.gif)
We already know that mainstream beauty magazines are really bad at diversity.
But here’s another example!
A few days after the start of 2015 Cosmopolitan magazine published a “Beauty Trends That Need To Die” listicle with some curious choices for their models.
Many of the “need to die” trends were depicted on black models or celebrities of color, while the approved trends were featured overwhelmingly on white models and celebs — notably Estee Lauder stunners Joan Smalls and Kendall Jenner, among others.
The Cosmo piece didn’t seem to garner much attention at the time, but it has recently resurfaced in the public’s consciousness, and criticism has been heavy.
Here are some reactions on Twitter:
This is the same Cosmo that said natural hair styles were unprofessional & then swore they would do better about diversity. So…
— Mikki Kendall (@Karnythia) April 1, 2015
Cosmo not so subtly telling readers that “pale is better” pic.twitter.com/OZhBBZXtqN
— rbka (@californiadaze) April 2, 2015
Not at all surprising considering that @Cosmopolitan hasn’t had a black cover girl in 2 years: http://t.co/zKkJv5bpz2
— Sade (@soysadeo) April 2, 2015
It’s true! The last black woman (that we can remember) on the cover of Cosmo was Nicki Minaj back in November 2011!!!
That’s really embarrassing.
And even though a lot of the “need to die” trends do depict white models/celebs, there are no black celebs featured in the positive trend section.
The only person who comes close is Nicole Richie, who is of mixed ethnicity.
It may not seem like a big deal to some people, but the entire piece is just another example of how subtly white mainstream culture reinforces ideas of Eurocentric beauty, while dismissing minorities or other people who don’t neatly fit into that standard.
P.S. Is it weird that EXACTLY one year ago Marie Claire found itself in a similar position for calling Kendall’s cornrows “bold braids?”
Is there something about April 2?
Related Posts
-
Categories
