From the New York Times, we have a gift guide just for women of color. It includes nail polish (a portion of the profits go to the vaguely described “people of Haiti”), a book about makeup specifically for Asian faces (one can only assume it includes Asian faces that range in color and shape from Lucy Liu to Lakshmi Menon to Tanisha Harper), and a black relationship guide book by never-married actor Hill Harper.
Sara Libby at Ill Communication writes:
Mostly I find the list confusing – and since I’m a very white white-girl (albeit one who has written extensively on race and ethnicity), maybe that’s OK. I certainly would consider purchasing some of the things on the list – bath products inspired by Tiana, Disney’s first black princess, and some gorgeous African-inspired dresses by Maya Lake.*
But I’d definitely scoff if someone suggested I would be thrilled to receive a box of Swiss Miss or a copy of “Stuff White People Like” just because I’m pale. I can only assume that some women might be similarly insulted by the assumption that Indian girls must covet henna kits and Indian scarves, and black women of course want to buy their kids some “Baby Jamz” hip-hop toys.
I don’t know what Sara’s talking about — I just ordered copies of “Stuff White People Like” for all of the special white people in my life.
On the off chance that this NYT list doesn’t do the trick for you, stay tuned for a Very Special PostBourgie Post: our very own holiday gift guide!
*(On the real, though? Maya Lake’s clothes are fire. Feel free to cop something for me from her site.)