Beyonce Covers French Magazine…In Blackface?
Well, it seems like Beyonce’s been having a very interesting week. After attending the Grammy’s and looking quite fabulous clad in all black with bestie Gwyneth Paltrow by her side, Bey caught some flack from a British paper for looking too white.
The article wondered if Beyonce’s pale skin, blonde locks, and increasingly waifish figure sent the wrong message to little Black girls around the globe.
Well, how the tables have turned. Recently images from Beyonce’s cover shoot with French mag L’Officiel hit the net, and let’s just say they’re a bit controversial.
L’Officiel, a French fashion magazine, is celebrating its 90th anniversary and tapped Beyonce’ to grace it’s March 2011 cover. The issue also honors legendary Nigerian singer and activist, Fela Kuti, and because of this, Beyonce is styled as an “African Queen.” In the magazine, Bey is rocking a stunning African-themed headdress, long braids…and blackface.
*record scratch*
Wait. What?
L’Officiel writes,
“The Fashion magazine is about to celebrate its 90th birthday. To celebrate this anniversary, the festivities start with the March issue, with Beyoncé on the cover. She agreed to pose for an incredible fashion shoot, with the theme of African Queen, paying a tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti. Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce, the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designers clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. [It is] A return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened. All the pictures will be available in the collector edition, on sell at the end of this month.”
At first glance, the photograph just looks ridiculous. Darkening Beyonce’s face is not only jarring, but it also does little to highlight her as an “African Queen.” Moreover, I don’t understand how putting her in blackface–which is utterly offensive to most Blacks, especially in America–is the proper way to honor Fela Kuti, a man wholly concerned with the freedom of Blacks/Africans throughout the Diaspora.
While I understand the compulsion to use Beyonce as the model for an “African Queen” (I mean, she’s one of the biggest stars in the world), would it have really been that difficult to either feature her as she naturally is or hire an actual African model? To darken her face (which she agreed to do) evokes all sorts of uncomfortable cultural references that I’m sure neither Beyonce or the magazine wanted to bring up.
Check out behind the sceens footage of Beyonce’s L’Officiel shoot. What do you think of Beyonce’s choice to pose in Blackface? Sound off!
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My thoughts as well.
there’s no rhyme or reason……
i guess naomi campbell, janelle monae, kerry washington, or alek wek wasn’t in their consideration?
I agree! I think that Janelle Monae would have an awesome model, but she wouldn’t have sold as many copies as Bey…It all boils down to the money!
I call this a case of celebrity bias than race bias. There are infinitely more black models/actresses/artists that could have been chosen to do this, however it’s just mainstream media dictating what is more special.
I’m not so sure about the the painting of her face, but looking at the video, the other outfits were great, WITHOUT the painted face…I do agree with the others that other models who have a darker complexion would be a better choice, for artistry’s sake…but then, the French have always been known for fashion… *shrugs*
Right now it seems we pile on Beyonce words of lessons needed to be said, discussed, and debated long ago in history classes. As Black History Month winds down there are still a few days left to teach lessons not so P.C. yet oh so true. There is still time left to discuss the relevance of the cakewalk. How it began with slaves imitating the formality of their Master by infusing some humor into what should’ve been the waltz. This was then transformed into a piece within a minstrel show where Blacks mocking Whites were mocked by Whites dressed up as Blacks mocking Whites. (Keep up with me now.)
There is still time to discuss the relevance of minstrel shows to Black culture. What we all too often debase is just as often forgotten as serving as the launching pad for many Black careers. As minstrelsy was replaced by vaudeville we saw the emergence of stars oft heralded such as Josephine Baker and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. As vaudeville and its chitlin’ circuit gave way to the Harlem Renaissance we saw Black character’s in theatre take shape, take on depth, take on a human arc capable of emoting and not just wide smiling, capable of training and not just shucking and jiving, capable of grace and not just hoofing.
As much as we look back on our burnt cork past with disgust or even hatred we cannot refuse to acknowledge how it has shaped the Black existence we are now privileged to enjoy. That includes Beyonce donning blackface for a magazine spread because she can and not because she must.
I don’t understand why they needed to blacken Beyonce’s face in order for her to represent an African Queen… there’s no logic to this brief because Beyonce is already African. African Queens came in many different shades her being a Darker shade doesn’t make her any more African…I’ve never seen anything more ridiculous and then to say it was in association with honouring Fela Kuti is even more of an Insult.
[...] Statement from L’Officiel: The fashion magazine is about to celebrate its 90th birthday. To celebrate this anniversary, the festivities start with the March issue, with Beyoncé on the cover. The star agreed to pose for an incredible fashion shoot, with the theme of African Queen, paying a tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti (Nigerian political singer who died in 1997). Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce, the beauty posed for the magazine in amazing fashion designer clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. A return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened. All the pictures will be available in the collector edition, on sale at the end of this month. [...]
I’ve often suspected she might be a bit clueless… this might prove it. How could she not know that would be offensive? I can see how a French magazine would mistake it as chic. But every African American with a working knowledge of US history should have understood the ramifications of doing something like this. smh
you know whats funny? the fact that people are “outraged” at this still shows that people are not comfortable with dark skinned tones. Blackface was meant to demean and insult black people by making them reject and hate their own skin. this was supposed to be shown as a beautiful piece of work to highlight how beautiful these shades of skin color can be. instead it was turned into something negative by the press and its a shame. no one took the time to think about the fact this was a positive shoot in honor of a person of color. and instead of sticking to one skin tone, it tried to show another. not in a demeaning way, not in a mocking way, but in a positive and uplifting way. think for yourselves people. try and see something other than the view of the author and the media.
If they wanted to celebrate darker skin color, then use someone who has naturally darker skin (Alek Wek, etc) — or better yet, show a continuum of celebrities/models in various shades of black skin. The French are not very sensitive to American and world-wide black culture, so I am not surprised that they did this — I’m surprised that Beyonce agreed to it. What’s sad is that anyone sees any form of “black face” as honoring anything.
Again this is not blackface. It is in no way demeaning or degrading to black women. And the fact that they chose to paint her face a color that is deemed as “ugly” by many should show that they’re intentions were to highlight and celebrate the color in a good way. plus the magazine has commented that the photo shoot wasn’t in honor of a particular person, it was just the theme they decided to go with for the shoot. so we were mistaken. either way i think they are gorgeous pictures
What is it about the french and blackface? This isn’t the first time they’ve done this isht and they have to know how offensive it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GOwF4-8Rzs
Really France? Its so disapointing in light of the rich african american history of black expats that they continue to debase the culture this way. I wouldn’t visit France if you paid me.
Thanks for the post !
L’OFFICIEL is very proud to present its March issue featuring Beyoncé in African-inspired dresses and jewelry by top designers, including Gucci, Azzedine Alaia, Fendi, Pucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Rodarte, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier and Lanvin. Designer Tina Knowles, who is also Beyoncé’s mother, created a one of a kind couture piece. The designs are all reflective of the African influence on fashion this season. Miss Knowles poses with royal allure. A queen, a goddess, Beyoncé is a bombshell beauty with a divine voice. We’re thrilled she’s opening a season of celebrating the 90th anniversary of L’Officiel de la Mode. The series was conceived as using art and fashion in paying homage to African queens.
Beyoncé mentioned the artist Fela Kuti in the interview as one of her musical inspirations. It was later misquoted as the inspiration for the shoot. We would like to clarify that it is not the case. As for the artistic makeup, the inspiration came from several African rituals during which paint is used on the face. We find the images beautiful and inspiring.
L’Officiel would like to thank Beyoncé for her outstanding contribution to this celebration of African influences in Fashion.
@ L’Officiel mode,
Hi there!
“the series was conceived as using art and fashion in paying homage to African queens.”
As an African queen, I felt insulted by this particular shot! Your defense of it comes from an artistic point of view. My criticism of it comes from the subliminal messages your magazine is sending us. By blackening her face, it seemed as if you were alluding to the fact that queens from Africa are all chocolate, which is not the case. We come in all shades of the beautiful black color.
There were many cultural oversights on this particular shot, and I would urge your team to do due diligence in adhering to cultural sensitive matters! Otherwise you just lost a potential customer of your magazine.
Yours Truly,
African Mami.
“There were many cultural oversights on this particular shot, and I would urge your team to do due diligence in adhering to cultural sensitive matters! Otherwise you just lost a potential customer of your magazine.”
__________________________________________________________________
@African Mami
Amen.
Notice that there were no specifics regarding the specific origin of the supposed “African rituals” involving black/brown face paint in this corny PR response. I also couldn’t help but notice that this shoot was supposedly done in appreciation of Africa, with African inspired clothing, and yet NONE of the designers included were actually from the continent. (Like Tina Knowles would’ve been included had she not been Beyonce’s mother) It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if I walked through the offices of L’Officiel and noticed a lack of blacks, the color of Beyonce’s painted face or otherwise, as editors, staff writers, stylists, etc. We all know the woes concerning black representation and employment in US fashion publishing and modeling. Is the industry somehow more diverse in France? (Um, no.) “Oh, but it’s an homage. It’s beautiful.” Yeah, it’s always an homage and beautiful, except when they’re hiring.
From Alex Haley’s “Roots”, page 45-
“…Even Binta, along with every other female in the village over 12 rains old, was nightly boiling and then cooling a broth of freshly pounded fudano leaves in which she soaked her feet- and the pale palms of her hands- to an inky blackness. When Kunta asked his mother why, she told him to run along. So he asked his father, who told him, ‘The more blackness a woman has, the more beautiful she is.’”
It is only in the context of slavery and our attempt to assimilate to American standards of beauty that our blackness has become a bad thing.
I think we have gotten too “PC” in this country. Everything does not have to have some deeper meaning. It was a fashion shoot. Period.
I’m a big fan of Beyonce but that photo is whack. Especially since the rest of her body doesn’t match her face. I really think they should have used an actual African Model. I mean really. Those pics do nothing for her, the magazine or anybody else. #PhotoshootFAIL
Beyonce can not win!! I hope she doesn’t even waste her time reading half of these post or articles. If she lived her life based on how everyone else wanted her to live, look, etc.,she probably would be a lost cause! You cannot make most black ppl happy, I swear the majority complain about every GODDAMN thing. I mean damn, she can’t gain weight or lose weight, she can’t color her hair, get a tan, lose her tan, have white friends, pose for a magazine…..I mean damn give it a rest. Her job is to entertain us. If you’re not entertained keep ya shyt moving.
@Lena -Who in the hell is really dissecting her pictures to see if she had a nose job?? That seems a little insane. Do you know how many woman (black/white/Asian/Latino) have nose jobs!! Even in her case I don’t think she had neither, but if she did who the F**K cares I mean really? I mean you really took a lot of time out of your day to find and post links and shyt to prove a mute point. Does thinking Beyonce wants to be white make you feel better about yourself?
How many of you honestly think she chose to have her face painted BROWN to intentionally disrespect Africans or African Americans? I mean honestly, do you really think that was her intent? Maybe she did it to show that, hey you can be an African Queen my complexion or darker… Either way we’re all beautiful.
You have these Black comedians that do all types of degrading shyt and NO ONE bothers to give it a second thought. I bet if Dave Chapelle did a skit with a “blackface” everyone would be crackin the hell up.
These Entertainers are not here to make people feel comfortable about themselves. If your insecure about your race, creed or color, then that’s something YOU have to deal with. Don’t go looking for Beyonce to make your feel better about yourself!
@ Kris.
These Entertainers are not here to make people feel comfortable about themselves. If your insecure about your race, creed or color, then that’s something YOU have to deal with. Don’t go looking for Beyonce to make your feel better about yourself!
This African queen was not looking for Beyonce’s acknowledgement. I was simply looking for her to show cultural discernment and knowledge. Sorry!
It is not as if beyonce is portraying something negative or a stereotypical view… she didn’t paint her face darker and sit in front the camera with a bucket of chicken… in fact i think the idea was the opposite… the shoot was meant to celebrate african queens… which come in many shades… i’m sure they could have gotten models or other celebs from all different shades but maybe they just wanted beyonce… because they chose to paint her face to express the different shades of beauty is wrong??
@ Evanka,
Whether it was her intent or not, there are negative cultural intonations. She should have researched before agreeing to take L’Officel’s directions. Plain and simple.
forever walking on eggshells and over analyzing in unnecessary cases like this keep negative culture intonations alive
“forever walking on eggshells and over analyzing in unnecessary cases like this keep negative culture intonations alive”
@Evanka
No. Discriminatory hiring practices, a lack of diversity and representation in the mainstream media/fashion industry keep negative cultural intonations alive. I do not understand this attitude that some of you have that racism in the fashion industry is so much of an afterthought, that people, particularly black people, shouldn’t be so sensitive, or walk on eggshells, or over analyze editorials that dabble in historically racist tropes. We are talking about the fashion industry, right? You know, the one where everyone is always complaining about how black models struggle to get love and how you can’t count the number of black editors at fashion magazines on one hand? Did you miss the part where none of designers included in the L’Officiel spread, supposedly honoring Africa, were actually from the continent? I totally understand how such an industry wouldn’t deserve the side-eye when playing with blackface (sarcasm).
I doubt Beyonce had any intention to offend anybody, but she still looks stupid with the dark make up on. It just doesn’t make sense to have a woman who is already black to put make up on to make her appear darker. Maybe a head shot would have made more sense, or, better yet, a woman with actual dark skin!
i dont think this was intentionally racist or harmful, just someone thinking it was a bright idea and a new, creative way to showcase ‘Blackness’ and ‘African Queens,’ but i dont understand why they did only her face and not the rest of her body. that would have had an even greater impact towards the point of the photo story, if you ask me. and as others have pointed out, i get the whole ‘Black Is Beautiful’ thing, but, if thats the case, why not use a dark-skinned model? what is the point of using Beyonce? to sell magazines, thats why…
http://sartorialme.blogspot.com
This article speaks volumes.. So get over it, it’s really not that serious!
For reals. I mean, god, we’re black, so we should accept whatever shite is thrown our way and settle for the back of the bus. Speak sista!
[...] to buy French Antique [...]
As much as we look back on our burnt cork past with disgust or even hatred we cannot refuse to acknowledge how it has shaped the Black existence we are now privileged to enjoy. That includes Beyonce donning blackface for a magazine spread because she can and not because she must.
[...] ad that had suspicious lighting made the rounds and made folks angry in 2008? Remember Beyonce donning blackface for a magazine spread confused and shocked us just last year? So the questions keep [...]