CCJC Audio Podcast Episode - 00017
Meet Carmelite Opa Savoie
As Social Media Manager at Cajun Chronicles Podcast Corporation, Carmelite Savoie (pronounced Kar meh LIT Sa-VWAH), along with her constant emotional support companion, a Bulldog named Gordito Feliz (Happy Fattie) are key members of our team. We literally couldn’t do what we do without them.
They march to a beat of their own when it comes to time, as social media is pretty much an around the clock endeavor when you have an audience that is global. Lately, we typically don’t see them too early in the day because they have discovered a secret bakery that makes the most irresistible, calorie-packed muffins in all of New Orleans. None of us minded because their generous souls always arrived with breakfast treats for everyone.
This morning instead of the usual happy greetings, Gordito Feliz endured a rude customer at that establishment fat shaming him. Keep in mind that both he and Carmelite live in a world that greatly discriminates against overweight people and pets. The “Anaïs” (Karen) loudly accused Gordito Feliz of probably sneaking out at night to shamelessly indulge in these secret treats, leading to his ever-expanding waistline.
The entitled demanding Anais didn’t stop there. After she called him, “a lazy lump couch potato canine” she then turned her attention to Carmelite. She launched into her next tirade of, “Oh . . . I see the irresponsible pet owner who allowed this Gluttonous Gourmand to waddle through life, is an ugly blob of lard. I can’t understand why all of us in line have to wait behind these two.”
Naturally, we all rallied around Carmelite and Gordito Feliz. Carmelite was shaken at such an opening public personal attack. Now, there are a few things to understand about Carmelite. She’s short, really short in stature. Plus, she has both hypothyroidism and PCOS. Her weight problem has zero to do with how much food she consumes. In fact, the closest she comes to those calorie packed muffins is selecting them for us.
As for Gordito Feliz? Well, his weight problem has a lot to do with the fact that he was an abused stray who was often starved. He will eat anything! It’s a group effort on trying to slim him down. He doesn’t get treats, only two meals a day, and we even make special broth flavored ice cubes as occasional rewards. There’s no denying we all have to be vigilant because he will steal food and raid trash cans.
They both hail from Plaquemine, Louisiana originally, but moved here when Carmelite enrolled at the University of New Orleans. Her talent for finding the best bakery items comes from her upbringing. Just because she doesn’t indulge doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy seeing the creativity of local bakers or enjoy the wonderful aromas.
Her Acadian father (Pierre Savoie) had opened a bakery with his long-time Italian baker neighbor. The entire family, including Carmelite and her Creole, Jena Band of Choctaw mother (Solange Isabella Opa Laflore), lived in the upstairs back of that bakery. Carmelite was also one of the happiest and outgoing girls you’d meet. Always joking and laughing, always genuinely caring and joyful to be around. Her PCOS and hyperthyroidism didn’t appear until she was a college student.
Still it stung that others rejected and shamed her purely over her looks, never seeing beyond the surface. The anonymous part of being online as a social media manager just evolved during her online classes. Today she can’t imagine doing any other job.
Carmelite's Daily Social Media Grind
Carmelite, a force of nature with a heart of gold, navigates the digital realm with the grace of a seasoned sailor. Her days are a whirlwind of creativity, strategy, and a healthy dose of humor. She spends her mornings sipping on a strong cup of chicory coffee, brainstorming fresh content ideas for Cajun Chronicles. Her trusty sidekick, Gordito Feliz, often joins her, snoring softly on a nearby cushion, his dreams filled with visions of endless muffin supplies.
As she dives into the world of social media, she expertly balances the demands of her role. She crafts witty captions, curates engaging visuals, and edits short-form videos that capture the essence of Cajun culture. Her online persona is a vibrant reflection of her personality, and she effortlessly connects with the audience, fostering a sense of community.
Behind the scenes, Carmelite faces the challenges of the digital age. She meticulously tracks analytics, adjusts strategies to adapt to ever-changing algorithms, and navigates the minefield of online trolls and negativity. However, she approaches these challenges with a positive attitude, using her wit and humor to defuse tense situations.
Despite the demands of her job, Carmelite remains grounded. She cherishes the simple pleasures of life, like spending time with loved ones, cooking delicious Cajun meals, and enjoying the beauty of her hometown. She's a true advocate for body positivity, inspiring others to embrace their individuality and love themselves, flaws and all.
As Carmelite continues to shape the digital landscape of Cajun Chronicles, she remains committed to sharing the rich culture and history of her beloved Louisiana. With her passion, creativity, and unwavering spirit, she's poised to make a significant impact on the world of podcasting.
Carmelite's professional life, while filled with creativity and passion, wasn't without its challenges. Her mixed heritage, a blend of Acadianm, Choctaw, and Creole, often led to feelings of identity confusion. As a child of a baker, she grew up surrounded by delicious treats, but in her youth never contributed to being overweight. The constant battle with her weight as an adult has taken a toll on her self-esteem, often leading to hurtful comments and discrimination.
Her role as a social media manager, while fulfilling, presented its own set of challenges. The constant pressure to maintain a polished online image, while struggling with body image issues, was a daily battle. The online world, often a breeding ground for negativity, exposed her to harsh comments and judgmental attitudes.
Despite these challenges, Carmelite persevered. She used her platform to promote body positivity and self-acceptance, sharing her own experiences to inspire others. She found solace in her work, using her creativity to craft engaging content and connect with her audience.
Her love for her mixed cultures and her passion for her job helped her overcome the obstacles in her path. She embraced her unique identity, finding strength in her mixed heritage. And she continued to fight against the stigma of weight discrimination, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Carmelite's Passions and Causes
Carmelite's passion for her Cajun, Creole, and Choctaw heritage runs deep. She's an advocate for indigenous rights and cultural preservation, often volunteering her time to local tribal organizations. She's also a passionate supporter of body positivity and mental health awareness.
Self-Acceptance and Future Goals
Carmelite has embraced her body and her identity. She's learned to love herself, flaws and all. She's found strength in her vulnerability and uses her platform to inspire others to do the same.
Her future goals include expanding her career. She aspires to become a prominent figure in the podcasting industry, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices. She also dreams of creating a non-profit organization that supports body positivity, mental health, and indigenous rights. And if that's not enough, she plans to share her personal journey of self-acceptance and resilience through a memoir.
By embracing her authentic self, Carmelite is living a life filled with purpose, passion, and joy.
Issues in a Culture Focused on Outward Appearances
Here in the US we are as a nation overly focused on outward appearance can lead to a host of issues, like:
Low Self-Esteem: Constant comparison to unrealistic beauty standards can erode self-worth and lead to body image issues.
Mental Health Problems: Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders can arise from the pressure to conform to societal beauty norms.
Discrimination: People who don't fit the "ideal" body type may face discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment and social interactions.
Unhealthy Behaviors: Extreme measures to achieve the "perfect" body, such as unhealthy dieting, excessive exercise, or even cosmetic surgery, can have serious health consequences.
How to Avoid Fat Shaming
We need to all work together combat fat shaming and promote body positivity, we can:
Challenge Beauty Standards: Question and challenge the narrow beauty standards perpetuated by media and advertising.
Promote Body Positivity: Celebrate diversity in body shapes and sizes. Encourage self-love and acceptance.
Educate Others: Raise awareness about the harmful effects of body shaming and the importance of inclusivity.
Practice Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of others and imagine how hurtful words can be.
Choose Your Words Carefully: Avoid making negative comments about people's bodies, even if you think you're joking.
Support Body-Positive Movements: Participate in body-positive campaigns and movements to create a more inclusive society.
By actively working to dismantle these harmful attitudes, we can create a more compassionate and accepting world for everyone. Carmleite Savioe, as a Social Media Manager on Cajun Chronicle’s team is leading the charge of those who want to make a real difference in marginalized lives.
This tale is inspired by real New Orleans history, but some details have been spiced up for a good story. While we've respected the truth, a bit of creative license was used. Please note that all characters may be based on real people, but their identities in some cases have been Avatar masked for privacy.
A Word of Wisdom:
As you read, remember history and real life is a complex mix of joy, sorrow, triumph, and tragedy. While we've added a bit of fiction, the core message remains: the human spirit's power to endure, adapt, and overcome.
© Jerilee Wei 2024 All Rights Reserved.
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