Model Winnie Harlow on Makeup Tributes: "I Don’t Support Blackface"
Photo: @winnieharlow/Instagram
On social media, fans of Winnie Harlow have been recreating her skin using makeup. The model, whose real name is Chantelle Brown-Young, has vitiligo, which causes a loss of pigmentation. The 21-year-old’s condition has been an asset, rather than hinderance, in her career, landing campaigns for Desigual, Diesel, and more.
Supporters of Harlow, who was a participant on Cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model, where she placed fifth in the competition, some of whom are caucasian, have taken to emulating her now famous face. These recreations have drawn criticism for being blackface. “I really wish people would stop doing this s*** like This is not “art” you’re literally doing black face,” one Tumblr user wrote, with the post receiving nearly 20,000 notes.
Photo: @winnieharlow/Instagram
But Harlow came to the defense of her fans, posting on Instagram a lengthy response alongside an image of herself. She acknowledged that hers might be an unpopular opinion, but believes that when someone lusts after a feature they don’t have — for example, fuller lips, bigger butt, curly hair, or braids — that does not necessarily mean culture is being stolen. “Have you ever stop to realize these things used to be ridiculed and now they’re loved and lusted over, she asked. “The amount of mixed races in this world is living proof that we don’t want to be each other we’ve just gained a national love for each other. Why can’t we embrace that feeling of love? Why do we have to make it a hate crime? In a time when so much negative is happening, please don’t accuse those who are showing love and appreciation, of being hateful.” She concluded her caption by noting that it is clear to her “when someone is showing love” and she appreciates “these people recreating, loving and broadcasting something to the world that once upon a time I cried myself to sleep over #1LOVE.”
Unfortunately, the accusations didn’t stop there and many took issue with her reply.
And then @winnieharlow wants to say that ppl calling out culture appropriation are "focused on segregation"? Oh please.
— Marquaysa Battle (@TheColorLilac) August 23, 2015
Anyone that can describe blackface in any way other than, "It's incredibly disgusting and offensive" is despicable @winnieharlow
— Marquaysa Battle (@TheColorLilac) August 23, 2015
black culture gets appropriated everywhere from America all the way to Asia and down in the Middle East. it's so ANNOYING.
— Richéy Collazo (@RicheyCollazo) August 22, 2015
so don't tell me it's not a big deal. cuz the whole world is trying to buy and wear my blackness cuz they think my way of life is a product!
— Richéy Collazo (@RicheyCollazo) August 22, 2015
Photo: @winnieharlow/Instagram
This onslaught prompted yet another Instagram post from Harlow, who was called derogatory names on social media. “All races have recreated the pattern of my skin and when they did it, it was complimented and glorified,” she wrote. “It’s the representation of not being afraid to be proud of who you are not just a “disease” as you so disablingly call it. I know my history.” She added, “So while a Lot of things in this world are wrong (and No I don’t support “Blackface”), a lot of things, including many intentions, are pure. Use common sense (and the definition…) to know the difference of appreciation and appropriation.”
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