Is this homage or is it doing way too much? Women on Instagram are using makeup to re-create the look of model Winnie Harlow’s vitiligo. Some say they are doing it to challenge societal beauty standards. Others say it is homage to Harlow’s unique beauty and barrier-breaking presence in the modeling world. As for Harlow, she has praised the trend, despite criticism from those who feel it veers into blackface territory.
Photo Credit: Instagram — @carolynesqueen
Photo Credit: Instagram — @rafapupujol
Photo Credit: Instagram — @zahraisabelle
What are your thoughts ladies?
It’s ignorant and borderline racist though Vitiligo affects other races not just black folks. Still, it’s highly ignorant and it’s just someone wanting to be instafamous.
they just come across as depraved
I second that.
…any excuse.
Well said! YouTube / Facebook / Instagram.…et al is a magnet for narcissists. I swear they wondered what to do with themselves before such internet instant ‘fame’ came along.
I’m just waiting for the first one (in the head wrap) to break out into a rendition of “Mammy!” … lol.
As someone living with Vitiligo I think it’s great! Its raising awareness! Keeps me from answering questions because people will know what it is. I’m not offended. I wish folks will stop looking at color. I’m living proof. To know me is to love me. Team Vitiligo.
Now… That is some super serious fangirl-ism.
0_o;
Umm…yeah, that’s a bit too much! Just be yourself!
Um no, not feeling this. I think this is very attention seeking. She lives with this condition, she can’t wipe it off with makeup remover. She is doing a great job representing and challenging concepts on her own. These fakers aren’t helping. They just want the spotlight at any cost. There are other ways to show support. Why not post pictures of real people with vitiligo. Ugh, can’t stand this hyper-narcisistic age we’re in.
Well it does veer into blackface, so don’t know why this was the way they chose to show homage. But it’s clear, from at least these pictures, there’s no malice intent.
As someone with mild vitiligo, it is doing too much.
“As for Harlow, she has praised the trend, despite criticism from those who feel it veers into blackface territory.”
YA THINK?! Just honor Harlow. Post her spreads. Share her story of overcoming discrimination and ridicule. Support her so that the modeling industry starts opening more doors for people like her. Putting on the makeup and pouting does nothing. You can’t be in her skin, but you can sympathize and reverse your own prejudices.
It’s cute, but I don’t understand the point of doing it. It’s also somewhat strange that it only happens to be white women doing the challenge.
Only white women doing it is not strange at all.
*sigh* it will never end
Her skin is not a outfit/accessory/disguise. Isn’t this a form of blackface too? Yes IMHO. Youtube tutorials 5…4…3.…2…1 smh
I feel this is blackface testing the waters
BLACK FACE
This is really stupid..they all look terrible..the only person who looks beautiful with this is Winnie! I swear some folks stay seeking attention.
Its not MOCKERY its HOMAGE. A recognition of a beautiful model with Vitiligo. Black face has a disgusting history and stems from hate. This stems from appreciation. And for those of you saying “Why couldn’t they do white Vitiligo makeup?” WINNIE HAPPENS TO BE BLACK WITH VITILIGO AND IS BLACK. Honestly.