Vanity Fair Cover that is considered racist by some Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair is being accused of racism with their March 2010 magazine cover issue, showing the new hot stars and muses of Hollywood, who all happen to be white females.
While race is still a hotly debated topic in the 21st century, with "racism" being the hot iron that no-one wants to touch, it is obvious that the cover definetly lacks diversity. There are no Asian, Black or Hispanic actresses added to the 'Vanity Fair' cover (though it seems that most comments that are being made specifically talk about the lack of Black actresses).
USA Today has an article that carries some quotes from different blogs and there was one that particuarly caught my eye. It is from the ohnotheydidn't blog and it says "What does "Young Hollywood" look like? According to Vanity Fair, it's pretty, thin, female and white."
Is the Vanity Fair Magazine Cover Racist?
The Vanity Fair cover indicates more than anything just how exclusionary Hollywood and the media is; they exclude based on weight, attractiveness, and race (yes, there is still racism in 2010). Vanity Fair's magazine cover is disturbing to me for so many different reasons, and the above sentence sums it up perfectly. Everyone is thin, pretty and white. There are a lot of people on the web that have been sticking up for Vanity Fair, saying that they have choosen that demographic because those are the people that read their magazine (Vanity Fair knows I'm sure that that blanket statement is far from true but maybe they hope it to be so, like Ralph Lauren), and oh, Black people shouldn't care because they have JET and Ebony magazine to put them on the covers. I'm not going to get into a debate with myself at why these statements are idiotic and do nothing to address the issue. (Also, if you truly believe that Black magazines are wrong and only cater to black people; why would you be fine with 'Vanity Fair's' lack of diversity? Do two wrongs now make a right?). (Read the comments on Huffington Post to see what I am talking about).
Once again, I don't think this should be a White vs. Black issue, diversity is more than just black and white. Where are the Asian and Hispanic and Middle Eastern Actresses? Or is that the problem in-of-itself? How many Asian, Hispanic and Middle-Eastern actresses can we name that are making it in Hollywood right now? Is Vanity Fair's magazine cover showing the lack of diversity on behalf of Hollywood on behalf of Vanity Fair? I would say it's a bit of both- I mean why not feature Zoe Saldana or Gabby Sidibe?
Comments
Thought-provoking editorial. I agree, it seems strange to feature an entirely White ensemble here. There are plenty of talented young actors from diverse backgrounds that could have been featured.
Who cares that it's not diversified? Does it really matter?? I'm so tired of white people having to walk on eggshells for every other ethnicity. White people get every word and action criticized while every other ethnicity can pull the 'race card' if they aren't mentioned. I'm of a very mixed ethnicity and just FYI to everyone out there - there are multiple ethnicities that make up ‘white’. Why is there a BET channel and a magazine called ‘Ebony’ when there can’t be a channel called WET and a magazine aimed at white people…ridiculous double standard made up by whiners and complainers.
I mean out of all of them they couldn't think of anyone who wasn't white? That's a (bad) mirror that reflects on Vanity Fair!
Jen, there isn't a WET channel because EVERY OTHER CHANNEL is predominately white! Most channels are WET!
The point of the matter isn't that White people have to walk on eggshells. If there was true equality in the media, there wouldn't have been a need for Ebony and BET.
De facto Segregation may have ended in the USA but it is still practiced in reality and minorities are not viewed as equals are represented propotionally.
E - you're retarded. There is a HUGE double standard and you know it. White people totally have to watch everything they say and do so they don't get called a racist - while other ethnicities take advantage of it and cry 'victim'
so when people magazine puts people like Obama up and messages about change can I call that racist? Not that I even thought about something like that till an ignorant person like you tried to make a story out of nothing. Get over your own issues! Get a life!
I'm as white as a vampire, and I agree -- Where the dark folks at. They contribute to HOLLYWOOD!!!!
I had to read the comments before I responded to this article because one usually finds ignorant comments that truly show the reality of how far we need to go in terms of racial issues. I see Jen proves that point, but I want to focus on the issue at hand. The folks at Vanity Fair need to be chastised for not having a diverse portfolio of up and coming female actresses. It is very odd and troubling that not one person at the magazine noticed the lack of diversity. Shame on them and shame on the ignorant people who continue to live life blind to bigotry. I roll my eyes hearing people still using the "N" word, telling racist jokes and jabbering on and on about "those people". Why do you feel like you are walking on eggshells? I assume it is because you lack the understanding of what it is like and what it has been like to live as a person of color. We are only a few generations from freedom marches and racial intolerance, yet we still have a ways to go. Grow up America!
I am white -- and the Vanity Fair cover is wrong. If these thin, pretty white women really are the best and brightest of Hollywood's upcoming talent, it would be justifiable. But there is so much talent out there from so many backgrounds, Vanity Fair is just making a ridiculous presumption.
i agree with jen.
I think all the people whining about how White people are treated should think first. You know why we have BET and Ebony and any other race specific entertainment or magazine? BECAUSE we the white people excluded them for so long and ignored their needs that they decided to start magazine and entertainment channels that celebrates their race or culture. Now that is not to say that in some situations white people are wrongly accused or feel as if they have to walk on "eggshells" , but the point is we dug ourselves into that hole, it is our own fault and the faults of those who came before us that we can't have a "white power" club. Just think about what you are saying! We can't pretend all these horrible things didn't happen . With that being said all of the girls on the cover are very talented and do deserve to be featured, but they should have included others. Vanity Fair may have been pandering, but what's really sad is that they thought it would work. Just my opinion!
This shouldn't be a big deal because Asians have RARELY been featured in anything Hollywood-related. So why are they making a quagmire about this one-time cover when Asians have been missing for the past...hmm...WAIT! Asians have never been mentioned in the Hollywood industry! GIVE US THE ASIANS!
I am black and I do agree that there is a double standard on what whites can and cannot say, but to ask why are there magazines like EBONY is like asking Asians why they have their own magazines. I mean us "ethnic" people have to be represented somewhere! If it weren't for magazines for us we wouldn't get much recognition. As for the BET statement, how ignorant! Every other channel is full of white people so to make a WET channel would clearly be racist. The point is, Vanity Fair chose lily white women. I personally could care less but its a bad representation of the new talent in Hollywood. Also, no offense to the "precious" actress but how many roles do you really think she is going to get? Black magazines barely put her on the cover so why would Vanity Fair?
Spot on analysis
I saw this magazine on the shelf. It didn't strike me one way or another at all. And until the rest of the world can do the same in future situations, there will always be racism. The fact is I am color blind. Most of the people in my age group would agree with me when I ask, who cares? I have seen movies that cast actors 100% of the same race. Did I judge the movie based on the lack of one race or ethnicity? Absolutely not. A good story can take place within one family, one neighborhood, one geographic region, or time in history, where force fed politically correct diversity would be idiotic. Why should diversity and the all powerful political correctness be force fed into anything at any time? GROW UP AMERICA! Look across the ocean. Look at Europe. Just as many racial, ethnic, religious, cultural differences over there. Those people can look at a forest full of maples and see the beauty in the trees without having to call a waambulance over the absence of oaks.
I think beauty is all about an illusion and false ideals. It is also certainly a reflection of society's cravings. As a songwriter friend once wrote, "You always love what you can't have." This is a brilliant piece, Jaimie. I really enjoyed reading it.
P.S. I just also noticed how cleaver they were in washing out the colors in the cover photo to make the women all appear more ethereal and muse like. They are definitely making an editorial comment, and pushing people's buttons.
Oh, I forget to tell you that I went to summer camp with Ralph Lauren, except his last name was Lifshitz at the time. He later started his career by selling ties in the garment district. Who would have figured? Life is full of surprises.
I saw this magazine on the shelf. It didn't strike me one way or another at all. And until the rest of the world can do the same in future situations, there will always be racism. The fact is I am color blind. Most of the people in my age group would agree with me when I ask, who cares? I have seen movies that cast actors 100% of the same race. Did I judge the movie based on the lack of one race or ethnicity? Absolutely not. A good story can take place within one family, one neighborhood, one geographic region, or time in history, where force fed politically correct diversity would be idiotic. Why should diversity and the all powerful political correctness be force fed into anything at any time? GROW UP AMERICA! Look across the ocean. Look at Europe. Just as many racial, ethnic, religious, cultural differences over there. Those people can look at a forest full of maples and see the beauty in the trees without having to call a waambulance over the absence of oaks.
I was surprised, yet I was not surprised by the Vanity Fair cover. I've been the lone voice crying in the wilderness for years asking, "Where are all the black women in Hollywood?" Cleverly, the machine feeds itself: Hollywood film people don't put many actresses of color in prominent roles. Because there are so few actresses of color in prominent roles, other media like magazines and television programs can also continue to exclude them. And the cycle continues, on and on...
What struck me about the cover was how white they made all these women appear. While I can see a list of up and coming stars might come from one ethnic group (in some bizarre universe), I don't see how they all came from one shade of that ethnic group. Whether it was a racist statement or not, someone has a very limited view of "beautiful."
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I love it. As some one who is very fair (and happy with it), in a world where so many caucasian girls are tanning and harming their skin, I think it's a nice message to young girls that you need not (and should not) be tanning.
Blah Blah Blah, it’s always about color and race. Why do people always have to complain when it’s all whites? When it’s all BLACK know one says a word. I am so sick of this crap. It’s the middle of winter you idiots, you always make it about race. Who cares if their pale! Maybe you’re the races one. Has anyone noticed it hasn’t exactly had the best rays lately? If their staying out of the tanning salons, good for them. Second what the hell is up with BET. Know one says anything about that. Where’s WET? Do they not speak English? No, I think they do, so it’s not like the Blacks or whatever color they are need there own channel. So stop crying a river and always bring others down if your not included it a little picture. You have your own channel for Gods sakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's give thanks that Sara is a child of God! She needs His guidance and mercy. Sara: The fact that you capitalize BLACK to emphasize your disdain for African-Americans is transparent. Trying to slam BET is ignorant beyond belief. In this day and age you have to realize that African-Americans have been treated differently based on skin color and perceptions. Slavery was rooted deeply in the beginnings of the United States and this Nation was built not only on the backs of slaves, but also on the backs of many different ethnicities. Example: Treatment of Native Americans. I love my country, but I know that the basic tenets of humanity and respect were lacking for anyone who was of a different enthnicity. That still holds true today and you prove this point beyond a reasonable doubt. Please do not neglect the past indifferences and whine about how things are now. Embrace the past and own up to the failings of our ancestors. Ignorance is not pretty. Join the human race...this is 2010!
"Know one says anything about that. Where’s WET? Do they not speak English?"
Do you speak or write English Sarah?
Guess something went wrong with the Subscription Alerts system; I am only hearing about this now, a day late.
About Vanity Fair: Yes, I see what you mean. If this were about really good actresses, and had been shot about seventy years ago, it would have included Hattie McDaniel--and though she was anything but slim, she would have been missed if she hadn't been featured. Now--well, for all the lectures that Hollywood likes to give the rest of us about matters of race and "important issues," their attitude today is, if anything, worse than ever--especially for being hypocritical.
I guess I am color blind, I don't look at the skin and in reading the scriptures and other books there was and still is discrimination against skin color with some people, I don't believe that it matters to many as they aren't caught up with the color of people's skin. God created the races and put the seeds in Eve for all peoples and therefor His love reaches out to all people of race. Those who are prejudiced against any race are in the wrong.
I'm sorry that some people have to look at every situation not containing black people as being racist.Yes there are people of every race who are possible fantastic up and coming actresses but this is one magazines take on things. That doesn't mean the magazine is being racist.
Look at all contests. Someone has to win and others have to lose. If the winner happens to be black doesn't mean the judges or being racist. It only means they happened to think that person was best. The same as if the winner were white.
Please, please get off the racist bandwaygon.
Judging by the number of comments, this issue sure pushed a lot of people's buttons.
You've covered most of the bases here. Media publications are just that...one could find a magazine cover argument for just about any cultural differences that, unfortunately, continue to persist in our society. I suppose some of those will never go away. Interesting read and position ...
Cheers..
At the end of the day, it seems to me that Hollywood is reflecting what it perceives to be Hollywood. The solution for the Black Community is more support for our actors, actresses Directors and screenwriters- not only morally but financially. The talent is there, we need to foster it more. I think Vanity Fair knew what it was doing and I believe that the magazine deliberately intended to leave out the ethic actors/actresses. It is in poor taste- and we ALL noticed. BOYCOTT VANITY FAIR!!!!
Personally I believe that no matter who Vanity Fair put on the cover it would become a race issue. It really comes down to who the magazine perceived to be good actresses who played phenomenal roles in certain movies. Most of the movies that these women starred in were Blockbuster hits: Kristen Stewart in the Twilight saga, Amanda Seyfried for Mama Mia. While Gabby Sidibe did an amazing job in Precious, that movie only came to select theaters. Vanity Fair is showcasing women whose movies were shown everywhere. These are women that readers can identify. They aren't being racist here, just showing their opinion of what they believe are blockbuster hits with great actresses, which is what every magazine does at some point. It is unfair to accuse Vanity Fair of being racist. It isn't like they never showcase ethnic women. This is like accusing Cosmopolitan of putting more Caucasian women on their cover than other groups - it depends on who is more popular that month, not their race.
I am pale. I am actually paler than the white background I am writing on. I am so pale I make the Cullen family look tan...If you look at it from my perspective, you usually either have cover ladies who are gorgeous, exotic or hot (ie. the whole Victoria Secret Catalog and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue), and Hollywood is all tanned porn star looking chicks who starve themselves for crazy abs (BTW, abs look terrible on pale people, mostly everything does). I have been told to rock my paleness my whole life, even though I burn in any sort of heat. I have been embarassed of it and have slathered on all sorts of things that have turned me various shades from Orange to a sort of Salmon color. I think it is unfair to leave the fair out and/or to say this is racist. I personally find it very refreshing to see women rocking the natural skin color that god gave them. If every woman with overly-white skin is a racist by society standards of being born white, I am not sure what to say.
I am so sick of the reverse racism. Whites are a minority. Stop hating whites!
Where is Zoe Saldana? She's a woman of color and was in two of the biggest movies of the past year: Star Trek and Avatar. She's thin and beautiful so that can't be the reason either.
First, I agree with George's comment that Sara can't write. If she wants to take a position, she should look at a dictionary first.
Second, I can see both sides of the argument (lawyers often do) but I would have to agree that Vanity Fair could have put additional actresses on its cover, taken some of these people (who the heck are they anyway?) off, & have been more multi-cultural. I have to agree with the comments that this is pushing buttons and not acceptable. If skinny white women wanted their own magazine, like Ebony or Jet, call it The Twiggy/Kate Moss Gazette or something....but Vanity Fair is purchased by people of all races (I'm sure statistics would show that)... and, oh btw, I'm a relatively thin (but do not look like I haven't eaten in a week) white woman and I don't like this either, especially since I am originally from multi-cultural NY.
So please leave Jaimie alone...she is posing a very thought-provoking question.. and good for you, Jaimie, for the courage to do so
This one goes out to Connie: This isn't an issue about black and white -- there are tons of Asian and Latino (who will be the LARGEST ethnic group in 2025) actors (or in this case, actresses). Why weren't they looked at either. What I'm hearing is something much more heinous in your comment: backlash against the idea that there should be inclusiveness in our society. As someone of multirace who reads Vanity Fair, gotta say I was pretty taken a back by the fact they didn't even try or realize what message they were sending: Hollywood for the next decade looks like Hollywood since its inception.
what i don't understand is that vanity fair says that they couldnt put people of color such a zoe saldana, frieda pinto and gabouray sidibe (if you dont know go watch precious or read push) because of lack of film work. To be honest I did my little google look-up and some of these women dont have much a film career either. I consider myself open and I tried to understand vanity fair's reasoning but I think they just wanted a cover that seemed appealing to the eye and a bigger or darker women was not that for them. This is just my opinion as their cover is theirs.
Oh i forgot to mention some of these women can't even act. I have seen unfortunately seen mama mia and am not looking forward to her upcoming dear john. And in vanity fairs defense they do need to go back to 15 or so years ago when their covers included people such as eddie murphy and rosanne...just saying
This cover seems to be simply a PR campaign for these actresses. Zoe and Gabby have already become the new shining stars on the big screen. However, I have been wondering if the types of roles Zoe and Gabby play would be offered to the current Vanity "Fair" models.
The appearance of "all white girls" on the cover is open to interpretation. It can mean "racist" to many, inequitable representation of today's diverse society to many, and from another standpoint, a "desperate" attempt to give these young ladies more media attention to further boost their careers. I am not too familiar with these young ladies on the cover. So this publicity is what they need.
Easy fix for this magazine cover: Write "Racist" over the words "Vanity Fair" on the way out of the checkout lane!
About time the whole world got to see THE real face and intentions of the whites.......Cynical racists who just cant bring themselvs to use their brains to stop racial prejudice........Since whites hate the rest of the world, we as asians will ALWAYS HATE WHITES.....THEY ARE INHERENTLY RACIST........RACIST DOCTRINES ARE PASSED ON FROM GENERATYION TO GENERATION IN WHITE FAMILIES.
Check out this Facebook Page by searching Gaboure Sidibe and check the page titled Wheres Gabby... IF you agree please share it and become a fan. The more 'fans' = more recognition on VF's mishap!
Look at their nationalities. Too many foreigners and too few Americans, but the anti-immigrant groups such as FAIR and CIS have little or nothing to say about this while they make a big deal about 35,000 computer specialists who were admitted into this country every year...and they get mad when I call them racists!
vanity fair is NOT racsit becus selena gomez and vanessa hudgens were on the covers
Maybe if they put good talent on the cover it might not have been so bad. Doesn't matter how you put it or explain it. Theres more then whats shown on this cover of young actors and actresses with more talent in they're finger. That weren't put in the spread. Guess Hollywoods racist and stubbern.
Wow. Just wow. You know what Martin Luther King wanted? For us to be COLOR-BLIND. The author of this article basically sums up her views by saying that Vanity Fair is wrong putting out an issue of girls based soley on their talent, fame, and movies. Rather, the author wants us to forget the actual personalities and characters, and bring our attention ONLY to the color of their skin. I believe that her argument turns on herself, showing that while Vanity Fair may be just choosing whatever stars they believe to be young, talented faces of Hollywood, she cares more for what color of their skin they have. Which is blanent RASCISM, and exactly what she claims to be fighting against.
White girls love to fight nowadays. There are videos of fights between white girls and black girls POSTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET, and the white girls are always beating up the black girls!!!!
http://www.castefootball.us/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11666&PID=1679...
I can not belive how much black people cry about everything. Man up and quit crying about every little thing.
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