Cultural appropriation is a tricky one to explain, visit this site or even looked down upon in its organic/ original form, until it becomes ‘diluted’ with a more socially acceptable culture and then gets the praise. Our culture is our unique identity so it is more than just copying a style, it is essentially stealing a part of our identity, it works both ways.
As cheesy as the phrase “nobody can be a better you than you” is, it is so relevant in what I’m trying to explain. If you are born with certain traits and teased about it and you start to doubt your own unique beauty, then one day a caucasian girl with thick legs, bright blue eyes and dark hair, gets a perm and is now praised for it, the hurt isn’t that she is getting the praise; it’s not about jealousy. The issue is about that individual not feeling like they can possibly be the best version of themselves because they are not accepted as they are but when someone else imitates a particular trait which they can turn on and off when ‘appropriate’ it is accepted.
So Blackhair magazine ‘accidentally’ put a white model on their cover… they’re very sorry though… so it’s all okay right? Not really. The troubling issue behind this mistake isn’t that the girl was featured wrongly but, in my opinion, it was the apology/excuse that Blackhair magazine gave their readers.
“We often ask PR companies/salons to submit images for the magazine, specifically stating that models must be Black or mixed race. We can only take their word for it, and of course, try to use our own judgment”
Being black/mixed race is not objective, ‘Try to use our own judgement’?! Either you are black or you are not, nobody can be employed to look at pictures of models and use their own judgement to analyse weather they are black or not. I find that too insulting.
The cover in question on the left and the model on the right
I understand that Blackhair is a hair and beauty magazine so looks is something that has to be discussed when picking a cover model but being black is not just about looks, hair texture or skin tone. I feel like there was a much bigger issue that their apology didn’t quite cover; a light skinned, straight haired, green eyed, black girl may even feel she isn’t ‘certified as black’ from a statement like this as it is clear that the afro is what convinced them to pick the image. There are different shades and variation within being black/mixed race but there is most definitely not different levels of being black, which I think is what this mistake denotes.
As for the model, I don’t see her as the main issue. She is simply a model who modelled and her picture got submitted for the wrong thing. I do have an extra level of respect for her for the lengthy apology she posted on Instagram, she wasn’t directly the one who made the decision but showed she is now clearly socially aware of the appropriation behind it. I have always believed that if you ignore the oppression you are part of it and I respect her for being aware of that and apologising for the mistake.
“I didn’t understand that shoots like this support the very Eurocentric beauty standard that the mainstream media focus on which reinforce the idea that black features are only ok on white women.”
It is important to not look at her as just a colour. Having read the story she is not just a white girl who wanted to look black to make money, she was a young model trying to break through into the industry so if you are looking for someone to blame (which we always are) maybe seek out the creative director of the shoot and find out his intentions, don’t just blast the model for doing her job.
It is very disappointing that a magazine that was created to empower and give black women a platform to be showcased made this mistake and that the model was the one to know how to apologise appropriately:
“I’m so so so sorry and I’m very sorry this cover was taken away from a black woman”
On a positive note Queen Erykah Badu is presenting the soul train awards on Sunday. There’s going to be a whole lot of #blackgirlmagic going on that night.
Written by Zainab Hassan
Edited by Leomie Anderson
As I have touched on order such as utilising online connections for ‘IRL’ roles, it also means now, more than ever, the pressure is on you to be sourcing these opportunities yourself.
This can be hard however. With deadlines and diaries already at capacity, finding the time to look beyond your degree and expand your C.V can be difficult but it is not impossible! Here’s how.
Finding your niche.
Firstly, this is not set in stone nor is it the most critical part of making it. Many successful journalists and creatives seem to just ‘end up in’ whatever field they make their name in – however it can make it easier to get your foot in the door. For me, I began my foray into journalism through the pages of Vogue. I dreamt of one-day strutting into the offices like Anna Wintour and spending my days with beautiful clothes and dreamy locations.
Realistic? Perhaps not. As my interests widened and my experience grew, I found my real passion in the underground scene. Combining my love of music with my knowledge of fashion and culture, coming into my own allowed me to realise that you will have the most success in life through doing what you are most passionate about.
An inspiration to me would be Caroline Simionescu – Marin. Now Caroline is only school years above me in age but what she has achieved, through her work with XL Recordings, Radar Radio and beyond is worth watching – It’s worth applauding. Be it through tireless work-ethic or dedication to the movement she is championing. So whether music is your thing, broadsheets, zines or even Vogue, taking the time to figure out what is you most enjoy writing about and celebrating those ahead of you in the game can help to push you forwards.
Caroline SM at Radar Radio
Getting your foot through the door.
Now this can be tricky, especially when for smaller publications and writing opportunities, an Insta reply or a Twitter DM can be the place where deals are done. Learning the basics, such as pitching to the correct person or even the correct publication only takes a little bit of research but can prevent you being set-back by minor errors. Try not to be too hardened if the biggest magazines or websites don’t reply to your queries – reach out to the independents!
If you are reading this for example, then you are already familiar with the platform that Leomie has created and if you take the time to read through the endless thought-provoking, insightful contributions others have made then why not try yourself? Everyone has a story to tell and even if what you want to say could be said by countless other journalists – they are not you! You have a voice unique to this world so share it. Start with little things, poems, diary entries, you name it – soon you will find your writing tone and style and that is something so amazingly personal to you.
(Once you’ve found it, and taken the plunge and contributed to sites like LAPP, why not take it further? Fashionworkie.com is a great resource for industry related roles as is Twitter.)
Dealing with the set backs.
Sometimes it can feel like the world is against you.
Sometimes things don’t go your way, no matter how hard you wish they would. This is something you can apply to both life and professional setbacks. It can take time for employers and indeed the people in your world to appreciate the good you have to offer. Rejection does not mean this good is redundant, but rather saved for the right time. Childish I know, but a belief in fate has always got me through and I truly mean it when I say everything happens for a reason.
Anyone, no matter what field or career path, has dealt with the blows of rejection and as writer, I have entire email inboxes dedicated to applications that have been met with silence. This is okay though! It can take time for the ball to start rolling and for this you need to give yourself credit, pick yourself back up and carry on building.
Trust in your talent and don’t wait for the job of your dreams to present itself. Be assertive, be aspired and most importantly, be yourself. Once you fully appreciate what you give to the world and understand how your contribution will matter, you will find the doors creaking open and opportunities welcoming you with open arms. You will be able to sit back, reflect and realise that the only person who made shit happen for you – is you.
Written by Jasmine Kent- Smith
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