http://static.thehollywoodgossip.com...re_229x314.jpg

http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/fir...aelJackson.jpg

I know these weren't for artistic purposes, but they did cause the "OMG HE'S TRYING TO BE WHITE. WHAT ABOUT YOUR ROOTS!?" arguments.

I really think that someone will cause a fuss regardless of which "direction" the complexion is going.

I will see your Michael and add Sammy for your consideration

http://www.hilaryshepherd.com/rantsn..._sosa-skin.jpg

From the magazine (too lazy to spell it I know flame me for it.)

From theroot message board. Also an official e-mail sent to those who write in complaining.

http://www.theroot.com/buzz/beyonc-b...bute-fela-kuti

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...Qm7XFxWTQnJBAX

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BluPhire, their response was a big load of bullshit. Silence on their part would've made more sense.

It is definitely an issue and it is related to the issue of blackface. For instance, people like Reggae star Vybz Kartel who is so darn angry that some people are blasting him for whitening his skin. He looks insecure, ugly, and utterly ridiculous with his new skin.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...vB_YmKKF_Jpo6S

(Not directed at BluPhire) One thing to understand is that the issue with blackface has to do with patterns and group dynamics. Some people are stuck on individual opinions and behaviors instead of seeing how it results in group and structural dynamics.

There is a reason why I put that in quotes...

I'll believe it when I read it. :)

because, that's not all of her natural hair...if she wanted to capture the 'essence' of being African for a day, she should have rid herself of the fake hair.

Hmmm...that assumes that African roots depend on our (hair) roots.

http://gayblackcanadianman.com/2010/...-independence/

Taking out the weave, going natural (assuming Beyonce isn't already natural), or wearing a head wrap would've been lovely. But, the blackface would've still been blackface.

I laughed at the bold, but I see what you're saying with this.

Yeah I definitely understand where you are coming from and when I read the statement I see they are taking the "artistic license" reasoning.

LOL.

Yeah, not every minority woman with "straighter" hair has a relaxer. There are other hair straigtheners.

He looks ill, as did Sammy Sosa. Is it that deep? I guess I could be considered "light-skinned," but in the 2000s, is it that deep to change your skin color to something completely ridiculous?

Yes, it is still that deep. Things aren't changing, people are just getting more "politically correct." The best way to see how things really are is to catch people when they don't think others are paying attention--or when people are angry (i.e. the last Presidential election).

So, if things aren't really changing, that will include color issues around the world. An example is how people praised Jennifer Lopez/Kim Kardashian for having "Black women's butts without the bad attitude, big stomachs, and nappy hair." An image of beauty is being presented that is "African Diasporic enough" to highlight the good things like big butts but "not too African Diasporic" so people don't have to deal with the browner skin, fuller features, thicker hair, etc (until it's Black History Month or time to pay homage to Africa and Fela Kuti---being Negroid definitely can't be a full-time job).

We see how some foolish bruthas go to other countries to find nonBlack Hispanic women and even Black Hispanic women (who are conveniently not Black just because they speak Spanish).

Hey, now...let's keep in mind that Kim BOUGHT her ass, J. Lo just insured hers...