are healthy and beneficial, helping kids manage anxiety, self-soothe, and build resilience. Whether it's a fuzzy bunny, a tattered blanket, or a grinning doll from a horror film, comfort objects serve as a tangible source of emotional support. Related: Mom checks on toddler at bedtime—and is stunned to see what's snuggled up next to her It can be surprising (or downright baffling) when your child bonds with an object that's outside the norm. But their attachment has real meaning, and supporting it can make a difference in their emotional well-being. Here's how: Prioritize safety: Make sure the item doesn't have choking hazards, sharp edges, or toxic materials. Keep it clean: Wash or wipe down the object regularly, especially if it's unconventional or hard to sanitize. Validate your child's feelings: Show interest and curiosity instead of judgment. Your child's emotional attachment is genuine. Transition gradually: If it becomes necessary to phase out the object, do it gradually while offering new sources of comfort. Whether it's a cuddly stuffed animal or a creepy movie character, comfort objects offer something every child deserves: a sense of security, consistency, and love.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wildlife rehab center uses genius technique to raise orphaned birds without human interaction: 'Incredibly successful'
Thanks to a unique woven crane costume, a South African wildlife rehab center is teaching orphaned birds essential survival skills while preventing human imprinting, reported Upworthy. The FreeMe Wildlife Midlands Centre uses puppets and crane costumes to help a critically endangered wattled crane chick learn natural behaviors without becoming dependent on humans. This approach allows wildlife professionals to care for vulnerable animals while preserving their wild instincts. Many baby animals need to learn basic survival tasks from their mothers. When orphaned, they risk missing out on these lessons. The challenge for rehabilitators is providing care without creating attachments that could harm an animal's chances in the wild. Which of these environmental causes would you be most interested in supporting with a financial donation? Promoting clean energy Protecting clean air Advancing forest conservation Fighting climate change Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "This is a vital part of the rehabilitation process. If one does not intimately understand the physiology, the ethology, and the psychology of one's subject, one cannot successfully rehabilitate it," FreeMe shared on its social media, according to Upworthy. The center uses a puppet named Waldo attached to a worker's arm to demonstrate drinking from a pond. This method allows staff to mimic adult crane behavior precisely while hiding behind the costume. Similar techniques have proved successful with other threatened species. According to Upworthy, one commenter noted: "This is exactly how the San Diego Zoo (amongst others) takes care of baby California condors so they don't imprint. Since they were so critically endangered and almost extinct in the wild, they used puppets to teach them how to be birds so they could be released and rebound their populations. And they were incredibly successful!" The approach works with common birds too. "When I've rescued baby pigeons often they won't peck seeds unless there are other birds around, soo sometimes I'll put on a YouTube video of birds eating and then they get it," another person shared. These thoughtful rehabilitation techniques help vulnerable animals develop necessary skills while maintaining the required distance for eventual FreeMe states on its website, the purpose of wildlife rehabilitation is "to rehabilitate these animals so that they may be released back into the wild in areas free from poaching and with reduced human activity." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
16 Reasons Gen Xers Are More Relieved Than Anything When Our Parents Die
For many, the loss of a parent is a profoundly sad experience, but for some Gen Xers, their parents' passing brings an unexpected feeling—relief. While it may seem harsh to those who had loving, supportive relationships with their parents, this generation carries a unique set of struggles that make grief more complicated. Many Gen Xers grew up in emotionally distant, neglectful, or even toxic households that left lasting wounds. Instead of mourning, they often feel a sense of release—an unburdening from the complex, painful relationships they endured. Here's why some Gen Xers don't feel traditional grief when their boomer parents pass away. Gen X is sometimes called the "Latchkey Generation" because so many of them were raised with minimal parental supervision. Their boomer parents, often focused on their careers or personal ambitions, left them to fend for themselves after school, making them independent but emotionally detached. Unlike today's more hands-on parenting styles, many Gen Xers grew up without guidance, structure, or meaningful emotional connection from their parents according to Upworthy. The absence of warmth and nurturing made their relationships feel more like cohabitation with distant authority figures rather than deep, loving bonds. When those distant figures pass away, the grief that typically comes from losing a close parental figure simply isn't there. Instead, many feel a strange sense of closure—like the final page of a book they were forced to read but never really enjoyed. The pressure to maintain strained or obligatory relationships is gone, and with it, the lingering resentment from childhood neglect. While some may feel guilt for not mourning "properly," others recognize that you can't grieve the loss of something you never truly had. The emotional walls built in childhood don't just crumble because of a funeral—they often remain, standing tall even in the face of loss. Without a deep emotional bond to sever, there's simply nothing left to grieve. For many Gen Xers, their childhood was filled with emotional wounds that were never acknowledged, let alone healed. Boomer parents often dismissed their children's needs, subscribing to the belief that "tough love" built character or that kids should be seen and not heard. Many Gen X kids endured belittling, manipulation, or outright neglect, leaving them with deep-seated trauma that followed them into adulthood. Emotional abuse wasn't just tolerated—it was normalized according to Psychology Today, meaning many Gen Xers didn't even recognize the damage until years later. Growing up in an environment where love felt conditional or entirely absent makes grieving an emotionally abusive parent complicated, if not impossible. When that parent passes, some Gen Xers don't mourn the person—they mourn the childhood they never had. The dream of one day getting an apology or experiencing a softer, more loving relationship dies along with the parent. Instead of sadness, there's often a wave of relief—relief that they no longer have to manage a toxic relationship, endure guilt trips, or feel like they are never enough. The death of an abusive parent can feel like the final chapter in a painful story, allowing some to move forward without the constant weight of unresolved childhood wounds. While society expects grief, many Gen Xers find peace instead. Boomers and Gen Xers often clashed over fundamental values, with many Gen Xers growing up in homes that pushed rigid, outdated beliefs. Whether it was deeply ingrained sexism, racism, homophobia, or an obsession with rigid gender roles, many Gen Xers spent their lives feeling disconnected from their parents' worldview. Their childhoods were filled with dismissive statements like 'That's just how things are,' making them feel silenced and misunderstood. These ideological divides didn't just create arguments—they created a deep emotional chasm between generations. When their parents pass, they're not just saying goodbye to a person—they're closing the door on a lifetime of frustration and moral conflict. The loss often brings relief because it marks the end of feeling obligated to navigate those exhausting conversations or suppress their true beliefs. Many Gen Xers spent decades biting their tongues at family gatherings, tolerating microaggressions, or trying to explain why the world had moved on from their parents' rigid ideals. The absence of that constant battle can feel liberating rather than tragic. While others mourn the loss of wisdom and guidance, some Gen Xers feel unburdened from an era they were forced to endure rather than embrace. Their parents' passing means the end of an ongoing struggle—a release from the tension of trying to bridge a gap that was never meant to be closed. For many Gen Xers, home wasn't a safe haven—it was a battleground. Their childhood homes were often filled with tension, unspoken resentments, or outright hostility, making 'family time' something to be endured rather than cherished. Boomer parents weren't known for emotional openness, and many Gen Xers grew up in environments where expressing feelings was met with dismissal, ridicule, or anger. In some cases, substance abuse, infidelity, or unchecked mental health issues created an unpredictable, chaotic atmosphere. These homes weren't places of love and support but rather breeding grounds for lifelong anxiety, self-doubt, and complex emotional wounds. When a parent from such a toxic environment dies, Gen Xers aren't mourning a loss—they're processing a release. The tension they carried for years, the obligation to maintain contact with difficult family members, and the stress of managing old wounds suddenly vanish. Their parents' passing often signifies the end of a dysfunctional cycle that may have dictated their life choices for decades. Instead of grieving, many feel relief knowing they no longer have to play the role of the responsible one, the peacekeeper, or the emotional punching bag. For them, death doesn't just bring closure—it offers freedom from a past they've been trying to escape for years. Watching aging parents try to navigate the modern world is painful. Everything from the news to everyday technology to basic societal changes felt like a crisis for them, and as their child, you were the one constantly talking them off the ledge. It wasn't just annoying—it was mentally and emotionally exhausting. According to AARP, "42% of U.S. adults are providing care for an aging loved one, and 61% of those caregivers are also working." Now that they're gone, that weight is lifted. There's no more explaining why the world is different, no more trying to get them to adapt, no more hearing them panic about things that don't even affect them. It's sad, but it's also freeing. When a parent starts declining, life as their child changes overnight. You stop making long-term plans, you cancel trips, you say 'no' to things you really want to do because you're always on call. Your world shrinks around their needs. A study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that "caregivers experience significant improvements in well-being and reduced stress levels after caregiving ends." When they pass, you finally get to reclaim your time. You don't have to feel guilty for focusing on your own life. For the first time in years, you can make decisions that are about what you want, not what they need. Caring for an aging parent is an unpaid, unacknowledged full-time job. It's emotionally draining, physically exhausting, and completely life-consuming. Even if you weren't their primary caregiver, the weight of responsibility was always there. Research from the Family Caregiver Alliance indicates that "caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care, with nearly 1 in 4 spending 41 hours or more per week caregiving." When they pass, that responsibility disappears. There's no more arranging doctor's appointments, coordinating home care, or feeling guilty about not doing enough. It's an awful truth, but it's a truth nonetheless—losing them means getting your own life back. Were they paying their bills? Were they falling for scams? Did they have enough money to cover their care? As parents age, their financial stability becomes another thing their children have to manage, and it's a never-ending source of stress. Once they're gone, so is that burden. No more late-night calculations about how to afford their medical needs. No more fights over power of attorney. No more checking their bank account to make sure they didn't send thousands to a fake charity. It's one less thing keeping you up at night. Nursing homes are a necessary evil for many families, but they come with endless guilt. Are they getting good care? Are the staff treating them with respect? Are they scared? Every visit is filled with anxiety, and every phone call feels like another potential disaster. When they pass, that cycle of worry finally ends. No more wondering if they're being neglected. No more feeling helpless when they complain about things you can't change. It's painful, but it's also a release. It was a constant battle—trying to protect them from phone scams, shady investment schemes, and fake charities designed to drain their bank accounts. No matter how many times you explained it, they still trusted the wrong people. Now that they're gone, you don't have to worry about getting another frantic call about a 'government agent' demanding money or a long-lost relative who needs urgent financial help. That never-ending cycle of frustration is finally over. For many Gen Xers, their parents' expectations were suffocating. They wanted you to live a certain way, raise your kids a certain way, and follow the same outdated rules they did. Even as an adult, you felt like you were constantly disappointing them. Now, that pressure is gone. You don't have to justify your career, your parenting choices, or the way you live your life. You can finally be yourself without that lingering voice of judgment in the background. Explaining technology to aging parents was like trying to teach a cat how to swim—frustrating, exhausting, and ultimately pointless. How many times did you have to reset a password, explain how to use FaceTime, or remind them not to click on suspicious links? It sounds trivial, but when they pass, that mental load disappears. You don't realize how much time and energy you spent on tech support until you don't have to do it anymore. One day they were sweet and loving, the next they were snapping at you for no reason. Aging parents often become emotionally volatile, and you never knew what version of them you were going to get. Once they're gone, that emotional whiplash is over. No more walking on eggshells. No more absorbing their misplaced anger or guilt trips. The emotional peace that comes with their absence is real, even if no one talks about it. Some parents never stopped criticizing. Your job, your relationships, your parenting—there was always something they disapproved of. Even if you were successful, there was always a subtle (or not-so-subtle) critique. When they pass, so does that judgment. You no longer have to brace yourself for backhanded compliments or unsolicited advice. For the first time in your life, you're free to live without their expectations hanging over you. Caring for aging parents often brings out the worst in siblings. Some do all the work while others show up just enough to take credit. The resentment builds, and family relationships become strained. Once the parent is gone, so is the main source of that conflict. The damage might still be there, but at least you don't have to fight over who's picking up prescriptions or handling doctor appointments anymore. When you're taking care of an aging parent, your own family often takes a backseat. Now, you can finally shift your focus back to your partner, your kids, and the life you put on hold. It's not about being glad they're gone—it's about acknowledging that their absence allows you to fully live again.
