Lupita’s inspirational words could pave the way to a new standard of beauty that finally embraces all women no matter their colour, argues Annette Le Couteur.
Written by Annette Le Couteur
Lupita Nyong’o stole the show at this years Oscars ceremony by becoming the latest star to be added to the hall of fame. As the uncontested belle of the ball, she elegantly cascaded down the red carpet in a breathtakingly beautiful baby blue gown and proudly sported her natural afro textured tresses. Most importantly, however, she stunned everybody in the audience with her powerfully moving Oscar acceptance speech in which she reminded young girls of all backgrounds to never give up on their dreams.
“When I look down at this golden statue may it remind me and every little child, that no matter where you are from your dreams are valid,” she movingly declared.
The 12 Years a Slave actress who won the best supporting actress award for her character portrayal of real life slave Patsey, is undeniably a positive role model for so many black women, young and old, who due to the light skin beauty bias propagated by the mainstream media, often feel less than worthy. Indeed, Lupita is a breath of fresh air to the black community and a far cry from Nigerian pop star Dencia’s controversial promotion of new skin bleaching product Whitencious.
Ironically, Lupita also exposes Dencia’s irresponsible actions as having a detrimental effect on black women’s self esteem in yet another emotionally charged acceptance speech for the seventh annual black women in Hollywood award ceremony hosted by Essence magazine. During her speech, Lupita shares the words of a little girl who wrote to her in a letter.
“I think you are really lucky to be this black but yet this successful in Hollywood over night. I was just about to buy Dencia’s Whitenicious cream to lighten my skin when you appeared on the world map and saved me.
I remember a time when I too felt unbeautiful. I put on a tv and only saw pale skin. I got teased and taunted by my night shaded skin,” the Oscar winner adds.
Ironically, it took another ebony skinned beauty to save Lupita from herself and to finally accept the unique beauty she was blessed with.
“Then Alek Wek came on the international scene. She was dark as night, she was on all the runways, in every magazine and everybody was talking about how beautiful she was. Even Oprah called her beautiful and that made it a fact.
“My complexion had always been an obstacle to overcome and all of a sudden Oprah was telling me It wasn’t.”
Lupita’s speech on beauty left the entire audience speechless which comes as no surprise considering the lack of black female representation within mainstream beauty and entertainment industries. It is an issue that often gets ignored by the mainstream media and those who work within it. Fortunately, notable figures in modelling such as Naomi Campbell have addressed the problem head on by openly discussing the issue of racism during London Fashion Week, only months before Lupita’s Oscar win. Naomi said in an interview with Sky News that casting agents are still reluctant to cast black and Asian models despite attempts to eradicate it over the years.
“It’s disappointing that they still think before booking models of colour.
“It shouldn’t be that way in this day and age,” added Naomi.
Hopefully, the resurgence of beautifully, educated and powerful black women like Lupita should further ignite the black beauty debate, forcing those working within all media sectors to take notice of the undeniable talent amongst women of colour. For too long has the black woman been unfairly marginalised and negatively represented in a predominately white owned entertainment industry. Her presence on film and television screens as well as magazines not only positively reinforces the unique beauty of black women but may lead other women of colour to in Lupita’s own words,
“ feel the validation of [their] external beauty.”
“5 magazine subscriptions that are perfect for Mums this Christmas”
Quidco.com Advertisement
Written by Annette Le Couteur
As Christmas nears, most of us are looking for an extra special gift for Mum. What better way to say I love you than choosing a best selling women’s magazine that’s delivered right to her door throughout the year? That’s right; if you have been searching endlessly for that ideal gift, look no further, as our enviable selection of perfect magazine subscriptions for mums promises to put a smile on her face this Christmas.
1.If she’s a self-confessed yummy mummy, why not buy her a subscription to Marie Claire and let her be inspired by the latest fashion news, shopping trends and beauty tips? She’ll look fabulous all next year and have you to thank for it! The latest issue of Marie Claire does not disappoint, as it’s jam-packed with top notch advice on Christmas party dresses and accessories, as well as catwalk-inspired fashion at high street prices.
2. If Mum’s more of a homebody and less of a party girl, then Good Housekeeping is the perfect magazine for any domestic goddess this Christmas. After all, it’s the season to eat, drink and be merry, and what better way to get Mum through the holiday season than with a magazine filled with great tips for a stress-free Christmas, seasonal recipes galore, as well as inspirational fashion advice!
3. Alternatively, Reader’s Digest is sure to put a smile on Mum’s face and is a popular title for people of all ages. It’s a treat for those with a thirst for knowledge and ideal for the intellectually inclined as it’s filled with interesting topics, fascinating facts, great writers and inspirational stories. We promise Mum won’t be able to put this one down!
4. Everyone loves a bit of celebrity gossip and mums are no exception, so make her Christmas a special one by subscribing to one of the most popular gift selections on our list… none other than Hello! Magazine! Whether she never misses an episode of TOWIE, loves a bit of Harry Styles on the X Factor or Daniel Craig leaves her feeling shaken and stirred (ooh err), Hello! Magazine is the ideal present for mums and a real treat for celebaholics this Christmas.
5. Finally, if none of those already mentioned tickle your fancy; why not buy a subscription of Prima, the UK’s 5th largest selling women’s monthly magazine. It’s popularity is down to appealing to women of all ages and Prima’s promise to address the emotional needs of everyday women. It provides advice on everything from saving money to beautiful homes and even cooking.
Still can’t decide what magazine to buy for your mum? Why not fill her stocking up with all 5 of them. Either way, any of the magazines from our top 5 list great Christmas presents for mums list is sure to put a smile on her face.
Annette Le Couteur is a graduate intern at www.MagazineSubscriptions.co.uk – offering 20% cashback this week!
It was a great experience writing for quidco.com as they informed me I had successfully generated sales for them in the lead up to Christmas.
