Goldman Interviewed: ‘More Than a Pretty Face’

Assistant Professor of Communication Adria Goldman was interviewed for an article in Australia entitled, More than a pretty face: Who wins and who loses when beauty trends celebrate cosmetically altered looks that are ethnic, but not too ethnic. 

Goldman says the term “Blackfishing” describes “an act of cultural appropriation where someone non-Black tries to present themselves as Black.”

That could be through darkening their skin, adopting an Afro-centric hairstyle, or getting a more voluptuous shape, through photo editing or even butt augmentation.

“Oftentimes [it’s] for profit or some other personal gain,” she says.

Blackfishing is a criticism that’s been levelled at the Kardashians, and other celebrities including Australian singer Iggy Azalea, British singer Rita Ora and American singer Ariana Grande.

Some accused of Blackfishing or of cultural appropriation have counter argued that in fact they are enacting cultural “appreciation,” Dr. Goldman says. Read more.