Entertainment
White critics slam Beyonce’s tribute to Hollywood ‘icon’ for ‘cultural appropriation’ and ‘double standards’
Megastar Beyoncé’s latest video has sparked quite a lot of discussion as she pays homage to ’90s icon Pamela Anderson by recreating a few of her most famous looks. Many people claim that the 99-time Grammy-nominated singer is a white fisherman who intentionally dresses as a white woman and thereby appropriates her culture.
But it leaves the query: Can a naturally light-skinned Black woman help if she has Eurocentric features, or can there really be something to be said by imitating the looks of a well-liked white woman?
In a series of scenes inspired by Anderson’s character as a lifeguard on “Baywatch,” her role within the 1996 film “Barb Wire” and her memorable performance on the 1999 MTV VMAs, the Houston native captures the bombshell vibe that made Anderson a popular culture phenomenon.
Although it was a part of her Halloween look, the music video celebrates Beyoncé’s long-awaited return to musical visuals after a three-year hiatus. However, while fans celebrated her return, the tribute was not without controversy.
The music video debuted on November 5, Election Day, and included a thumbnail encouraging people to “Vote.”
The first visual from her album, “Cowboy Carter,” not only captured the message of Election Day, but additionally captured the Halloween spirit as she dressed up throughout.
In it, Beyoncé dons three iconic Anderson-inspired outfits and seemed to emulate the Canadian native’s vibe from her biggest project, including her memorable red lifeguard suit, which morphed into “Beywatch” for the singer, referencing her nickname. She also rocked a fluffy pink hat that mirrored Anderson’s VMAs style, turning it around in a way only the “Dreamgirls” actress could.
While many fans loved the tribute, Beyoncé’s outfit sparked some emotion online.
When is additional television sent photos from the music video and compared them with real images of the “Scary Movie 3” actress, people wondered.
The platinum blonde wig and makeup made her skin look noticeably lighter, prompting accusations of “whiteface” and cultural appropriation.
Some felt her appearance was an attempt to appear to be a white woman, with comments like “So white face?” and “Gross cultural appropriation” flooding social media.
The response to these replies was, “I was just thinking about that, but it’s okay for her, right? It’s really embarrassing.”
“A white man would get in trouble for this,” another person wrote.
One user asked: “Why if a white chick dresses like a black chick she gets terrorized and canceled. But if black imitates white, it’s fine.”
Another bluntly stated, “Stop trying to be white.”
One X user wrote on Twitter: “I remember when Beyonce was black. The fact that she wants to dress up as a white Canadian shows us how much SHE goes out of her way just to get the Black vote when it puts her center stage. How do you people respect a hypocrite? She wants to be white.”
I remember when Beyonce was black. The proven fact that she wants to dress up as a white Canadian shows us how much SHE goes out of her way just to get the Black vote when it puts her on center stage. How do you people respect a hypocrite? I need to be white. https://t.co/U5nXTj7McA
— TheXFactor (@DeborahTaylor01) November 5, 2024
Someone else he wrote“Cancel Beyoncé for wearing whiteface and cultural appropriation. Liberals and their double standards are bulls…. Or don’t cry when it’s the opposite way around.”
This is not the primary time Beyoncé has faced such criticism. In 2023, she wore a silver Versace gown and a platinum wig to the premiere of her film “Renaissance,” which led to some accusing her of trying to appear white and comparisons to Kim Kardashian circulating online.
The debate over her appearance continued throughout the Paris Olympics when Beyoncé portrayed Team USA in a patriotic video. Dressed in a red, white and blue leotard and with blonde hair, she received each praise and criticism from fans, however the critics’ voices were loud, with many saying she was downplaying her African-American features in exchange for Barbie’s patriotic appearance.
The “Love on Top” singer has worn blonde hair throughout her profession, dating back to her Destiny’s Child days when she sported lighter braids. However, over the past few years, people have criticized it more and more, even claiming that it could even lighten their skin.
But there are occasions when she accepts darker facial expression. Throughout her work on the film “The Lion King”, the album “The Lion King: The Gift” and its accompanying visual project “Black is King”, your complete project focused on African identity and included the Grammy-winning song “Brown Skin Girl”.
She even modified things up in 2024 for Halloween by dressing up as Mexican-American singer-actress Apollonia and Prince. The move was met with a hotter reception, with fans celebrating her portrayal as a lady of color. However, some noted that her resemblance to Apollonia wasn’t quite accurate and said she was trying to rating points along with her core fans.
She also dressed like later funk singer Betty Davis, Miles Davis’ second wife, rocking her signature afro and mimicking the quilt of her 1975 album “This Is It.”
Although there have been critical voices, on this case there have been no accusations of cultural appropriation.
Interestingly, Beyoncé’s portrayal of Anderson has attracted more attention for her uncanny resemblance to a younger Pam Anderson than Anderson herself currently does.
Now 57-year-old Pamela Anderson has opted for a more natural look, often posing without makeup and sharing posts about self-acceptance. On one Instagram postshe showed off her freckles and reflected on changing beauty standards, a stark contrast to the highly stylized look that made her famous.
Despite divided reactions, Beyoncé’s faithful got here to her defense.
In just 4 days, the video racked up over 745,000 views on YouTube – a slower start than usual for her usual explosive results, but a reminder of her lasting impact.
As Beyoncé continues to experiment along with her style and pay homage to cultural icons, the conversation about her image, identity and public perception stays as dynamic as ever.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
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