Essays | The Burgundy Zine

July 2, 2020

Bug’s Philosophy: Haircuts, Identity, and Validation

As silly and as shallow as it may sound, a rockin’ haircut is more than just a confidence booster; it can validate your identity.

We all know what it’s like to emerge from under a sheen salon cape feeling rejuvenated — or completely crushed. The way 100,000 follicles that sprout from our scalp shape our face wields such overwhelming power over our self-esteem.

And yet, it’s just hair. You can shave it all off and it’ll grow back with the utmost amnesty. The beauty of a great haircut is ephemeral, the heartbreak of a botched cut is fleeting.

June 29, 2020

Self Care Self Love by Mary Alexandra

Artist Mary Alexandra touches and inspires us with her journey towards self-care and self-love.

June 4, 2020

Humans: They Come and Go as They Please by Ela Kaimo

Ela Kaimo shares a touching, emotive story from the perspective of a cat.

May 22, 2020

To Walk the Sea by Sally Piper

Creative writing student Sally Piper shares an imagery-driven piece inspired by a local getaway near to her heart.

March 26, 2020

Dear Bernie Sanders by Emily

In a passionate, personable letter to presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Emily reflects on why our country is in need of change now more than ever.

March 25, 2020

Behind the Zines: Let’s Talk About Vulnerability

Healing, by nature, is a very delicate topic that required an air of grace on behalf of ourselves and our contributors to hold these discussions.

We’re immensely proud of our community for coming together and letting themselves be vulnerable over the last two months.

However, there’s still one person who’s not entirely on board yet: me, editor burgundy bug.

March 18, 2020

For Better or For Worse by Rebecca Amiss

Rebecca Amiss shares her fictional short story about overcoming domestic abuse.

Trigger warning: The following short-story contains descriptions of manipulation and domestic abuse that may be upsetting for some individuals. If you or a loved one are currently experiencing domestic abuse, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website for support resources or call: 1-800-799-7233.

Fictional disclosure: All events and characters within this short-story are entirely fictional and do not reflect events that have taken place in the real world.

February 22, 2020

Can Rejection be an Invitation to Heal Your Wounds? by Anita Oommen

Author Anita Oommen invites us to heal alongside her by sharing her personal journey in healing from rejection.

January 22, 2020

It’s Been Here by S. Anne Kelln

S. Anne Kelln of Running in Shadows shares her personal experience with depression and suicide.

TRIGGER WARNING: This post discusses topics including: suicide, mental illness, hospitalization, and child abuse.

December 7, 2019

We Need to Talk About the Charter Problem by Hala Karim

Hala Karim shares her experiences teaching at charter schools, detailing the challenges and exploitations charter school teachers face.