“Fashion Critics Aren’t Mad At This “African-Themed” Show (But They Should Be)”
“Blanks is a critic I usually enjoy reading, but his use of linguistic subterfuge here doesn’t fly. Every good conservative knows that to cast anger or debate over racism as “knee-jerk” is to brand it as rash, foolish. Never mind that concerns about racism are worthy of discussion, and evidence of itshouldevoke a gut response (because, you know, it’s kind of a matter of people’s humanity). Besides, to brand that same debate as “negativism” is to shut down a valid conversation about meaning. A fashion critic’s stock in trade isanalyzing symbols and what they mean — so one has to wonder why, in this instance, Blanks seems so invested in encouraging us not to think.
Despite the justifications, I don’t believe for a second that this show intended to present some sort of nuanced commentary on colonialism. I think it is colonialism: a spree through African culture where the Westerner emerges more beautiful and with cooler accessories, but with no greater ability to see or hear the people who created them.”
