Black Women, Racism and Vogue Italia

I never knew I was black until I left the shores of Nigeria. I had been called 'yellow pawpaw' all my life, and I always thought my oldest sister was 'yellower' than I was. Even with this, there were no statistics in Nigeria, that played out like 50% Yellow, 20% Charcoal 30% Mixed-Colour. When I watched things on TV, and knew there was such a  thing as racism, read books about the slavery and all, it still never really dawned on me, what it really involved. Going on holidays, is not quite the same as living in another country. 

When I consequently got immersed in a foreign culture, I became just another statistic in their collective eyes. We are all statistics really. 50% White, 30% Black 40% Asian 10% Mixed-Race.  I always was against the notion of 'Race' and that to accept Race was to accept Racism. Yes, there's no 'Race' but Racism is not about genetic make-up. I began to see Race as it really plays out in such a place, and in the world at large.

One of my main concerns in this post is about the representation of  Black Women in the media. As I became more aware, I realized I didn't like it. Women in general you may say, But Black women for me, because its what I identify with, also because of the gross imbalance in representation. Black women, are mostly either shown to be highly sexualized, music video girls for example, who only make use of their bodies, no brains. Or the musicians..which the same can be said about them really.  A gross imbalance, where are the Black Women who are doing things which benefit themselves and society at large? I honestly don't see that at the forefront of my media sources. I am a designer (UX) where are the Black Women in design and technology? I see Zero.

I watched DBanj's new video, I could only shake my head. There is nothing new but the old formula of heavily clothed men and naked women. Why is this still so appealing? I cannot understand. The recycled image that man will only have power through money, women, power through her body. It's really hard to take in. The worst part is that many 'Black' women saw nothing wrong, infact they were extremely pleased with this sort of representation.

Another concern is the Vogue italia spread which people are raving about. I remember a question  that came up on my twitter timeline once, about racism in the Fashion Industry. I replied that it was a sure thing, it is still largely prevalent. If there's anything that shows the present racism in the fashion industry, it is that Vogue Italia spread. You ask how? One of the best definitions of Racism I have ever come across, is by Michael Eric Dyson, you can watch the video here 

Racism is the ability to impose your viewpoints, biased as they are, as normative, and then have the power to reinforce them as necessary and primarily exclusive.

Racism is about power. It is not a simple matter of preference or bias. The big wigs of the Fashion Industry have power to control what happens within. So far, 'White' has been the model, and it hasn't changed. We see a sprinkle of 'Black' women, but really they are taken to be a 'token' which helps to appease those that may once in a while say, 'No Black Face there!' They are also taken to be a 'Trend' How can a whole group of people be relegated to the back page spread of an All-white Magazine, and you find nothing wrong with it. I like this take on it  here

I won't even talk about the cigarettes, and the styling of the photos, these deserve  a separate post. For us to move from this tokenism and trendism, Black Models (Those of 'colour') in this case have to be seen as normal, and they should be featured as frequently as others, there are more Black and Asian people on this planet for fairness sakes. 

I would really love to see a representation of Black Women on my media sources that I can relate to. I want to see them as part of the fabric of this world not. an occasional subject. I would really like Black Women themselves to deliberately refuse to accept the rubbish we are being fed. We also need to create content, if people won't give us a voice, We need to become our own Voice.

Are you a Black Women?

I don't believe in Race, but I believe in cultures, in memes, In conditioning and the likes. I believe in the inherent wickedness of man. I also believe that we all are from Africa. It is quite unfortunate the things that have happened, but it is up to those who will allow themselves think and re-write these stories to lead us on a new path.

Slavery has been a part of Humankind since time was born, it's in man's nature..the want to dominate, to be fearful of anything that seems bigger or better. Slavery of the kind which crossed oceans, has been the most talked about, but people forget that Slavery occured in every area of this world.

The problem with Slavery is not the work that is done, even sons can do that. The problem is that people are taught/conditioned to hate themselves, to deny/hate their own Identity and to see themselves ONLY in the terms of the Slavemaster. This is MENTAL SLAVERY. 

First you get a NEW NAME, everyone knows the power in Names, 'Black' 'coloured' 'Brown' 'stupid' 'Nigger' 'Lazy'and whatever they come up with . Then gradually everything you knew is ERASED! This form of slavery is the most powerful because you feel no pain! you would tell a mental slave they are slaves but they will never agree. You only go to a Doctor if you agree that you are unwell. If someone is beaten and forced to wear chains, they will resist. But how can you resist something you can't feel?? There is a popular 'saying' which comes to mind, ''If two people call you a horse, you may want to stop and think about it. If three people call you a horse you may want to start shopping for a saddle". You conform to what others (Because for some reason there is truth in numbers, *sigh ) have called you and to every characteristic of that thing.

But we have Brains, We can think, it all starts with the simple WHY? something that we are born with, we need to study kids..they always ask WHY and that is where learning begins. YOU can ask, WHY?? WHAT?  USE IT!

Back to the question  'Are you a Black women?'  I will excuse your 'blunder' because you don't seem to be a native English speaker but No, sweetie..I'm Not.

If you really need to describe me, a deep ochre tone is more suitable, and culturally I am Nigerian

The Human Race

You know that's the way i see it. One Race..Human, Finito! I wonder why only the Fantasy books and games seem to get this. You have the Human Race, The Orcs, The Elves, The Demons...e.t.c Clear cut differences, but ooh no leave it to humans, we always look for the littlest thing to discriminate against...Levels of Melanin, shape of eyes??? Sometimes I can't help but laugh like a mad man at the ridonkulity of this Race matter.

My Avatar

If i had an avatar, she would probably look like that and her name would be Cleonytri. I had been looking forward to watching James Cameron's movie and the excitement over the technology used was no small thing. We kept on waiting while carrying on with our normal day to day life and then it was announced to open in December. Many reviews popped up on the internet and i couldnt help but read, when the movie was finally premiered.

The main theme i kept picking up was how stunning The Humanoids and Pandora, the Na'vis' homeland was, with the 3d and IMAX viewing especially, another strong point was the blatant racism, imperialism and some other -isms which are not so good contained within the movie, the political, environmental themes and what not. i didnt want to be bothered, i wanted to watch the movie anyway unlike district 9 which i haven't still seen. Avatar was being compared to movies and animations like Ferngully, Dances with Wolves, Pocahontas e.t.c. I would be daft if i say i didn't notice the recurring theme. 'White' man goes to native land to basically wreck havoc by stealing resources. One lone man and sidekick(s) breaks away after a romantic encounter with a native most likely daughter of the village head , then becomes the hero of the natives by turning against initial party. This..some say is every 'White' man's dream, so he can do away with the guilt which has been inherited him. Basically i didnt buy the story, but that wasnt what i wanted to see so off to the cinema i went.

I watched Avatar in 3d with a friend at The Gate, the most annoying thing was that i had to wear the 3D glasses on my own spectacles.lol, i did have my eyes and head spinning after a while. but i was really amazed at the 3d tech, i resolved that i would still see the movie in IMAX, which was my original plan anyway, i also wanted to take the 3D glasses away, i mean c'mon! i paid for those things! lol.

 Some weeks later i went to Odeon to see it in IMAX with another friend at 9:45am!! on a saturday morning, because seats where so booked! i was amazed at myself. lol. We got there and behold, a very long queue! it could only be for Avatar. We got in and went on to enjoy the movie. i dozed off lots of times, cos u know its a really long movie.lol but seeing it in IMAX makes all the difference, my eyes didnt spin as much, the screen was so clear, i thought my eyeballs had reverted back to the original shape.It was great!

Even though the story wasnt new plus overdone, and the lead character not very engagng, i enjoyed the movie. Even though i thought the Na'Vi's were a mash up of Red Indians and some South African tribe.. Even though i thought the features of the Na'Vi were grossly disturbing and i did see the racist undercurrents..Its a movie to watch and only at the Cinema..and in IMAX 3D!! :D

P:S Next stop Alice in Wonderland! Can't wait!