Hello Meltingpot Readers,
I don’t know about you, but this week seemed to go by really fast. Maybe it’s because I’ve been hopped up on Easter candy this whole week? *shrugs* Or maybe it’s because I’m so excited to launch the My American Meltingpot book club. Regardless, I’ve compiled a list of diverse news you should know that went down the week that was, April 22 – 26. Plus, some meltingpot extras for your weekend.
Vogue Got Dragged for It’s Tone-Deaf Approach to Diversity
First it was Vogue’s April cover celebrating “Global Talent” where they centered white American actresses flanked by actresses of color. I posted about the cover yesterday on Instagram, but I wasn’t alone in my criticism. Many others found the cover photo insensitive, racist and tone deaf. But there’s more. Vogue magazine was also the subject of a recent study about colorism published on The Pudding this month. The study looked at how many women with darker skin tones made the cover of Vogue. The answer probably won’t surprise you, but some of the deeper findings might.
The First Mixed-Race Royal Baby Has Got Brits in a Bind
Crazy as it may seem, Princess Meghan and Prince Harry have retreated from the public eye to presumably prepare for the impeding birth of their first child. And that has people across the pond in a tizzy. Apparently some people believe Meghan Markle should be sharing all of her business with the world as she prepares to become a mother. Whatever. I pray the British public finds something else to worry about – say Brexit perhaps – and allows the parents-to-be to just be.
A Superhero Movie Staring Black Girl Magic
If for some reason you’re not part of the throngs of people who care about the new Avengers movie releasing today, but you still like movies about people with special powers you should check out, Fast Color. Like the Avengers movie, Fast Color deals with the end of times in mind. The world is running out of water. But in this movie, the superhero is a young Black woman (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw), her daughter and mother (played by Lorraine Toussaint). Yes, it’s Black Girl Magic times three! I haven’t seen it, but it sounds like the kind of indie film, smart people who appreciate a little fantasy and sci-fi would appreciate.
Portuguese + Chinese = Macanese: A Language and a Culture
Consider this nugget a meltingpot extra. I stumbled upon this story from the Mash-Up Americans website and wanted to share it with you. Please check out this video and accompanying story about the dying language and culture of the Macanese, a mixed-race community formed in Macau of Portuguese colonizers and Chinese women. The story is told through the voices of 103-year-old Aida and her 74-year old daughter. It’s a fascinating and fun story that will probably leave you wanting to visit Macau. I know I do.
Finally, don’t forget to sign up for the MAMP newsletter, over there on the right-hand side of the blog, so you can find out what our first selection for the MAMP book club is going to be. Also, join our closed Facebook community so you can participate in all of our book club discussions.
Enjoy your weekend. Peace!
