Congrats to Lupita for snagging People's'Most Beautiful Woman' cover, but Sandra Rose did not have to go there!
buzzz worthy. . .
OPINION
By Mona Austin
Applause, applause, applause to Lupita Nyong'o! Today,on NBC This Morning it was revealed that the woman who continues to be Hollywood's latest obsession, Lupita Nyong'o is People magazine's "Most Beautiful Woman In the World." Topping the list of 50, the Kenyan born actress, 31 genuinely gushed, “It was exciting and just a major, major compliment. And especially, I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen.”
Lupita has posed for more covers and been in more magazines than some professional models over the last year. Landing this coveted cover on a major mainstream mag is extra significant as it shows what we've known along, that Black is beautiful. Lupita is the first African face chosen as the publication's "Most Beautiful" and this is the 25th Anniversary issue to boot.
No need to start a movement, but Lupita's natural beauty makes a girl wanna toss out her stash of hair and beauty products. From her low cut, no fuss 'fro to her make-up optional skin Nyongo's beauty is au naturale. Literally, she arrived on the planet with stunning bodily features. People across the world of all races have rightfully applauded her appearance. Some have called her a "beauty and style icon." The way she celebrates having short, natural hair must send chills up and down the spine of the hair weave industry. Conversely, it's probably a proud day for the high priestesses of healthy hair who have preached about the dangers of using chemicals in our hair or adding extensions. Lupita does not usually wear a weave to conceal her afro textured hair or wear make up that overly accentuates her lovely face.
But, I must admit, I feel uncomfortable each time I hear people talk about her skin like its an accessory. "With her complexion, she can wear anything," they'd say, sounding too similar to the idea that the color black matches everything. This subtle objectification bothers me because I would not want anyone to be deemed as a "thing", but also because as a Black woman I understand the importance of Lupita's arrival, acceptance and applause for all of us. When Halle Berry took the cover and she too made us all proud and it had nothing to do with her complexion because it was expected.
Sandra Rose completely discounted Beyonce's cover and stated Lupita is the first 100% Black "Most Beautiful Woman in the World." So now, a white woman is admitting to viewing Blacks by racial percentages and defining blackness? Let's not go there Ms. Rose. As a diverse nation, Multiculturalism may have somewhat complicated racial definitions, but Beyonce had never denied her Blackness. Many Africans do not identify as Black. Africans and other ethnic minorities typically refer to themselves by their nationality. There are Africans who identify as Black and ones who don't based upon how long they have lived in the U.S. Rose could have kept her insensitive words to herself. Most of the commenters on her site took note of the reference to Beyonce not being a "real" Black person, but opted not to let the slur kill the moment.
Nothing is going to detract from the significance of Lupita's recognition. The Oscar winning actress said in a speech earlier this year that she was once teased for her ebony complexion which is now considered her best asset, along with her vibrant spirit which radiates everywhere she goes. Recognition of Lupita's beauty has been a trending topic for months. This People "honor" no doubt extends a remarkable year in the spotlight. It says, we (the mass media) get what Blacks throughout the African diaspora know intuitively: Black IS beautiful. More importantly it says dark skin is beautiful. May the Yale thespian will continue to get leading roles like one she grabbed in "Non Stop"as well as receive praise for her looks that outlasts Hollywood's frivolity.
OPINION
By Mona Austin
Applause, applause, applause to Lupita Nyong'o! Today,on NBC This Morning it was revealed that the woman who continues to be Hollywood's latest obsession, Lupita Nyong'o is People magazine's "Most Beautiful Woman In the World." Topping the list of 50, the Kenyan born actress, 31 genuinely gushed, “It was exciting and just a major, major compliment. And especially, I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen.”
Lupita has posed for more covers and been in more magazines than some professional models over the last year. Landing this coveted cover on a major mainstream mag is extra significant as it shows what we've known along, that Black is beautiful. Lupita is the first African face chosen as the publication's "Most Beautiful" and this is the 25th Anniversary issue to boot.
No need to start a movement, but Lupita's natural beauty makes a girl wanna toss out her stash of hair and beauty products. From her low cut, no fuss 'fro to her make-up optional skin Nyongo's beauty is au naturale. Literally, she arrived on the planet with stunning bodily features. People across the world of all races have rightfully applauded her appearance. Some have called her a "beauty and style icon." The way she celebrates having short, natural hair must send chills up and down the spine of the hair weave industry. Conversely, it's probably a proud day for the high priestesses of healthy hair who have preached about the dangers of using chemicals in our hair or adding extensions. Lupita does not usually wear a weave to conceal her afro textured hair or wear make up that overly accentuates her lovely face.
But, I must admit, I feel uncomfortable each time I hear people talk about her skin like its an accessory. "With her complexion, she can wear anything," they'd say, sounding too similar to the idea that the color black matches everything. This subtle objectification bothers me because I would not want anyone to be deemed as a "thing", but also because as a Black woman I understand the importance of Lupita's arrival, acceptance and applause for all of us. When Halle Berry took the cover and she too made us all proud and it had nothing to do with her complexion because it was expected.
Let not the favor toward Lupita's talent, fashion or her dark skin flee with the award season. Embrace black beauty always! #BlackTwitter
— Mona Austin (@4True) March 3, 2014
Not everyone gets what it means.Sandra Rose completely discounted Beyonce's cover and stated Lupita is the first 100% Black "Most Beautiful Woman in the World." So now, a white woman is admitting to viewing Blacks by racial percentages and defining blackness? Let's not go there Ms. Rose. As a diverse nation, Multiculturalism may have somewhat complicated racial definitions, but Beyonce had never denied her Blackness. Many Africans do not identify as Black. Africans and other ethnic minorities typically refer to themselves by their nationality. There are Africans who identify as Black and ones who don't based upon how long they have lived in the U.S. Rose could have kept her insensitive words to herself. Most of the commenters on her site took note of the reference to Beyonce not being a "real" Black person, but opted not to let the slur kill the moment.
Nothing is going to detract from the significance of Lupita's recognition. The Oscar winning actress said in a speech earlier this year that she was once teased for her ebony complexion which is now considered her best asset, along with her vibrant spirit which radiates everywhere she goes. Recognition of Lupita's beauty has been a trending topic for months. This People "honor" no doubt extends a remarkable year in the spotlight. It says, we (the mass media) get what Blacks throughout the African diaspora know intuitively: Black IS beautiful. More importantly it says dark skin is beautiful. May the Yale thespian will continue to get leading roles like one she grabbed in "Non Stop"as well as receive praise for her looks that outlasts Hollywood's frivolity.
