Visual Diversity

How does this image represent a more equitable, diverse view of the world? 

This image represents a more equitable and diverse view of African American women by creating positive messaging around having dark skin. Welch argues that “Significantly, much research on visuals and stereotyping suggests that media depictions are more likely to stereotype African Americans as violent criminals, and people draw negative conclusions from those stereotypes” (qtd. in Page and Duffy p 24). This image includes positive words painted on each body such as: one of a kind, confident, fierce, radiant, worthy, gifted, fearless, kind, beautiful, captivating, bold, joyful, creative, proud, smart, capable, strong, educated, talented, loved, and divine. These words are necessary to counter the negative images of stereotypes that society has internalized and come to believe as the gospel. 

Representation of Black people in images, especially in advertising and media has always had controversy for the lack of representation or the over representation of negative stereotypes. Toscani, well known Art Director for Benetton captured the images of diverse people to convey his belief that society has only one “human race” and not color. Unfortunately, “Despite his professed dedication to racial harmony, Toscani himself was once accused of reinforcing racial stereotypes; an advert released in 1991 portrayed a white, blonde child with ringlets next to a dark skinned black child whose hair had been fashioned into horns” (Adegoke, “United Colors of Benetton).

The artist @agoodwinart does an excellent job of making this image feel authentic in depicting the beauty of Black women. It starts out with a sincere message, “ Dear Pretty Brown Girl: Don’t Be Afraid To Sprinkle Your Magic.” Magic is a reference to the term “Black Girl Magic,” which describes the extraordinary beauty and excellence of Black girls and women. The elements of the image, such as the natural hairstyles of the afro, afro puffs, and braids on the women, flowers, nature, dark skin tones, and a crown are true to the essence of Black girls and women that counter the negative narrative of African Americans that exists in society in media images. When I saw this public art piece in my neighborhood, I was driving by and had to make a u-turn to go back and engage with this image by taking a picture with my smartphone and posting it to my Instagram account to share with the world. It was one of many public art paintings in a collection of paintings depicting African Americans as beautiful.

Works Cited 

Adegoke, Yomi. “United Colors of Benetton blazed a Trail for Diversity in Fashion.” Medium, 7 Jun. 2019, https://medium.com/@yomiadegoke/united-colors-of-benetton blazed-a-trail-for-diversity-in-fashion-a61746de0517. Accessed 17, Jan 2024. 

Page, Janis Teruggi, and Margaret Duffy. Visual Communication Insights and Strategies. 1st ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2021.