Fashion Designers
Let’s Talk About Racial Diversity and Fashion Blogging/YouTube… | Kristabel
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Apologies for the deceptive thumbnail, I came back from Zumba and decided to have a chat about some of the things on my mind after watching Grace Victory's vlog. It's a little bit raw and not really edited but would be great to know your thoughts and continue the conversation. Full vlog will be coming soon!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/iamkristabel
My Blog: http://www.iwantyoutoknow.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamkristabel
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Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/iamkristabel
DEE from DLBTHEATRE W
December 4, 2016 at 11:18 am
Hiya! I think it’s brave to look at this topic. It really is a society issue, we know that race is socially constructed and there will be many reasons/ socio-economic factors why people of colour are less likely to pursue self employment online. I look forward to seeing other people’s perspectives via your interviews. I suspect there will be some discussion about who is more likely to get the contracts… and intersectionality will come into this. however, all you can do is be authentic to yourself. Your doing a great job.
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 9:10 pm
Thanks Dee! Yes I definitely agree that there are multiple factors and not everyone is aware. People see the end result and there’s disbelief, but it makes sense when you consider race, class, privilege, upbringing and mindset. I can’t wait to learn more and educate myself.
Love Layefa
December 4, 2016 at 11:54 am
I’m soooo happy that you touched on this subject. I feel like when we talk on this subject those that don’t understand just say that we are complaining and it’s much more than that. There are loads of black bloggers/vloggers who are just not getting seen or heard, it’s not like we are not here we are. And I’m one of them. Maybe we there needs to be a platform created for ourselves. I’m not sure if that would completely solve the problem but it’s a start. It’s like the Oscars situation that happened this year. We have the BET awards or the soul train awards or even the Mobo awards which where platforms created by black people for black artists to get recognition. I feel like there need to be a platform like that for bloggers and vloggers. Yes it’s very true that we have to work twice as hard to get noticed in the mainstream, it seems unfair, I can go on and on about this debate but I think I’ll leave it at; girl I can feel where you are coming from. Xx
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 9:14 pm
Agreed, there is so much context and nuance that people just don’t get. I’m not totally sure about a separate platform (logistics and all that) but a support network is definitely needed right now. We’ve spent too long bottling this all up and we need to discuss this in a safe space.
Margaret Belle
December 4, 2016 at 11:54 am
I saw Grace retweet this and I really enjoyed watching this and I really identify what you’ve said. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I look forward to reading your blogpost. Much love 🙂 xx
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 8:03 pm
Thanks Margaret, have a great festive season and a happy new year!
1lazu
December 4, 2016 at 1:56 pm
What I understood from both yourself and Grace’s videos is that YouTube was more of a democracy before the monetary/commercial aspect was introduced: many groups who didn’t feel represented by the mainstream used YouTube/social media to see share themselves with the world.
It appears that once the commercial aspect was introduced the same privileged groups who were always represented by the media are the most successful- they get the book deals/billboards/awards. Occasionally an”other” group will be thrown a bone : token plus-size person, token POC or token genderqueer inclusion but tokenism isn’t adequate. Social media now mirrors life & democracy is dead. Tis a shame. Looking forward to the blog post on this!
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Yes that’s definitely what I meant in a roundabout way! This also tends to happen when anything becomes mainstream, whether it’s a singer or brand, the original message can get diluted. It would also help if we had more marginalised groups in positions of power or at least those who haven’t become complicit in the system. It’s tough, but at least through social media people are shedding light on injustices.
Emma Rose Daniels
December 4, 2016 at 2:23 pm
Hey! Thanks for sending me a link to this on Instagram when it was unlisted, I’m glad you’ve now made it public. I’m also happy Pewdiepie touched on this recently, even if it was very brief. I was surprised you didn’t have more subscribers when I stumbled across your channel, you are doing a fantastic job and I really enjoy all your content. Looking forward to the blog post!
Kristabel
December 23, 2016 at 6:31 pm
Ah which video was that? Would be interested to watch! Thanks so much for this!
Jassy Radlett
December 4, 2016 at 2:36 pm
This is great. I’m American and I wonder how this issue plays out in the blogging world. I see the really successful blogs all have the same looks, the same kind of girls. That’s why I like you and follow you, you’re a relief from the sameness. You have a distinct presence and a different perspective. I don’t think you’re complaining you’re just speaking to your experience and I appreciate it.
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 10:29 pm
Thanks Jassy! It’s weird to me that I can make a statement just by showing my reality but I’m willing to keep going. I love the discussion it’s created and I have some great people following!
Champagne Twist
December 4, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Thank you for posting this vlog. When you mentioned ‘aspiration’, it struck a cord with me. We are told by society that we should aspire to certain standards, and if we dare to question them, we’re suddenly in the category of ‘diverse’, i.e. diverting away from the perceived norm. Problem is, no one is able to conform 100% to the ‘norm’.
The more people are seen to conform to this ‘norm’, the more commercially successful we tend to be and the more aspirational we are seen to be. Problem is however, where do you draw the line – become an fictitious, aspirational figure in order to be more commercially viable, or be true to yourself, and accept a shoestring lifestyle? These are the only 2 options most believe are available.
I believe there is a 3rd way – challenge the idea of the ‘norm’, by questioning it at every opportunity. But don’t just question, take action – be the change you want to see. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but as someone once said, every journey starts with a single step. When people see where you’re heading, they will soon follow.
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 9:12 pm
I like your third option! Personally I know that I’ll never be the ‘norm’, it’s impossible to me and not authentic. I really just want society to change and allow people to be themselves, but it’ll take time as we’ve been conditioned in a certain way.
Adele Parker
December 4, 2016 at 3:30 pm
Another good video Kristabel, totally agree with everything you said and would be awesome to hear more from your investigations!! I think a lot of people are getting sick with one viewpoint being shoved down our faces all the time everywhere, and like you say if you had seen more black viewpoints on TV for example it goes a long way to helping people’s confidence in their abilities to think, ‘ah ok, I can do that too’. It’s so important the things we put on TV, film, music – it all creates a narrative to which we frame things and acts as a reference and if something is under represented we often don’t know where to fit it into the narrative.
I saw a video where Caitlin Moran was talking about writers and how we need everyone’s stories to be told not just that of a privileged white man, which is often the case for a lot of things, otherwise we don’t hear the stories that are happening every single day around the world.
Keep on k-bel you do an awesome job ✌🏿😘
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Thanks Adele!
already8use
December 4, 2016 at 3:45 pm
God topic however . I must disagree with the term ” race ” it’s so pejorative .. I guess maybe it’s a language thing . Cause I’m french and I rarely at least where I live ever hear the term ” race ” I think it’s so negative . Talk about ethnicities , culture , skin color if you must . But race , there is only 1 HUMAN RACE .
Champagne Twist
December 4, 2016 at 4:09 pm
Yes there is only 1 race, the human race, but that isn’t the point being discussed here. There are bigger issues that need to be addressed, such as why some people are not treated as being part of the human race. Allowing yourself to be distracted by the word ‘race’ in this context, suggests that you’re not fully engaged in the issues and history behind such words, which ultimately means that your energy isn’t being used to solve the problems, but actually adds to them.
Huda Ahmed
December 12, 2016 at 12:00 am
what does it mean when you say there is only 1 human race? If we really practice that concept, there will be no racism, genocide, colonization, western imperialism,etc, etc. The discomfort you have with the socially constructed concept of race need to be examined by you and only you because none of us know your lived experience.
Statistically and academically speaking, I know in France, there is a strong emphasis on assimilation and the denial of the long history France has with systematic racism and the erasure of the intersectionality of race/gender/class/ethnicity/geopolitics/etc, which is equally reflected in how non-whites in France experience socio-economic marginalization.
Effe Laurent
December 4, 2016 at 5:49 pm
I have often thought about creating a blog but when I look at the blogosphere, it seems there is a cookie cutter formula for success which I’m not sure I can follow or provide starting by the way I look. However, blogs and channels like yours inspire me and I get to support and live vicariously through your work. Thanks for the honest thoughts on this subject. I hope you can continue this discussion in future videos and blog posts.
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 8:03 pm
I hate that people are feeling put off by what is successful! Firstly, we need to redefine what success means as well as changing what is seen as aspirational. It’s going to be a tough, long road, but by starting a blog you CAN make a difference. One of the best things I’ve found is a sense of community, I’ll touch on this in future posts but I went to a predominately white school and internalised everything. Social media has helped me find people on my wavelength and an amazing network of black women. Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2017!
Effe Laurent
December 22, 2016 at 9:22 pm
Kristabel I completely agree! We absolutely need more voices in the blogging arena. I think its going to be one of my goals for 2017, I am trying to push pass the fear and self-doubt. Thanks for sharing a little of your background, it really helps to share perspectives and personal history. Its tough but if we all do our little part perhaps we can change the landscape to one of which is inclusive and diverse. I’ll be coming back to London next year, would love to connect with you…if you’re available at that time.
Kristabel
December 23, 2016 at 9:02 am
+Effe Laurent ah yes let me know!
MarthaJillyan
February 14, 2017 at 4:03 pm
We also need black bloggers who support each other’s work and creativity.
I am black and aspire to have a successful blog and YouTube channel but as one commentator said their seems to be a certain look that is successful in the blogging world. I hardly find black women online that I can identify with and model. It’s the same cookie cut girls who emulate and support each other, hence they become more successful.
As you said the blogging world is a reflection of the issues we face in the real world. How many black bloggers do you see on media trips etc that focus on beauty/makeup? I might be wrong but that’s my opinion.
Simone Sallad
December 4, 2016 at 10:54 pm
Glad you spoke about this. It means the world if only to me. Which I am sure I am not the only one he needed and wanted to hear about this topic 😣😢
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 10:32 pm
Thanks Simone! It’s taken me a while to be able to speak like this and I’m sure others are the same, especially after growing up in the U.K. Things can be tough but I recommend reading Black Ballad, Gal Dem and listening to podcasts like Melanin Millennials for more honesty.
ricardo cardoso
December 5, 2016 at 2:21 pm
thank you for talking about race, listening to you makes me better and more open eyed about this subject. Thank you for showing your unique view all the time, you’re doing a great work. Looking forward to read that blogpost.
Kristabel
December 23, 2016 at 6:31 pm
Thanks Ricardo!
Franco Herrera
December 7, 2016 at 1:02 pm
Absolutely loved this video. You are absolutely beautiful and I appreciate everything you share.
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Thanks Franco, I hope you’re well!
HEY NATURAL BEAUTIES!
December 7, 2016 at 3:59 pm
I love the fact that you shared this and could really feel the strength of feeling there. There is a mold that’s set and if you don’t fit then it’s more difficult to make strides to the next level. However, there will always be people who seek authenticity and an alternative perspective, and if that’s you then you must continue to be you. There will always been a mainstream, and everything by comparison becomes counter cultural, but this is not necessary a bad thing. It’s just as you say the amplification wont happen necessarily through the channels that reach the most people.
I really relate to your frustrations on our invisibility as black women, and how often we are over looked. Even amongst ourselves. We don’t place as much value on our own creativity and the truth is we are conditioned to see the value in the channels presented by the mainstream. A few years back when I decided to pursue launching my brand, I never once thought ‘will black people support this and buy from me’.
But I realise now that this a conversation that black business owners are having which tends to impact the direction of their brand to that leads to dilution in order to accomodate ‘diversity’ which inevitably insures against rejection from their own community. I can totally understand this.
However, from a personal perspective, how can we ever truly love ourselves and reach our truest potential if we end up watering down the very things that are supposed to bring us life and nurture us mind, body and spirit this includes bloggers/artists/musicians with an authentic voice, living life to the fullest. We need a new aspirational that liberates us from the desire to always assimilate to be seen as beautiful or acceptable. I think that shift is happening, it’s just slower from the inside. But black creativity is flourishing and the world is better for it. Just keep doing what you’re doing, and trust that it will rresonate! Ibi x
Kristabel
December 23, 2016 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for this Ibi, you raised some interesting points! It’s a tough one as my business is more personality-driven and veers towards the ‘mainstream.’ I guess that’s just how things have turned out, based on my topics, peers and ways I’m used to working. Definitely think that it needs to be discussed more, I do have some conflicting feelings I need to get out into the open!
Denise Grant
December 11, 2016 at 10:27 am
I am so proud of you for speaking candidly about your thoughts and experiences on race about the lack of diversity. I watched Grace’s vlog and hoped you would discuss this as well…and you did!
I have always loved your content. It’s honest, fun and interesting. I love the fact you promote businesses that we might not necessarily know about. You share your travels abroad in a grass roots way. I also admire that you are not caught up in the glamazon aspect of the youtube world (hope that makes sense). It’s already saturated with with fleeky youtubers. You and your content are refreshing! I want something different. You’re it!
Kristabel
December 23, 2016 at 9:07 am
+Denise Grant Thanks Denise! I was hoping for something more polished but I guess this was just as effective. No shade to the glamazons but there’s definitely room for alternative points of view (plus I find that look so impossible to achieve). Fingers crossed that I can keep this up in 2017!
Huda Ahmed
December 12, 2016 at 12:07 am
I really appreciate this Kristabel. I agree with you now a day its about selling a particular lux, limited image and content on Youtube, which creates this impression that we all have to emulate this model.
I think the issue of diversity and representation would not still be an issue here on Youtube going on 2017 if Youtube itself have given equal promotion, advertisement and acknowledgement to Black and Brown Youtubers, in particular Black womxn. I see Black Youtubers who have equal if not more subsrcribers and number of viewers here with white youtubers to say it bluntly, yet the Black content producers are not getting the same representation and recognition. So, the issue sometimes is not even about success, rather who’s success is highlighted and supported. Let’s not even get into the ways that proximity to whiteness also helps in this industry, where colorism and shadism has a role among which Black bloggers/vloggers are successful. I think we have to acknowledge that we need to create our own platform, content and put our resources where our thoughts and mouth is, that includes what content creator we support on here and beyond.
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 9:16 pm
Thanks Huda! I don’t know too much about how exactly YouTube has treated POC YouTubers in the past but I feel that it could also be down to a general perception that black is seen as ‘other.’ Mainstream media perpetuates this. I definitely think that an IRL discussion needs to be had and we need to consider our approach for the most effective result. I’m working on it.
Whatbettywore
December 17, 2016 at 2:30 pm
I thought I was the only on struggling to afford being a YouTube and blogging.
Kristabel
December 22, 2016 at 8:09 pm
It’s tough, I know! My thing is having multiple streams of income, hoping to focus on this more in 2017. Have a great festive season!
Whatbettywore
December 17, 2016 at 2:34 pm
it’s a white dominated world
liseg89
February 5, 2017 at 2:23 pm
I think we have to create something for ourselves, by ourselves, just for ourselves (as a group). Then the white-dominated world may not even be an issue, unless the goal is deliberately trying to integrate with them.
First Name Surname
January 18, 2017 at 6:32 pm
where are your glasses from? I love them!!!
Kristabel
January 23, 2017 at 9:06 am
+Rochelle Rodney-Massop they’re from Specsavers!
Kristabel
February 14, 2017 at 7:53 am
+Rochelle Rodney-Massop they’re from specsavers but quite old now!
Emma FitFoodEmma
February 4, 2017 at 11:36 am
Totally agree with your point about students and budgets. I think it also applies to size too – if you have a traditional model look then brands/newspapers can be more keen to work with you, or even just interview you or repost your content onto their social channels, which really amplifies those bloggers. Money to afford clothes from those brands plus the publicity creates a spiral I guess, your erach grows so you can then grow your blog and afford the clothes again…
I’m not saying that anyone with the right look would get publicity, and of course those bloggers still work exceptionally hard and are incredibly talented and skilled, but I do think that it’s a bit of taboo topic at the moment and I’m so glad you’re discussing it.