Oh. My. God

[Number23]

12. Whether the "girl" is pretty is not the issue. Not even close

This type of thing has been done forever. The "white girl travels the world" angle with exotic extras by way of people in the background or in many cases, actually SERVING the white woman that is always supposed to be the center of your attention.

Meanwhile black, Asian, Hispanic models/actresses etc. are minimized or ignored altogether - even in the countries that are being represented by the white models. Hell, even when creating periodicals for NON-WESTERN AUDIENCES, the "fashion" and "beauty" world always make a point of reminding the world that there is one, ONE standard of beauty as far as their narrow perspectives can see.

Hence the inaugural issue of Vogue India - the way the cover was presented, only three women made the actual cover (non-folded bit) and the blonde was smack dab in the middle.

Inaugural issue of Vogue China - Same issue as before - blonde smack dab in the middle of the cover of a magazine geared to Chinese women.

Ask yourself this -- would the inaugural issue of Vogue Australia or Vogue Sweden or whatever have a non-Australian or Swedish woman on it, particularly a non-Swedish woman with melanin? Nyet. But somehow, it is perfectly acceptable for them to put a blue-eyed blonde Australian woman on the cover of these magazines aimed at a previously ignored demographic despite the fact that these countries are home to some of the most stunningly beautiful women in the world.

Here is a great article to read on Racism in the Fashion world - http://www.complex.com/style/2012/09/a-history-of-racism-in-fashion/

I'm sure this tacky, tasteless Sports Illustrated will soon be added to the list.