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ANTM Jumps on the Blackface Bandwagon?
Here we go again…
Looks like Tyra Banks has joined the Blackface fashion craze. Tonight’s episode of America’s Next Top Model features the remaining contestants on location in Maui. The concept of the shoot is to attempt to make the contestants look biracial — hence some rocking brown skin.
Yes, there was a similar shoot some seasons ago, however, amidst the controversy brought on by the fashion industry’s recent obsession with Blackface, we’re perplexed as to why Tyra chose to give this concept the green light. We understand that the whole Blackface issue sparks heated debate, but that’s only because of it’s historical context. Many see such imagery as purely artistic, but non-White folks are not caricatures meant to inspire costumery.
Clutchettes and gents — we’d like to hear your take on this. Has ANTM caught Blackface mania? If so, is it acceptable when commissioned by a Black woman?
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tyra will do anything for ratings.
I guess buffoonery doesn’t discriminate.
Traditional blackface involved extreme caricture. ANTM’s shoot doesn’t read caricature to me. Caricature, and cause for outrage IMO, was definitely in Carlos Diez’s S/S’10 runway show which was MUCH more provocative and upsetting than Lara Stone’s editorial or this ANTM shoot. The whole dark skin, pink lips, and occasional bare breast was a little past the line of “artistic.”
Personally, I feel slighted when people are “darkened” when black models could have been used in the first place (historically blackface was used not only to mock black people, but also because production back then wanted no parts of hiring black people). In this case, Tyra was working with the models she had in the context of her concept. Not quite the same thing.
Besides, they filmed this show well before that French Vogue ed was printed. You can’t knock her for having bad timing.
THIS ISH IS SUCH AN ABOMINATION!!! IM ASTOUNDED THAT THE INDUSTRY IS IN DENIAL ABOUT THE BLACK WOMAN, THE MOTHER OF CIVILIZATION AND HOW THE WORLD ENVIES US… THEY R DOING EVERYTHING TO BE LIKE US EXCEPT USE US IN THEIR ADS INSTEAD THEY SPRAY-TANNING, INJECTIONS AND CULTURAL THEFT, DARK TINTED BLK-N-WH PICS! I GUESS THEIR DAYS OF LYING TO THEMSELVES R ALMOST UP.
Well, they didn’t have to do it to Sundai, now, did they?
oh puhleeeeeze. not this again. folks, get over it already. -the girls look beautiful. all of them. -highlights the beauty of brownskin, which does not belong to black people alone.
next subject please.
b, i think you make a good point about brown skin not belonging to black people alone. And, you are correct on that point. However, it is difficult for some to not be offended when the women are dressed in what appears to be African inspired attire and jewelry; moreover, with a background that is reminiscent of the Sahara or some other beautiful desert in Africa (I know, Africa is not the only continent with a desert-but I think one can still follow my reasoning).
“Many see such imagery as purely artistic, but non-White folks are not caricatures meant to inspire costumery.” -Clutch And I agree with Clutch, but honestly we have seen it so much lately, I am just tired of being pissed off about it. So, this really doesn’t surprise me. And I don’t think the irritation that others feel towards this or any other similar situation should be a surprise to the people that can see this as purely artistic.
That Asian Sensation could have fooled me. She looks amazing. We know what blackface is, and this just isn’t it. There are no stereotypes being perpetuated. I see nothing offensive about it.
Very disappointed of Tyra.
in tyra’s logic she probably thought this would be ok because, “i’m black, y’all!!!” and “i’m TY TY y’all!!!”
i don’t know what else to say other than what i always say when tyra does ridiculously insensitive things when meaning to be thoughtful: oh, tyra.
@Tiffany W: I know that call the asian contestant, “asian sensation” was meant as a compliment but they could be problematic and seen as fetishizing. kind of like “strong black women” and the connotations that come with it in re: black womanhood.
I must admit, the Asian girl does look beautiful in that picture. I just hope Tyra understands that she just opens the door for others to do the same. The only problem is, I’m sure they won’t do it for artistic reasons.
Why is anyone surprised.
Most people only love tyra banks for her financial/business success. We tend to forgive people who have done well financially in spite of the hurt and harm their antics may inflict on others. What has she done other than be a model.
ANTM was a great idea, but since then we have seen several glimpses into her way of thinking and I have been repeatedly disappointed. Her comments have often left much to be desired. This is just the latest ploy in the long line of lack luster stunts to get attention. If she left the public eye would we really lose anything.
She had a wonderful legacy as a model. It seems like she tries daily to destroy it.
Not sure if anyone is watching or will watch the episode but the shoot was depicting mixed races. One girl portrayed a Tibetan/Egyptian woman or a Moroccan/Russian woman. There were plenty of different combinations of races. In my opinion this, in no way, hearkens back to Blackface. If people want to be offended or disappointed, speak on behalf of all races, not just African Americans.
Generally, I’d be the one to say “Oh Tyra, she’s done it again.” But in this case it’s just not that serious. There are worse things and the photos were actually pretty beautiful.
I only became pissed off when i realized that she didn’t put sunday(the black one) in white face. She was supposed to be morracan and russian, and I’ve never seen a black speciman of either. WTF??? If you’re trying to flip the script then flip it all the way. She’s bogus. Tyra continues to go down on my radar of likeablilty every year.
I think this if Tyra were a white male doing this for artistic value..the NAACP, Shapton, Jesse and everyone would be in an uproar about it. Blackface is Blackface and just bc you throw a smizing black woman in the mix to say its okay its not. So its not okay for French Vogue to do it but Tyra its okay. Where do you think they got the idea from anyway. You can’t pick with ethical and not. The bottom line is if your gut tells you its wrong don’t do it cuz it creates ratings.
I think those girls look amazing w/ the brown make up. Seriously they look beautiful!!!!
it’s a complicated issue… I do think that Tyra didn’t intend to disrespect or demean black folks and that the shoot was purely conceptual, she’s done it before in another season in which a black model, Kenya, was turned into an Asian woman. I think images like these stir up negative emotions in folks due to the fact that race in itself is a touchy issue, and is today more than ever despite what some may think. My main problem with ‘race’ in this country is it’s really not about what you are but what you look like. Some black girls get a pass because they appear as if they could be something else, while some black girls get a fail because they are not ‘exotic’ enough. It’s the same for other races as well. Some white chicks can get away with telling someone they are half puerto rican, and will do so just to recieve the compliments or extra attention they might not get if they were just plain old ‘white’. I knew an asian girl that was happy some people thought she was at least half black when she got a tan. We all know that as of lately the aesthetic for the ‘perfect’ beauty has become increasingly shifted toward women who appear to be or are racially ‘mixed’. It’s funny to me because technically we’re all ‘mixed’ but like I said it’s all about what you look like. Both of my sisters are about 3 shades lighter than me and they get all types of questions and comments on their ethnic background. People have mistaken them as everything from half indian to full panamanian. I’ve never recieved as much attention as they have over the question of my ethnicity. I have very heavy blackfoot, cherokee, west indian, and german ancestry in my family but looking at me, most would never know it. I think that’s the real issue here, the manipulation of ethnic appearance, that trigger’s some deep seeded complexes in people.
Once again black people are offended. I’m black but I don’t see the issue. Yes I know the history of “blackface” but if we don’t move on and stop being pissed, nobody else is going to let it go either. All of the models look better that way anyway.
This is not black face… people are being oversensitive… THEY NEED TO GET OVER IT. almost each shoot on that show is some crazy and some time silly concept… the girls in that show have been naked, oiled, vampire, murdered, turn into man, turned into celebrities and fairytale caricatures, changed races, flown up in the air, made to be mermaids hanging from a fish net and somehow this upset people? if anything it is meant as a compliment to celebrate black beauty and culture… i didnt see no one being outraged when the girls where being made into Asian geisha wearing kimonos visiting japan…
in fashion and art there should not be any limits… this was not an offensive presentation of the black race… the whole fun in fashion is playing with different looks and identeties ur hair color eye color clothes and skin color are in no way a limited they are like everything else just an accessory!
Personally: I’m flattered. I believe one can either be upset about or choose to look at the bright side. I am an optimist. As black people we should all be proud of our heritage, skin, and culture. Look at it as more of a celebration. Finally we are getting the recognition of beauty we deserve as a race versus negative press. We have expeanded and are doing execptionally well in all aspects. I think people who are angered by it just want to plain out right mad! If you don’t have a solution then don’t add to turmoil by complaining. I ay choose the highroad and celebrate our GOD given beauty! Stop finding things to complain about!
Peace and Love
I haven’t watched an ANTM in a long time, but I recall her doing shoots like this before. They always change people’s looks on the show, so I don’t think it’s about trying to jump on the current “blackface bandwagon”. I agree with Alicia’s comment from before.
Stop Being so sensitive. Last night was actually teh 1st time Ive watched an episode of ANTM since forever ago. Tyra is annoying and self absorbed inmy book too but there was nothing else on. Black people are not the only people of color. Why cant people take things as COMPLIMENTS instead of always saying someone is making fun of us..They looked beautiful with our shades of color
i so agree with you jasmine
“Not sure if anyone is watching or will watch the episode but the shoot was depicting mixed races. One girl portrayed a Tibetan/Egyptian woman or a Moroccan/Russian woman. There were plenty of different combinations of races. In my opinion this, in no way, hearkens back to Blackface. If people want to be offended or disappointed, speak on behalf of all races, not just African Americans.”
I agree with both TAE & Ashley from 10.29.09.
those of you who think people should, “get over it” are just making it ok to say black/brown is beautiful as long as it’s not on US. until black women are seen as the beautiful women we are, i will not “get over it.” i’m glad you guys have bought into white ideals so much though ;)
This not cool no matter what the intent was. There was no need for this but to ruffle feathers, and given the history of black people making light of this opens the doors for those people who have obviously bad intentions to get in on the act and than claim innocence as they point to tyra. It doesnt matter if it looks cute.
I suggest you all who agree with this look up Shirley Q. Liquor to see what happens when you do not check this kind of BS.
I dont see why when we spend so much time and energy being WHITE WASHED, that its illegal for white women to appreciate black beauty and want to embody it. THe stereotypes that the orginal black face artists perpertuated arent seen here. THis is tasteful art.
@Clnmike: agree on both comments! thank you.
“white women to appreciate black beauty and want to embody it”
1- black face is not appreciating, it is mocking.
2- You live in a world were black women are constantly devalued because they do not look like mainstream media’s standards of beauty and to counter that you paint up white women and say how beautiful?
3- a painted white model means one less black model with a job.
4- Exactly what are you trying to say by doing this? Show that the difference between us is just skin deep? Didnt have to do black face to say that. Show how beautiful they look? You couldnt fine models of the ethnic origins you wanted to show instead?
The ones who are cosigning this are acting like neglected children who are so happy to get attention from their abusive parents there not paying attention to the type of attention their getting.
This is nothing but a passive agressive form of racisim.
Why are people complaining about this? Ridiculous, ANTM already had a photoshoot where the girls became other races in Cycle 4. Get over yourselves and stop yelling racism at any insignificant thing.
I agree with TAE. I actually have not seen the episode yet – had to PVR it as I was doing my university courses late on Wed – so I cannot comment on whether or not I think it is racist or blackface until I have physically seen every bit of it. If you saw my comment on the vogue shoot, you will recall that I am from a very mixed race and look very much white except when naturally tanned – in which case I get comments because I could be anything from Latino to Mediterranean to Native American to whatever. My sister on the other hand is very dark and although she is stunning and gorgeous, she gets the ‘dirty’ comments and she suffers from racial backlash because she is a darker shade that isn’t quite I guess what people consider the ‘perfect’ shade?? (My poor sister has been so abused over her color that she scrubs her skin or tans day after day to change it – how is that acceptable in society that a person should feel that they are not good enough as they were created?) It is todays view on which ethnicity is ‘better’ and I find that totally hateful. Why can we not just love ourselves and love others for the beauty that we have and not care as much about the color of our skin?
My 2 cents.
Sorry not acceptable because she is black. Just hearing about the show and vogue layout brought tears to my eyes. Being called several names like creamy, mutt, and the list goes on. Just feels like a another way of hurting me without knowing me.
I felt as though they did a better job than that spread in Vouge, painting the girl in BLACK! (not trying to sound stupid)
Not everyone that is brown is black
therefore not every instance of people wearing brown makeup is aimed at poking fun at black people
“Not everyone that is brown is black”
True.
“therefore not every instance of people wearing brown makeup is aimed at poking fun at black people”
FALSE, painting your self up as another race is not a compliment, black people are not extinct yet, get a black model to prove your point.
Well it’s not like Tyra created this episode in the midst of the Vogue blackface brouhaha, it was filmed months ago. Secondly, I don’t believe it was in bad taste. Saw the episode, she’s done that concept before (dressing up in a different race) it’s not that spectacular or offensive if you ask me.
I get the arguement of why paint a model’s face black when you can just get a black model. That I agree with…but this is NOT a magazine layout. No black models missed out on the shine. No black models were competing for this spot. No black models lost work because a white model took there place.
This is just a bunch of no names trying to be someone and the photographer’s ‘artistic expression’. It’s not the first time she has done this. And if I am correct, this shoot happened a while ago, long before the Vogue magazine spread.
The two, in my opinion, can not be compared.
To add, blackface is a mockery to blacks and is MORE then just putting on black makeup. It also included crude and outlandish images and behaviors (shucking and jiving) that stereotyped black people. AND not only whites did black face, but many black performers also donned the black face (and still do…lol).
Shoot…and I get called sensitive at least once a week. LOL
People seem to be missing the point here, black face regardless if you think its “cute” or not is some one elses interpretation of what some one looks or acts like, they are not seeing you they are seeing their vision of you. Opening that door aloows people to express their racism, exoticism, their beliefes. Regardless they do not see you for who you are.
Blackface is here today and I’m sure it will be gone tomorrow and then show up in a few years again. The fashion industry is all about trends and following the leader. Tyra is just keeping up with the season. I’m sure next season it will be something else. Next…
Just thought i’d add if you think that black face is bad just google Ganguro girls. Now those japanese black face girls are ””ed up.
I think we should stop being so sensitive. When the guys from Scary Movie did the “White Chicks” comedy it was clearly making fun of white people, yet there wasn’t a huge manifestation of white people for this. I’ve seen Dave Chappelle wear a blonde wig and paint his face in white to mock the tv news presenters and again no manifestation, so it can’t be that we do it and get away with it and when someone does something that it’s not even mocking, we attack. It’s ridiculous!
This episode was clearly not blackface at all. It was actually pro races and embracing the incredible mix of origins, nationalities and beliefs that is part of our days. Stop seeing ghost where there isn’t any and stop feeling ofended for anything or just actually looking for reasons to feel ofended.
I wasn’t offended. Blackface is intended to exaggerate the features of an African American and reinforces negative stereotypes about our culture, clothes, hair dialect etc. I saw none of that in these pictures.
It’s the equivalent of going up to every non African American with a tan and accusing them of Blackface. Like someone posted earlier, i’s just not that serious.
You seriously need to stop labeling everything as “BLACK FACE”. Do you even know what BLACK FACE is?!! This is NOT “BLACK FACE”. This is an example of a couple of models role playing/dressing themselves up as beautiful African women. There is NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS. Like someone above has already mentioned, “Black face” was about the bizarre distortion and caricature of Black people, used to mock and humiliate them.
NOT EVERYTHING IS “BLACK FACE”. STOP IT.
Thank you. :D