These days one would think that someone appearing in blackface is without a doubt a taboo but apparently not in France.  In French Vogue’s October Issue model Lara Stone appeared in blackface which, understandably, ruffled a few feathers.  This matter may seem fleeting or minor to some but it resonates with many black women who are in the process of finding their identities in a wide society that holds narrow views on beauty.  French Vogue probably had no intension of initiating racial controversy.  However, simply blaming their lack of sensitivity and commonsense would be letting them off too easy.

As an open-minded individual who respects artistry and creativity in all forms I would have liked to give them the benefit of the doubt but I began wondering if that would be in vain.  As Americans living in a diverse country we are more privy to racial taboos—but the French are not off the hook yet.  France, just like America, has history involving slavery and, although not as prevalent as in the U.S., blackface’s iconography.  Therefore, French Vogue cannot use ignorance as an excuse.  There are those that may argue that the spread was a far cry from racist because the images do not visually perpetuate black stereotypes (i.e. laziness) but that reasoning is in itself lazy; racism does not necessarily have to be blatant.  French Vogue’s intentions may have been admirable in the artistic world but they have to understand that their audience is more diverse and, unfortunately for them, more perceptive than they think. 

There are many gorgeous black models that could have done a great job yet American photographer Steven Klein, perhaps trying for an avant-garde approach, used a white model to portray a black woman.  These images may be discouraging and rightfully so; historically, African-American women have had to struggle with appreciating their unique beauty in an environment where it’s encouraged to assimilate to the prescribed mold.  It would have been one thing if the spread included a black model portraying a white woman—therefore negating any racist connotation—but they chose not to.

Racism and, in this case, lack of sensitivity will most likely continue to exist but it is our job to point these instances out and act accordingly.  As long as we continue to embrace our beauty and uniqueness the ignorance of others will fail to distort the way we perceive ourselves.