Is this the look of yesteryear’s minstrel shows? No, but like all things in life there are nuances that are not simply black and white.
Beyonce
For L’Officiel Paris 90th anniversary issue, they chose someone of African descent from another country to be on their cover. They could have easily gotten any of the impeccably dressed Parisian citizens, models, celebrities to grace their magazine. First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy would have made an interesting story tying fashion, culture, civic duty, politics, and the future of France in this economy.
Beyonce
However, they chose Beyonce which seems to extend their long running appreciation of African Americans especially entertainers. It is no secret the French held Josephine Baker in high esteem. She received approximately 1,500 marriage proposals which is a testament to her favor.
Beyonce
Josephine Baker went from performing derogatory blackface characterizations in the US to a beloved star in Europe. Part of the reason, she was so popular there was because she played into the French idea of the savage, wild, seductive African. They mistook methods of dance and dress as a solicitation, when Africans were merely performing time honored customs. Some may have genuinely felt colonization “rescued” the Africans from their “primitive” ways.
Beyonce
Likewise Beyonce is well received internationally, especially for her sexuality. While many fans enjoy her lyrics, I have no doubt there are many that are just as fascinated by her provocative dances. L’Officiel Paris showcases a sophisticated Beyonce akin to how the French imagined their culture refined Josephine and hoped their culture would subdue their colonies. Dressing a star in fine wares from Gucci to Victor and Rolf inspired by African prints and styles is wonderful. However, it is also important to realize the aforementioned subtleties.
Beyonce
This magazine is meant as a tribute to famous Nigerian composer Fela Kuti with the theme of African Queen. Indeed, we get to see Beyonce’s beauty in different shades and forms. It can even be said that the spread is representative of the diversity of Africa.
Beyonce
However there is a diversity of African based beauty already in Europe. Even if they couldn’t find say a Nigerian in Paris, there are definitely other African based peoples from their colonies past and present.
Beyonce
This is where the irony begins. While they may embrace African Americans, there is a resentment, fear, or at the very least not full acceptance of the colonized Blacks amongst quite a number of the White French. It wasn’t so long ago that a Black was denied entry into Hermes because they didn’t realize it was the American Oprah.
Beyonce
Back to L’Officiel Paris, I am not quite sure how a posing Beyonce is really a tribute to Kuti. However, it is refreshing to see such a prominent artist identifying with African beauty, charm, and style.
Beyonce
In a statement that was meant to praise Latino culture, the very same songstress said, “I’m just jealous that I wasn’t born Latina.” Yes, I know she doesn’t mind playing in the sun and is very proud of her Creole culture. However, some read that tidbit in Latina Magazine as wanting to be something different and as possibly an example of self hatred. Beyonce’s wearing dark brown makeup may remind some of blackface, but it might demonstrate her embrace of the African color spectrum.
Beyonce
But what’s L’Officiel excuse for using blackface-esque looks one year after using it on White male model Arthur Sales in the Hommes edition? Blackface on anyone included those of African descent is still blackface. I have a strong suspicion that their ode to blackface is a desperate ploy for attention. However, I would not be at peace until I stated how I felt.
Beyonce
Are there hints and shades of both misconceptions and positive qualities attributed here? Yes. Is L’Officiel Paris photo shoot art? Well, it is subjective and evokes emotion whether positive or negative.
Beyonce
Personally, I am more interested in the impact and impression imagery gives in this world of globalization. Reading video, blog, other social media comments, I realize that we live in world of evil, yet cowardly trolls. While we can’t please everybody, I still wonder how actions help or hinder seven generations from now.
Tribute or Insult? Beyonce in Blackface February 24, 2011
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