Vogue magazine according to most is considered the “Fashion Bible”.

I must confess, I myself on many occasions have bought and perused through the articles of this Iconic Magazine Powerhouse. I have reprimanded myself several times for buying Vogue seeing that 95% of the content does not and will not ever pertain to me. However the March 2017 issue that features Adwoa Aboah, Vittoria Ceretti, Ashley Graham, Gigi Hadid, Imaan Hammam, Kendall Jenner, and Liu Wen have solidified my thinking. I Will Not Be Purchasing Vogue Anymore. Why? It’s self-evident that this magazine clearly doesn’t understand the concept of diversity and that they have marginalized their views to fit what they believe beauty looks like in America, and this issue is making that perception loud and clear. Allow me to explain. There are a few things that concern me about this cover.

Let’s start first with the models. Yes according to many they are all beautiful and of course the saying is, “Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder”.

I nonetheless am not questioning their beauty what I am challenging is Vogue’s attempt at Diversity. Now “Let’s Call A Spade A Spade”. Yes in one instance there is diversity on the cover, but if you allow yourself to take a closer look there really isn’t.

You have an Asian model, Black models, White models, and a Plus sized model. Yeah for Diversity! Okay now let’s take that closer look.

 The Asian model, visibly is Asian but she also has White features. A light complexion, thin nose, and she is rail thin. The Black models, noticeably upon first glance they would be considered Black women but again their complexion is light, their noses are thin as well as their bodies. The White models display all the features that constantly grant them access to becoming and being the featured cover model. Now the Plus Size model clearly because she is turned to the side you can still see that she is much thicker than the rest of the group, but wait why is Gigi Hadid’s arm being used to cover Ashley Graham’s stomach? Also I don’t know if her arm is actually that length but something about that appendage looks suspicious. Can you say “Photo Shop”? If this is diversity what are you gaining by covering up her stomach? Is the statement that Vogue is trying to make this? “Aren’t we all Beautiful Regardless of Color, Race, or Size? Of course yes, but only if you look like these Women on the cover.”

 My next issue is with the second  Cover Title      

    “The Beauty Revolution”

 “No Norm Is The New Norm”                  

So this cover is the new norm? I am a 5’5, Darker Complected, Petite, Black Woman with Au Naturale Hair to be exact and the two Black models do not represent me in any shape or form. Adwoa Aboah and Imaan Hammam are both gorgeous women but here is the problem I have, both Adwoa Aboah and Imaan Hammam are both identified as Bi-Racial or Multiethnic. Adwoa Aboah’s father is Ghanaian and her mother is English. Imaan Hammam is Dutch and of Egyptian and Moroccan Descent. I don’t know them but I do know a few females and males from Northern Africa and of Bi – Racial and Multiethnic descent and many of them do not identify themselves as Black but as White or Multiracial, even though visibly they look Black. So why didn’t Vogue ask Khoudia Diop, Paynette Joan, Nerida Cocamáro, or Nyadak “Duckie” Thot? They are Beautiful Black Natural Sista’s. Could it be because of their hair or skin color. Just to name a few. Hmmm?

Where are all the Asian / Indian, Hispanic / Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander Models? There are also Beautiful Plus Size Models of all Ethnic Backgrounds and Races. What about them? I guess their beauty isn’t the New Norm?

We presently live in an Era and Society where now more than ever the powers that control EVERYTHING aren’t afraid to express their beliefs on who they consider is normal. The statement that is being made and one that is abundantly clear is, this March Vogue Cover is what they perceive to be the ever-growing face of Beauty in America. Welcome To The New Normal!

Quetta Azmir

Last Look : Soul Knowledge

“The question of the stranger in a society which estranged everybody from it — while forcing everybody to assimilate their own alienation — takes cover under dubious and sinister masks.”

Norman Manea

Citation – Quote

“Assimilation”

Norman Manea