Nowadays, every time a new magazine cover drops a whole section of the internet seems to rise in protest. Often it’s due to issues of diversity, culture, race, and representation. Whenever such backlash occurs, I usually side with the “angry people” and wish the magazine had chosen a more diverse (whether in terms of race, gender, body size, etc.) model or hadn’t appropriated another culture. Recently though, I found myself supporting the magazine’s decision and quite honestly NOT understanding where the angry people were coming from. The magazine cover in question is Vogue India’s March 2018 issue featuring none other Kim Kardashian. I personally loved seeing her on the cover and in this post I’m going to explain why I think Vogue India and Kim did no wrong.
One critique of the cover was that it was of a white woman when one of India’s many beautiful brown women could’ve been featured. Well, if you take a look at this handy-dandy Wikipedia article, you’ll see that month after month Vogue India has consistently promoted their country’s own. Take a look at the covers below for examples!
In such a globalized world, I think it’s offensive on the part of non-Indians and naïve on the part of Indians to think that people in India don’t care, or don’t even know, about Kim Kardashian. Whether you like her or not, Kim is known world-over for her long-running reality TV show, multiple product ranges, and attention-grabbing selfies. I’ve traveled a lot in India (I even lived in bustling, cosmopolitan Mumbai for three months) and lots of people there wear western clothes more than traditional outfits, speak English as their first-language, and consume English media. These are the people who read Vogue India (an English-language magazine) and they are just as interested in international stars as they are home-grown celebrities. Featuring Kim on the cover wasn’t necessarily taking away opportunity from an Indian model or actress, but rather giving Vogue India’s audience what they want: access to a global icon.
Another critique of the cover was that images from the cover shoot, in which Kim wears an Anita Dongre lehenga and a red Sabyasachi sequin sari, depicted cultural appropriation. I definitely do not support cultural appropriation (I find it hard to believe people can’t find anything more creative than wearing a kimono or a Native American headdress for Halloween), but I don’t think that Kim was doing this. She didn’t choose those clothes herself and wear them like a costume. Rather the Indian stylists and editors that run Vogue asked her to model Indian clothes to showcase them in a tasteful and artistic editorial setting. It was a melding of cultures, initiated by Indian people, not Kim.
Controversies aren’t referred to as such for no reason and I know there will be people out there that disagree with me. Whatever your thoughts are on this matter, let me know in the comments below because I want to hear your different opinions! Hope you enjoyed reading!
I’m so glad that you made a post about this! There has been so much controversy over this cover shoot, and I haven’t known what to think. Now I am turned onto the agreeing side (with you that is), and I completely see what you are saying. Very well written and keep up the good work.
Quick question, I’ve seen this all over blogs but don’t know how to get it on my won! How do you get the list of widget like things on the bottom of the page that say “come find me,” etc?
https://beingisabella.com
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I’m so glad you liked reading this, Isabella! And I saw your question about the widgets on my last post and I replied there. Let me know if you have any other questions about it xoxo
Oh got it! Sorry to ask again, I must’ve missed it!!!
Loving your style! You are so chic. Would you like to follow for follow on Bloglovin? 🙂
Xx,
http://beatricebalaj.com/
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Yes, sure, I just gave you a follow on Bloglovin’ Xx
I 100% agree with all your thoughts and arguments on this! As much as I dislike cultural appropriation, I also think its perfectly fine for western people to be interested in other cultures. A non Indian person wearing a saree is not cultural appropriation but wearing a bindi to music festivals definitely is ! Big difference between the two! The world is so globalised now and if we wants Hollywood to feature Indian celebrities, nothing wrong in Indian magazine featuring a Hollywood celebrity for once. As long as its done tastefully and with the right intent!
http://www.talesoftwoblog.blogspot.com
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Thanks for reading! You’re so right. In a world as globalized as ours, its hard to not have cultural exchange like this!
I personally think they way she has styled them is quite tastefully done.
http://www.franklyflawless.com
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Thanks for commenting, Sabiha! I totally agree. She looks amazing Xx
Really enjoyed reading this post! I definitely think that anyone who reads vogue most likely will know and be interested in Kim Kardashian otherwise why would they feature her? I thought the photos were very nicely done.
Shann Eileen | http://www.shanneileen.com
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I 100% agree, Shann! Thanks for reading!