The idea that we live in a post-racial society is a myth. This myth was once again proven false on the red carpet. The racial remarks made on “Fashion Police” about Zendaya Coleman’s hair at the 2015 Academy Awards demonstrate just how backward our media really is.
The 18-year-old actress was scrutinized for her choice of wearing dreadlocks to the award show. The following night on “Fashion Police,” Giuliana Rancic made ignorant, racist remarks about Coleman’s hair. Rancic said “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil. Or weed.” Although there was no harmful or cruel intent to Rancic’s words, ignorance is no excuse for her remarks.
Clearly, “Fashion Police” is a show that is supposed to critique celebrity’s fashion and beauty choices and by no means do I think they should have to praise every hairstyle that graces the red carpet. I also understand that the attempt is to do so in an entertaining, comical and sometimes mean way. That is no reason, however, to bring racial comments into the discussion.
Coleman pointed out, in a response to the comments Rancic made, that her choice to wear dreadlocks on the red carpet was to “showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough.” Rancic’s comments not only hurt Coleman, but young girls of color everywhere. To criticize the message Coleman was making with racial slurs is appalling and a perfect example of the homogenized white society in which we live.
Disney Channel star Coleman has a young fan base. Additionally, she is one of the only African American stars currently on Disney Channel. Rancic’s remarks go far beyond just insulting Coleman herself, and extend to insulting women and girls across the nation. Beyond that such comments intimidate women from embracing their natural hair and beauty.
This incident is not the first time ignorant, racial comments were made to a celebrity on the red carpet.
Biracial actress Rashida Jones is constantly questioned about her race. At this year’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards TNT correspondent Danielle Demski told Jones, “you look like you’ve just come off an island or something … very tropical.” Jones replied by stating that she’s ethnic.
Not only was the situation awkward for all involved, and all watching, but it once again shows the prevalence of whiteness in our media and pop culture. This is evident through the assumption Jones sported a tan because she’d been on a vacation rather than due to her biracial background. Or through Rancic likening Coleman’s dreadlocks to oil and weed, whereas she had earlier claimed that white Kylie Jenner’s dreadlock look was edgy and urban.
While on TV Rancic is responsible for her words and her remarks were truly disgusting and ignorant. However, this issue goes beyond her comments. Although many Americans may want to believe we live in a post-racial society that does not have double standards for racial minorities, this utopian fiction is far from reality.