Introducing Blackfishing
Blackfishing is a phenomenon that involves non-Black individuals altering their appearance to pass themselves off as Black or racially ambiguous. This problem has gained traction in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram, where it has become a popular trend. The use of shading, makeup and even cosmetic procedures has enabled these individuals to present a darker skin tone and change other physical features to appear more authentically Black. The television show 90 Day Fiancé has received criticism for featuring cast members who are guilty of Blackfishing, with some viewers arguing that this reinforces damaging stereotypes about the Black community.
This phenomenon is so named due to the act of “fishing for Blackness” by individuals who are not Black. These individuals are taking advantage of the mystique and cultural value that is placed on Black identity to further their own end goals. Blackfishing is not simply a harmless trend but has deep and meaningful implications on both a personal and societal level, with many people calling for those who engage in Blackfishing to be held accountable for their actions.The act of Blackfishing creates a false impression of what it means to be Black, and this can have political and economic implications. It also perpetuates the notion that what is considered Black is more favorable than what is considered white, which is damaging and untrue. Additionally, Blackfishing is a form of cultural appropriation that can further the marginalization and erasure of actual Black individuals, who are often already silenced by the systems that govern our society. These are some of the reasons why the issue of Blackfishing is a highly contentious and controversial topic.In the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, numerous cast members have been accused of Blackfishing, with the trend becoming increasingly more common in the latest season. This has caused concern among viewers who are worried about the franchise’s portrayal of Black people and how it could be used to reinforce harmful stereotypes. Some viewers have even started petitions to have cast members removed from the show, while others have taken to social media to call out any discrepancies in the portrayals of cast members who engage in Blackfishing. It is clear that this issue is not going away any time soon, and it is vital that we continue to address it in a meaningful and constructive way.
The Impact of Blackfishing
Blackfishing, as discussed in the previous section, has far-reaching social and personal impact. One of the most significant implications of Blackfishing is that it creates a false narrative about what it means to be Black and perpetuates the belief that what is considered Black is more favorable than being white. Blackfishing also has economic and political implications, leading to job loss and a lack of representation for Black individuals.The damaging effect of Blackfishing is not limited to just personal or social levels. Non-Black influencers who try to pass themselves off as Black or racially ambiguous influence political and economic outcomes. For instance, they can take jobs meant for black people and thereby hinder their economic growth. Additionally, they can pay lip service to social justice while not fully understanding what it means or why it matters. By exploiting the popularity of Blackness, they are trivializing the pain and struggle of Black people over the years. They can then profit from the perceived popularity of Blackness while removing actual Black individuals from the conversation.
When non-Black people adopt Black physical attributes and characteristics, they do so without actually embracing the cultural nuances and the historical and social background of being Black. This lack of understanding and sensitivity towards the Black community is what makes the act of Blackfishing a form of cultural appropriation. The exchange of cultural values is supposed to be symbiotic, but Blackfishing is not about exchanging values, but rather about using Blackness as a costume to gain popularity and advantage in society without ever having to face the struggles and challenges that come with being Black. Therefore, Blackfishing is not just a harmless trend but a troubling concern that should be addressed promptly and thoroughly.Continuing from the previous paragraph, this act of cultural appropriation can further diminish the experiences and struggles of Black people in various fields and contribute to the creation of stereotypes. The portrayal of Blackness by non-Black individuals can influence how Black individuals are perceived and treated in society. Blackfishing, in essence, is a tool for non-Black individuals to profiteer off Black culture while excluding actual members of the Black community from those profits. This is not what cultural exchange should look like, nor should it be accepted. Instead, the focus should be on celebrating and supporting the Black community for their lived experiences, culture, and contributions to society, both historically and in modern times.
The Prevalence of Blackfishing in 90 Day Fiancé
In many cases, Blackfishing is a reflection of the bias and lack of representation that exists in society, specifically for Black individuals. The lack of representation of Black individuals, particularly women, in the entertainment industry has created a vacuum where non-Black individuals can be presented as black or racially ambiguous for popularity. The issue of representation itself is a nuanced one as it is both a symptom and a cause of wider issues in society. However, it is through seeing Black individuals in media and entertainment that people can start to appreciate the diversity of black experiences and culture. The goal should be to create relevant representation that focuses on empowering Black individuals and celebrating their contributions to society, rather than exploiting it for personal gain.
The issue of Blackfishing has gained more attention on social media in recent years, particularly with the emergence of the #blackfishing hashtag. Social media has allowed for the voices of those who are directly affected by Blackfishing to be heard. It has provided individuals with a platform to share their experiences and call out those who perpetuate this harmful behavior. By sharing these stories and experiences on social media, Black individuals can challenge the narratives put forth by those who engage in Blackfishing, and educate others on the harm caused by this phenomena. Additionally, social media activism, such as petitions against cast members in the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, have had a significant impact on the industry’s future in this regard. It is evident that social media has created a space for a more diverse range of voices to be heard, leading to much-needed change. However, it is important to continue having these important conversations to hold people accountable and prevent the normalization of this phenomenon.Sure, let me continue from the last sentence. In conclusion, the act of Blackfishing in 90 Day Fiancé and other forms of media should not be taken lightly. It causes real harm and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. As a society, we need to create more opportunities for Black representation, both on and off the screen, and hold individuals accountable for their actions. The role of social media in raising awareness and promoting activism, as seen in the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, cannot be overstated. It is up to us, as a community, to continue pushing for equality and representation and challenge harmful practices such as Blackfishing. The Black community should be celebrated and supported, not exploited, and this fight against Blackfishing is just the beginning.Let me expand on the conclusion. The impact of Blackfishing on the Black community is profound, and it is essential that we continue to address this issue head-on. The 90 Day Fiancé franchise and other media outlets hold significant sway over public perception, and as such, they have a responsibility to educate and raise awareness around issues that can negatively impact society, including Blackfishing. By taking a hardline stance against Blackfishing and making a conscious effort to promote diversity and inclusivity, media outlets can play a positive role in shaping society’s attitudes towards the Black community. Additionally, as social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public perception, it is vital for individuals to take advantage of this platform to raise awareness, challenge harmful practices, and push for change. Ultimately, addressing Blackfishing in 90 Day Fiancé and beyond requires collective action from everyone. Only then can we hope to make meaningful progress towards a more just and equitable society.
The Role of Social Media in Blackfishing and 90 Day Fiancé
In the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, numerous cast members have been accused of Blackfishing, with the phenomenon becoming increasingly common on the most recent season. There have been several cases of people using drastic measures like darkening their skin, wearing braids and cornrows, and using certain slang peculiar to the black community. These efforts to subconsciously portray themselves as Black, indicate that they believe the culture is trendy and an advantage in some way.It is also important to note that Blackfishing can have severe implications on representation in media. By taking on Black characteristics without actually understanding the cultural nuances, these individuals can replace actual Black individuals in various fields and profit from their perceived popularity. This can limit opportunities for actual Black people and could even lead to job loss in some cases. The prevalence of Blackfishing in entertainment needs to be addressed, and greater accountability enforced on those who partake in the trend.
Cast members like Brittany Banks, who has been accused of darkening her skin tone to appear Black, have faced severe backlash from the public in the form of petitions and calls for their removal from the show. Another cast member, Ariela Weinberg, has also been accused of Blackfishing on social media for wearing cornrows and appropriating African style. However, despite the public outcry, it remains to be seen what the 90 Day Fiancé franchise will do in response. Will they place a ban on Blackfishing and enforce strict accountability or will they continue to allow the trend to propagate on their shows? The answer remains uncertain. However, it is clear that viewers are becoming increasingly aware of the issue and are taking action in the fight against the trend, by pushing for greater representation of Black individuals and challenging the stereotypes that come with Blackfishing.Continuing from the last paragraph:
An additional concern is that cast members who engage in Blackfishing may encourage their fans to do the same. This can have a domino effect that further perpetuates the trend. If left unchecked, it could continue to spread and grow in mainstream culture, with long-lasting implications for Black individuals and communities. It is essential to hold those who Blackfish accountable and enact measures to counteract the phenomenon effectively.
Despite the harmful impact of Blackfishing, the phenomenon is not limited to 90 Day Fiance and is prevalent on various social media platforms. It’s a problem that requires attention and a collective effort to combat effectively. More campaigns aimed at educating people on the negative impact of Blackfishing must be initiated to shape the outlook of current and future generation. Furthermore, social media companies must enforce policies against Blackfishing and cultural appropriation. By creating an environment where Black stories, experiences, and culture are respected, enjoyed, and prioritized, the society can move one step closer to racial justice and equality.
Concluding Thoughts
The impact of Blackfishing on the 90 Day Fiancé franchise can’t be ignored. Beyond creating a false narrative about the Black community, the phenomenon can have potentially disastrous implications for the show’s viewership and reputation. With more viewers becoming aware of the issue and the negative impact it can have, they may lose faith in the franchise and stop watching altogether. In worst-case scenarios, the show could be boycotted leading to a significant loss of revenue.
Moreover, given the popularity of 90 Day Fiancé, it is concerning that the studio hasn’t taken substantial action against Blackfishing and cultural appropriation on the show, as it could cause more harm than good in the long run. Nonetheless, there have been some attempts at educating viewers, like the introduction of the Pillow Talk segment where viewers and cast members can discuss the recent episodes. Such inclusion has opened up conversations about issues like Blackfishing and provided an opportunity to correct misconceptions regarding Black culture. Still, the question remains whether or not it’s enough to address such a concerning trend.
It is important to note that Blackfishing isn’t just an issue limited to reality TV shows or social media but is also prevalent in other industries like modeling, music, and film. The entertainment industry, in particular, has a long-standing history of anti-Blackness and whitewashing. The most popular examples of whitewashing are the anime characters Naruto, Goku, and Monkey D. Luffy, White actors playing Asian characters like Scarlett Johansson playing Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell, among others.
The entertainment industry can benefit from a diversity of stories and inclusion of different cultures, but Blackfishing is an attempt to profit off the aesthetic of Black culture without any actual regard for Black lives and experiences. The industry must prioritize Black stories and the Black community at large instead of benefiting from Blackness without any accountability. Until that happens, the issue of Blackfishing and its dangerous implications on Black individuals will continue to persist.In the previous paragraph, we see how Blackfishing is prevalent in other industries like modeling, music, and film. This further exemplifies how there is a need to address the issue of Blackfishing and cultural appropriation in these industries to prevent the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes about black culture. Although there’s no simple solution to this problem, we can take steps to create a society where diversity and inclusion are valued, and Black individuals are given the representation they deserve. Alongside the industry authorities, consumers too have a role to play by calling out companies and individuals who engage in Blackfishing and actively supporting Black creatives. This shows solidarity, accountability, and ensures a just, equitable distribution of opportunities in entertainment employing people of different races, ethnicities and backgrounds. Only by being aware and taking such small steps can we make an impact in the fight against Blackfishing and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.In conclusion, Blackfishing is a pervasive issue that affects the Black community in many ways, creating a harmful impact on the community at large. By exploring the basics of Blackfishing, its impact, prevalence in reality shows like 90 Day Fiancé, the role of social media in the trend, and its occurrence in other industries, we’ve shown that there’s a need to address this problem. There’s no one solution to the problem of Blackfishing. However, steps can be taken to promote diversity, accountability, and representation of Black individuals in various industries by initiating awareness campaigns, enforcing policies against cultural appropriation, and supporting Black creatives. As we continue to fight for racial justice and equality, it’s essential to hold individuals and the entertainment industry accountable and engage in proactive steps towards creating a more inclusive society.
