Fashion + Beauty

Monday, December 7, 2009

Related Topics:

Joanna Douglas of the Shine Staff: Writer or Whiner

Joanna Douglas is a woman of white origin who seems to take pleasure in writting about the plight of african americans and people of african origins.

Now, this would be perfectly fine with me, except for the fact that the little twit never seems to actually know what she's talking about.

For the second time I have stumbled upon an article of her's that recks with stupidity and not an ounce of real investigative journalism.

First, Ms. Douglas goes on a wild rampage about Tyra Banks and her 'real hair', calling her a hypocrite and flaming on her for have chemically altered locks. This shows a lack of research, and mostly just plain ignoranace, in my opinion. This article, after many outraged comments, has been mysteriously replaced with a much shorter and less stupid article, thank god.

But she has done it again, recently the young 'journalist' posted about a spread in French Vougue that included model Lara Stone wearing 'blackface'. Blackface is an art form where make-up is used to change the skin tone of a person, usually for entertainment purposes. Blackface, although I'm sure it wasn't called that when it originated, has been used in many cultures all over the world for thousnads of years.

Ancient Egyptians use to have ceremonial celebrations where the dancers panted themselves black, african tribes have done something similar for just as long. And in case you're wondering, duh, these people are already black.

Blackface, as it is called now, is considered racist in the U.S.A. because of our history of using the ancient art form as a way of mocking african americans. When used in this context, of course it is racist and shouldn't be tolerated for a second.

But when Beyonce Knowles did a blackface spread for her movie 'Dream Girls' dressing as a very dark 'african princess' was anyone accusing her of being racist? No.

Many other countries, who don't have our history with slavery and racisim, don't see it as offensive.

France is, apparently, one of these countries. So what right does Ms. Douglas, an American Citizen, have to belittle their magazine?

She's not French, and no one is forceing the girl to read the magazine.

Ms. Douglas has written some articles worth reading, such as the scandel over the Ralph Lauren photoshop incident, and some interesting, if overly saturated with her own opinion, pieces on fashion week.

Ms. Douglas, please, stick to subjects that you know something about.

And on this parting note, if you're offended, I honestly don't care.

This is my opinion and it will not be swayed.

Thank you for reading my Blog,

Hannah

Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 1-5 of 5
  • 's Avatar
    Posted by Fri Oct 16, 2009 3:30pm PDT

    You want to rail against "real journalism" and you can't even spell Vogue right? Brilliant you moron.

    Blackface is racist. All that needs to be said. Furthermore, the magazine may be French, but it's widely read over here and the editor, Carine Roitfeld-Restoin has been rumored to be in line for Anna Wintour's position at American Vogue. So yes, it does make a difference. Also, the photographer is American and therefore should have known better. Also, it was a magazine celebrating supermodels but not one model of color appears in the magazine. Instead this monstrosity.

    "And in case you're wondering, duh, these people are already black." THE MODEL IN THIS SPREAD IS NOT. She's white and she's Dutch. Again, fail on your part.

    How's that for research?

    Report Abuse
  • Joanna Douglas, Shine Staff's Avatar
    Posted by Joanna Douglas, Shine Staff Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:36pm PDT

    Hannah,

    I'm sorry you feel this way. You have the right to your own opinion just as I do. 4,934 people have commented on my French Vogue story so far, and their opinions run the gamut. Yes, my blogs do include my opinions, but they also are designed to spark conversation. With that in mind, thank you for contributing.

    Report Abuse
  • Brenda, Shine Community Manager's Avatar
    Posted by Brenda, Shine Community Manager Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:59pm PDT

    Hi aqua_girl,

    We're all about presenting different opinions on Shine. This is why you find over 4,900+ comments under Joanna's post. There are comments that agree with the post and comments that don't. What's important is that the conversation remains healthy and courteous. As we state in our community guidelines "We are a place where women, and friends of women, can read, laugh, and share information respectfully." Thanks.

    Shine Community Guidelines

    http://shine.yahoo.com/page/guidelines/

    Report Abuse
  • Gabriella's Avatar
    Posted by Gabriella Fri Oct 16, 2009 5:10pm PDT

    Two Words: Spell Check. You may not agree with what Joanna says but I can't get past your spelling mistakes.

    Furthermore, you can disagree with someone without making personal attacks.

    Report Abuse
  • Emma Mae's Avatar
    Posted by Emma Mae Thu Dec 3, 2009 10:57am PST

    Hannah, I like people that speak their mind. And if I hadnt been raised by a mamma that stabbed me in my arm with a fork for putting my elbows on the table, (OH I dont care that she claimed It was an accident. AND That she had dropped that fork and if my elbow had not been on the table it would not have been stuck by that fork, I know that woman did it on purpose.) And if you think elbows on the table were the only thing that sent her over the edge, you should have seen her come unglued at the seams over me speaking my mind.

    Honey one time I refused to open my mouth to let her soap my tongue, she crammed that soap so hard into my teeth to get me to open my mouth that I tasted and blew bubbles for days... And all I had done was tell things as I SAW THEM. Once again, I ate soap for "It is not what you say Emma Mae, It is how you say it."

    I dont like snarky or catty comments. Mostly because they give me camay soap flashbacks. And sometimes comments come across as snarky, snide, mean spirited though that was not what the person intended.

    I understand that you were presenting the opinion that Europeans dont see racism the same as Americans, (But honey, I have lived there, and some of them dont practice the same hygene habits that Americans do either.) I am not saying that all Europeans kick up a funk, only I dont follow their example. I just accept they are different and let it go.

    Now I really do see myself in you. Ofcourse I was about 20 so maybe in a few more decades will understand exactly what I am saying. IT truly is how you say things.

    "Hannah" I have always loved that name. Hannah means the Grace of God in Hebrew. Some of us have to work for it. You were born with it.

    Hope we get to comment more with each other.

    Hugs to you and yours

    Emma mae

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-5 of 5

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Does Your Hair Color Measure Up?

Get 10-minute hair color in 27 designer shades.