Readers Speak Out

 

So if you scroll down, you will recall the post I wrote on Vanity Fair's new magazine cover, and spread about the so called "New Women of Hollywood."  Of course the actresses they chose were all white, and this caused a huge uproar, which we haven't heard as much of a peep from them.  So, over the course of the past week I have read on various websites that if we are bothered by the cover we should just get over it. I find this odd especially since this is coming from African-Americans. Let me just say this, you may not be a Vanity Fair subscriber nor do you think this has any bearings on you but I beg to differ.

This has everything to do with media perception about what is "Hollywood, and beautiful." You should be bothered! Why do black folks just stand by and allow crap like this to happen, then claim it doesn't affect them .Well guess what? It bothers our actors and actresses who can't get jobs in Hollywood.

So below you will find the letter that reader Zayna wrote the editor, and I for one am glad and proud that she did! We need more concerned people! I appreciate and applaud your efforts.

Dear Editor:

I do not typically write letters that complain about a magazine's content. I usually see this a futile act. But my deep disappointment with your Hollywood cover has forced me to depart from my silence.

You have probably head of the uproar caused by the racially homogenous pictures of what you have called the new Hollywood. You have probably heard people question why Gaby Sidibe was not included- followed by hushed whispers of how her fatness voids her potential star power. This "weight issue" is indeed a sad myth that some of us, because of our insecurites, seem intent to perpetuate into a reality.

As you know, the media coverage that up-and-coming actresses get is a huge factor in their staying power. WE NEED magazines like yours to step up and to stop whitewashing (pun intended) the realities of our society and of the talents of many gifted young woman. Actresses of color like Frieda Pinto, Jurnee Smollet, Zoe Kravitz, Gaby Sidibe, Nicole Beharie (American Violet), Amber Riley (Glee) are just as deserving as their pale counterparts.

We still have a long way to go-your cover proves that without a doubt.


Stay Blessed & Happy Locing!