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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Essence Hires White Fashion Editor: Discuss!

Ellianna Placas installed as new "face" of magazine
By A. Scott Walton
For now at least, the tag line "Where Black Women Come First" still runs down the spine of Essence magazine. But will all that have to change once a white woman takes over as fashion editor of the publication this September?
Media critics, faithful readers and former employees at Essence don't have the kindest things to say about Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt-Murray's choice of Ellianna Placas to direct the most marketable aspects of the magazine.
Since news of the move broke some 72 hours ago, there's been a cyclone of outrage swirling in social media circles. Some highly qualified and immensely experienced black fashion editors have unabashedly gone to Facebook to speak out harshly about the situation.
Burt-Murray has reached out to major media outlets to defend her decision; but, oddly, there are no current references to Placas on Essence's web site. Is there fear within that readers would overwhelm the site with criticism?
So, what's your reaction? Does Essence deserve kudos for taking such a drastic step, or condemnation?
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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Sorry to inform you people, but slavery is over. MLK, Obama, Mandela, and many others fought, and some abolitionists even died so we can work together. It's not fair that black people can openly be racist (YES! This is an unfortunate act of racism against the new editor). If we (African Americans) were on the opposing side of this issue, someone would be sued, the NAACP would be involved, and many other “equality” methods of action would be taken. Please try to recognize her position! She’s a fashion editor, not a klan member.