French fashion magazine L’Officiel asked Beyonce to grace the cover of its March issue, celebrating its 90th anniversary as well as her African roots…in blackface.
L’Officiel issued the following statement:
“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.”
Please CL don’t turn this into an issue when it really isnt.
I know right? It’s amazing how media want to attention whore about unexisting drama!
Exactly. I think this is a great way to mock those idiots who also created all the drama about the L’Oreal ads thing…
You posted this to start drama… period. The way you posted the comment with the “…blackface” is basically screaming for someone to agree with you that you don’t. It’s sad that you don’t appreciate your own roots that you want to report on by sideeyeing and disrespecting this great thing our QUEEN has done for QUEENS of the past. The mag is very deep into African roots and came up with the concept so are you saying L’Officiel” is not… OFFICIAL? Check yourself J.Dakar.
And you’re really trying to start drama by only posting a portion of the video when there are more videos that explain the concept, fashion and blackface as well as the pictures. You truly are a disappointment. Beyonce is shining and this is a stunning artistic and beautiful shoot.
You posted this to start drama… period. The way you posted the comment with the “…blackface” is basically screaming for someone to agree with you that you don’t agree with her doing blackface. It’s sad that you don’t appreciate your own roots that you want to report on by sideeyeing and disrespecting this great thing our QUEEN has done for QUEENS of the past. The mag is very deep into African roots and came up with the concept so are you saying L’Officiel” is not… OFFICIAL? Check yourself J.Dakar.
I see my original comment telling J.Dakar to check his roots and the roots of L’Officiel was too much since they didn’t post it. Typical Black behavior SMH
ITS ART!
i agree its just art.
All this proves is that if Beyonce was darker skinned she would just look regular- Nothing special… Don’t know if she would be perceived as beautiful as she is being lighter skinned.
I don’t see nothing wrong, when I did a play in school my face was painted black and I’m black but with brown skin.
I wrote this on another blog, but my sentiments are still the same:
What i have a problem with is her notion that being darker made her more “African”.
I don’t think we need Alek Wek at all if B or those who… conceived this realized that in Africa there isn’t one kind of “blackness”. There are Africans of my hue and lighter (and not necessarily because of White Colonizers but climate and locale..um EGYPT anyone?). It was a Marketing Ploy but one of poor taste. If she was doing an homage to fashion Icon Jackie Kennedy, would she whiten her face?
Please. Go and dress up in traditional garb but the darkening of the skin was stupid, insensitive and shows how out of touch she is on what it is to be African. I have met Nigerians who are as light or lighter than me. I’d love to hear what they’d have to say. chime in o’ lighter hued Africans, CHIME IN!!!! lol
Also…complexion seems to be an AMERICAN obsession…(or started in the west, not so say folks aint bleaching their skin in Africa) but darkening her face was not homage as much as it is skewed through a western idea of what it is to get even more ‘African’.
Couldn’t have said it better myself, WordBlaze…but unfortunately, the Beyonce stans aren’t gonna get it. They think it’s “art” – oh really? I just think it’s disrespectful to black folks overall, ESPECIALLY since we come in so many damn shades!
I dont agree at all. If she is darkening her face, it’s not because she thinks being African is being that dark. SMH at people overreacting! This is a debate light skin vs dark skin, you guys are stupid! She is fuckin black! As you can clearly see, only her face is darkenned, the rest of her body stayed light skinned = black comes in different form. When she did that, she is rising up with all of us kinds of shades of black, she is celebrating us, there is no disrespect there, only if you feel complexed about your own damn dark skin!!! I’m dark myself and I see nothing wrong with that, you guys too damn sensitive, if dark wasnt beautiful, she wouldnt do it, where the fuckin problem is? It’s a photoshoot, they want to have visuals, artistic visuals! You dont see white people fighting about skin shit, in many movies or photoshoots, you see them paint their faces whiter or darker, and they dont dont say white comes in different shades, who the fuck cares? I’m glad she did it without worrying about you simpletons who dont get shit!
@immeandme, they too dumb to understand. Since when were they so concern. Lol oh well people will have their opinions regardless.
How is color an American obsession, when it’s mainly the African descents from other countries bleaching their skin as soon as they touch American soil?
@wordblaze: Very well said. We should be mindful of images like this–its message is problematic on so many levels. It’s healthy to have a critical eye and there is a difference between being critical and being sensitive. I think it’s really important to consider these photos within their historical context. The fetishization of blackness should never be considered tasteful or fashionable.
And it’s a shame that those who think we are dumb (because we don’t idolize Beyonce, ha!) probably don’t have a college degree and were obviously not introduced to more complex studies like “colorism in black America”, nor do they understand or even KNOW about black face and its origins. Get a clue youngins!
I dont agree. Did u know Alek Wek did a shoot where she darkened her face? Did u know that model Chanel Iman did the same thing? Did u know that Grace Jones painted her face white with the rest of her body being her original color? I bet u didn’t know that because people just like to jump down on Beyonce for no reason and turning what was suppose to be for celebration into something negative. When the ladies i mentioned: Alek Wek, Chanel, and Grace Jones did this there were no complaints but because its beyonce i guess you guys have to blame somebody.
I completely agree.
I have never commented on a blog before, but I felt I needed to suppot this well written comment. Why does a black person have to wear blackface to highlight african culture, when it is made out of a myraid of skin tones. It may be just art, but it was unnecessary.
I don’t get your argument. I mean i GET IT but its arbitrary. Beyonce’s a fair skin black woman. When we think of africa we thing of darker skin (Yes I am aware there are many skin tones). To accentuate this idea—of our roots— her skin is darkened because its a beautiful thing. It’s all about iconography. The idea of celebrating our roots would not be as strong if it was just regular ole Beyonce in african inspired garb. I just don’t see how it’s offensive for a black woman to showcase she’s beautiful no matter what her skin tone is. Black face is used in many different cultures in a non-stereotypical, derogative way. So we need to eliminate this idea of “coon” we associate with this imagery.
The bottom line is this is an issue we need to get over. Lets not let stigmas control our race anymore, lets take control of it.
In my NeNe Leakes voice (Boop)! Well said, and I’m of the chocolate complexion (the face that Beyonce` dons)
I second that!Lol it maybe art but you can’t just write it off as being that.All art makes some type of statement and what ever statement they were trying to make is not what came across. There are more shades in Africa than that. That’s all I’m sayin.
An honest mistake but still a misconception.
Its offensive period. Beyonce who one would assume is intelligent has a mind of her own. There comes a time when she should speak the hell up. You mean to tell me she thought this was okay? Notice this was done in Europe and not the US. The issue was tasteless with poor thinking behind it. Why not use a traditonal African Model?
Just becasue I’m black with black paint on my face doesn’t mean you wouldn’t affend someone. Now on to
Beyonce….beautiful woman who sports blonde hair and bleaches her skin. Do you think she would be bold like her sister and embrace her natural beauty? Meaning showing her natural blackness….HELL NO! I bet she’ll never make a comment on this topic either. I like her music but she stands for nothing to include standing up for her race.
Why not be black all over though…I think that would’ve transcended better. *shrugs*
but yes let’s not make this into an issue. Black people in black face should never be an issue…
I think it’s ridiculous, African people come in all shades of black. Blackface is not art its just ignorant.
second that
Oh gosh these comments are about to be a mess. I see an expert writin paragraphs already. Anyways Bey looks fabulous. And wee know African people comes in all shades that’s why she not blackface throughout the shoot. Dummies.
No, YOU’RE a damn dummy, who obviously don’t get it at all….but I understand that all of Beyonce’s stans are like 13 to 25 years old and don’t know any better.
Bitch hush and keep it moving.
No bitch, YOU hush up and keep it moving. If you said that shit to my face I PROMISE you I’d stomp your fukkin face in.
Anyway, this is a damn shame, cuz most folks on this site are Beyonce stans….this conversation is going nowhere.
Just some food for thought for you Beyonce lovers that can see no wrong in anything she does – you might not know about this, but when Ted Danson was with Whoopi Goldberg, he came to an event in blackface and nobody thought it was funny…I guess he thought it was cool since he was banging a black woman. The same way Beyonce think it was cool to do this dumb shit because she’s black. Hahhaaha…what a moron.
I agree Sasamina! the 80′s babies cannot grasps the concept Of this poor portral OF African Culture. There’s many African models they could have used and they choose Beyonce? And why choose someone who clearly loves blonde weaves down her ass who lightens her skin. Doesn’t sound like she proud her natural beauty does it.
Now had she wore her natural hair in its natural state with no makeup/bleaching…..I might understand.
@What ppl don’t seem to understand that Beyonce sells mags so they’re not going to just put some random darkskin girl that no1 knows on the cover just for the sake of no controversy. Ppl who have a problem with this are insecure with their Blackness at least Beyonce’s not
I see what they were trying to do here. But they and she really shouldn’t have even gone there. Even though it’s not full black face. It’s still a bit of a slap in the face to the black entertainment community to have one of the biggest black female artist of today dawn black face. I really can’t believe that Beyonce and Tina would go for something like this. Why not just paint her entire body black, that would have been more artistic. I know Tina and Beyonce must know what Black Face stood for. And it wasn’t for black entertainers to get in touch with their African roots.
Thank god her lips aren’t painted a ridiculous red, and she’s not grinning like a damn clown.
How is this Black face??? Is she not Black? You’re acting like she’s posing as a buffoon with tap dancing shoes, a cane, and a top hat. She’s posing as royalty. PPl using the term blackface when it comes to this sound ignorant. White ppl are laughing at u
Amazing shoot!!!!!
I think it’s beautiful…she’s not making a mockery of it, she’s celebrating it…& anyone who knows Beyonc knows she’s proud to be an African-American woman breaking barriers…so I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. If anything it’s artistic and creative.
Girl please! If this was somebody else other than fukkin Beyonce, you wouldn’t be saying this.
If it were someone other than Bey, we probably wouldn’t even be having this discussion.
Provocative! Enjoying the dialogue. Good points made by all. No need for us to get too heated though.
i love her!!!!!!!!
n love this!!!!!!!
I’m not offended by it but from my understanding, L’Officiel received some heat a few months ago for a racially insensitive editorial (where model Arthur Sales was painted with blackface). The Editor-in-Chief (Tung Walsh) who happens to be a photographer (brilliant I should add) also photographed a Black girl and painted her skin black. This is a common theme within the magazine so I question weather it’s being done as an artistic statement or to encourage controversy.
I thought her paying a tribute to Fela Kuti was the reason for the ‘blackface’ but I googled Fela and Fela’s a guy .. which I just realized it says in french above.
I agree with others – she didn’t have to darken her face to return to her African roots but whatever.
i think this is stupid sorry ; why must her face be painted darker 2 symbolise “African Roots? … oh please
Bottom line is, she didn’t have to do a black face to pay homage to Africa in any sorts. She could have just wore the head wraps, jewelry, and African print gowns. It just makes her look like she is trying too hard after seeing all these other cosmetic campaigns she has done promoting blonde hair dye. She doesn’t tend to think things through when it comes to promotion, putting herself in bad situations with media, but because we all know she honestly didn’t “mean it that way” we soon let it go. This will be the same.
If she lightenned her whole skin it would have been a problem, if she darkenned her whole skin, it would have been a problem, if she painted her face and it wasnt about Africa but other people and continent, it would have been a problem, if she was dark and lightenned her skin, it would have been a problem, if she was white and she did it, it would have been a problem, she is black and she is doing it, it’s a problem. I’m very glad she does herself without worrying about you all, keeps her life rolling because she will never win anyway. You claim dark comes in different shades then why can you accept her painting her face? Isnt she still remain black? Didnt she do the whole photoshoot with both dark & light skin faces? Isnt it still a celebration of us? Do you Beyoncé.
THANK YOU!
C- F*CKING SIGN! BEYONCE CAN NEVER WIN WITH THESE SALTY ASS BLOGGERS
@SEAN
TELL ‘EM!! BEY ISNT THE FIRST TO PAINT HER FACE A DARKER TONE FOR A SHOOT
CL BLOGGERS NEED TO STFU AND STOP ATTACKING THE FANS FOR DEFENDING HER WITH F-A-C-T-S!
FACTS> OPINIONS, WHICH IS WHAT YOU MOST OF YOU ARE JUST EXPRESSING.
Ok so.. I can see where some people disagree, and don’t think this is art, but in this case it is indeed used For Art and subliminal purpose! The whole history behind blackface has been turned around and used for satire just like we BLACK people turned the “N” word around into a term
Of endearment! The black face pays homage To BLACK CULTURE! painting her whole body WOULD have been backwards & made it seem like you all are suggesting, she just wanted to be darker to match her roots. I don’t see ANYTHING wrong with this. At all,
no one should do “black face ” period. white black asian no one.
I’m not offended it’s just one of those things that we just shouldn’t do. It’s like why do we try so much to have people accept a positive version of something that started off as a negative….it never ever works and instantly reminds you of the negative. So even with the best intentions it’s just not wise.
co sign welfarecase.
This is done with grace, so I like it.
I understand both side of everyone’s argument, but lets not make this out to be more then what Beyonce set out to do. She’s not paying homage to Africa, just Fela Kuti. Also, Beyonce darkens her skin all the time by tanning. Without a tan she damn near pale, so lets just appreciate the artistry of the work and move on.
Come on! U gon compare tanning to smearing brown makeup all over your face! Sit your ass down, too….
THIS IS NOT BLACKFACE! As a DARK SKINNED PERSON and AFRICAN ART Studen, I am not offended. I am offended that everytime someone darkens their features for a photo, the idea is portrayed negatively. It is not automatically BAD to darken the face. DARK IS DESIREABLE! BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL!
What’s more beautiful is people being comfortable in their own skin. Of course people are gonna frown on someone darkening their skin in effort to look more “African” or bleaching their skin to be more European. Just love the skin you’re in. Also do you know what Black Face is? It’s in reference to something in the history books, read into it…As I stated earlier, I am not offended by it at all, everyone is sensing that CL is trying to make it into a controversial issue but doesn’t seem like majority of the forum members feel the same way.
I very much no what BLACKFACE is! And thats not it. U look into it. Africans darken their face for ceremonies in many sub-saharan African cultures (East and West). Some do it to protect their skin with mud and dung. Some do it to enhance their features. Absolutely no one comments on the lighter than light foundation and blonde hair many African Americans (Check Beyonce at the Grammy’s) don for American media ceremonies. When will we just admit it. Darkness is seen negatively by Black People. We are our own worst discriminators.
@ Rick Jones – AGREED. You’ve commented the best on this. SO WHAT – she darkened her skin??? Why does it have to be a negative thing?? THIS IS NOT BLACK FACE!!!!! DO SOME RESEARCH YOU IDIOTS! Whether you like it or not – this is art. Yeah Africans come in different shades – but we all know – globally Africans are known for their dark BEAUTIFUL skin. Get over yourselves with the self hate. Geesh….
UMMM…I DONT REALLY KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT…B/C THEY COULD OF DARKENED JUST HER FACE KIND OF LIKE IF U SEEN A BUST OF A AFRICAN QUEEN IN LIKE AN ART MUSEUM BUT THEN AGAIN I KIND OF AGREE WITH WORDBLAZE IN THAT WHY SHOULD THAT REPRESENT AFRICAN CULTURE. THERE’S ALL SHADES OF BLACK PPL. SO IF THEY WERE TRYING TO REPRESENT ONE SHADE WHY DIDNT THEY DO HER WHOLE BODY TOO??? I DONT JUST WANNA JUMP AND PULL OUT THE RACE CARD BUT THERE’S SOMETHING UNSETTLING ABOUT IT ESPECIALLY SINCE ITS A FRENCH MAGAZINE TOO.
Its not black face
I’m glad to see intelligent comments on Cl without spuring hate on Bey.
I’m not going to make a big deal of this. To me this isn’t art and it really is a waste of time to argue about because Beyonce will do anything for a check even though she has millions of dollars.
You took the words right out of my brain…. I agree with everything you typed.
No one would question her African roots based on how much darker she is than the next black person. Completely unecessary IMO.
First of all I don’t know why people keep calling it BLACK FACE…How the fuck can Black people Be called Black face when they are already black…..Epic Fail, i really thought Concreteloop.com was above the pettiness and ignorance for hits…smh…….
Second, Beyonce did this already in Dream Girls……..what is the difference when she did this back in 2006…..nothing…just more ignorance to make another black celebrity look ill…..smh…..
Third do anybody know the history behind these people she is honoring….SMH….these people made their face darker….
I think bey is confused..y wud you agree in promoting a black culture in conditions that you’ll be painted more darker…its like you not fit to represent black culture with your original skin colour..contrary,if a white person was doing this i’d find it less of a problem but you are black and what does this says about your blackness and shades of your kind in the black community.makes one wonder wat axactly are you doing and what else are these douchbags paying you for?
I agree. She’s confused. But Beyonce has never been a smart girl. Gifted, but not too bright.
Just when I start to like Beyonce…then she turns around and……..but whatever she is a rich chick with a lot of people who worship her like an idol…so whatever.
Beyonce is stupid to let l’oreal lighten her and darken her as they please. You’d think that she has enough money to have a bit of a back bone and some morals.
She looked beautiful on the cover there was no need to do this. Shes portraying ignorance. Disappointed!!
Perhaps, the pic where her face/skin was “darkened” is to show that black is beautiful in all shades? She clearly posed in other pics with her “natural” skin tone. I’m not offended. I don’t see this as the “blackface” it might’ve been in decades past. She is not painted black, with red full lips, acting like a complete and utter idiot and degrading herself or others by speaking incohertly & acting slow and stupid because that’s how nig*** act and behave. She seems to be protraying African queens of different shades…saying “we’re all queens” darksin or lightskin….or at least that’s my interpretation. #kanyeshrug
WELL SAID. BUT YOU KNOW CL BLOGGERS WILL BLOW EVERY DAMN THING OUTTA PROPORTION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO BEYONCE
Also, if she was protraying a Geisha girl and had painted her face white would she be “whiteface” or that black girl trying to be white again? What about if she had painted it blue…would she be trying to be an alien or anything other than human? Hmmmm….
It might feel weird … but it’s art. I also agree with GAYSHA. N-e-way, there are too many more important things going on to worry about this.
LMFAOOOOO!!!!!! BYE BEYONCE….
Beyonce is the dumbest broad in the industry. Her team stay having her doing dumb ish and she just be looking like she’s doing something so important and uplifting for the black community. If it wasn’t for her daddy and Jay Z the hoe would be broke cuz she’s dumb as hell. People would be using her and taking her money.
LOVELOVELOVE – you seem to be the dumbest broad or whatever you are on this blog. You make no sense – GTFOH…..SMDH.
When a person is of African descent is this considered black face? No. We have tribal organizations that wrap clay and mudd in their hair and skin to protect it from the sun in dry desert storms. I’m not sure if this is really exploitation when you have someone of African descent doing something that should be apart of their heritage.
Beyonce looks like an idiot doing this where is her entourage they couldn’t advise her? smh.
How is this capturing Fela? He is not dark. I think y’all should google the man.
Her photoshoot was overseas for a French mag they like to capture Black folks in a negative light. I don’t care how many models paint their faces “black” they do it for a paycheck. That’s what makes them dumb they see digits and forget about respect & dignity. smh.
I think this was a dumb move that wasn’t thought out very well.
I PERSONALLY AGREE WITH RICKYJONES,BEYONCE IS THE LAST PERSON THAT SHOULD BE REPRESENTING AFRICANS,BLONDE HAIR,NOSE JOB,BOOB JOB AND SHE EVEN BLEACHES HER SKIN SHE ADDS TO THE DISCRIMINATION THAT ALREADY EXISTS IN THIS SOCIETY,I KNOW SO MANY PEOLE THAT SHE INFLUENCES NEGATIVELY IMAGE WISE AND IT IS SICK…WAKE UP!
U guys are judging the whole shooting based on a single picture. Each and every shot pictures the variety and diversity of africa.
Please tell me you don’t really believe that!! there are many, many ways to represent africa blackface isn’t one of them…furthermore she doesn’t even identify with her Hatian heritage how is she suddenly going to identify with her “african” heritage?
WOW…
WOW…
WOW…
just had a discussion with my students about blackface today. As an avid Beyonce fan I’ve been quick to defend her in the past …not sure how to defend this one at all. I regret that she nor anyone in her camp saw this as an offensive move.
I mean, her image is already of this bleach-blonde European version of herself. Now to add blackface, further ostracizes her from any semblance of African heritage. Which is ironically what this was a nod to.
Damn B…
i love how since it’s Beyonce, everyone says it’s “Art.” let Lady Gaga do some shit like that, and the whole world would be turned upside down.
ya’ll are some hypocrites.
Thank you, Nicole…geesh!
It is marvelous to see people actually debate about this “Beyonce gimmick” to sell magazines. To all the people on either side of this argument ask yourself.. When has Beyonce stood for anything that actually helped your community? If you can answer that question honestly without the swearing our cussin me out then you have a valid debate… The beauty academy that she started doesnt count…. I’d like to see celebs like herself stand up for more than just hair and skin beauty and invest in the minds of their stans. When has beyonce cared about helping you become a successful business woman/man or gave you ideas to increase your net worth or give all you budding entertainers the inside track to navigating the entertainment industry? While you debate about whether this is art or just insensitive she is increasing her net worth this is just a publicity stunt to help her get some part in a movie or something. Don’t be fooled her appearance on the French magazine was not to inspire or enlighten… and no I do not hate beyonce nor am I jealous of her…i just desire that her obvious public demand more of her than this driveland before you tell me off!!!Think about this you as her fan contributed to her success going to her concerts, buying her cds and clothes go to her movies… what has she or any other celeb actually done for you in these economically challenging times? I havent seen any reduced concert tix or cd or movie tix anywhere.
nobody reading this essay, bish just shut up already
Without reading you make a judgement hmmm!!! very intelligent! can’t get nothin’ pass you!
I jus wish ppl would stop calling this Black Face…black face goes beyond someone puttin on darker make up…smdh.
There is nothing “Black face” about this..
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.
I would say she has lost her damn mind, but she acts like she don’t have a mind of her own anyway.
I think the pics are amazing!
It is amazing how some people were ready to jump dowm Will i am’s throat about doing this same exact thing. What my issue is with this is the fact that they keep implying that darkr skin is far from her everyday beauty. This is straight bafoonery and soul selling for the almighty dollar. I feel like many idiots are following her in a brain washed state. This is a woman who represents us in a positive way. We would have gotteb the message all the same had she kept her same skin color. Or if they wanted someone who “looked” more African- american they should’ve gotten Kelly. This is absolutely ridic!!! and I am a big Beyonce fan which is why I expect more from her. If we don’t start holding these people to expectations as adults they will be showing our children something we don’t want them to see.
Some people have no concept or grasp on reality…So they create fantasies FULL of Drama…Did anyone say anything in the short scene in “Dreamgirls” when she was shown briefly with darker skin for a photoshoot in the part where Jamie Fox is singing? Black people…wake up…Everyone wants a reason to feel like someone has offended them…It’s as if taking an offense and then expressing your disdain validates you. If you need validation, maybe you need to take a closer look at your black skin and try to reconnect with your roots.
Even more…what rule constitutes makeup or paint as “BLACK FACE”…because if you want to get really deep, a lot of females with their slightly lighter foundations and concealers are doing the exact opposite.
Call her a race hater, washed up, over exposed, self absorbed, BITCH…if you want, but at the end of the day…She’s making her money…and for all people who say she’s not a role model to young black women, there are 10,000x more people saying that she is.
When will we learn…NEVER…I have no hope for this young generation of thinkers who feel that bringing someone else down because their actions don’t meet your standards; you feel that this validates you.
Racial issues will never end, and sure, we need mavericks at the forefront of our stand as a people, but while they’re standing…we sit at our computers and become BLACK BULLIES to our own kind. (I’m standing as I type this so as not to be a hypocrite.) LOL but seriously…
Get it together BLACK FOLK.
BEY WANTED TO BE BLACKER SO WHAT THE BIG THING AT LESS SHE IS NOT WEARING A A WHITE PAINT AND THEY WILL SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THAT
In the famous words of Lawrence Fishburne from School Daze “WAAAAAAKE UUUUUUUUP”
Damn Sasamina, do we know each other??? So how do you know what the fluck I would say? Like I said she’s not making a mockery of it! She doesn’t have white or red painted lips, so what’s the big flucking deal! Fall back beotchhh! Some of you are reading into this way too much. Go read a damn book.
Okay. (sigh)
my issue is NOT that she darkened her face….it was that she darkened her face to appear MORE AFRICAN. Mos Def, Chanel Iman, Grace Jones….you name ‘em, have done this as performance/art. And while i know its a trend in French fashion mags and it’s not something i find provocative (but lazy and trite) I have a problem with the idea that the dark face implies AFRICANESS!!! It shows that Beyonce and the stylist are limited. Fela, as a Nigerian man and figure was considered light in complexion. So if its a tribute to Fela (or his wives), then evoke them….not a superficial idea of what it is to be African. Its not about a color. It’s a spirit, flare, wouldn’t you say?
I love your comment, its not about color but spirit.
I like Beyonce but the bigger thing is that Beyonce is all about money. She always has been. Anything to make money. They could tell her Beyonce wear this watermelon dress and she would put the dress on an offer to wear the watermelon rinds as a bra. I mean its what hollywood does to you. All people are beautiful. I hate that dark skin…light skin..caramel. Pish-Posh all people are beautiful and we need to stop trying to segment colors.
I find it very offensive that you call that that black face when it is the same complexion as my skin. Black face was something that was literally black from oil and a burned cork. It was used by white people to mock the black race. what Bey is in is definitely not that. Please continue to present educated information not stuff to raise controversy.
Concreteloops ignorant for calling this Blackface and so are all the other losers calling this Blackface. 1st of all Beyonce is Black you asses. 2) She’s posing like a Queen, not a buffoon wearing a top hat, tap shoes, and a cane. 3)Bey sells mags bcuz she’s a superstar so they’re not gonna throw some darkskin girl that’s not a star on the cover for the sake of you guys’insecurities.Just because you’re insecure with your Blackness doesn’t mean Bey is. Go see a therapist ppl.White ppl are laughing at you idiots
It’s also ironic that she was in full black makeup for the photoshoot in Dreamgirls and no one said a damn thing.
Sad that WHITE PEOPLE are the ones defending this by simply saying “She’s never done drugs, was an alcoholic, not tabloid fodder and carries herself graciously on top of being immensely talented. And doesn’t black complexions come in all hues?! POW!!!
KEEP HATING ON THE BEAUTIFUL QUEEN!!!
I just goggled “BLACKFACE” and this is not it! I love the photos and also saw Dreamgirls (have the dvd) and no body said nothing because it was art then and it art now. Also I looked at the Will.i.am VMA photos and it was nothing wrong with that either. Seriously some of us cry racism so much you are actually taking the point out of it. The ONLY MAN HOLDEN YOU DOWN IS YOURSELF! Also if some of ya’ll would actually research articles and not just read the clips on blog the world would be a better place.
FYI: the shoot is to honor Aficans period and not Fela. See even blogs get it wrong too by going off what another blog said. lol reading is fundamental and the library is always FREE!
http://black-face.com/