The whole shoot really did leave a nasty taste in my mouth and, like you, I’m genuinely scratching my head over how the concept was even allowed to leave the drawing board to begin with. Like who sat there and said, “dark skinned men as props!” and how how HOW did no one say, “actually… maybe not?”
It was such a shame because I read through other interviews within this DAZED issue and there was a lot more care put into not only the personality but the essence of the subject that just wasn’t put in for Tyla, I don’t think. For Kobie Mainoo and Speed, their interview shoot put them in a soft light surrounded by their profession and honestly made them look pretty charming whilst the vibes Tyla gives of unity, of being big on her heritage, was completely swept away for this false image of her as this ManEater that I just don’t think she is? I thought maybe the interview would have that, but no! She spoke about her hesitancy with swearing, growing up in an African household etc and the shoot was just such a weird contrast. It felt more like an artistic decision to objectify her in a way rather than actually CAPTURE her
that’s how i feel when western creatives do to african talent. they never really want to get to know them except objectify them and mold them into their own image or what they fantasise about them. our culture in south africa is subdued and not maneater-ish in any way :(
As a south african i’m glad people are doing more research on the ethnic groups in our country. i will try and find the tiktok video of another SA person who described how coloured people are ‘politically’ black when it comes down to our cruel yet recent history. her zulu heritage plays apart in her cultural and racial identity but it still cannot give her the title of “black” it’s very complex but yes this dazed spread needs criticism and it would be unfair to critique Tyla particularly as she even has black relatives and knowing the history of apartheid… people were were separated by hair texture, skin tone etc. meaning families were separated too. Tyla definitely has knowledge on colourism but i can’t help but wonder how much fresh/new talent can refine creative briefs that have already been made and it’s upsetting
We keep wondering why celebrities who seem 'ok' do this and this, and I think once they reach a certain status they don't care about being 'ok' anymore, they care about maintaining said status, no matter the cost, while pretending sometimes to be 'ok' so that we keep supporting them.
I completely agree, I'm seeing how we actually can't continue to excuse ignorance, because a lot of celebrities rely on the willingness of the consumer to prioritise content over substance...
The whole shoot really did leave a nasty taste in my mouth and, like you, I’m genuinely scratching my head over how the concept was even allowed to leave the drawing board to begin with. Like who sat there and said, “dark skinned men as props!” and how how HOW did no one say, “actually… maybe not?”
It was such a shame because I read through other interviews within this DAZED issue and there was a lot more care put into not only the personality but the essence of the subject that just wasn’t put in for Tyla, I don’t think. For Kobie Mainoo and Speed, their interview shoot put them in a soft light surrounded by their profession and honestly made them look pretty charming whilst the vibes Tyla gives of unity, of being big on her heritage, was completely swept away for this false image of her as this ManEater that I just don’t think she is? I thought maybe the interview would have that, but no! She spoke about her hesitancy with swearing, growing up in an African household etc and the shoot was just such a weird contrast. It felt more like an artistic decision to objectify her in a way rather than actually CAPTURE her
that’s how i feel when western creatives do to african talent. they never really want to get to know them except objectify them and mold them into their own image or what they fantasise about them. our culture in south africa is subdued and not maneater-ish in any way :(
I enjoyed reading this quite a bit!
Really appreciate this! Thank you :)
As a south african i’m glad people are doing more research on the ethnic groups in our country. i will try and find the tiktok video of another SA person who described how coloured people are ‘politically’ black when it comes down to our cruel yet recent history. her zulu heritage plays apart in her cultural and racial identity but it still cannot give her the title of “black” it’s very complex but yes this dazed spread needs criticism and it would be unfair to critique Tyla particularly as she even has black relatives and knowing the history of apartheid… people were were separated by hair texture, skin tone etc. meaning families were separated too. Tyla definitely has knowledge on colourism but i can’t help but wonder how much fresh/new talent can refine creative briefs that have already been made and it’s upsetting
found it! : https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMr8pKRy1/
will make sure to watch this, thank you!
We keep wondering why celebrities who seem 'ok' do this and this, and I think once they reach a certain status they don't care about being 'ok' anymore, they care about maintaining said status, no matter the cost, while pretending sometimes to be 'ok' so that we keep supporting them.
Tyla is not immune to this.
I completely agree, I'm seeing how we actually can't continue to excuse ignorance, because a lot of celebrities rely on the willingness of the consumer to prioritise content over substance...
This is a Fortnite-inspired shoot 😕