Blaynistas, as this topic is really controversial - THE ENTIRE TEAM AT THE BLAYREPORT IS WEIGHTING IN. Below see a review of the issue, then commentary from Kristina Bustos, Terrence Phearse and Myself.
TERRENCE- Blackface, in the narrow sense, is a style of theatrical makeup that originated in the United States, used to take on the appearance of certain archetypes of American racism. Blackface in the broader sense includes similarly stereotyped performances even when they do not involve blackface makeup. Stereotypes embodied in the stock characters of blackface minstrelsy played a significant role in cementing and proliferating racist images, attitudes and perceptions worldwide. In some quarters, the caricatures that were the legacy of blackface persist to the present day and are a cause of ongoing controversy.
What were they thinking about when they were cooking up this story (thank God it isnt Febuary). Nonetheless, I agree with Kristina Bustos on if they want to play up all of her amazing features- they should have done just that. Dont get me wrong- she pulled it off amazingly- I honestly didnt know it was Lara Stone at first glance. Additionally, if they wanted to give this effect with the shoot- why not book Sessilee Lopez. The styling actually is great- no denying that, Roitfeld is a brilliant stylist and has been at it for years- but why call the story "BlackFACE" that is so demeaning in so many ways. Roitfeld loves Lara Stone. In fact, in a documentary on CNN that aired in March Roitfeld exclaim that Stone was her favorite model. Even so much she said.. "shes very different than the other girls.. shes blushing she got poise she has hips. she doesnt walk very well on the catwalk. but we love her because shes different". With that endsorsement it makes sense why she chose her to do this shoot. But the whole concept was a disconnect.
ZANDILE - First - a round of applause for my amazing reporters! Terrence and Kristina GO OFF, don't they? So how do I feel Blaynistas? Actually, I don't know. On one hand, I am unbothered by the visuals and the name of the editorial. As tacky as it is, I don't believe it comes from a place of malice or a place of ignorance. That's - no pun intended - painting the topic too black and white. Carine Roitfeld doesn't hate black people - she probably doesn't know any. More to the point she likely doesn't have any on her staff, especially in an editorial capacity (security and housekeeping does not count.) And that points to the real issue: not a white model painted in blackface, but the lack of black faces in a very white industry.
Have you been to a fashion show lately? Be it New York, London or even Brazil, all places I've been fortunate enough to attend shows, you'll notice an eerie parallel between the runway and the audience: a whole lot of milk and very few chocolate chips. In other words, blacks and other minorities of color make up a startlingly small percentage of the editors, stylists and buyers in the audience. Now there are a thousand reasons - or excuses - why and I'll bet you a meal at the Waverly Inn that I've heard them all. From "a lack of interest from Blacks" for fashion/journalism positions to "not enough qualified minorities." Each sounds more hollow than the next.
A black editor (or six) isn't meant to be your resident Jesse Jackson or Martin Luther King Jr. It's not about racial sensitivity patrol, but about better - more relevant - content. Period. Diversifying staff has the essential benefit of diversifying content, opinions and perspectives,ultimately providing readers with richer stories and visuals that represent and reflect - all of them - not just some of them.
As a serial chocolate chip in the proverbial bowl of milk - I wear my token badge with pride and a touch of humor - I stopped getting emotional over this stuff years ago. During my sophomore year at Syracuse University the student paper, The Daily Orange, ran an editorial featuring Black Face. The campus was outraged and the all white editorial staff plead ignorance: they had no idea it would be offensive and truth be told, hadn't known any Blacks growing up. They also didn't have any Blacks on the staff.
Zandile, you are hysterical! I love "Carine Roitfeld doesn't hate black people - she probably doesn't know any." and "a whole lot of milk and very few chocolate chips."
Actually it's brown face. It's time for the other members of the racial rainbow (white, yellow, red, BROWN) to be appalled and march down the street and boycott. Real Black faced people need a break.
Lora Stone should know better, this is her second blk face editoral. she faced backlash before for the very same thing.
don't you know chic noir, the fashion world/modeling world are immuned to backlash. it's really disheartening how they live in their own little world.