Obama’s Message to Essence Magazine Readers
Two history-making moments happened this month. President Obama became the first sitting president to appear on a daytime talk show (The View), and Essence magazine hired a white fashion editor.
Of course, America’s reaction to any show on which Obama appears will be extreme. It’ll either be “oh my God, I love Barack and my boo better start acting like him (or Michelle),” or “oh my God, he’s a socialist and he’s about to bring ‘The Apocalypse’.” So, there’s no real use arguing many of Obama’s points on The View…save for one simple point he made: resist the urge to assume the worst about people who are different from you.
After hearing this point, I’d hoped that a few Essence magazine readers, who’d flung their arms in uproar over Essence’s white fashion editor, were watching.
Obama had made this point after View host Whoopi Goldberg asked him “who are we…Mr. President… what are we?” in reference to race in this country. He responded: “we’re American.” And while racism and discrimination are still entrenched in our society, he said, we should try our darndest to resist what he called the “reptilian side of our brains,” the side that triggers us to “become cautious” whenever we see somebody that “looks different” or “sounds different” from us.
Sure, we’ve heard such Kumbaya-Bama lines before. In fact, many of us have subscribed to them. Yet, we never consider just how much our commitment to multiculturalism requires. Not only must we fight injustices directed against us, we must also fight those “reptilian” voices in our heads that cause us to reject others because of their whiteness.
Sound familiar, Essence readers?
Can’t our generation be the generation that brings back the “au naturelle” styles that pivot black beauty—and, simultaneously, be the generation that could care less if Essence hires a white editor or if a brotha marries a white woman? Seriously. Who cares? The new fashion editor, Elliana Placas, at Essence may not be as cocoa-lovely or mocha-amazing or butterscotch-banging as you, and she may not have the fluffy, African ‘fro you’ve worked so hard to grow and condition every morning, but she just may have valid talents to offer the predominantly black female lifestyle magazine.
Based on the Essence editor-in-chief’s description of Placas’ hiring, Placas doesn’t seem like some wayward woman who will rip the soul from Essence and convert all its fashion pages into bourgie and booty-unfriendly wear.
So, what are we afraid of sisters? More importantly, why are we afraid? Why is the presence of whiteness so frightening in the context of black progress? We cannot continue to be crippled by feelings of hurt and outrage spurred by other people’s racist attitudes. We cannot, and should not, adapt the culture of discrimination passed down from a bitter and shameful history of slave owners, and what I’ll now call Fox News’ Reptilian Republicans—who make the more rational members of their party look bad.
Let the hate be for the haters. Skin aside, I want to be treated well, and treat others just as well. “I’m less interested in how we label ourselves, and more interested in how we treat each other,” Obama said on the show.
I agree.
China Okasi is the senior editor of MadameNoire.com
STFU!!! it makes no sense to have an editor for the fashion of black women not be black… that is what i think the readers are upset about…
it may not make any sense to you, but then we don’t know what sort of “Common Sense” you have
The fact that there is no presence of black models on the runway tells me a lot about the industry. Unlike a sistah, a white woman can find a job in at a white runned agency fast, quick and in a hurry.
unfortunately…. essence will lose a lot of readers because of the black and white of things…. it is personal for some of those readers… hopefully the magazine will not lose its core purpose…
GTFOH! only black folks are scared to be called black…always looking for a drop of something else
I didn’t get where it said black folk are scared to be black. I only get that black folk need to stop fighting for superficial crap like who joins a black magazine to help it grow, and start fighting for actual things that benefit their community. Uhm-when was the last time you organized your friends to tutor a bunch of poor black kids? Thats right never. Cos everybody wan practice Internet thuggism and crying foul from the computer screen. Get up, build your community. Focus on what you need to do and not on beating up any white person who tries to help you.
SMDH.
OH, DO YOU MEAN THE KIND OF HELP THAT WHITES GAVE OUR ANCESTORS, AND ALSO NATIVE AMERICIANS????
OMG, this generation of young blacks scares this hell out of me. They have gulped down the ‘colorblind society kool-aid’ and white folks are going to rake them over. I find it very sad (and disturbing) that many young black don’t see the problem with having a white fashion editor for a magazine that existed for black women because mainstream locked us out, and NOTHING has changed. We are the ONLY ones who are always trying to include and appease whites, but whites aren’t doing the same. How many black fashion editors are at large white magazines?
In certain professions, color may not be an issue as to who is most qualified for a job, but in the case of Essence magazine, which is about culture and lifestyle of black women, color should indeed be a prerequisite, and whites need not apply.
I agree with Lisa. What’s the point of the magazine if it’s going to be run by whites. It was supposed to be for us… BY US. Further, I believe that Essence, like BET, is and will continue to go further down the route of making a mockery of Blackness, promoting biracial people and interracial relationships, etc until one day soon we may see a white woman on the cover. Watch.
wow, what an ugly comment “Whites Need Not Apply”
be the image of what you want others to be in yourself
Are both you and Lisa aware that the Civil Rights movement led by Martin & Malcolm was helped by whites too? Did that mean that the civil rights movement became about white people? …It’s a shame that people are so ahistorical and don’t know such basic facts. You really think that the presence of a white person is the end of that institution? So then how are you different from Tea Party members and Klan folk who think that the presence of a black president is the end of America?
*scratching my head*
Uhm…like Lisa M.Z. said, when you start focusing your energy on building up the poor and the oppressed, instead of worrying about the sprinkles of white people who want to join your cause, then let me know. Until then, it’s all unnecessary hate and bitterness–and this generation of black folk would like something just a little more constructive than that. We can BOTH uplift our people from institutional racism, poverty and discrimination AND refrain from getting so angry and bitter every time a white person comes into “black territory.”
I understand why some black women don’t want a white woman as the editor of Essence, it defeats the purpose of Essence for them. Also, considering that black women are not really being offered editor positions in mostly white magazines.
But, it’s a choice between being stuck in the emotions caused by history or we (blacks) can lead the way into a new colorless society. Just as the author says……… and also just as Martin L. King said.
There will never be a colorless society, and whites will ALWAYS hate blacks!!! Mrs. Johnson the former owner of BET, says she is ASHAMMED of the programs that being shown, and will not watch it!!!! This speaks volumes as to what happens when white ownership occurs. There will come a day when these magazines will no longer exist, Like everything,everybody, when white America has gotten all they can get from you, they will leave you to die!!!
NO! You people need to zip your mouth and show respect for OUR President. Sometimes I think some of you are NOT Americans at all you are just the person behind the curtian on the wizard of OZ. When President Bush was in Office the LACK of respect Americans showed for Him was a SIN. and now you are doing the same with President Obama. Why don’t you run the country .The Rep. won’t let the Dem. take credit and visa versa how about abolishing Dem. & Rep. and pulling TOGETHER for America? Huah? What? I can’t hear YOU.
@Timi—what do you mean by “being stuck in the emotions caused by history”? Discrimination and racism is STILL alive and well and will always be.
I AGREE…. WITH THE VERY FIRST COMMENT…..!!! HOW IS A WHITE WOMAN GOING TO DICTATE HOW A BLACK WOMAN SHOULD STYLE!! FOR ONE THING, WE KNOW WHEN A WHITE WOMAN IS A NI**A LOVER, BECAUSE OF HOW SHE IMITATES, BUT CAN NEVER ORIGNATE A BLACK WOMANS RAW SWAG…… SO HOW IN THE F%#K CAN A WHITE WOMAN EDIT, AND CONTROL THE FASHION, BEAUTY, ETC., OF OUR WOMEN!!!!! ANY OTHER BLACK THAT WANTS TO PLAY ” KING KONG, FOR WHATZ WOMENZ”….. KISS OUR BLACK ASSES!
No one is afraid, and the attitudes aren’t racist, discriminatory or are they pre -judging anyone. Essence was born out of necessity. The necessity was not only for a vehicle for African American, fashion, personal care and ethnic goods and services it was for an expression of our creativity! How we dress, do our hair, wear our make-up, accessorize with bright colors, bold accessories and literally wear and live the personalities of Black Folks..this is clearly a job for a Black Woman or Man, and I won’t believe that one couldn’t be found in all of these United States!
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR THAT “LISA” 5th comment- POSTED ON JULY 31, 2010 @ 10:57am!!!! I GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR STANCE, AND NOT THE “KING KONG, SAVE A HOE” BLACKS!!!! LOVE YA FOR THAT LIS’!!
GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENT “WHATEV” posted @ 3:53am AUGUST 01, 2010!!!!! IT’S GREAT TO KNOW, THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE, THAT HAVEN’T DRUNK THE KING KONG SODA!!!!! LOVE YA AND GOD BLESS TO: “NOTUNDERSTANDINGTHIS”, “WHATEV” AND “LISA”.
CHINA OKASI……. I’D LOOOOOOOVE TO SEE YOU, KUMBAYA FOR “VOGUE”, IN THEIR DENIED “AFRICA” EDITION!!!!!
@B2–this issue is about Essence magazine. You cannot compare white involvement for a social movement to the hiring of a white person at a magazine to tell our story. I am fully aware that whites have been involved in progressive actions for blacks and other minorities throughout history. There are roles that whites can play when it comes to black issues, however, there are some things that should remain sacred for US and this, in my opinion, is one of them.
It’s bad enough that the magazine is now owned by Time Warner, but when you hire someone who has not walked in my shoes or know my struggles as it relates to “black beauty”, forcing their idea of what ‘beauty and fashion’ is on me, I have a problem with that. And I especially have a problem with Essence hiring a white fashion editor when the same door is not opened to black fashion editors at large white magazines. This once and very rare opportunity should have been given to a black person. Plain and simple. When white organizations start providing more equality and opportunities for blacks the same way we seem to be so “open” to giving away opportunities, then issues like this will become a non-issue.
Your generation seems to think that everything should be up for grabs when indeed it should not be. I understand that this generation does not agree with calling out ‘racism’ at every chance and doing things the old way (and neither do I), but at the same time, you all need to know when to call a spade and spade and not be afraid to do so.
Hey guys,
I understand both Lisa & B2’s points, and I give much respect to the generation before me. I also understand the lack of minority voices in the mainstream, as well as the “fear”–and yes, it is fear–of losing those very few voices in a magazine that was designed for black women.
My core question is: are we outraged because black folk have too few opportunities, or are we outraged because a white person is aligning with a black (Time Warner-owned) project? If the latter, then I’ll agree to disagree.
But, if we’re upset at the lack of opportunity for black folks/black voices, then I believe we should focus our energies on building more opportunities, not on attacking white (in this case Latina) women/men who align with black projects.
I’m interested in creating an abundance of opportunities for youth–from the very beginning of their education until they’re ready for employment. I want to go into communities and teach folk how to be wealthy, self-employed and economically stable. All I’m saying in this article is that, while doing so, I’m simply unwilling to dedicate my energy towards raging against anyone who wants to help–simply because the person is white.
There are going to be white people everywhere, and you can’t eliminate a race of people from existence or from “your space.” I do not subscribe to that line of thinking, because I recognize it as what inspired imperialists, slave owners and racists throughout history. What is *not* everywhere is opportunity for black folk, and like some of the readers here said, my personal preference is to focus on creating some.
Debate is cool though.
Ms. Okasi let me one of many who will applaud you for saying what needs to be said.
Be the image of what you want others to be in yourself.
We as black people possess some of the best qualities America has to offer. Hatred and Bigotry are not our best qualities, love, loyalty and laughter our some of our best qualities.
to the black people on this board who are up and arms over this one hire at Essence, please get over yourselves
People, people, people, … this is why we’ll never “overcome.” Its not that we’re racist, on the contrary, we are proud to be and see all things “black” in this melting pot of an American society in which we live. I’ve been reading and enjoying Essence magazine since my early college days (over 30+ years) and it is still as vibrant, sassy and informative as ever. But ask me if I will renew my subscription? No dear, I shall not.
“My dime, my decision. I done said my peace.”
Sisters let us show them what we really think let not buy essence thats right. Don’t buy essence, because I don’t see the asian, latinos, koreans, jewish, or any ethnic magazine let alone new channels allowing whites run their business. They may get funding but to my knowledge they havent sold out any of their culture. Oh yeah and let someone whose not part of their culture even attempt to get a job with them hell now. But, us great ole black folks are quick to let them of all races run us over.
Actually I wished whoopi had asked obama a more worthy questions since time warner owns Essence what the point in us complainting we should have all invested in buying our own black businesses like other cultures buy their own and hardly if ever let outsiders in. I don’t care any more nor will I buy essence and its not about being racist because honey believe me if i had power like that all people would be treated equally and not just some.
Guess I’ll be more comfortable with a White editor of Essence, when “more” Black people are made editors of White magazines
Excuse me, but wasn’t this woman hired as a FASHION editor? Why is everyone talking as if she has taken over the dang magazine?? And excuse me, but are there NO blacks on staff of a number of popular white magazines, i.e. Vogue, EL, Cosmo? If there are none in prominent roles such as fashion editor, I’m sure there are those in other capacities….and if Blacks were not hired by these magazines, we would be crying foul all over the place! My Essence will be just as Black tomorrow as it is today, especially considering the fact that on a majority most of us can’t afford the clothes/fashions populated in Essence or many of the other mags out today. I don’t know…just seems like the popular thing today is to jump all over every issue, break it down to pigmentation & opinion and run it to hell & back! What a society!!
@ China
My core question is: are we outraged because black folk have too few opportunities, or are we outraged because a white person is aligning with a black (Time Warner-owned) project? If the latter, then I’ll agree to disagree.
____________________________
China, it’s both. Again, there are roles for whites and others to play when it comes to “black projects” and black issues. The real issue is, you have to know ‘when they should play’, ‘where they should be aligned’, and ‘how much should they be involved’, especially, especially, ESPECIALLY if it something culturally sensitive, as in the case of Essence magazine.
The NAACP is a perfect example of this. Whites were very instrumental in starting it and they continue to fund it to this day. But do you ever see whites as ‘the face’ of the NAACP? No. They are in the background. However, because the NAACP relies so much on white corporate dollars, they have completely lost their way and are irrelevant. A perfect example of “too much involvement.’ Ye who makes the money, makes the rules.
There’s nothing wrong with whites or anyone else ‘helping you’, but there is a problem when we have the mind set that whites are the only ones who can ‘save us’ or validate our causes.
And wanting to preserve your culture, values, or your race is NOT racists!!! It’s called self-interest and their is NOTHING wrong with that. Gays, Hispanics, right-wing Christians, Jews, etc…all practice self-interest. Black people are the only ones who do not practice this because we are afraid of what others might deem us like you said ‘racist’. It’s reverse psychology at it finest.
Black women are upset because white women can never understand the true ESSENCE of a black women and to put a white woman in a position to do so is insulting. Black women aren’t looking for more fashion and any other topics from a non-black perspective. This is why we subscribed to Essence magazine taylored to women of color. There are a slew on magazines out there that target NON-BLACK women. We just want something to ourselves and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that – POINT BLANK!!
There you people go taking African Americans back 46 years of segregating yourself and then you want to talk about discrimination or we need to have a conversation about race. The problem is African Americans want to have it both ways. After the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that Robert, John and Martin died for Negroes need to be ashame of any mag, org, tv show like BET, and groups who call themselves a Congressional Black Caucus, that should be name the Congressional (k-Street) Caucus who sold lyou out for campaigned contributions and to fill their money coffers. You ought to be ashame of yourself for allowing Shakedown Con Artist like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton get away with saying the speak for you. Yep, they speak for you alright and beg Corporate America for millions of dollars a year, francises, distributorships, and family members receiving huge paychecks for setting on their so-called-non-profit organizations that do not keep accounting records. The Black Caucus foundation is reported to receiving $55 million dollars from 2004 to 2008, did you receive 1 nickle from them that collected this money in the name of (CIVIL RIGHTS?) Stop asking for handouts in the name of Civil Rights) and big corporations need to get those monkeys off of their backs and hire african americans as Kennedy and Johnson signed in affirmative action executive orders in 1961 and 1965. The money grubbers are the reasons why African Americans are doing soo poorly.