Question: Response to umm..me...black women: do you think there is starting to be misguided information in essence mag?

(Posted by: Flare on 2010-07-27 11:16:26)

Black Women: What's do you think about a White woman becoming a Major Editor at Essence? I read essence sometimes and I have noticed that there are some far- fetched stuff in the magazines. Especially when it comes to fashion. A friend pointed out a cosmetic ad to me in essence one day. The ad was about a lotion that had spf and skin radiance stuff in it. On the opposite page, there was a vaseline shimmering cocobutter lotion ad. I'm like, " what in the world? Black women don't need self tanning lotion to shimmer when they can just use the vaseline lotion on the left.. " Stuff are being put in magazines today to throw off black people especially black women off. I see things in magazines that make black people go "what? " What do you think? Others have opinions on this as well. It was a self tanning lotion with spf.

Posted by: Chocolate Barbie* on 2010-07-27, 13:27:52

I know what you're talking about. But even I use SPF, a small amount that usually comes in my lotions. I don't agree with the tanning lotion, for myself I don't need it and it's weird when my friend who is light skin mentions how she wants to tan and I really think she is okay without it, she isn't really that pale. She is biracial but still I don't agree. As far as Essence, that is a very interesting magazine and I often read it [I haven't recently] but I do see how there seems to be some issues in there that catches my "eye " but I don't get worked up over it at all because it's something that they have to do for business. So, if you are looking for truly authentic things then you'll probably have to search around. Essence is dedicated to a "variety " of black women issues so you probably won't find it touching on just one deep issue, they have to be versatile which doesn't suit most peoples personal preferences. Something else I don't like is when people refer to brown skin as dark skin but it's the media. People will argue that it's not an issue but it is. For some people, people with Amerie's or Tyra Banks skin color are considered dark and I'm like [WHAT] "Are you serious lol " but that's how people roll I guess and people really don't like to go that deep into those kinda issues, they just accept it for what it is. I think it's funny because it's ridiculous. I totally understand your point of view. Note: When you first posted this question I began my answer, it took me a while to post it though. I just thought I should mention that. Have a good day. :)

Posted by: Una Hora (Michelle R. pwns) on 2010-07-27, 11:21:57

Hmm well I wouldn't see this as being a problem as long as the woman was very aware and understanding of African American culture, but I cant see that as being the case often. Lets face it, Black and White people just have different ideas, styles, values and experiences in life, so to stay true to the Black community you'd think they'd hire someone who has grown up around Black culture. But like I said earlier, I dont really see it as a problem if the girl really knows what she's talking about.

Posted by: Sweet Pea on 2010-07-27, 11:22:11

Using your example, I use things that contain shimmer and I don't like most Vaseline (or similar) products. So that lotion with the SPF in it sounds okay with me. SPF is good for your skin, especially if you have tattoos like me. Shimmer is okay too. It isn't just for white women. So I don't think things like that are "misguiding ". You just have to decide for yourself whether you want it or not. In the end, you also have to remember that all magazines are geared towards one thing, making money. They may promote health, beauty, etc., but their main goal is to make money.

Posted by: Lili on 2010-07-27, 11:22:21

Are you sure it was a self-tanning lotion? Lots of lotions offer SPF protection but aren't self-tanners. They're just moisturizers with sunscreen that may or may not have a "shimmer factor " included, but the shimmer component doesn't have anything to do with tanning. And obviously black people need sunscreen, too, since they too can burn and suffer other sun damage.