October 11, 2013 at 10:18 a.m.

Narrow definitions of female beauty are racially offensive

Narrow definitions of female beauty are racially offensive
Narrow definitions of female beauty are racially offensive

By Christopher Famous- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Recently Kimberley Caines wrote to me in response to my column on black women wearing their hair in its natural form. In her letter she listed a number of great points:

“There is still much dialogue within the black female community as to what really defines natural hair.

“I wonder whether a broad-brush definition of natural hair is really needed or can we just celebrate each other’s natural as they define it?”

Well Kim, I cannot give a clear answer on this topic. I am merely happy that black women are embracing their hair as God has given them. All hair needs some form of grooming and hair care products. The question is, is the product used to maintain what is already there or to change the look and texture completely?

I was most appreciative of these statements that you made:

“I also thank you for encouraging men to celebrate, encourage and embrace a non-sterotypical portrayal of beauty.”

“I note the use of the phrase ‘be nappy’ at the end of your article and I just wonder whether such terms continue to perpetuate the belief that black isn’t beautiful?”

To be honest, until you mentioned it, I never saw it as offensive. Improper social conditioning has made many of us accept the term ‘Happy to be Nappy’ as par for the course. I will not use the term again.

White is right?

The subject of hair was my opening salvo — but there is a much bigger picture.

Recently Nina Davuluri was crowned as Miss America 2013. The backlash around the world was immediate. 

“How can a Dark Skinned Indian woman be Miss America?” was the overall sentiment of many. Even in the country of her parents’ birth, ‘Dark Skinned’ women are shunned systematically. And as a result, they pay billions of dollars to have their skinned lightened. 

In a nation of 315 million full of “Nice Hair”, they have this Eurocentric based perception of skin tone beauty and into the notion that “white is right, black stay back.”

Runway racism

Recently Iconic Models Niaomi Campbell and Iman have launched ‘The Diversity Coalition’. It’s a campaign set to address the rampant racism in the fashion industry. 

They identify the designers who very seldomly use ‘models of colour’ in their runway shows—  including Marc Jacobs, Victoria Beckham, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Rodart.

“At New York Fashion week in February, only six per cent of designs were shown on black models, according to statistics compiled by blog Jezebel. 

The vast majority of runway spots (82.7%) went to white models, with a growing proportion of Asian girls (9.1%) — according to cnn.com

The underlying message is that beauty can only be demonstrated or personified via white or near-white  models.

D Yellas

Many black men worldwide have fallen into this trap with regards to what we ideally look for in women. 

Many of us have visions of the Jennifer Lopez or Beyonce mould as our ideal catch. Along the way, we subconsciously reject the darker skinned and or natural hair black women. According to society and media influences we must aim for the ‘Yella with nice hair’.

I have three daughters, who differ in skin tone and hair texture. I let them know it is about what is in their heads, not on their heads, that determines their beauty.

To all my beautiful black and Indian women, ‘Define your own beauty and create your own Runway’.

Feedback: [email protected]


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