A Matter of Race; Taste
Publishers Weekly received an onslaught of criticism by way of Twitter in regards to their latest cover. The image called ‘Pickin’, 1999, by Lauren Kelley was taken from a new book called Posing Beauty: African American Images from the 1890s to the Present to illustrate the annual feature on African-American book publishing. The photograph is of a black woman whose hair is basically a large Afro pick halo including the classic fisted handle reminiscent of the black power movement of the seventies.
“We don’t get the ‘Afro Picks!’ cover. It’s not hip, cute, or appealing.” This is one opinion shared on Twitter; another tweet said: “It seems like a big mistake,” and another read, “what exactly is the rationale behind the Afro-picks cover?” “This is a ridiculous cover. An afro with lotso picks. Get it?” “Publishers Weekly what were you thinking?” According to Publishers Weekly, by early afternoon on Monday, Twitter was swarming with comments about the cover illustration and few of the comments were complimentary.
The cover line for the image reads Afro Picks! New Books and Trends in African-American Publishing, referring to the feature story “African-American Books in Today’s Marketplace,” a look at the current marketplace for black books written by Felicia Pride. The clever pairing of title and image is a common practice for all periodicals as is the use of controversy for the sake of generating increased attention and revenue. We are all entitled to our opinions, and the question of taste is subjective. Ultimately, it all boils down to an issue of intention, or is it trust?
In response to the disapproval, PW Editorial Director Brian Kenney said “My apologies to anyone who was offended by our cover—that certainly wasn’t our intent. At the same time, I’m delighted that Publishers Weekly was able to draw so much attention to Lauren Kelley’s powerful photograph, Deborah Willis’s wonderful book, and especially Felicia Pride’s absolutely terrific feature on African-American book publishing.”
The use of these types of images brings up a number of questions, concerns and debates. Rather than go numb – or go off half-cocked – it sounds as if some thoughtful comments were twittered putting PW in question as to its objectives. It’s a matter of cause and effect when perceivably questionable images of black people are displayed by a white owned media sources – and the war rages on….
Clutchettes & Gents, what’s your take on thangs?
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It is an issue of trust – that of not trusting others to create an ”accurate” depiction of the black experience. Ultimately, the representation of the black image by white publications (I will also go as far to say publications in general and Essence magazine is what comes to mind) is still fraught with mistrust because of the long history of misrepresentation. I found this image by Lauren Kelley powerful and more complex than the publication alluded to by placing the words “Afro Picks!”. To me the image reflects how black hair is politicized, sometimes to the extreme.
The twitter exchanges remind me that it is amazing how words can recontextualize and shape how viewers perceive an image.
This cover fascinates me and makes me what to pick up a copy to read. I love the cover along with the afro and the picks. It’s bold, daring and beautiful. I cannot wait til my afro grows this high and thick! People are always going to comment when it comes to black folks and things about us. Its just our place to not allow it to contain us and move beyond it.
I’m just wondering where all this outrage was when this photo was published 2 months ago in the book the article is referencing.
Once again, I believe the masses that do not pick up books are allowing the media to tell them how they should feel.
Publisher’s Weekly did nothing wrong. There is nothing wrong with this cover and they did nothing wrong by using it. THIS DOES NOT OFFEND ME. And that is because it is not degrading. I have an afro-a rather large one if I may be so bold- and I think this picture is intriguing as well as EMPOWERING.
This is not black face. This is a minstrel show. This is not coonery. This is art created with afro picks-the same type of pick that I have bought and use in my hair.
To people who are offended, what is your issue with this art? Are you offended by afros? Are you offended by afro picks with the black power fist on it? Are you offended that a black photographer would be bold enough to illustrate the beauty of natural hair through afro picks? Or, are you simply upset that a white man found this piece of black art (which forces focus on a natural black woman and the power of her hair) to be intriguing?
I mean, the picks have the black power fist on them, for goodness sake! What is there to be upset about?
Taken directly from PW senior editor’s post regarding the fuss about the picture:
“And with all due respect to those who were offended by the image, that is not a universal reaction. In an e-mail message from professor Willis, a scholar of black photography, chair of NYU’s photography department and a MacArthur Fellow, wrote: ‘It’s amazing how the viewers read this wonderful image that exemplifies power, humor, style, and beauty. Including the fist on the comb indicates power and strength and pride. It reminded me of the 70s. Ironic could it be that the readers are afraid to look at the power in black hair. (smile.) Thank you for using the image and exposing Black Beauty.’”
Publisher’s Weekly did nothing wrong. There is nothing wrong with this cover and they did nothing wrong by using the photograph. THIS DOES NOT OFFEND ME. And that is because it is not degrading. I have an afro-a rather large one if I may be so bold- and I think this picture is intriguing as well as EMPOWERING.
This is not black face. This is a minstrel show. This is not coonery. This is art created with afro picks-the same type of pick that I have bought and used in my hair.
To people who are offended, what is your issue with this art? Are you offended by afros? How about afros on black women? Are you offended by afro picks with the black power fist on it? Are you offended that a black photographer would be bold enough to illustrate the beauty of natural hair through afro picks? Or, are you simply upset that a white man found this piece of black art (which forces focus on a natural black woman and the power of her hair) to be intriguing and reminiscent of the Black Power Movement in the 1970s?
I mean, the picks have the black power fist on them, for goodness sake! What is there to be upset about?
Taken directly from PW senior editor’s post regarding the fuss about the picture:
“And with all due respect to those who were offended by the image, that is not a universal reaction. In an e-mail message from professor Willis, a scholar of black photography, chair of NYU’s photography department and a MacArthur Fellow, wrote: ‘It’s amazing how the viewers read this wonderful image that exemplifies power, humor, style, and beauty. Including the fist on the comb indicates power and strength and pride. It reminded me of the 70s. Ironic could it be that the readers are afraid to look at the power in black hair. (smile.) Thank you for using the image and exposing Black Beauty.’”
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the picture. As a community, African-Americans are so severely critical of anything in the media reflecting us. Rightfully so to an extent, but after a while you have to step back and think about what it is we’re criticizing. You’re upset because they depict an African-American girl with an afro? Guess what? Most of us were born with an afro and if we still have one we use afro picks…so what is so outstandingly offensive about it? On the contrary, if they used a fair skinned woman with bone straight hair, everybody would be crying “Why they couldn’t use a girl with an afro? It’s not black enough!” Sometimes you just have to pipe down and appreciate art. It’s not that serious.
I love this cover! Its creative and fits perfectly with the title. So clever. What’s wrong with an afro pick afro? Its not degrading. Some people are wound too tightly.
The cover is clever and smart. The picture is not degrading at all…
Has anyone read the article? Did it say that african-americans are choosing watermelons and spears or something like that… That’s degrading.
This cover is fantastic.
The cover is fabu. I truly don’t understand why Black people get up in arms about these types of things but not the pathetic, tried, cliches that pummel our eyes on a daily basis.
i usually go with my initial gut reaction to things…and for some reason, I found this photo harmless…and I am usually quite sensitive to these things.
my second reaction was, this would make an amazing centerpiece on my bedroom wall.
I am quick to call people out for questionable imagery but I cant see anything wrong with this, hell I would hang it up on my wall.
I love the cover. I think it is interesting! Afro picks with fist… did we forget that we use to have those come on- black power!
What’s the problem here? People need to lighten up; we don’t get half as upset about the things that really matter.
Aint nothing wrong or offensive or defamatory about this cover.
The ppl who had negative tweets are prolly kids who need to get the fvck offlline and read a histroy book, watch Eyes On The Prize; Mississippi Burning ; Sarafina; & so much more.
Stupid kids.
Ok, i thought it was just me that thought the imagery was amazing. I love the composition and the art behind using the picks. the title “afro picks” is a bit corny for how amazing the photography is, but really just a juxtaposition play. I rock a curly fro and do not find it the least bit offensive. i am curious to find the stream of tweets that were outraged and see what perspective they are seeing this from.
I absolutely love this image and would want a copy framed in my home…this is Art!
The image is fine, I think the title was just a bit tacky….
I LOVE THIS COVER! As a matter of fact, I went out to find this issue just to have a a keepsake! IT’S BEAUTIFUL! It reminds me of the classic covers of EBONY magazine where they had Black Jesus, Black Love, Black Pride and the like. I would love a poster of it!