Beyonce Darkens Her Skin (BLACK FACE) For French Magazine, Draws Criticism From Some. Is This Offensive To You? [Video + Pics]

"Blackface is more than just burnt cork applied as makeup. It is a style of entertainment based on racist Black stereotypes that began in minstrel shows and continues to this day." Black-Face.com

Blackface has long been condemned as racist. Typically done on the late 1800's when white actors would darken their skin, then proceed to "shuck and jive" pretending to be African American, much to the amusement of white audiences.

But is it the same if a black person does it?

French fashion magazine L'Officiel Paris chose Beyonce as the cover girl for it's 90th anniversary edition.

The singer/actress appears in dark skinned makeup. And that upset who think it's too much like blackface.

L'Officiel Paris has issued a statement assuring the makeup was worn voluntarily by Beyonce.

"Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce [Beyonce's alter-ego], the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designers' clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. A return to her African roots, as you can see in the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened. All the pictures will be available in the collector edition, on sale at the end of this month."

Beyonce is said to have been inspired to use to the dark makeup as a tribute to Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti.

B's husband Jay-Z co-produced the broadway musical 'Fela!' about Kuti, along with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith.

Is this a big deal about nothing or very offensive to you? Sound off in the comment section and vote.

Comment

You need to be a member of CaribbeanFever / FeverEyes / CaribFever to add comments!

Join CaribbeanFever / FeverEyes / CaribFever

Comment by deborah rollerson on February 27, 2011 at 12:56am: Its a fashion that is all over anylyzing again

Comment by Bombahdrop on February 26, 2011 at 1:17pm: I agree, the only thing she did wrong was, make herself look Ugly and Poor hahahahahaha lmbooo

Comment by latty watty on February 26, 2011 at 11:55am: wait... am lost?? so beyonce is black? why the hell does she think she need to darken her skin to be *black*.

Oh your black but not that black...WTF!!

Comment by SAMMI BAMMI on February 26, 2011 at 9:51am: @ Brian....LMAO!!! anyways, didnt care for the b**** ever so whatever she does is she damn business.....stuppppssssssssseeeee(sucking my teeth)!!!!

Comment by S. Young on February 26, 2011 at 12:58am: You're welcome @JamRockLady! Thank-you as well. Sometimes I get so frustrated with the complacent/ignorant mentalities of some people. @James Anderson I've seen "BAMBOOZLED". It left me speechless. To see people still displaying that type of behavior for fame is sad,to say the least. SMH ;-\

Comment by JamRockLady on February 25, 2011 at 11:13pm: @James Anderson....I heard of that movie (Bamboozled) back-in-the-day, but always by-passed it for some reason (I can't recall why, lol). I will watch it this weekend upon your recommendation. I'm sure it will consist of some very "interesting revelations".

Comment by Brian mc rae on February 25, 2011 at 11:01pm: Isn't she black enough , or the bleaching means you're not black anymore.

Comment by Anne V on February 25, 2011 at 9:14pm: who cares! Beyonce and her people knew this pic would be contravercial-that's why she did it..any publicty is still publicty!

Comment by Patricia on February 25, 2011 at 5:26pm: Beyonce, why do you think blackening your face makes you more black than your are or are you?

Comment by JamRockLady on February 25, 2011 at 4:17pm: @S. Young...thanks for educating our people. "MAMMY"...so true!

Our people need to know more of their black history (African history). ANYONE who has the "I don't see anything wrong with this" mentality, is either an "Uncle Tom/Tomette", knows nothing about black/African history and/or has been thoroughly brainwashed by the whiteman's society. I pity them SHEEP-PLE. SMH! :(