**UPDATED**
I originally posted this in July 2010. Since then, Beyonce has been added to the now popular fashion trend of "black face" so I thought perhaps we should revisit this topic.
Fashion is always pushing the envelope for new and innovative imagery, but when is it too much? Just when you think that we've gotten over that racial hump we're sometimes reminded that perhaps some "ish" will never change?
I am somewhat torn by Beyonce's decision to pose in "black face" for the popular publication L’Officiel Paris. Mainly because ... well.. it's Beyonce. Apparently she saw the play and was inspired by the Nigerian dancer Fela.
There's a huge part of me that shrugs my shoulders to say it's merely fashion, what's the fuss about. And then there is the other huge half of me that would be quick to snap my neck and call you crazy if you would ever think to justify this foolery.
Do you think some things should be left in the past? Or can we recreate them, find the beauty of it, perhaps laugh a bit, and move on? Or is it like the "N" word and only we can do it?
I wanna know whatcha thinking? Check out a few more images of models in blackface who joined Beyonce in this trend. Study them hard and let me know if you really don't care or if it's offensive to you.
It's definitely a touchy subject, but I don't feel like it was meant to be offensive. The history of Blackface is a long and controversial one, and I feel like this shouldn't even be considered Blackface at all. Actual Blackface looks completely different, and was done for completely different reasons.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about context, and this just doesn't fit what people are getting worked up over.
She's honoring her roots by participating in the shoot, and she embodies such a strong female figure in the photos.
What's interesting is that it brings attention to the beauty of being dark/darker. Usually we see the reverse. I can see how it can ruffle feathers but I think as a concept and as an image, it's really stunning. Sure, they could have used a darker skinned model but this is a deliberate statement. I interpret it as one that says that being darker should be no less desirable than being lighter. I think she looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it as honoring darker skins, but I think you're right.
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