Cosmo accused of racial bias in trends that 'need to die' list
White women dominate Cosmopolitan's trends 'Do' list
Really??? <a href="https://twitter.com/Cosmopolitan">@Cosmopolitan</a> What are you trying to imply ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tasteless?src=hash">#Tasteless</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThinkbeforeYouPost?src=hash">#ThinkbeforeYouPost</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unfollowing?src=hash">#Unfollowing</a> <a href="http://t.co/poai8MKOCg">pic.twitter.com/poai8MKOCg</a>
—@joansmallsFashion magazines are always publishing their Do's and Don'ts columns, but Cosmo's latest — in which black models are used to illustrate trends that "need to die" but not showcased for any that are deemed trendy — is being given a major DON'T online.
The feature, appearing on Cosmopolitan.com, focused on fashion faux pas and was accused of being racist. It included 21 beauty trends that are dying and Cosmo-approved alternatives, but overwhelmingly the women of colour that are featured appear exclusively in the Don't column. While the examples of Do's are almost exclusively all white women.
The reaction was harsh and unforgiving.
<a href="https://twitter.com/Cosmopolitan">@Cosmopolitan</a> so racist. whoever made this & allowed it to be posted should be fired. you should be embarrassed & ashamed of yourselves!
—@princesssaurus<a href="https://twitter.com/Cosmopolitan">@Cosmopolitan</a> using black models for trends that need to die! Bye and no more of my money <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/racist?src=hash">#racist</a>
—@denesha_fosterThe magazine issued an apology via Twitter, saying it means to empower all women and will try to do better in the future.
<a href="https://twitter.com/joansmalls">@joansmalls</a> Empowering and supporting all women is our mission, and here, we fell short. We apologize and will do better in the future.
—@Cosmopolitan"This article focuses on beauty trends with images that represent those trends," editors said in a statement. "Some images have been taken out of context, and we apologize for any offence."
However, the post wasn't taken down and the magazine was taken to task for what was perceived as a superficial and flimsy apology, with many calling for a boycott of Cosmo and starting a #BoycottCosmo hashtag.
<a href="https://twitter.com/Cosmopolitan">@Cosmopolitan</a> this inherent prejudiced behavior is ridiculous. Your apology is crap & superficial. You didn't realize cause it's your norm!
—@oluwa_tomiLast year, Vogue Paris, Harper's and Vogue U.K. did not feature a single person of colour on their cover.
With files from Natasha Fatah