Is everyone in on the same joke? Apparently blackface –that degrading and demoralizing leftover of 19th century entertainment in America– is back.
If is wasn’t the recent Jackson 5 blackface “skit” by some of Australia’s medical elite on the hit show “Hey Hey It’s
Saturday,” it was fashion designer Carlos Diez’s ode to the minstrel on the catwalk. Well, apparently French Vogue
didn’t want to be left out of the fashion trend, and immediately jumped on the bandwagon. Online magazine Clutch (www.clutch.com) –and 2009 Tressie Award winner for Best Online Magazine– broke the fashion world wide-open by exposing French Vogue’s dirty little secret.
As most African Americans will tell you, there’s nothing cute, post-racially ironic, or nostalgic about blackface.
Maybe French Vogue thought it would spark a new trend to help whittle down the cosmetics industry’s over-stock of bronzer –who knows? Regardless, the increasing re-emergence of old racial stereotypes in the media is gaining steam, and the targeting of Black women is getting ridiculous. The sting of the fashion industry’s and French Vogue’s history dearth of Black models on the runway and in print is all too fresh.
In 2008, the passing of iconic fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent brought a brief recollection of his commitment to featuring Black models in his shows and in print. Apparently, the French couldn’t wait until he passed. (Can you imagine the conference room at French Vogue, “He’s gone? Good! Bring on the blackface!!” …in French, of course.)
Interestingly enough, both Glamour and French Vogue are publications of Conde Nast. (Remember Glamour Magazine’s 2007 debacle that “Afro”-textured hair and braids are a “Don’t”? http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3710971&page=1&page=1)
So what’s the best way to address this issue? I have no problems in not buying French Vogue because I never bought them, anyway. (Sorry, I’m far from a Size 0.)
Check out the facts, first. The best way to start is to email or write to the magazine expressing your issue with their little layout. Chances are you’ll get a pat response from customer service. What works are letters in numbers. Recruit your family, friends and email lists, and have a standard –or suggested– letter prepared for them. (Most people hate writing. Do them and your cause a favor and write it for them.)
Also, check around to see if there’s a larger protest from an advocacy group, or anti-discrimination group. Join their letter writing campaign if they have one prepared.
Either way, most companies could care less about your opinion unless it means they’ll lose money or their reputation will be at risk. As Black people, are history, culture and person are not for sale… so stop letting people buy it.