Beyonce graces the March issue of L'Officiel Paris, but it's a controversial photo of the superstar inside the French fashion magazine that's getting the most attention.
The glossy is celebrating its 90th anniversary, and Beyonce marks the occasion with an homage to Nigerian musician and humanitarian Fela Kuti; Beyonce's husband, Jay-Z, is a producer on the acclaimed Broadway musical "Fela!," based on the icon's life, music and courageous defiance against government corruption. In a statement (via Jezebel), L'Officiel describes the Feli-inspired photo of Beyonce -- sporting blackface, tribal paint and a dress designed by her mom -- as a "return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened." (Here is an image of the cover along with other "African Queen"-themed images from the photo spread.)
Not everyone is a fan of the editorial vision and tribute to Kuti; the image simultaneously inspires and provokes. Writes Jezebel's Dodai Stewart: "It's fun to play with fashion and makeup, and fashion has a history of provocation and pushing boundaries. But when you paint your face darker in order to look more 'African,' aren't you reducing an entire continent, full of different nations, tribes, cultures and histories, into one brown color?"
"It's one thing to feel moved by Fela Kuti, and quite another to treat blackness as a fashion accessory, like a pair of glittery heels you put on because it looks cool," Stewart adds.
Meanwhile, Beyonce and other black stars have had their skin lightened on the cover of glossy women's mags and in advertisements; see Beyonce's 2008 L'Oreal ad compared with a real photo of the singer.
This whole "blackface" criticism of models needs to die. Just because at one point in time it was deragatory, it doesn't mean that it still is, and forever will be. Different motives
This isn't "blackface" so all this is null and void.
Blackface means a non African American painting their face to darker shades to imitate a " Negro" (I do not mean this in an offensive way, but to get the point across).
Then they perform in a derogatory way to downgrade and make fun of that race. They perform acts that were stereotypically associated with African Americans such as walking around with chains to represent slavery, not having good manners ans so on. It's a way to downgrade them.
Beyonce by all means did none of this, she did not do it to downgrade her race, on the contrary she did it to pay homage to it and to try to show her culture in a positive light.
People overreact about this all the damn time. Models and other people have done this but it gotsta blow up because Bey did it. This isn't even the 1st time. She did it in Dreamgirls too...
it's not actually "blackface". It's Beyonce so people will find something stupid to criticize.
she wore the darker makeup on a couple of outfits and the majority of the shoot she was her normal skin color. If you watch the video of the shoot they clearly say she was paying homage to many African queens. the makeup got lighter as it went down her neck showing the many shades of African people.
anyway, it was clearly an artistic expression and she was paying homage
This whole "blackface" criticism of models needs to die. Just because at one point in time it was deragatory, it doesn't mean that it still is, and forever will be. Different motives
Ikr, times have changed. In the past it was done because of racism; now it's done for a completely different purpose. The act itself is not racist - it's the reason that may (or may not) be.
I think people have gotten too “PC” in this country. Everything does not have to have some deeper meaning. It was a fashion shoot. Period.Everyone is looking, freaking out and talking. I’m sure the exec’s at the magazine are laughing all the way to the bank.
it's not actually "blackface". It's Beyonce so people will find something stupid to criticize.
she wore the darker makeup on a couple of outfits and the majority of the shoot she was her normal skin color. If you watch the video of the shoot they clearly say she was paying homage to many African queens. the makeup got lighter as it went down her neck showing the many shades of African people.
anyway, it was clearly an artistic expression and she was paying homage
People need to get a grip. She hasn't painted a swastika on her face. This isn't an expression of hate. It may be a bit simple-minded, but who cares? Humans are generally simple-minded creatures, so that shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody.
