Essence Magazine
Comments
Hmmmm. In a black and white view of the issue, the right answer is that the selection should be based strictly on qualifications. Given the history of its inception and mission of Essence, I have to say I understand the gray if, IN GENERAL, Essence tries to expand its personnel searches in hopes of finding an equally qualified black candidate. That’s likely an unpopular view but it’s how I feel. IN THIS CASE, the chosen candidate certainly had put in her time at the publication and proven herself rock-solid, so not selecting her would indeed be a black and white issue and wrong. Essence is to be applauded for doing the right thing.
Kudos to Essence for hiring the qualified person for the job. No one should care about the color of her skin. They should care about her ability to do the job. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today in my field if people were not “color blind”. Let’s more on folks.
This is one of those cases where you just want to say, “Move along, people. Nothing to see here.” Shouldn’t be an issue. And I will renew my subscription immediately.
Lisa-
Good topic, glad you brought this to our attention, and more importantly, did the research on the coverage. Brava to Angela Burt-Murray for her comments. The issues that highlight disparity in gender and race seem by pass Essence readership’s, yet the outcry and controversy over the new fashion editor seems to highlight everyone’s ignorance over the realities of a business enterprise. Those who commented should understand the mission of the magazine and the duties of the Fashion Editor. Companies hire the people they feel best reflect the mission and role, without discriminating on race, gender, or sexual preference. I am curious if we would be reading similar comments if Essence management chose a similarly qualified white gay man for the position?
Why is this even an issue? Obviously Essence thinks she’s the best person for the job or they wouldn’t have hired her.
While fashion can, even in the subtlest form, have ethnic or cultural influences, like food and literature - fashion is a shared joy, a cross-cultural bridge that binds, not separates. Would there be a controversy if a black fashion director were named to Vogue? Or W? There shouldn’t be.
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