Meet Rupi Kaur | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Meet Rupi Kaur

Poet turned social media star

325
Meet Rupi Kaur
Tornotodesidiaries.com

At 23-years-old, Rupi Kaur has taken the internet by storm and established herself as a respected poet, writer, spoken word performer and artist. Her work beautifully describes issues regarding femininity, sexuality, racial identity, abuse, love, and loss. Before you take a look at her work, here is everything you need to know about this inspiring young woman.

Born in Punjab, India, Rupi immigrated to Toronto, Canada with her family at the age of five, without being able to speak any English. An artistic soul by nature, she gravitated towards drawing and painting until she was able to pick up the new language and delve into English-written books. She soon began writing to express her own inner thoughts and emotions, gaining online attention by posting her work on social media platforms, including Instagram and Tumblr.

After fans began begging her to release a book, in 2014 she self-published her first poetry collection, "Milk and Honey," which sold 17,000 copies and became a New York Times bestseller. She currently travels throughout Canada to perform her work in person and continues to post new poetry on her social media platforms.

In addition to her status as a respected poet, Rupi's vulnerability and strength when writing about her experiences as a woman of color have made her a feminist role model. Her work does not shy away from confronting controversial subjects, such as rape, slut shaming, beauty standards, and menstruation. In fact, her menstruation-themed photo series, aptly titled "period," caused an uproar in March of 2015 when one of the pictures was removed twice from Instagram.

Many people were upset over Instagram’s claim that the top left photo, which shows Rupi lying in bed, fully clothed, violated the community guidelines, as Instagram is known for allowing countless pictures of women who are sexualized, objectified, and even completely naked, to be posted on its website. As a whole, the controversy surrounding her photo series only helped spread Rupi's beautiful message: women "bleed each month to help make humankind a possibility" and menstruation should be seen as an extraordinary "bridge between this universe and the last."

If you are as inspired by Rupi Kaur as I am, I encourage you to keep up with her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and her official website, rupikaur.com. You can also purchase a copy of her poetry collection, "Milk and Honey," on Amazon. Lastly, watch Rupi in action, performing a piece of her spoken word poetry in the video below!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

4351
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

2218
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1667
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

1559
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments