black is the new...black?

for an upcoming issue of V magazine, Sasha Pivovarova and Heidi Mount

when I first saw this image, I thought what was the point of this? my mind immediately turned to the countless images of blackface that were so popular in the 1900s, one CENTURY ago.

though I cannot relate with the black public, I can relate to what it means to have your "race" physically broken-down and socially constructed. asians went through this same shit with yellowface in which white actors packed on the eyeliner to appear more "oriental." this, too was done back in the day so why have we suddenly reverted to discrimination? aren't we supposed to be moving forward?

this image from american apparel haunts me for some odd reason. I first saw this ad in one of my comm classes last year and literally, could not stop staring at it. again, WHAT WAS THE POINT OF THIS? fashion, or not, this concept of painting faces will never resonate with me. arguing that one is done more "tastefully" than the other is barely a reason to justify blackface, or yellowface, anycolorface. it's just ridiculous to me. the day when models of color put on whiteface is the day I'll finally be able to drink again (remember, I have panreatitis? hahaha)

let me know what you guys think! is it acceptable, fashionable? or just plain bonkers?

sources: ny magazine & racialicious.com