So, yeah, the editor-in-chief of Garage Magazine and Russian socialite Dasha Zhukova was featured in a Buro 24/7 editorial in this lovely and oh so positive black woman bondage chair – on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday at that! Dasha and Miroslava (who runs Buro 24/7), thank you, dears, so very very much for that extra something special; I’m sure all black people everywhere appreciate that lovely imagery on what has traditionally been a day of positive celebration.
I wasn’t able to read the actual article – it was in Russian, so I had to miss it – quell horror! But when they say an image is worth a 1,000 words, I’m pretty sure this is what they had in mind. This article on Fashion Bomb Daily sums it up beautifully: “As Dasha stares out at the camera in the light filled room, she appears the total opposite of the compromised black woman on the floor. The message: white dominance and superiority, articulated in a seemingly serene yet overtly degrading way.”
But Dasha, Mira, please understand, there’s absolutely no hard feelings, darlings. It is only art after all, as Mira pointed out in her Instagram apology. Of course I believe her when she says that she loves everybody and that she is certainly not a fan of gender bias or racism or degradation for anyone. I believe you, honey. Why, it’s obvious that anyone looking at this – art – could only come to one conclusion – that it’s …art, of a type.
I personally have been absolutely inspired by it. I see at least one book in my future featuring a fabulous hero – perhaps an artist – with a Russian name, who falls top over tails in love with a dark skinned black woman who sends his ass through a wringer before they get their happy ever after. Not only that, I’m trying to find someone to print this image out for me. I want to hang it in my home office and at work as a reminder: If you think you’re too fabulous, or you’re trying too hard, you’re wrong. You ain’t doin’ enough. ‘Cuz what some of the world thinks about black women ain’t shit, and it’s up to us to show them different.
Please believe, if ever I get tired, if ever I have doubt, if ever I intentionally curb my own imagination or creativity, I shall hence forth kick myself in the ass and forge ahead full steam. Any “I can’t do that; it’s crazy!” self-doubting dialogue shall be put on the fence like a tin can and fired upon, with both barrels.
And I will not be unfollowing @miraduma on Instagram. They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I imagine that sentiment rings true for the ignorant and unevolved as well. One must know what the others are doing, after all. And despite this first rate cock up she is still very stylish and has an intriguing, well traveled lifestyle from which I may be inspired. It’s just, until now, I had hoped there was some heart and substance to go along with it.
Sherrod Story - Here lies your book boyfriend...naked. 