Glamazons,
When I first started my Twitter account @ItsEstaFiesta in 2009, I decided it would be strictly for career purposes. That meant avoiding hot topics that could be considered taboo in the workplace. I steered clear of conversations about politics, sex and the one topic many Americans fear most: race.
Initially, it made sense to avoid discussing race. As a young media professional trying to progress in her field, I didn’t want to stir the pot and scare away potential employers and contacts. Though I followed social issues carefully on my own, I made the decision not to speak about it publicly. I carried on exclusively following journalists, brands and publicists relevant to my career goals and engaging only in industry discussions. Eventually, that changed. And for me, it had to.
Constant killings of unarmed black people by police, racial profiling, structural racism and cultural appropriation all weighed heavy on my heart. I needed a release. I needed a medium through which to express that I’m appalled by Sandra Bland’s arrest, that I’m more infuriated with the senseless killing of Sam DuBose than Cecil the Lion.
Image Courtesy of Living Fiesta
I find it difficult to be transparent with my followers about my thoughts and concerns, while pretending that being targeted and killed just for being black is not one of them. I’m just like Sandra Bland: a young black college-educated woman who is a member of a Divine Nine Sorority. Like her, I had difficulty finding work to the point of depression. Like her, I’m painfully aware that police don’t value my life. It doesn’t matter how many flawless cat eyes I post on Instagram or great outfits I share on Facebook, my life can be taken for something as simple as a turn signal. I can become a hashtag simply because a racist, overzealous cop chooses to abuse his power. For that reason alone, it’s important that I feel empowered to speak up when I feel moved.
Sandra Bland was just like me.
Though that’s my stance on social issues, I don’t begrudge bloggers who feel differently nor do I judge the readers who support their decisions. When Stephanie of Nerd About Town expressed her pain and horror over the Charleston shooting, she received an angry letter from a reader. The reader thought Stephanie should stick to her lane: “beauty and plus-sized stuff.”
Just received this delightful email regarding my rant about the Charleston shooting a few mins ago. Count the fails. pic.twitter.com/QTeOfMYabc
— Stephanie (@NerdAboutTown) June 19, 2015
The reader’s approach may have been rude but she’s not alone in her thinking. Lifestyle blogs are a form of escapism for many. Like most sources of entertainment, it’s a place people visit to momentarily forget about the heavy burdens of the day, and indulge in topics they enjoy like fashion and beauty. It can be overwhelming for readers when they look for an escape and trouble finds them anyway.
Image Courtesy of Living Fiesta
Some bloggers keep that in mind when deciding not to speak on social issues on their platform. Others, like me, feel compelled to speak out even if some readers find offense. I think it’s a personal decision for each individual, and that’s why I can’t get behind attitudes like that of Luvvie Ajayi regarding black bloggers speaking on social injustice. Luvvie wasn’t fond of how many black beauty bloggers were silent during the aftermath of the AME Shooting. She believes beauty bloggers — many of whom have the largest follower base outside of celebrities — should step out of their comfort zones and be vocal:
I am just annoyed that people hide behind their “lanes” when it comes to this whole blogging thing. You can’t even send ONE tweet? Girl.
— Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) July 1, 2015
When Black people are being killed, and you are Black with a platform that IS your lane. Come on. You are a person, not a product.
— Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) July 1, 2015
Now, I am challenging those Black bloggers who’ve been quiet. Use your platforms. You do not have an excuse. I don’t see 1 good excuse.
— Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) July 1, 2015
So sure, you talk about beauty and fashion. But you can put up ONE tweet to show that you’re not a makeup-wearing robot. Not too much.
— Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) July 1, 2015
I understand Luvvie‘s frustration. She’s not asking bloggers to dedicate a 300-word post to the topic. She’s simply looking for them to acknowledge the issues that affect us all. Ostensibly, it wouldn’t hurt to tweet “#BlackLivesMatter,” or regram a meme to express where we stand with a social issue.
But in all fairness, it’s up to the blogger to decide what they want to share. It’s their platform and they should feel free to use it how they see fit. Once we start policing what bloggers say on their platforms, it’s a slippery slope to disempowering them and denying them the freedom to express themselves as they choose.
Image Courtesy of Living Fiesta
As for me, I’m still ever mindful of my career, brand and my beat: style and beauty. But I’m no longer hesitant to remind my followers that there’s a person behind the brand, and my life matters too. That’s what works for me. Everyone doesn’t have to agree with my decision but they should respect that it’s mine to make.
Glamazons, is it important that your favorite lifestyle bloggers speak out about social issues or do you prefer they stick to their beat? Let me know in the comments below!
