She Strengthens

The Power of Representation: Why Businesses Must Take Responsibility

Growing up, I often lost myself in a fantasy world where I saw more Black women in mainstream media. In this world, I imagined I wouldn’t struggle with disordered eating, insecurity, or damage to my hair from straightening it. I wondered if I would have lifelong self-assurance, a sense of belonging, and never have to wonder if someone was fetishizing me. But reality always brought me back to the harsh truth.

As I scrolled through Instagram, I saw a sea of snatched waists, altered photos, and Blackfishing. But amidst the chaos, I also saw glimpses of Black excellence being spotlighted. Lizzo is dominating the music industry, and more Black artists like Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, and Viola Davis are receiving mainstream attention. Brands are pushing for unaltered photos and more inclusivity in their campaigns. We’re making progress, but we still have a long way to go.

The Psychological Damage of Lack of Representation

One of my clearest childhood memories involves a J-14 magazine, a picture of Britney Spears, and a toothbrush. I cut out her photo and taped it to my mirror, unintentionally comparing myself to her. She was thin; I was “husky.” Her hair had highlights; mine were in protective braids. I scrubbed my gums until they bled, trying to make my teeth whiter like hers. My mom asked what I was doing, and I explained it’s time for me to grow up and look more grown-up, “like Britney Spears.” I was only 12.

As a child, I got one message loud and clear: Black and curvy is beautiful to some; light and petite is beautiful to all. I struggled with disordered eating, smuggling in laxatives and diet pills from the local drug store. I was rejected by crushes because I was “too chunky,” and I came to learn that my appearance spoke for me before I did. I desperately wanted it to say, “I am worthy of your love and attention.”

Tokenism Is Not Representation

We’ve been conditioned to settle for tokenism and call it “progress.” Brands post photos of one Black model, maybe an Asian or Latinx model as well, and call it “inclusive.” Companies sprinkle in a model whose dress size is in the double-digits, and consumers act as if we’ve cured cancer. But how is it 2020 and we’re still calling women “brave” for having body rolls on Instagram?

Blackfishing Is Not Progress

Another major issue I see is blackfishing, a form of tokenism that intersects with appropriation. It triggers a strange space within my soul. On the one hand, I’m excited that we have more women of color dominating mainstream pop-culture. But on the other hand, I’m frustrated that non-BIPOC are trying to profit off of our beauty — the same beauty they couldn’t be bothered with 10, 15, 20 years ago.

The Responsibility of Businesses

Ultimately, my curiosity fuels me to shift my environment and champion change. I reach out to bloggers and companies I admire and request more inclusion within the stories they tell and the people they represent on screens. But it’s not enough for millions of people to burden themselves with individual change. Companies, leaders, and advertisers should be committed and held responsible for the trends and messaging they promote and for the subsequent effects of that messaging on society. It’s time for businesses to take responsibility and examine their brands and messaging to ensure they’re promoting inclusivity, diversity, and body positivity.