Although targeted to black women, Essence magazine’s appointment of a white woman to its Fashion Director helm has rocked its readership’s world. For the longest, the fashion industry lacked a black media slant so is Time Warner currently orchestrating a multi-cultural splash? The mega media machine snatched up 100% ownership of Essence in 2005 and BET is Viacom-owned also.
On Facebook, emotions ran from bewildered to bamboozled. A few sisters did the post-racial bounce by high-fiving Becky’s candidacy. Yet, many believe that the magazine’s key positions should be kept in the family. After all, it was Essence and Ebony magazines that plied black designers with props long before mainstream media granted them attention.
And so what if the new FD formerly worked at “O”? To date, Oprah’s magazine maintains its position of having never been black audience-aimed. She’s ours but Ms. Winfrey’s empire is largely erected on white dollars.
This marks another sad moment for white-owned black media. Under Susan Taylor, former Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director, this line would’ve never been crossed. Should Becky have a blonde moment and contemplate a “Booty Pop” feature or white woman cover, her pale derriere deserves an expedited dismissal. In fact, I’ll volunteer my right foot.
Here's what a few FBers had to say:
ReplyDelete"just wrote a darn check for $18 for 18 issues... now I see why they had that deal......"
"I like Oprah but I am not renewing my subscription because there isn't much that relates to multi racial people nor blacks but she just has a mag she doesn't run it....I was stunned to hear about Essence' change of staffing and wonder why especially when it's a former employee of O, so what direction is this going to take it in now? Who knows. Let's just hope that they keep it real."
The world is forever changing, isn't it? Who would've thunk it?!
ReplyDeleteSome parts of the world may revolve on an axis of multiculturism but some things in our community must stay the same. Case in point: Had it not been for the ownership change, this move would've never been made. Ownership is power and seemingly, with Time Warner, we've relinquished ours. While we've no idea of the magazine's direction, money talks and many women have vowed not to subscribe or renew. Why on earth would Time Warner alienate the public Essence has traditionally served?
ReplyDeleteright foot? lol
ReplyDeleteBlackgurl is serious, ba-bee, about that right foot. How dare they when candidates of color were available????
ReplyDelete