We all know that the Kardashians have a passion for fashion, and Khloe is taking that passion to new heights. Recently, she, along with her friends and sister Kim, dressed up as part of the Bratz squad for Halloween. Bratz dolls are known for their exaggerated and culturally contemporary style, targeting younger millennials. But here’s the catch – Khloe, who is older than the target audience, seems to have taken inspiration from their style a little too far. Once again, Khloe is facing accusations of “blackfishing” – a term used to describe when someone styles themselves in a way that appears racially ambiguous or tries to pass themselves off as biracial or Black.
Khloe’s Halloween look was undeniably spot-on as a Bratz doll. However, people couldn’t ignore the way she altered her skin tone and styled her lips, nose, cheeks, and eyes. As she posted the pictures on Instagram, accusations of blackfishing flooded in. One commenter accused her of “cosplaying as a black woman,” while another sarcastically remarked, “Aww, she’s mixed this week.” The comments ranged from questioning her decision-making to demanding that she stop with the blackface already.
This is not the first time that the disparity between Khloe’s actual appearance and the images she shares on social media has been noticed. People have voiced their concerns and criticisms before, claiming that she manipulates her appearance with makeup and filters to look more racially ambiguous. Some found her Halloween look to be inappropriate, even calling it a form of blackface.
However, it’s important to understand the difference between blackfishing and blackface. Blackface has a long history of being a racist symbol used to mock and humiliate Black people. It dates back to 1830 and is a clear sign of disrespect and ignorance. Meanwhile, blackfishing involves adopting a styling that suggests biracial or Black heritage, often using tan makeup, spray tan, or tanning. Influencers, especially on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, have been accused of blackfishing for clout and a wider audience. This practice may seem like a sign of social progress, but it is ultimately disrespectful and appropriative.
In Khloe’s case, if she had simply had a tan, the accusations of blackfishing wouldn’t hold any weight. However, her consistent alteration of her appearance, including her skin tone, raises eyebrows. As a public figure who has two Black children and Black relatives, it is crucial for her to consider the implications of her actions. While her fans may defend her, it is worth reflecting on how this practice might make her Black loved ones and other Black individuals feel, especially in a society where systemic racism continues to persist.
It is important to note that there is a difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. Respectfully drawing inspiration from another culture can be a form of appreciation, but appropriating it without understanding or acknowledging its significance is disrespectful. Halloween costumes often walk a fine line between the two, and one should carefully consider the impact of their choices.
In the end, Khloe Kardashian’s Halloween costume sparked accusations of blackfishing once again. While some may argue that it was just a harmless costume, it is essential to recognize the potential harm and offense caused to those who face systemic racism daily. Taking a moment to reflect on the impact of our actions and choices can lead to a more inclusive and understanding society for all.
