The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined a video call hosted by QCT
byHelen-97
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took part in one of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust's online weekly sessions last Wednesday. The Duke and Duchess joined young leaders from the QCT network for a conversation on fairness, justice and equal rights as part of an ongoing series of youth-led discussions. The Duke is the President of the QCT and The Duchess is the Vice President.
The Duke told the group: "When you look across the Commonwealth, there is no way that we can move forward unless we acknowledge the past. So many people have done such an incredible job of acknowledging the past and trying to right those wrongs, but I think we all acknowledge there is so much more still to do. It's not going to be easy and in some cases it's not going to be comfortable, but it needs to be done, because, guess what, everybody benefits."
The Duke also admitted he has his own unconscious bias as a result of his upbringing. He said: 'We can't deny or ignore the fact that all of us have been educated to see the world differently. 'However, once you start to realise that there is that bias there, then you need to acknowledge it, you need to do the work to become more aware ... so that you can help stand up for something that is so wrong and should not be acceptable in our society today.'
The Duchess spoke of how equality was a fundamental human right, saying: "We're going to have to be a little uncomfortable right now, because it's only in pushing through that discomfort that we get to the other side of this and find the place where a high tide raises all ships. Equality does not put anyone on the back foot, it puts us all on the same footing - which is a fundamental human right."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in conversation on fairness and justice
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in March but have retained their patronages and their roles as the Queen's Commonwealth Trust President and Vice-President.
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(We will not publish anonymous comments that were posted without stating a name or nickname)
I guess there is not a lot to say about fashion here. I think Harry is really talking in clichés ( acknowledge the past of you want to move forward). Meghan on the contrary is talking about human rights for everyone. And thats the way to go. Anna
How about these two start by acknowledging that Great Britain abolished slavery within the British Isles and throughout the British colonies in 1838. Just might have been the first country anywhere on earth to do that. Slavery continues to be ongoing today in some other places in the world. A little fairness please...but I don't really think this video was ever going to be about fairness.
Fashion and grooming-wise, Meghan looks sleek and simply and perfectly coiffed and made up. Her signature white shirt look has become rather boring, but perhaps she is correct in regarding it as a safe, uncomplicated choice. Harry has finally begun varying the style and color of his shirts, but his vacant eyes speak volumes.
Great Britain may have abolish slavery but Great Britain is drowning in racism. America has abolish slavery but America has a racism problem just like Great Britain. Unfortunately, the majority of English people have refused to acknowledged that they do have issues with racism. Everything the Duke and Duchesses ave said in the video was incredibly fair and balance. There was no blame going around or pointing fingers. I watched the whole video and the Duke and Duchess along with the guess were incredible fair and balance in their thoughts and comments. To say the Duke and Duchess were not fair is inaccurate and show great bias against them.
By the way Haiti was the first country to abolish slaver in 1793. England abolish slavery in 1807. 166 years later.
Jane, this was not a finger pointing video, but a very thoughtful and eloquent exchange of thoughts. Racism is alive and well in both the US and Britain, not to mention many other countries, and I am saying that from my white priviledged persona, since I see it everyday at work, and in the streets , and of course in passive aggressive comments like yours .Your dislike for this woman is obvious, but I thought that it was mostly because she disagrees ( like millions) wit the current leader of our country, but alas!! I can see the racist micro aggression of your comment. Shame! CB
Also it was in the 1780’s that Greville, Pitt & Wilberforce began investigating in Parliament and working to abolish it. I don’t like the lumping in and painting of a whole society with such a broad brush, especially by someone photographed in nazi dress who used racial slurs against a fellow soldier. Yes the nation finally did abolish it but many were against it. Those who especially had family members who never owned slaves, were abolitionists and who helped many escape and lost their lives in the Civil War. Maybe these two should try speaking more personally, it would seem more genuine and less hypocritical. Glo
Yes the fight to abolish it and by many in both nations is well-documented. In the US it goes back to the very beginning in the 1780’s at the Constitutional Convention. Also the pieces to continue working against it were set there to limit the power of rich, southern property owners. While many states outlawed it long before the Civil War. Meanwhile it was still legal in many African nations.
GIVE PEOPLE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE instead of Scratching wounds of the past. Those in history are not hear today, and their mindsets were different from ours today. These two need to be stripped of their position in the commonwealth before they mayhem, i don't think they know what they are doing. ✌❤
@Jane, Clearly they have decided that pandemic style video conferences are not an opportunity for a fashion show. The message must not be lost somewhere between McQueen and hair arrangements. William has worn blue shirts in most of his video conferences. ...Yes the slaves were freed but colonial domination persisted. Poor education, menial jobs, poor housing, taxation without representation..all meant to keep 'them' in their place. The struggle for independence lasted another century. @9;00 no need to scratch wounds of the past. What mindset allows one man to crush another to death in broad daylight, in front of witnesses!! and for what? Who feels entirely in their own country safe seeing this!? Commonwealth (look closely as the word) presidency provides one more thing to strip H&M of. People like you will not be satisfied until they are destitute and return cap in hand to beg for a life of duty (servitude) to the crown. Meanwhile you encourage your own children move away from home to find their niche in the world. -A
I thought this to be a site about royal fashion. you give this time much attention on the speeches (while we hardly could see what they were wearing) I think you know there is much controversy about this couple, so I think this is not a wise ting to do, unless you really want many reactions.
Thank you Anonymous 7/6/20, 7:17 PM for pointing out the basis of this site, that is, Royal fashion. So on this point I'll say ........... nice shirt/blouse for Meghan and nice blue shirt for Harry. I'll leave space now for the good and probably many bad comments not related to fashion but about the public and private lives of this young married couple. Hope we can get photos and comments about Royal fashion ASAP. Thanks in advance to our moderator.
I think the problem is no one seems to know exactly who Harry and Meghan are. Are they members of the British Royal Family or are they private citizens? Or are they a combination of the two?. I think the Queen needs to put some clarity on this. The problem this forum has - as I see it - is how can a non-fashion photo of Meghan be placed here with her views on social issues underneath it and not expect people to comment on what she is saying? Her white blouse alone is not newsworthy. After all, she's worn that style several times before. What's there to say about it? All that is left are her words and opinions. Royal fashion watchers are accustomed to royal women going about their duties nodding and smiling. Rarely, if ever, do you hear pronouncements about the failures of the government they are supposed to be representing. Those royal women of that day left us free to concentrate on their outfits.
As I see it, Meghan and Harry are making a mistake by trying to carve out a global platform after having only been on "the job" for about two years. Why they want to be global activists, while claiming to want more privacy is something I cannot explain. The white blouse discussion is something else. I personally like the blouse and Meghan obviously wears it to keep people from focusing on her looks.
It is obvious Meghan has experience in the public relations realm and is controlling what she wants people to focus on. The irony is the white blouse is the focus . Better she should have selected a nondescript print or something. I think Meghan and Harry could do a lot of good - both have strengths and talents. But I think they are badly advised.
@Joann You pose an interesting question. Are H & M royals or private citizens? My take on the situation is that they asked to scale back their royal duties for a number of reasons, not walk away completely, and the answer was 'no'. It seemed to me like a bit of a tantrum on the Queen's and Charles' parts, trying to force their hand. They were certainly within their rights to deny the request, but it ultimately lead to H & M leaving. As none of us were the proverbial fly on the wall, we can only guess. To say H & M have only been on the job for a couple of years is erroneous. Harry was born on duty. It is widely reported that he was never that comfortable as a royal, hence his love of the military and his deep love for Africa. Meghan has been active socially since childhood. None of their work seems like a reach to me. As far as wanting more privacy, working globally probably does offer them more privacy. The British press is the most cruel and unrelenting, whereas globally their efforts are more appreciated. Your comment about royal fashion watchers being used to seeing the royals nodding and smiling is very true, but rather sad. What has that lead to? Instead of speaking out against the racial undertones against Meghan in the press, the BRF smiled and nodded. They have smiled and nodded for generations. Sometimes it is important to step up and use the power of their position to make a difference. Charles did it for the environment when very few were, and Diana did it for AIDS when very few were. Racism should be no different. Maybe the Queen and Charles wanted an all or nothing commitment from them, but they are not abandoning their charitable endeavors. They have just made the necessary adjustments to continue their work.
I very much appreciate hearing Meghan's views on social issues, especially issues which she has personal experiences with. I thank her for having the bravery and strength to speak on her experiences and up for others even though, especially on this site, people will attack her. When people, especially marginalized people (Meghan as a woman and a person of color as well as the young people on the call) talk about their adverse experiences, we first need to earnestly listen before we can be an ally in eradicating the inequity.
On your point about "those royal women of that day left us free to concentrate on their outfits." The days where women were second class citizens and expected to sit quietly and look pretty are rightfully a thing of the past. We have more substance than that. We've always had thoughts. It's about time we voice them.
Chemise bleue pour Harry et chemisier blanc pour elle ; il peut être porté soit avec un pantalon ou une jupe ; là, nous ne voyons rien du tout. La coiffure est des plus simples ; avec les cheveux relevés, cela aurait été beaucoup mieux !
Hag, how does saying they both have *close set eyes* make racial relations any better? I wouldn't put it under fashion either. It just sounds like name calling. I can't see anything to chuckle about.
Anon 8:21 - close set eyes means eyes are close together as opposed to far apart. It is nothing to do with ethnicity so cannot see why it has anything to do with racial relations.
Haga was just saying she thinks they have similar features. How about you stop looking for insults where none were intended?
Racism is real - seeing it where there is none doesn't help race relations either.
Hello, Anonymous at 9:25 PM. Thank you for the interesting fact about Haiti, of which I'm sure few people are aware. I very much disagree with you as to whether the video is " incredibly fair and balanced", and while racist individuals exist in every part of the globe, quite honestly I think your claim that the United States has a racism problem is demonstrably false. The U.S. certainly does have a problem, however, with people who claim "systemic racism" in order to ignite racial conflict and destabilize the country. You and I can agree to disagree. God bless.
When you have to teach your son what to say and do if the has an encounter with the law, when you make him watch the knee on the neck video so he has no illusions that it can also happen to him too, when he is followed in a store as he tries to shop, when the police are called because he looks suspicious, when you have guns pointed at you when peacefully protesting, or cars driven through the protesters for no reason, when he is refused an apartment or a job, for reasons that are unclear, when the fountains were clearly marked for whom they were intended, when your place was at the back of the bus, when a little boy could be taken from his grandfather and beaten to death for supposedly whistling at white woman... and the list goes on, then tell us that racism is not systemic.
Jane, to mention God in such mean spirited comment is just disheartening. Please keep him out of your cold heart comments. Perhaps you should walk on the shoes of a black person in the US one day. In the meantime you could just go out and contemplate all the confederate flags displayed this weekend, maybe you have one of your own? MM
Jane you must be deliberately disingenuous. no one with any brain at all could fail to recognise the appalling racism apparent in the United States and being exacerbated by what passes for a President for his own ends. i am not a fan of Harry and Meghan - a little less preaching and a helluva lot more hard work would make them more likeable - but lets not pretend that racism doesnt exist. i live in Australia and grew up in Scotland both of which have their own issues with racism but they pale into insignificance compared to the debacle which is the once proud United States. Whoever commented above about Harry needing to be honest about his own racist past was absolutely right. i dont disagree with their comments about racism but like most comments coming from these two they show no signs of practising what they preach ad nauseum
Anyone who has the utter gall and temerity to state that "your claim to the US having a racism problem is demonstrably false" must be living a very delusional life under a dozen rocks. I've read a lot of incredibly ignorant* things, and this one is right up there with the worst of them. (*there are other words I'd use but they wouldn't get past the auto censor). Unbelievable! - Anon 9:13
Harry always reminds me of one of those hostages in Beirut a couple of decades back - slightly unkempt, with a background that might as well be a windowless basement somewhere. It's slightly creepy to me. Please, please go and sit somewhere next to a window!
I agree that there is not much to be said on the fashion side of things, but the subject at hand could not be more serious. Thanks to the moronic bickering about race up thread, we have a snapshot of why the world is in the state it is in. Deadeggs, you mention the name of this site, "Royal Fashion". It used to mention "Hollywood" as well. Thankfully, that is gone. There has never been anything Hollywood about any of this fashion. Like most things, there has been an evolution on here. You also thanked anon 7:17 for pointing out the "basis" on this site. I assume you meant "bias"? I might suggest if this was not reported here, there would appear to be a racial bias on Helen's part. Where should the line be drawn? If you want to say that not enough fashion is showing, that arguement is easily dismissed by the fact that meeting in person was not possible with the current world health situation. While we are at it, what is there to say for the other video meetings that were posted about for all these months? They were royals conducting business in the same way.
Now the comments about the white blouse. The "signature" white blouse that is now "boring", and from the fashion expert known as Anonymous 6:29, "she has no interest in style!!" A white blouse is a classic piece that is found in most women's closets that maintain a professional wardrobe. They can be worn an endless number of ways. Why a white blouse should cause such a stir is beyond me. I can't help remembering all the comments about Meghan wearing black too often. Now it is white. Harry and Meghan were dressed casually, just like the other people they met with. If she had worn anything more, the haters would have come out saying she was trying to get all the attention.
Anon 9:45 takes on the wall color. I have a suspicion they have selected a plain wall to keep distractions to a minimum, and to give trolls less insight into their private lives. I don't think it was done to irk anyone. I wish the wall was lighter and the lighting was better as well. Did I think it was worthy of comment? No. It does not add to the content of the conversation. It is just punitive. Ann (anon 8:18) didn't bother look for something to pick on. She just commented for the sake of commenting that there is "nothing of interest here". ??? The point? Not so sure.
Lastly we have Jane Chantal declaring Harry's eyes vacant and anon 8:00 not only agreeing but adding his soul! Have any other royals ever been attacked so harshly? The purpose of this gathering was to talk about working together to make the world a more tolorable, peaceful place. It can't even be done on a little blog. When I watched the video of the meeting (not a speech, anon 7:17) I didn't see Meghan cutting Harry off and domineering the conversation. I saw a black woman who has experienced so much of what the discussion is about, and can comment more based on first hand experience. Harry, a white husband and father, is not only getting involved but saying we all have been brought up in ways that give us things to work on. Pretty brave given his background. He is also there to listen and learn. There were four other people in that meeting, and they all had important contributions. To say he was vacant in his eyes and soul is insane. This has a direct effect on his wife and son.
Well said. Nothing to add - people continue to attack this couple (whilst before they adored Harry) and claim they are fair. Makes one’s head spin wondering how that is possible? Not to mention ignorance on other topics (perhaps some words are hard to understand in a nuanced way by non-native English speakers,, but not ‘racism’. That one shouldn’t give anyone trouble (but maybe it’s not a language challenge, it’s a totally different kind). CH
We are all individuals ; as a white person who had an Uncle and Aunt who lived and worked among indigenous people;they were great;I spent my holidays with them,we played, ate cake and had fun. I respect and work among numerous groups. A head,2 arms a body;we are all part of the human race. Harry and Meghan are an interesting couple;I don't see them suffering a, 25 million dollar house; as some say they are no different than Princess Madeleine and her family they are getting on well. Don't forget us that is what I see.
Royals are like Hollywood Actors, you have A-listers, B and the unknown. A billion plus people care about Harry that they tuned in to watch his wedding. How many people watched Madeline's wedding? Jill.
The owner of this blog reserves the right to edit or delete any comments submitted to this blog without notice due to; 1. Comments deemed to be spam or questionable spam 2. Comments including profanity 3. Comments containing language or concepts that could be deemed offensive 4. Comments that attack a person individually"
These are the guidelines for comments on this blog. Now take a little look at 4, and think about whether you really want to post that rude comment or not.
But there's a bigger issue here, and I'm addressing this directly to know, newmyroyals.com/Helen: Why are you allowing these rude comments to happen? Comments that aren't related to fashion at all? You say that you reserve the right to edit or delete comments, so why aren't you doing a proper job in deleting toxic comments? A lot of people keep responding to rude comments, saying that "I though this was a fashion blog". As of now I've lost completely faith in thinking that WE, the commenters, can change the culture here. It starts with you, Helen. I've gone on the reading other royal blogs because this whole comment culture here is so toxic, and I find that I actually ENJOY it, because the admins of those blogs are so good at keeping their comment sections clean and non-toxic.
I'll visit this blog every now and then, but I lose faith everytime and run away to a better one.
We cannot all have the same sweet opinion about life, besides Controversy is always a good read, people love it. Draws more traffic and revenue to the blog
Controversy is good in a polit-blog, but I do not come here for that, there are better blogs for political discussions. What a pity "Royal Order of Sartorial Splendour" stopped her blog ... it is pity Helen does not follow her own principles. (-Ann.)
Classic, crisp button-down. Would love a close up of her necklace. Meghan's hair looks a little heavy and overwhelms her delicate build to me but maybe she hasn't felt comfortable going to a hairstylist these last several months. I would like to see her cut 3 or four inches off her hair.
They didnt chose to be on this fashion blog... Someone put this photo on for a purpose which I can't name. But are they still royals? Beside all this, it is easy to see the way she uses him for her own glory. He loves her and is beside her to support the causes she believes in. Harry is a good person. And she will always be there, whether we like it or not. She needs to be on the spotlight and he is there to make her shine. If it can help people have a better life, so be it.
@ Jane, because you are eager to vilify Meghan, you miss the entire message, racism is in the quiet moments... and you are living proof with your comments. Who are you kidding? There is no systemic racism in the US? I would laugh if it wasn’t such a sad statement. “ The lady doth protests too much, methinks” And just to point what somebody said above, using the term God Bless after your comments is either irony or a total unawareness of the true Christian faith, either instance is just sad.
Good morning, Anonymous at 8:40 AM. My saying “God bless” to the person to whom I was responding was and remains a sincere expression of the fact that I wish her well and that disagreeing with each other does not mean we have to be enemies.
I have made it clear that my issue is with the term “systemic racism”, a phrase that I find perplexing since in our “system”, however you define it, we currently have African American police officers, chiefs of police, judges, city council members, mayors, governors, state and federal legislators, and had an African-American president who served two terms. If that is “systemic racism”, I guess I’m still waiting for someone to explain how a non-racist system operates. And where on earth it exists, since we could all benefit from studying it.
It is systemic racism because even though there are people of color in those positions you mentioned the overall system is unequal. It harder for African Americans to score housing loans. Their median family income is below that of a typical white family. Due the the difference in houses they are able to afford/ secure a loan for, they pay less taxes which means the schools they send their children to spend less per an average on a student. This effects the quality of teachers, supplies, activities. Voting lines tend to be longer in minority communities. BIPOC have a completely different relationship dealing with police than white Americans. Those are just a few of the ways "the system" is unequal to BIPOC.
I agree with you Jane. The biggest issue affecting minorities is the education system in the inner cities. It deeply affects that community due to the concentrated populations but it is a result of horrible public policy which bans schools choice due to political gamesmanship. Also this most damaging policy is done by those whom some media deceptively highlight the most as “friends” of minority communities while falsely labeling others as racist. Glo
There are as many black millionaires in the USA as there are white millionaires.There are black gangs;there are white gangs. I'm a Stayist that is; we are all here together to make this a better world for the next generation.As a fashion blog;this site works.I love designer clothes,especially when I can buy it at the op shop. I like Meghan's white blouse; but I have been looking for ages for a navy and white striped blouse like Princess Diana wore,in the Andrew Norton interview. By the way Princess Diana would have been 59 this year;sadly she died;but she will be forever young and beautiful ;and did so many good works.
Anonymous @ 7:59, I often find that racist and hurtful comments originate from ignorance of history and lack of education on the subject. Would you say that Obama, Halle Berry, Drake, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, just to name a few, aren't black ? Surely you are aware that the majority of African Americans have a good percentage of white genes, simply because enslaved women were constantly raped by their white owners, so would you say that they aren't black?African Americans come in many different shades, and melanin doesn't make them more or less, they are individuals and just like white people their appearance is varied. I think that if you are going to spew bigotry and division, at least you could educate yourself and simply admit that you dislike certain races. I hope that you find time to allow yourself to be more accepting and compassionate. Best Regards.
@Cherry this blog is international, so we all have a different view of life, it does not mean either one of us is ignorant. To most of the world when one has two parents of a different race then they are bi-racial. so Obama, Halle Berry, Drake, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz are biracial not a one sided race.
But of America's history, anyone biracial is seen as black! So to most of the world Obama is the first biracial president because he had a white parent.
Jane Chantal, I really didn't want to comment anymore on this, but your statement above is exactly what systemic racism is all about. So because we have black folks in positions other than cleaning, serving, and earners of the lowest of wages , it proves that systemic racism doesn't exist? that is like saying " I am not a racist because I work with black people and I accept them" . Must a remind you that when our first black president was elected, even the representatives in Government were ferocious with their hatred, how his wife was insulted and called a she-he ,their children were compared to monkeys, all of this based on their color not politics . Mr. Trump engaged on a false campaign to prove that he wasn't American, sadly this still persist to this day. Yes there is racism, as proven by your comments. Please don't God Bless me, I don't use the Lord in vain.
As Senator Tim Scott has said we have racists in our nation but we are not a racist nation. Bigots come in all colors and sizes as many recent news stories have shown. Often some of the most entitled are the most preachy. However, no where in America can someone be denied an opportunity, due to a law, based on their race- that would be systemic. Yes once it was the case but now it is not. The African American police chief of Minneapolis, where George Floyd was murdered, sued and WON fighting discrimination- well before Mr. Floyd’s murder. Now his department (and all his initiatives to change things) have been defunded. NYC has a minority majority police force and the have been defunded. This is not about helping these black communities, as the murder numbers of these very poorly run cities showed this weekend. I understood what you were saying Jane. BTW Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Oprah Winfrey, among others, all praised Donald Trump thought the years for his stance and opportunities for all races. His resort Mar-A-Lago even took Palm Besch gov’t to court to fight against anti-Semitic and race based policies. Suddenly he defeats Hillary and he’s a racist. BTW Hillary was the original brother, any comments towards her racism? Some people should vary their news coverage rather than the spoon feeding Pravda like propaganda that masquerades as news in some places.
I'm saddened but not surprised by the deluge of hate that is thrown at this couple. I am also extremely disappointed and angered by the amount of ignorance and disregard of the humanity of our black brothers and sisters.
That being said, it is heartening to read comments which speak out against ignorance and racism. Thank you so much. This may be a "fashion" blog but some of the discourse here truly shows our capability to think critically and hopefully work towards a more equitable future.
@E.B.B. (Sorry, there doesn't seem to be a way of replying directly to replies.) First of all, thank you for being polite. The problems you mention are of course very real, but I don't know that the word "system" as you are using it is quite accurate. The word can apply informally, I suppose; otoh the formal system of representative local, state and federal governance I have mentioned exists to address matters such as these and many others. It is understandable that our system is considered to have failed in important ways -- and those failures need to be analyzed. Just calling the system "racist", however, is imo incorrect if only for the reason I have given -- i.e., that people of color can and do play active roles in that system of governance. (If you think the system is so flawed that it deserves to be scrapped, it is pointless for us to discuss further.) The sources of failures need to be identified, otherwise little progress can be made. Imo courageous, independent black voices like Candace Owens', Larry Elders' and Thomas Sowell's have been very helpful in identifying some of the sources of failure. The organization that calls itself BLM is by no means the only go-to for wise policy (to become familiar with the things BLM advocates, I would suggest visiting its website).
I agree with some other commenters that revisiting wrongs committed long ago that already have been acknowledged and of which no one currently approves, is unproductive. It is similarly obvious that widespread rioting, looting, vandalism, intimidation and intra-community violence that tragically have been occurring do not redress wrongs, they only bring devastation and heartbreak. Until influential people like those in the video have the gumption and the honesty to condemn the thugs who are (yet again, this isn't new) using black people as an excuse to wreak havoc, and 2) until those in a position to help -- such as Harry and Meghan -- ditch the trendy but empty "woke" rhetoric and work on actually formulating sensible, concrete ways of improving education, strengthening the stable two-parent household, and encouraging constructive behavior, they will have little credibility with thinking people of any skin tone.
I want to answer Cherry Blossom: which was outraged that I said Meghan is biracial. She has a black mother, but she also has a white father, which logically implies that she is bi-racial. I don't know what you call it in America, I'm from Central Europe (former Czechoslovakia) and it's very rare to meet people of color in my country. I coordinate some student projects between universities, so I visit Britain from time to time. Unfortunately, I still have flaws in my English, so some of my statements are not always accurate. I greatly admire Her Majesty the Queen and am interested in fashion and protocol, so I read this blog. I personally don't care if Meghan is white, black, green or blue. I am not interested in the race or origin of people, but in their behavior and actions. I think this couple - Meghan and Harry - behaved disrespectfully towards the queen. I cannot respect people who teach others about ecology, about caring for others and at the same time living in luxury at the expense of the royal family, which they slander, enjoying all privileges. Not much "fashion" was really visible in the photos, so the author had to expect other comments than fashion. I have noticed that freedom of speech in English-speaking countries is diminishing. Every criticism is considered an attack or racism (if the object of criticism is a man of color), some movies, books are excluded, statues are crumbling, ... My mother experienced communism and says that's how it starts destruction of democracy.
No, you didn't say that she was bi-racial, which is exactly what she is , you said that she is "bi-racial at best" you also said she is not black , which she actually is , too, and then proceed to say that she looked Portuguese or Spanish, this in on itself is an incredible statement coming from an educated woman from Europe, thus inferring that she couldn't possibly speak about race issues because she doesn't look black according to you. I can read, and no amount of revisions changes what you said. And if you didn't care about the color of her skin, you won't have made race the center of your comment, instead of talking about fashion , not a word on that respect, only insensitive bigotry and judgement about their relationship with the Queen, a subject that you know nothing about. So, please re-read your comment, before you debate my opinion.
Jane, once again there you are demeaning this couple with your "woke" comment. Every human being has value, and H&M are doing their best within their beliefs, your comments seem more politically biased than objective. I understand that your opinions are yours, and contain a good dose of white privilege, and of course you didn't forget to mention the " looters" who had nothing to do with the millions of people protesting peacefully all over the world, but, by doing so you throw every black person into the mix. Facts are facts and as an example of systemic racism you just have to look into the judicial system, same offenses, different sentences in 95% of the cases, not to mention job opportunities, salary equitability, and the fact that there are Amy Coopers everywhere, to the point that a black man can't even go jogging in the street without police receiving calls about suspicious individuals. Perhaps you shoul try to volunteer with an intercity program, so you could observe the reality of being black in America. And, with this I am done, since your views on this subject seem to be light years away from reality.
Your stats are way off and rooted in talking points rather than actual studies. If anyone is really interested, try looking into Heather MacDonald’s research which frequently cites actual studies, 1997, CA, GA, Justice Dep’t, among others. Just to take one of your examples, sadly as a pattern a lot of those sentences are pled down from more serious charges, result from multiple convictions due to prior criminal records, or they (African American defendants) actually have a lower rate of prosecution than whites so the sample is disproportionate. Certainly the drug policies in the 90’s affected those inner city dwellers (more minority) more due to the Crack epidemic. The damage of families and horrible public policies in urban areas further rob youth of opportunities away from gang violence. Sadly this trend is moving into other areas and in all races due to the opiod epidemic bringing drug issues into areas other than just urban, especially those communities that border cities. It’s sad because I think everyone would agree that improving the urban drug dependence situation to drug free and lessening crime would be a way better trend than having it go down hill even more in both urban and suburban areas. If you truly want to help these communities, push past the talking points and get into people’s lives. The real issues are much more about opportunities, socio-economic status and stable families. Glo
Well said Cherry Blossom, on ALL your posts above. You viewpoints are not only clear in your thinking, but also well expressed in your writing. Thank you for being the voice of reason. And welcome back - glad to see that you are safe and hopefully keeping well in the face of the enormous challenges of your work and career during this time. - Anon 9:13
@ Anonymous7/8/20, 10:47 AM i wish you had left a name. Its a breathe of fresh air to read an unbiased statement. I don't thing they realise what we see is a privileged couple, in their millionaire houses, and its an insult to struggling white folks and black women who see Meghan as white and not exactly one of us.
@Jill You refer to Harry and Meghan as a privileged couple. You should not fault Harry for being born into the BRF and the privilege that came with it. He had no say in that. Meghan was not born into privilege, but educated herself and worked towards her goals. She was building a career and had her own money before she met Harry. I think you assume because Harry grew up in lavish surroundings that he does not know what struggle looks like. With many thanks to his mother, he was shown just how fortunate he was and how important it is to aide those in need. In 2006, Harry co-founded a charity in Lesotho, Africa, called Sentebale, to aide children affected by AIDS and poverty. By all accounts he was quite comfortable living the life of a soldier. I never heard any reports that he had a valet with him in the bunker. I see a man that has made sure he stays grounded, in the way his mother wanted. I see a strong woman that told herself she could do anything with an education and a voice. I see a couple that are combining their strengths to bring aide and attention to the issues that can help others thrive.
The type of home they are staying in does not have anything to do with the kind of people they are, nor does it insult me that I don't live like that. I wouldn't want to. I enjoy being able to go into my backyard and know that drones and paparazzi are not spying on me, not needing the extra security. I am curious - do you feel as negative towards other races who live in "millionaire houses"? I ask because they are staying as guests of Tyler Perry, a very successful black man in the entertainment business. BTW, I am not insulted by this either.
I am not sure what you meant by "black women who see Meghan as white and not exactly one of us". I read that as Meghan is "unaccepted" because of the shade of her skin. "One of us" is a woman, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a human being.
Your statement suggests there is something wrong with being people of means, and all who do not live the lives they do should be insulted. That is jealousy. I do not dismiss those who struggle on a daily basis, and I realize that life just doesn't seem fair sometimes. Where I am focus at the moment is a person's actions, not how much they have. It is not a sin to have money. It is honorable and admirable to give help to those who need it. Do keep in mind, not all who do and give, do so in a public way. It is best not to judge. Lastly, I can only surmise that Meghan's skin tone has not fallen within an acceptable color on your color wheel, making her...what? Nothing? What a dispicable thing to say.
Cherry a lot of those sentencing issues came from a crime bill heavily supported by the dem nominee Biden. Hillary Clinton, at the time, called blacks super- predators. Maybe you should look into some intercity situations because the very worst ones seem to be in cities with decades of dem control yet the dems are supposed to be so for the black community. Whoever mentioned Candace Owens, Larry Elder and Thomas Sowell- great resources that will be shunned by most elites.
Anonymous @ 6:36 , why do you need to bring Ms. Clinton into this conversation? As far as I know she didn't have anything to do with the crime bill as she didn't have a political appointment in 1994, which by the way needs to be overhauled. Judges have all the power when it comes on imposing sentences , and if you were to look at the numbers, the disparity of punishment is abysmal between races. It's rather worrisome that in order to defend your views you must throw the names of a past political opponent of the current president, perhaps because you are using this forum as a political platform? This conversation is about racial inequality not about indoctrination and propaganda. All politicians have made errors in judgement and I believe that Ms. Clinton has apologized for that comment, and possibly learned in the process. I am not going to mention the horrifying statements made by others, because I am not interested in your political debate. Utilizing this video to be a pundit for your party, is unconscionable.
Dear Cherry Blossom 1. I was not one who bring the issue of race into the discussion, I just responded to one of the previous posts. I still THINK that a person who has one white parent and the other black parent is bi-racial (by the way, I read that Meghan said the same thing about herself in one older article). Is it still allowed to think freely in America? 2. I explained that my English is not perfect, so I used the wrong phrase "bi-racial at the best". I didn't mean anything humiliating. I still make mistakes when I speak English. Are you able to argue flawlessly in a foreign language? 3. I said that she looks like a Spanish or a Portuguese, because in my opinion it is so (I visited these countries). However, I reiterate that I do not care who looks, what origin is, but how a person behaves. 4. I don't know the relationship with the Queen in detail, but I can see how Harry and Meghan's actions overshadow the royal activities and embarrass the Queen in public (they are not the only ones, unfortunately) 5. I really don´t like hypocrisy. How can a woman who spends half a million pounds at a baby's party, who spends so much money for dress, using a private jet to get to a luxury resort to talk about the carbon footprint and ask others to travel ecologically? How can a couple who have just met victims of violence, landmines on their "African journey" draw attention to their complaints and personal problems (thus destroying their own successful journey). 6. Finally, I can't imagine not to meet own father (except he being a rapist, of course).
@ 3:13. Please stop justifying your comments, you are here judging a father-daughter relationship of people that you know nothing about, you have no facts, or knowledge about anything concerning this people, you are just gossiping. Yes, Cherry has agreed with you that M is bi-racial, please read it again. And just so you know, your judgmental and bigoted comments are reprehensible. If you can't see it, there is nothing else to be said. MM
Anonymous @ 10:47, I know that I keep addressing this issue, but only because I feel so pasionate about it, possibly because part of my "unpaid" work is treating poor women, mostly brown & black, I assure you that for me this isn't political but societal. The phrase " white privilege" should never offend you, because it doesn't mean, having more money, better jobs, or not having to work hard everyday to support your family, it's a fact that there are millions of white people living in poverty. Probably you have never asked a black person what it means for them. Perhaps you will allow me to share the thoughts of a very dear friend. White privilege means: 1: when you are stopped by police while driving, you are treated with respect, we are treated as suspects, we are so afraid that we start sweating from pure fear. 2: you don't have to tell your teenage son, to never, ever give a ride to a white girl, because if she where ever to accuse him of any impropriety, nobody would believe him. 3: you don't have to tell your son to never speak up to power because he could end up dead. 4: We are followed in stores because our blackness makes us presumpted thiefs. 5: you aren't asked by a flight attendant on first class to show her your ticket, as proof , while nobody else in the cabin is asked. 6: you can argue or complain about bad service, without being labeled as an angry black woman. 7: White men can run in the street, but when a black male is doing the same, the neighbors start calling police about a suspicious person, and we know how that ends sometimes. There are hundreds of examples of these instances, and this is what white privilege means to many people of color. I know that you have your own views, but I thought I could share this tidbit with you. Best Regards
I really wish Americans to solve their racial problems. However, I am afraid that celebrity statements, the destruction of sculptures, the censorship of films and books and their removal from the database of film companies will not help to solve this. Even quotas for the representation of minorities in universities or in the management of companies do not solve the problem (The only criterion should be qualifications, study and work results.). Many profound reforms will be needed. I recognize that many people of color are experiencing difficulties. (But the thing has another side: high crime, no-go zones where gangs rule - says my second cousin living in New York.) I am involved in charity as well (financial support for students from poor conditions). That's why I'm very critical of celebrities who like to teach others, start a charity they want to raise OTHER PEOPLE's money and donations to build reputation and popularity (It doesn't matter if it's Harry or someone else).
This has gone off the rails. It is difficult to stomach the bigotry and hateful comments made here. I want to come here for the fashion, and I don't mind the occasional tangent to discuss important issues such as this one. When the comments are based in tabloid fodder, and the infighting begins, your blog is being drug down to gutter level. I left once before because I didn't like the direction the blog had taken. The outright hate for certain royals, with a "mean girl" mentality, has no appeal to me. I don't live my life that way, and I don't want to participate in beating a woman down for sport. When I decided to come back, it was as an anonymous poster. I don't like the idea of anonymous posters here, but it is certainly more freeing to say things without being as accountable. I want to think of a fashion blog as a respite from the problems from the world or daily life, and seeing women in a position to draw attention to charities and organizations is a day brightener. Analyzing their fashion is a passion for me. Watching others find an evil agenda in what they are doing destroys the enjoyment. I would urge you to reconsider the direction your blog is going. There must be better places for the gossip and hate.
READING THROUGH ALL THE COMMENTS, I REALISE THAT YOU ARE ALL RIGHT.
But what you don't see is that we all view the world different based on the cultures we come from. Nobody is ignorant, only a different perspective of life 💚✌
Jane´s got it exactly right. Thank you Jane for writing what you wrote, and very politely so.
This topic causes a lot of outrage, obviously. Everything is deemed racist these days, and the discussion is explosive. Interestingly, this is the case even in countries that have next to no black citizens, let alone a black community. I think that is largely true for most European countries, yet people suddenly support the black people allegedly systematically suppressed by the system. I cannot think of anything more obviously stirred up by media. People just react to something they hear in the news and feel educated on the subject.
If systematic racism existed, millions of black people wouldn´t voluntarily come to Europe, in search for a better life. If systematic racism existed, millions of people of colour wouldn´t emigrate to the US. If systematic racism existed, no person of colour would ever get into a position of power. There just is no systematic racism.
This whole discussion is extremely divisive, and that´s exactly the intention behind media pushing it. Divide et impera. Don´t fall for it.
Also, victimizing people won´t empower them.
If you feel like fighting for other people, try fighting for real slaves, for people being trafficked, for people systematically exploited. There are millions of those in the world, they are everywhere, including in your country. That´s the type of issue that should outrage you.
@Vanessa, you can always be counted on to supply incendiary rhetoric that completely ignores history, current affairs and the topic at hand. How sad! Say his name! GEORGE FLOYD!! The reason he is no longer with us?? ....Systemic racism. A.
Anonymous @ 6:36 AM, how in the heck bringing up a comment made by Hillary in the early 1990’s has any bearing on this post? You people are obsessed and don’t miss an opportunity to distract from the issue at hand. We live in a systemically racist country aided and abetted by the current administration, and reinforced with comments like yours. Hamilton
@ Jill The object is to learn, to empathize, to say what if this were me, or a member of my family? The problem has many facets but to tell someone who has felt the sting of in-your-face or unconscious racism to move forward and quit complaining. ..really? @ Glo - Please do not leave incorrect information on an international stage. The NY Police Dept. has not been defunded (dictionary). The recent city budget comes in at around 79B, (6B goes to the Police) Now, 1B has bee reassigned to other programs such as providing summer jobs for teenagers . and community activities..and what is a minority majority police force? the greater percentage of the officers are white. If the chief of the Minneapolis police felt that the only way his talents could be recognized (after being passed over for promotions) was by going to court and winning a discrimination case...then is there not systemic racism there? On the topic of Meghan and race, she lives in America now, and as uncomfortable as it is seeing it in print, she is black. If you look up words like mulatto, quadroon and octroon, you will understand. For those who complain that this is a fashion blog. These women are not mannequins in motion for our pleasure. For the most part they have stylists and ladies-in-waiting who source and prepare their outfits for their events. Not every color, style and fit will suit their body type, and by the time you read the article they have probably returned home to their robe and comfy slippers. Sometimes it is good to look beyond the outfits to what the person achieves at these events. Meghan has a decent education and a command of languages. Nodding and smiling is not enough. Do her projects have tangible results? Lastly Harry. As long as he smiled and played the jester everyone loved him. He knows that when his father becomes king and trims down the monarchy to himself and his heir, he has no significant role. Being pre-emptive and carving out a new life for his family is courageous. Eventually supporting themselves even more so. Involvement in projects that have more than one life cycle (Invictus/Travalyst) will give meaning to many people. Wishing them success is the decent thing to do, instead of delving into family issues that are not for the entertainment of strangers. Ana
Ana, thank you! Glad you could use some FACTS that little devil that somehow doesn't seem to have a lot of meaning nowadays. The police " defunding" mantra used by some is just propaganda and fear mongering. Regards
Last thoughts from me: Cherry what you have described as “white privilege“ is a series of subjective vague interactions that occur in the multi-millions everyday between people. It is more an example of individuals rather than systemic issues. Quick (if possible example- forgive the crib note short handing.). A family member was recently in a phone store. All Americans. Asian clerk, Customer(C) 1- white, C 2A- black,C 2B- black and C 3-white. Clerk is helping C 1 in long process of new smartphone. C’s 2A& 2B walk in to ask about upgrading a track phone. Clerk says quickly what they want is not possible but he will happily help them when done with C1. In walks C3- headphones on, singing, behavior altered (seems intoxicated), drumming on merchandise in store, slaps down $40 on the counter to pay a bill, and continues drumming on merchandise. Clerk stops what he’s doing, helps C3 quickly. C2B gets angry and walks out in front of store. C3 leaves and C2B comes back in and to his credit starts talking (loudly) to C1 about why the clerk helped C3. C1 points out (while C2A agrees) that given C3’s bizarre behavior (which C2B wasn’t taking into account - only the race of each) and quick task the clerk probably figured he could get C3 out of the store, finish with C1 and then be able to give his full attention to C2A& B. If C2B hadn’t talked with others, he said he was ready to leave with a perfect example of what you described. That is in spite of being in the store before, knowing the clerk’s lengthy help previously and enjoying his help on previous visits. Perception is a very big unknown. Are there situations like you’ve described, yes at times and I have seen others (as well as the system) support the minority/ offended or unfairly treated customer. Sadly there are times where the opposite happens. Not systemic- dialogue, education, willingness to grow and forgive or publicity for the market to PEACEFULLY decide regarding a store, or lastly to have penalties from the criminal justice/judicial system (which has anti-discrimination laws in ALL states). If you care about fighting discrimination then again painting all with a broad brush solely based on race is the very thing you say you are against. Amy Cooper has not been upheld nationwide as a role model while the vast majority of the US, including police forces nationwide, were horrified by George Floyd’s brutal murder by an evil police officer and apathetic others who stood by while he was killed. Re:Ana- to dispute me saying NYPD was defund you say the had $1 billion removed from their budget (funds actually decreased) with calls from gov’t officials from NYC - local and federal to completely defund them what is your point. This on the heels of 600 undercover officers removed, millions in property damage (a LOT of minority owned businesses- especially in our city!) from looters and vandals posing as protestors and while murders are horrifically up. What is your point exactly because the direction is a dangerous one with black lives being in the most danger since NYC black homicides outnumber other ethnicities, even though trends had been going down. Regarding NYPD- as of July 2020: 47%- white/Caucasian (includes all backgrounds), the rest by percentage largest to smallest are Hispanic, Black, Asian and Native American. It matters because that makes race less a factor, as stats have shown. This allows people to try and really look at other issues, largely awful public policies like no school choice, affecting inner cities’ populations which greatly contribute to the crime numbers affecting them. Sorry so long, moving on. Glo
Harry shouldn't be the face of a Travalyst. He does not live and does not travel ecologically. His luxurious lifestyle produces a large carbon footprint.
Seems like a lot of people have free time on their hands to take it too personal. Frankly, it's all a lot of word salad coming out from these two to stay relevant.
@Glo, and your lengthy story is not just one example? So you are telling Cherry above that what she is stating are isolated cases, and you debate with 1 (one) anecdote. People like you are living proof of what racism is . Not overtly racist actions, but passive aggressions. You are insisting in telling black people that what they endure is not a big deal, that is anecdotal, you are diminishing them with every word. Denying that there is systemic racism in our country perhaps makes you feel better , but it won't change the facts. Go back to your happy, happy place where all races are treated equally.
@ Vanessa, you aren't wrong in your own universe, this is not a right or wrong, denying facts is just what racist do. The fact that people of color migrate to wealthier countries has no bearing on whether these countries are racist, the majority of immigrants are facing extreme poverty, hunger, and possible death by the lack of health assistance. Back in the day these immigrants were welcomed to do the labors that nobody wanted, and as long as they stayed quiet, submissive and within their own, now the next generations are demanding equal treatment and the system can't allow this to happen. You are presenting a false analogy. Just took a trip thru the South this past weekend and the confederate flag keeps flying even on the highways...so one can say that promoters of slavery are still at it, even more so than ever because the local governments, and the message from our administration sides with them.
@ 8:03 Systematic racism was a problem in the past. No-one disputes that. Racism still exist today, but it is rare and not systematic anymore. If it was systematic, people of colour would not choose to emigrate to such a place. No rational person would ever choose systematic racism over poverty, especially since the alleged racism would mean you´d stay poor anyway. And the people coming to the US (or Europe for that matter) aren´t the extremely poor, starving people either. The extremely poor, starving people have no means to undertake any such venture, they simply wouldn´t make it. As for the confederate flags flying today: I believe you that that is what you saw, but I did not witness anything of that kind when I visited couple of years ago. In order to prove the existence of systematic racism, those flags would need to always be there, but they weren´t. They are up now as a reaction to this current movement. I told you it´s divisive, causing a rather explosive debate. I don´t approve of aggression from either side, but I can understand everyone opposing the notion of systematic racism and white privilege. It is a blanket accusation solely based on race, which - by definition - is racist. Glo pointed that out in an above comment as well, and I couldn´t agree more.
Anonymous at 8:03 PM, at least you managed to bring yourself to acknowledge that Vanessa's point about emigration is valid (although of course you had to call her "racist" in the process). People generally seek permanent residency in Europe or the U.S. because they know life will be better for them there. One of the ways it will be better for them if they become U.S. citizens is that they will be given abundant opportunities, regardless of the color of their skin. For example, Ilhan Omar, formerly a Somali refugee, had the opportunity to run for office and now sits in Congress as the U.S. Representative from Minnesota's fifth congressional district. She even luxuriates in the freedom our supposedly "systemically racist" country gives her to vilify the nation that she nevertheless is happy to call home. (Go figure, eh?)
And that's it for me too. Like another contributor, I am passionate about this and that is why it has been totally worth it -- in spite of the toxicity that inevitably accompanies these "debates" -- to have put in my $.02.
@ Vanessa. A visit to the US does not peel back the layers of systemic racism that people encounter everyday. Look at the pictures of adults screaming at little children and their parents as they try to register them in a whites only school (Brown vs Board of Education). That is ingrained, and their children and grandchildren still walk among us. Most of the people who leave their countries, refugees in particular are fleeing war or famine. The northern countries offer safety, but like you a visit to Europe shows that the immigrants live in crowded conditions on the outer edges of the city and are not fully incorporated into the mix. Do not presume to tell people who are discriminated against on a daily basis that racism is rare. Here are two samples for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7sNKxvaEi4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPubUIKLzsM All of this is part of the reason for M&H hosting a conversation on racism, which will be one of many, for them. July
She is always wearing a white blouse or skirt, she has no interest in style!!
ردحذفAre you offended by a white blouse or shirt?
حذفI guess there is not a lot to say about fashion here. I think Harry is really talking in clichés ( acknowledge the past of you want to move forward). Meghan on the contrary is talking about human rights for everyone. And thats the way to go.
حذفAnna
How about these two start by acknowledging that Great Britain abolished slavery within the British Isles and throughout the British colonies in 1838. Just might have been the first country anywhere on earth to do that. Slavery continues to be ongoing today in some other places in the world. A little fairness please...but I don't really think this video was ever going to be about fairness.
ردحذفFashion and grooming-wise, Meghan looks sleek and simply and perfectly coiffed and made up. Her signature white shirt look has become rather boring, but perhaps she is correct in regarding it as a safe, uncomplicated choice. Harry has finally begun varying the style and color of his shirts, but his vacant eyes speak volumes.
Hi Jane,
حذفGreat Britain may have abolish slavery but Great Britain is drowning in racism. America has abolish slavery but America has a racism problem just like Great Britain. Unfortunately, the majority of English people have refused to acknowledged that they do have issues with racism. Everything the Duke and Duchesses ave said in the video was incredibly fair and balance. There was no blame going around or pointing fingers. I watched the whole video and the Duke and Duchess along with the guess were incredible fair and balance in their thoughts and comments. To say the Duke and Duchess were not fair is inaccurate and show great bias against them.
By the way Haiti was the first country to abolish slaver in 1793. England abolish slavery in 1807. 166 years later.
I think the difference between 1793 and 1807 is 14 years and not the whopping 166 you mention.
حذفJane, this was not a finger pointing video, but a very thoughtful and eloquent exchange of thoughts. Racism is alive and well in both the US and Britain, not to mention many other countries, and I am saying that from my white priviledged persona, since I see it everyday at work, and in the streets , and of course in passive aggressive comments like yours .Your dislike for this woman is obvious, but I thought that it was mostly because she disagrees ( like millions) wit the current leader of our country, but alas!!
حذفI can see the racist micro aggression of your comment.
Shame!
CB
Also it was in the 1780’s that Greville, Pitt & Wilberforce began investigating in Parliament and working to abolish it. I don’t like the lumping in and painting of a whole society with such a broad brush, especially by someone photographed in nazi dress who used racial slurs against a fellow soldier. Yes the nation finally did abolish it but many were against it. Those who especially had family members who never owned slaves, were abolitionists and who helped many escape and lost their lives in the Civil War. Maybe these two should try speaking more personally, it would seem more genuine and less hypocritical.
حذفGlo
The US began abolishing the slave trade in 1794 and later in 1807. The state of Ohio banned all slavery in 1802.
حذفYes the fight to abolish it and by many in both nations is well-documented. In the US it goes back to the very beginning in the 1780’s at the Constitutional Convention. Also the pieces to continue working against it were set there to limit the power of rich, southern property owners. While many states outlawed it long before the Civil War. Meanwhile it was still legal in many African nations.
حذفGIVE PEOPLE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE instead of Scratching wounds of the past. Those in history are not hear today, and their mindsets were different from ours today. These two need to be stripped of their position in the commonwealth before they mayhem, i don't think they know what they are doing. ✌❤
حذف@Jane, Clearly they have decided that pandemic style video conferences are not an opportunity for a fashion show. The message must not be lost somewhere between McQueen and hair arrangements. William has worn blue shirts in most of his video conferences. ...Yes the slaves were freed but colonial domination persisted. Poor education, menial jobs, poor housing, taxation without representation..all meant to keep 'them' in their place. The struggle for independence lasted another century.
حذف@9;00 no need to scratch wounds of the past. What mindset allows one man to crush another to death in broad daylight, in front of witnesses!! and for what? Who feels entirely in their own country safe seeing this!?
Commonwealth (look closely as the word) presidency provides one more thing to strip H&M of. People like you will not be satisfied until they are destitute and return cap in hand to beg for a life of duty (servitude) to the crown. Meanwhile you encourage your own children move away from home to find their niche in the world. -A
I thought this to be a site about royal fashion.
ردحذفyou give this time much attention on the speeches (while we hardly could see what they were wearing)
I think you know there is much controversy about this couple, so I think this is not a wise ting to do, unless you really want many reactions.
Thank you Anonymous 7/6/20, 7:17 PM for pointing out the basis of this site, that is, Royal fashion.
حذفSo on this point I'll say ........... nice shirt/blouse for Meghan and nice blue shirt for Harry.
I'll leave space now for the good and probably many bad comments not related to fashion but about the public and private lives of this young married couple.
Hope we can get photos and comments about Royal fashion ASAP.
Thanks in advance to our moderator.
BLM - we should take it seriously every time when it pops up and be grateful for chance to learn a lot in such a cosy way, don´t we?
حذفI think the problem is no one seems to know exactly who Harry and Meghan are. Are they members of the British Royal Family or are they private citizens? Or are they a combination of the two?. I think the Queen needs to put some clarity on this.
حذفThe problem this forum has - as I see it - is how can a non-fashion photo of Meghan be placed here with her views on social issues underneath it and not expect people to comment on what she is saying?
Her white blouse alone is not newsworthy. After all, she's worn that style several times before. What's there to say about it? All that is left are her words and opinions.
Royal fashion watchers are accustomed to royal women going about their duties nodding and smiling. Rarely, if ever, do you hear pronouncements about the failures of the government they are supposed to be representing. Those royal women of that day left us free to concentrate on their outfits.
As I see it, Meghan and Harry are making a mistake by trying to carve out a global platform after having only been on "the job" for about two years. Why they want to be global activists, while claiming to want more privacy is something I cannot explain.
The white blouse discussion is something else. I personally like the blouse and Meghan obviously wears it to keep people from focusing on her looks.
It is obvious Meghan has experience in the public relations realm and is controlling what she wants people to focus on. The irony is the white blouse is the focus . Better she should have selected a nondescript print or something.
I think Meghan and Harry could do a lot of good - both have strengths and talents. But I think they are badly advised.
@Joann You pose an interesting question. Are H & M royals or private citizens? My take on the situation is that they asked to scale back their royal duties for a number of reasons, not walk away completely, and the answer was 'no'. It seemed to me like a bit of a tantrum on the Queen's and Charles' parts, trying to force their hand. They were certainly within their rights to deny the request, but it ultimately lead to H & M leaving. As none of us were the proverbial fly on the wall, we can only guess. To say H & M have only been on the job for a couple of years is erroneous. Harry was born on duty. It is widely reported that he was never that comfortable as a royal, hence his love of the military and his deep love for Africa. Meghan has been active socially since childhood. None of their work seems like a reach to me. As far as wanting more privacy, working globally probably does offer them more privacy. The British press is the most cruel and unrelenting, whereas globally their efforts are more appreciated. Your comment about royal fashion watchers being used to seeing the royals nodding and smiling is very true, but rather sad. What has that lead to? Instead of speaking out against the racial undertones against Meghan in the press, the BRF smiled and nodded. They have smiled and nodded for generations. Sometimes it is important to step up and use the power of their position to make a difference. Charles did it for the environment when very few were, and Diana did it for AIDS when very few were. Racism should be no different. Maybe the Queen and Charles wanted an all or nothing commitment from them, but they are not abandoning their charitable endeavors. They have just made the necessary adjustments to continue their work.
حذف@Joan
حذفI very much appreciate hearing Meghan's views on social issues, especially issues which she has personal experiences with. I thank her for having the bravery and strength to speak on her experiences and up for others even though, especially on this site, people will attack her. When people, especially marginalized people (Meghan as a woman and a person of color as well as the young people on the call) talk about their adverse experiences, we first need to earnestly listen before we can be an ally in eradicating the inequity.
On your point about "those royal women of that day left us free to concentrate on their outfits." The days where women were second class citizens and expected to sit quietly and look pretty are rightfully a thing of the past. We have more substance than that. We've always had thoughts. It's about time we voice them.
Fashionwise and contentwise nothing of interest here. (-Ann.)
ردحذفChemise bleue pour Harry et chemisier blanc pour elle ; il peut être porté soit avec un pantalon ou une jupe ; là, nous ne voyons rien du tout. La coiffure est des plus simples ; avec les cheveux relevés, cela aurait été beaucoup mieux !
ردحذفThese two always make me chuckle; they are such look-a-likes. Exactly the same shape of nose and close set eyes. A perfect marital likeness.
ردحذفHag, how does saying they both have *close set eyes* make racial relations any better? I wouldn't put it under fashion either. It just sounds like name calling. I can't see anything to chuckle about.
حذفAnon 8:21 - close set eyes means eyes are close together as opposed to far apart. It is nothing to do with ethnicity so cannot see why it has anything to do with racial relations.
حذفHaga was just saying she thinks they have similar features. How about you stop looking for insults where none were intended?
Racism is real - seeing it where there is none doesn't help race relations either.
Hello, Anonymous at 9:25 PM. Thank you for the interesting fact about Haiti, of which I'm sure few people are aware. I very much disagree with you as to whether the video is " incredibly fair and balanced", and while racist individuals exist in every part of the globe, quite honestly I think your claim that the United States has a racism problem is demonstrably false. The U.S. certainly does have a problem, however, with people who claim "systemic racism" in order to ignite racial conflict and destabilize the country. You and I can agree to disagree. God bless.
ردحذف
حذفWhen you have to teach your son what to say and do if the has an encounter with the law, when you make him watch the knee on the neck video so he has no illusions that it can also happen to him too, when he is followed in a store as he tries to shop, when the police are called because he looks suspicious, when you have guns pointed at you when peacefully protesting, or cars driven through the protesters for no reason, when he is refused an apartment or a job, for reasons that are unclear, when the fountains were clearly marked for whom they were intended, when your place was at the back of the bus, when a little boy could be taken from his grandfather and beaten to death for supposedly whistling at white woman... and the list goes on, then tell us that racism is not systemic.
Jane, to mention God in such mean spirited comment is just disheartening.
حذفPlease keep him out of your cold heart comments.
Perhaps you should walk on the shoes of a black person in the US one day.
In the meantime you could just go out and contemplate all the confederate flags displayed this weekend, maybe you have one of your own?
MM
أزال أحد مشرفي المدونة هذا التعليق.
حذفJane you must be deliberately disingenuous. no one with any brain at all could fail to recognise the appalling racism apparent in the United States and being exacerbated by what passes for a President for his own ends.
حذفi am not a fan of Harry and Meghan - a little less preaching and a helluva lot more hard work would make them more likeable - but lets not pretend that racism doesnt exist.
i live in Australia and grew up in Scotland both of which have their own issues with racism but they pale into insignificance compared to the debacle which is the once proud United States.
Whoever commented above about Harry needing to be honest about his own racist past was absolutely right. i dont disagree with their comments about racism but like most comments coming from these two they show no signs of practising what they preach ad nauseum
Anyone who has the utter gall and temerity to state that "your claim to the US having a racism problem is demonstrably false" must be living a very delusional life under a dozen rocks.
حذفI've read a lot of incredibly ignorant* things, and this one is right up there with the worst of them. (*there are other words I'd use but they wouldn't get past the auto censor).
Unbelievable!
- Anon 9:13
Harry always reminds me of one of those hostages in Beirut a couple of decades back - slightly unkempt, with a background that might as well be a windowless basement somewhere. It's slightly creepy to me. Please, please go and sit somewhere next to a window!
ردحذفI agree that there is not much to be said on the fashion side of things, but the subject at hand could not be more serious. Thanks to the moronic bickering about race up thread, we have a snapshot of why the world is in the state it is in. Deadeggs, you mention the name of this site, "Royal Fashion". It used to mention "Hollywood" as well. Thankfully, that is gone. There has never been anything Hollywood about any of this fashion. Like most things, there has been an evolution on here. You also thanked anon 7:17 for pointing out the "basis" on this site. I assume you meant "bias"? I might suggest if this was not reported here, there would appear to be a racial bias on Helen's part. Where should the line be drawn? If you want to say that not enough fashion is showing, that arguement is easily dismissed by the fact that meeting in person was not possible with the current world health situation. While we are at it, what is there to say for the other video meetings that were posted about for all these months? They were royals conducting business in the same way.
ردحذفNow the comments about the white blouse. The "signature" white blouse that is now "boring", and from the fashion expert known as Anonymous 6:29, "she has no interest in style!!" A white blouse is a classic piece that is found in most women's closets that maintain a professional wardrobe. They can be worn an endless number of ways. Why a white blouse should cause such a stir is beyond me. I can't help remembering all the comments about Meghan wearing black too often. Now it is white. Harry and Meghan were dressed casually, just like the other people they met with. If she had worn anything more, the haters would have come out saying she was trying to get all the attention.
Anon 9:45 takes on the wall color. I have a suspicion they have selected a plain wall to keep distractions to a minimum, and to give trolls less insight into their private lives. I don't think it was done to irk anyone. I wish the wall was lighter and the lighting was better as well. Did I think it was worthy of comment? No. It does not add to the content of the conversation. It is just punitive. Ann (anon 8:18) didn't bother look for something to pick on. She just commented for the sake of commenting that there is "nothing of interest here". ??? The point? Not so sure.
Lastly we have Jane Chantal declaring Harry's eyes vacant and anon 8:00 not only agreeing but adding his soul! Have any other royals ever been attacked so harshly? The purpose of this gathering was to talk about working together to make the world a more tolorable, peaceful place. It can't even be done on a little blog. When I watched the video of the meeting (not a speech, anon 7:17) I didn't see Meghan cutting Harry off and domineering the conversation. I saw a black woman who has experienced so much of what the discussion is about, and can comment more based on first hand experience. Harry, a white husband and father, is not only getting involved but saying we all have been brought up in ways that give us things to work on. Pretty brave given his background. He is also there to listen and learn. There were four other people in that meeting, and they all had important contributions. To say he was vacant in his eyes and soul is insane. This has a direct effect on his wife and son.
Well said. Nothing to add - people continue to attack this couple (whilst before they adored Harry) and claim they are fair. Makes one’s head spin wondering how that is possible? Not to mention ignorance on other topics (perhaps some words are hard to understand in a nuanced way by non-native English speakers,, but not ‘racism’. That one shouldn’t give anyone trouble (but maybe it’s not a language challenge, it’s a totally different kind). CH
حذفأزال المؤلف هذا التعليق.
ردحذفWe are all individuals ; as a white person who had an Uncle and Aunt who lived and worked among indigenous people;they were great;I spent my holidays with them,we played, ate cake and had fun. I respect and work among numerous groups. A head,2 arms a body;we are all part of the human race. Harry and Meghan are an interesting couple;I don't see them suffering a, 25 million dollar house; as some say they are no different than Princess Madeleine and her family they are getting on well. Don't forget us that is what I see.
ردحذفRoyals are like Hollywood Actors, you have A-listers, B and the unknown.
حذفA billion plus people care about Harry that they tuned in to watch his wedding. How many people watched Madeline's wedding?
Jill.
"Blog Comments
ردحذفThe owner of this blog reserves the right to edit or delete any comments submitted to this blog without notice due to;
1. Comments deemed to be spam or questionable spam
2. Comments including profanity
3. Comments containing language or concepts that could be deemed offensive
4. Comments that attack a person individually"
These are the guidelines for comments on this blog. Now take a little look at 4, and think about whether you really want to post that rude comment or not.
But there's a bigger issue here, and I'm addressing this directly to know, newmyroyals.com/Helen:
Why are you allowing these rude comments to happen? Comments that aren't related to fashion at all? You say that you reserve the right to edit or delete comments, so why aren't you doing a proper job in deleting toxic comments?
A lot of people keep responding to rude comments, saying that "I though this was a fashion blog". As of now I've lost completely faith in thinking that WE, the commenters, can change the culture here. It starts with you, Helen.
I've gone on the reading other royal blogs because this whole comment culture here is so toxic, and I find that I actually ENJOY it, because the admins of those blogs are so good at keeping their comment sections clean and non-toxic.
I'll visit this blog every now and then, but I lose faith everytime and run away to a better one.
We cannot all have the same sweet opinion about life, besides Controversy is always a good read, people love it. Draws more traffic and revenue to the blog
حذفJill
@3:46 A big thank you! I could have written it myself.
حذفControversy is good in a polit-blog, but I do not come here for that, there are better blogs for political discussions. What a pity "Royal Order of Sartorial Splendour" stopped her blog ... it is pity Helen does not follow her own principles. (-Ann.)
حذفClassic, crisp button-down. Would love a close up of her necklace. Meghan's hair looks a little heavy and overwhelms her delicate build to me but maybe she hasn't felt comfortable going to a hairstylist these last several months. I would like to see her cut 3 or four inches off her hair.
ردحذفE.B.B.
They didnt chose to be on this fashion blog... Someone put this photo on for a purpose which I can't name. But are they still royals? Beside all this, it is easy to see the way she uses him for her own glory. He loves her and is beside her to support the causes she believes in. Harry is a good person. And she will always be there, whether we like it or not. She needs to be on the spotlight and he is there to make her shine. If it can help people have a better life, so be it.
ردحذفEveryone just calm down.
ردحذفThey both look well and happy.
ردحذف@ Jane, because you are eager to vilify Meghan, you miss the entire message, racism is in the quiet moments... and you are living proof with your comments. Who are you kidding? There is no systemic racism in the US? I would laugh if it wasn’t such a sad statement.
ردحذف“ The lady doth protests too much, methinks”
And just to point what somebody said above, using the term God Bless after your comments is either irony or a total unawareness of the true Christian faith, either instance is just sad.
Good morning, Anonymous at 8:40 AM. My saying “God bless” to the person to whom I was responding was and remains a sincere expression of the fact that I wish her well and that disagreeing with each other does not mean we have to be enemies.
حذفI have made it clear that my issue is with the term “systemic racism”, a phrase that I find perplexing since in our “system”, however you define it, we currently have African American police officers, chiefs of police, judges, city council members, mayors, governors, state and federal legislators, and had an African-American president who served two terms. If that is “systemic racism”, I guess I’m still waiting for someone to explain how a non-racist system operates. And where on earth it exists, since we could all benefit from studying it.
Good day, and goodbye.
It is systemic racism because even though there are people of color in those positions you mentioned the overall system is unequal. It harder for African Americans to score housing loans. Their median family income is below that of a typical white family. Due the the difference in houses they are able to afford/ secure a loan for, they pay less taxes which means the schools they send their children to spend less per an average on a student. This effects the quality of teachers, supplies, activities. Voting lines tend to be longer in minority communities. BIPOC have a completely different relationship dealing with police than white Americans. Those are just a few of the ways "the system" is unequal to BIPOC.
حذفE.B.B.
I agree with you Jane. The biggest issue affecting minorities is the education system in the inner cities. It deeply affects that community due to the concentrated populations but it is a result of horrible public policy which bans schools choice due to political gamesmanship. Also this most damaging policy is done by those whom some media deceptively highlight the most as “friends” of minority communities while falsely labeling others as racist.
حذفGlo
There are as many black millionaires in the USA as there are white millionaires.There are black gangs;there are white gangs. I'm a Stayist that is; we are all here together to make this a better world for the next generation.As a fashion blog;this site works.I love designer clothes,especially when I can buy it at the op shop. I like Meghan's white blouse; but I have been looking for ages for a navy and white striped blouse like Princess Diana wore,in the Andrew Norton interview. By the way Princess Diana would have been 59 this year;sadly she died;but she will be forever young and beautiful ;and did so many good works.
حذفAnonymous @ 7:59, I often find that racist and hurtful comments originate from ignorance of history and lack of education on the subject. Would you say that Obama, Halle Berry, Drake, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, just to name a few, aren't black ? Surely you are aware that the majority of African Americans have a good percentage of white genes, simply because enslaved women were constantly raped by their white owners, so would you say that they aren't black?African Americans come in many different shades, and melanin doesn't make them more or less, they are individuals and just like white people their appearance is varied.
ردحذفI think that if you are going to spew bigotry and division, at least you could educate yourself and simply admit that you dislike certain races.
I hope that you find time to allow yourself to be more accepting and compassionate.
Best Regards.
@Cherry this blog is international, so we all have a different view of life, it does not mean either one of us is ignorant. To most of the world when one has two parents of a different race then they are bi-racial. so Obama, Halle Berry, Drake, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz are biracial not a one sided race.
حذفBut of America's history, anyone biracial is seen as black! So to most of the world Obama is the first biracial president because he had a white parent.
respectfully, Jill.
أزال أحد مشرفي المدونة هذا التعليق.
حذفJane Chantal, I really didn't want to comment anymore on this, but your statement above is exactly what systemic racism is all about. So because we have black folks in positions other than cleaning, serving, and earners of the lowest of wages , it proves that systemic racism doesn't exist? that is like saying " I am not a racist because I work with black people and I accept them" . Must a remind you that when our first black president was elected, even the representatives in Government were ferocious with their hatred, how his wife was insulted and called a she-he ,their children were compared to monkeys, all of this based on their color not politics . Mr. Trump engaged on a false campaign to prove that he wasn't American, sadly this still persist to this day. Yes there is racism, as proven by your comments. Please don't God Bless me, I don't use the Lord in vain.
ردحذفAs Senator Tim Scott has said we have racists in our nation but we are not a racist nation. Bigots come in all colors and sizes as many recent news stories have shown. Often some of the most entitled are the most preachy. However, no where in America can someone be denied an opportunity, due to a law, based on their race- that would be systemic. Yes once it was the case but now it is not. The African American police chief of Minneapolis, where George Floyd was murdered, sued and WON fighting discrimination- well before Mr. Floyd’s murder. Now his department (and all his initiatives to change things) have been defunded. NYC has a minority majority police force and the have been defunded. This is not about helping these black communities, as the murder numbers of these very poorly run cities showed this weekend. I understood what you were saying Jane. BTW Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Oprah Winfrey, among others, all praised Donald Trump thought the years for his stance and opportunities for all races. His resort Mar-A-Lago even took Palm Besch gov’t to court to fight against anti-Semitic and race based policies. Suddenly he defeats Hillary and he’s a racist. BTW Hillary was the original brother, any comments towards her racism? Some people should vary their news coverage rather than the spoon feeding Pravda like propaganda that masquerades as news in some places.
حذفGlo
Hillary was the original “birther” -ugh spell check-
حذفGlo
A pleasant good evening to you too, Cherry Blossom. I do not use the Lord in vain either. But you know that.
حذفI'm saddened but not surprised by the deluge of hate that is thrown at this couple. I am also extremely disappointed and angered by the amount of ignorance and disregard of the humanity of our black brothers and sisters.
ردحذفThat being said, it is heartening to read comments which speak out against ignorance and racism. Thank you so much. This may be a "fashion" blog but some of the discourse here truly shows our capability to think critically and hopefully work towards a more equitable future.
Shame on you all,
ردحذف@E.B.B. (Sorry, there doesn't seem to be a way of replying directly to replies.) First of all, thank you for being polite. The problems you mention are of course very real, but I don't know that the word "system" as you are using it is quite accurate. The word can apply informally, I suppose; otoh the formal system of representative local, state and federal governance I have mentioned exists to address matters such as these and many others. It is understandable that our system is considered to have failed in important ways -- and those failures need to be analyzed. Just calling the system "racist", however, is imo incorrect if only for the reason I have given -- i.e., that people of color can and do play active roles in that system of governance. (If you think the system is so flawed that it deserves to be scrapped, it is pointless for us to discuss further.) The sources of failures need to be identified, otherwise little progress can be made. Imo courageous, independent black voices like Candace Owens', Larry Elders' and Thomas Sowell's have been very helpful in identifying some of the sources of failure. The organization that calls itself BLM is by no means the only go-to for wise policy (to become familiar with the things BLM advocates, I would suggest visiting its website).
ردحذفI agree with some other commenters that revisiting wrongs committed long ago that already have been acknowledged and of which no one currently approves, is unproductive. It is similarly obvious that widespread rioting, looting, vandalism, intimidation and intra-community violence that tragically have been occurring do not redress wrongs, they only bring devastation and heartbreak. Until influential people like those in the video have the gumption and the honesty to condemn the thugs who are (yet again, this isn't new) using black people as an excuse to wreak havoc, and 2) until those in a position to help -- such as Harry and Meghan -- ditch the trendy but empty "woke" rhetoric and work on actually formulating sensible, concrete ways of improving education, strengthening the stable two-parent household, and encouraging constructive behavior, they will have little credibility with thinking people of any skin tone.
*"The organization that calls itself BLM" -- that is, the organization that calls itself Black Lives Matter.
حذف@ Glo, thank you. I am grateful for your observations and for your kind words.
ردحذفJane, spoken like a true denier of the prevalent racism.
ردحذفI want to answer Cherry Blossom: which was outraged that I said Meghan is biracial. She has a black mother, but she also has a white father, which logically implies that she is bi-racial. I don't know what you call it in America, I'm from Central Europe (former Czechoslovakia) and it's very rare to meet people of color in my country. I coordinate some student projects between universities, so I visit Britain from time to time. Unfortunately, I still have flaws in my English, so some of my statements are not always accurate.
ردحذفI greatly admire Her Majesty the Queen and am interested in fashion and protocol, so I read this blog.
I personally don't care if Meghan is white, black, green or blue. I am not interested in the race or origin of people, but in their behavior and actions. I think this couple - Meghan and Harry - behaved disrespectfully towards the queen. I cannot respect people who teach others about ecology, about caring for others and at the same time living in luxury at the expense of the royal family, which they slander, enjoying all privileges.
Not much "fashion" was really visible in the photos, so the author had to expect other comments than fashion.
I have noticed that freedom of speech in English-speaking countries is diminishing. Every criticism is considered an attack or racism (if the object of criticism is a man of color), some movies, books are excluded, statues are crumbling, ... My mother experienced communism and says that's how it starts destruction of democracy.
No, you didn't say that she was bi-racial, which is exactly what she is , you said that she is "bi-racial at best" you also said she is not black , which she actually is , too, and then proceed to say that she looked Portuguese or Spanish, this in on itself is an incredible statement coming from an educated woman from Europe, thus inferring that she couldn't possibly speak about race issues because she doesn't look black according to you.
حذفI can read, and no amount of revisions changes what you said.
And if you didn't care about the color of her skin, you won't have made race the center of your comment, instead of talking about fashion , not a word on that respect, only insensitive bigotry and judgement about their relationship with the Queen, a subject that you know nothing about.
So, please re-read your comment, before you debate my opinion.
Jane, once again there you are demeaning this couple with your "woke" comment.
ردحذفEvery human being has value, and H&M are doing their best within their beliefs, your comments seem more politically biased than objective.
I understand that your opinions are yours, and contain a good dose of white privilege, and of course you didn't forget to mention the " looters" who had nothing to do with the millions of people protesting peacefully all over the world, but, by doing so you throw every black person into the mix.
Facts are facts and as an example of systemic racism you just have to look into the judicial system, same offenses, different sentences in 95% of the cases, not to mention job opportunities, salary equitability, and the fact that there are Amy Coopers everywhere, to the point that a black man can't even go jogging in the street without police receiving calls about suspicious individuals.
Perhaps you shoul try to volunteer with an intercity program, so you could observe the reality of being black in America.
And, with this I am done, since your views on this subject seem to be light years away from reality.
@ Cherry Blossom Some people really can't get out from the rock they live under. Each response had something new to find offensive.
حذفE.B.B.
Your stats are way off and rooted in talking points rather than actual studies. If anyone is really interested, try looking into Heather MacDonald’s research which frequently cites actual studies, 1997, CA, GA, Justice Dep’t, among others. Just to take one of your examples, sadly as a pattern a lot of those sentences are pled down from more serious charges, result from multiple convictions due to prior criminal records, or they (African American defendants) actually have a lower rate of prosecution than whites so the sample is disproportionate. Certainly the drug policies in the 90’s affected those inner city dwellers (more minority) more due to the Crack epidemic. The damage of families and horrible public policies in urban areas further rob youth of opportunities away from gang violence. Sadly this trend is moving into other areas and in all races due to the opiod epidemic bringing drug issues into areas other than just urban, especially those communities that border cities. It’s sad because I think everyone would agree that improving the urban drug dependence situation to drug free and lessening crime would be a way better trend than having it go down hill even more in both urban and suburban areas.
حذفIf you truly want to help these communities, push past the talking points and get into people’s lives. The real issues are much more about opportunities, socio-economic status and stable families.
Glo
Well said Cherry Blossom, on ALL your posts above. You viewpoints are not only clear in your thinking, but also well expressed in your writing. Thank you for being the voice of reason. And welcome back - glad to see that you are safe and hopefully keeping well in the face of the enormous challenges of your work and career during this time.
حذف- Anon 9:13
أزال أحد مشرفي المدونة هذا التعليق.
حذف@ Anonymous7/8/20, 10:47 AM i wish you had left a name. Its a breathe of fresh air to read an unbiased statement. I don't thing they realise what we see is a privileged couple, in their millionaire houses, and its an insult to struggling white folks and black women who see Meghan as white and not exactly one of us.
حذفJill
@Jill You refer to Harry and Meghan as a privileged couple. You should not fault Harry for being born into the BRF and the privilege that came with it. He had no say in that. Meghan was not born into privilege, but educated herself and worked towards her goals. She was building a career and had her own money before she met Harry. I think you assume because Harry grew up in lavish surroundings that he does not know what struggle looks like. With many thanks to his mother, he was shown just how fortunate he was and how important it is to aide those in need. In 2006, Harry co-founded a charity in Lesotho, Africa, called Sentebale, to aide children affected by AIDS and poverty. By all accounts he was quite comfortable living the life of a soldier. I never heard any reports that he had a valet with him in the bunker. I see a man that has made sure he stays grounded, in the way his mother wanted. I see a strong woman that told herself she could do anything with an education and a voice. I see a couple that are combining their strengths to bring aide and attention to the issues that can help others thrive.
حذفThe type of home they are staying in does not have anything to do with the kind of people they are, nor does it insult me that I don't live like that. I wouldn't want to. I enjoy being able to go into my backyard and know that drones and paparazzi are not spying on me, not needing the extra security. I am curious - do you feel as negative towards other races who live in "millionaire houses"? I ask because they are staying as guests of Tyler Perry, a very successful black man in the entertainment business. BTW, I am not insulted by this either.
I am not sure what you meant by "black women who see Meghan as white and not exactly one of us". I read that as Meghan is "unaccepted" because of the shade of her skin. "One of us" is a woman, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a human being.
Your statement suggests there is something wrong with being people of means, and all who do not live the lives they do should be insulted. That is jealousy. I do not dismiss those who struggle on a daily basis, and I realize that life just doesn't seem fair sometimes. Where I am focus at the moment is a person's actions, not how much they have. It is not a sin to have money. It is honorable and admirable to give help to those who need it. Do keep in mind, not all who do and give, do so in a public way. It is best not to judge. Lastly, I can only surmise that Meghan's skin tone has not fallen within an acceptable color on your color wheel, making her...what? Nothing? What a dispicable thing to say.
Cherry a lot of those sentencing issues came from a crime bill heavily supported by the dem nominee Biden. Hillary Clinton, at the time, called blacks super- predators. Maybe you should look into some intercity situations because the very worst ones seem to be in cities with decades of dem control yet the dems are supposed to be so for the black community. Whoever mentioned Candace Owens, Larry Elder and Thomas Sowell- great resources that will be shunned by most elites.
ردحذفAnonymous @ 6:36 , why do you need to bring Ms. Clinton into this conversation? As far as I know she didn't have anything to do with the crime bill as she didn't have a political appointment in 1994, which by the way needs to be overhauled. Judges have all the power when it comes on imposing sentences , and if you were to look at the numbers, the disparity of punishment is abysmal between races. It's rather worrisome that in order to defend your views you must throw the names of a past political opponent of the current president, perhaps because you are using this forum as a political platform? This conversation is about racial inequality not about indoctrination and propaganda.
حذفAll politicians have made errors in judgement and I believe that Ms. Clinton has apologized for that comment, and possibly learned in the process.
I am not going to mention the horrifying statements made by others, because I am not interested in your political debate.
Utilizing this video to be a pundit for your party, is unconscionable.
Dear Cherry Blossom
ردحذف1. I was not one who bring the issue of race into the discussion, I just responded to one of the previous posts. I still THINK that a person who has one white parent and the other black parent is bi-racial (by the way, I read that Meghan said the same thing about herself in one older article). Is it still allowed to think freely in America?
2. I explained that my English is not perfect, so I used the wrong phrase "bi-racial at the best". I didn't mean anything humiliating. I still make mistakes when I speak English. Are you able to argue flawlessly in a foreign language?
3. I said that she looks like a Spanish or a Portuguese, because in my opinion it is so (I visited these countries). However, I reiterate that I do not care who looks, what origin is, but how a person behaves.
4. I don't know the relationship with the Queen in detail, but I can see how Harry and Meghan's actions overshadow the royal activities and embarrass the Queen in public (they are not the only ones, unfortunately)
5. I really don´t like hypocrisy. How can a woman who spends half a million pounds at a baby's party, who spends so much money for dress, using a private jet to get to a luxury resort to talk about the carbon footprint and ask others to travel ecologically? How can a couple who have just met victims of violence, landmines on their "African journey" draw attention to their complaints and personal problems (thus destroying their own successful journey).
6. Finally, I can't imagine not to meet own father (except he being a rapist, of course).
@ 3:13. Please stop justifying your comments, you are here judging a father-daughter relationship of people that you know nothing about, you have no facts, or knowledge about anything concerning this people, you are just gossiping.
ردحذفYes, Cherry has agreed with you that M is bi-racial, please read it again.
And just so you know, your judgmental and bigoted comments are reprehensible.
If you can't see it, there is nothing else to be said.
MM
Anonymous @ 10:47, I know that I keep addressing this issue, but only because I feel so pasionate about it, possibly because part of my "unpaid" work is treating poor women, mostly brown & black, I assure you that for me this isn't political but societal. The phrase " white privilege" should never offend you, because it doesn't mean, having more money, better jobs, or not having to work hard everyday to support your family, it's a fact that there are millions of white people living in poverty. Probably you have never asked a black person what it means for them. Perhaps you will allow me to share the thoughts of a very dear friend.
ردحذفWhite privilege means:
1: when you are stopped by police while driving, you are treated with respect, we are treated as suspects, we are so afraid that we start sweating from pure fear.
2: you don't have to tell your teenage son, to never, ever give a ride to a white girl, because if she where ever to accuse him of any impropriety, nobody would believe him.
3: you don't have to tell your son to never speak up to power because he could end up dead.
4: We are followed in stores because our blackness makes us presumpted thiefs.
5: you aren't asked by a flight attendant on first class to show her your ticket, as proof , while nobody else in the cabin is asked.
6: you can argue or complain about bad service, without being labeled as an angry black woman.
7: White men can run in the street, but when a black male is doing the same, the neighbors start calling police about a suspicious person, and we know how that ends sometimes.
There are hundreds of examples of these instances, and this is what white privilege means to many people of color.
I know that you have your own views, but I thought I could share this tidbit with you.
Best Regards
I really wish Americans to solve their racial problems. However, I am afraid that celebrity statements, the destruction of sculptures, the censorship of films and books and their removal from the database of film companies will not help to solve this. Even quotas for the representation of minorities in universities or in the management of companies do not solve the problem (The only criterion should be qualifications, study and work results.). Many profound reforms will be needed. I recognize that many people of color are experiencing difficulties. (But the thing has another side: high crime, no-go zones where gangs rule - says my second cousin living in New York.)
حذفI am involved in charity as well (financial support for students from poor conditions). That's why I'm very critical of celebrities who like to teach others, start a charity they want to raise OTHER PEOPLE's money and donations to build reputation and popularity (It doesn't matter if it's Harry or someone else).
A message to Helen:
ردحذفThis has gone off the rails. It is difficult to stomach the bigotry and hateful comments made here. I want to come here for the fashion, and I don't mind the occasional tangent to discuss important issues such as this one. When the comments are based in tabloid fodder, and the infighting begins, your blog is being drug down to gutter level. I left once before because I didn't like the direction the blog had taken. The outright hate for certain royals, with a "mean girl" mentality, has no appeal to me. I don't live my life that way, and I don't want to participate in beating a woman down for sport. When I decided to come back, it was as an anonymous poster. I don't like the idea of anonymous posters here, but it is certainly more freeing to say things without being as accountable. I want to think of a fashion blog as a respite from the problems from the world or daily life, and seeing women in a position to draw attention to charities and organizations is a day brightener. Analyzing their fashion is a passion for me. Watching others find an evil agenda in what they are doing destroys the enjoyment. I would urge you to reconsider the direction your blog is going. There must be better places for the gossip and hate.
READING THROUGH ALL THE COMMENTS, I REALISE THAT YOU ARE ALL RIGHT.
ردحذفBut what you don't see is that we all view the world different based on the cultures we come from. Nobody is ignorant, only a different perspective of life 💚✌
JILL
Jane´s got it exactly right. Thank you Jane for writing what you wrote, and very politely so.
ردحذفThis topic causes a lot of outrage, obviously. Everything is deemed racist these days, and the discussion is explosive. Interestingly, this is the case even in countries that have next to no black citizens, let alone a black community. I think that is largely true for most European countries, yet people suddenly support the black people allegedly systematically suppressed by the system. I cannot think of anything more obviously stirred up by media. People just react to something they hear in the news and feel educated on the subject.
If systematic racism existed, millions of black people wouldn´t voluntarily come to Europe, in search for a better life. If systematic racism existed, millions of people of colour wouldn´t emigrate to the US. If systematic racism existed, no person of colour would ever get into a position of power.
There just is no systematic racism.
This whole discussion is extremely divisive, and that´s exactly the intention behind media pushing it. Divide et impera. Don´t fall for it.
Also, victimizing people won´t empower them.
If you feel like fighting for other people, try fighting for real slaves, for people being trafficked, for people systematically exploited. There are millions of those in the world, they are everywhere, including in your country. That´s the type of issue that should outrage you.
@Vanessa, you can always be counted on to supply incendiary rhetoric that completely ignores history, current affairs and the topic at hand. How sad!
حذفSay his name!
GEORGE FLOYD!!
The reason he is no longer with us?? ....Systemic racism.
A.
Tone deaf!
حذفAnonymous @ 6:36 AM, how in the heck bringing up a comment made by Hillary in the early 1990’s has any bearing on this post? You people are obsessed and don’t miss an opportunity to distract from the issue at hand. We live in a systemically racist country aided and abetted by the current administration, and reinforced with comments like yours.
ردحذفHamilton
@ Jill The object is to learn, to empathize, to say what if this were me, or a member of my family? The problem has many facets but to tell someone who has felt the sting of in-your-face or unconscious racism to move forward and quit complaining. ..really?
ردحذف@ Glo - Please do not leave incorrect information on an international stage. The NY Police Dept. has not been defunded (dictionary). The recent city budget comes in at around 79B, (6B goes to the Police) Now, 1B has bee reassigned to other programs such as providing summer jobs for teenagers . and community activities..and what is a minority majority police force? the greater percentage of the officers are white.
If the chief of the Minneapolis police felt that the only way his talents could be recognized (after being passed over for promotions) was by going to court and winning a discrimination case...then is there not systemic racism there?
On the topic of Meghan and race, she lives in America now, and as uncomfortable as it is seeing it in print, she is black. If you look up words like mulatto, quadroon and octroon, you will understand.
For those who complain that this is a fashion blog. These women are not mannequins in motion for our pleasure. For the most part they have stylists and ladies-in-waiting who source and prepare their outfits for their events. Not every color, style and fit will suit their body type, and by the time you read the article they have probably returned home to their robe and comfy slippers. Sometimes it is good to look beyond the outfits to what the person achieves at these events. Meghan has a decent education and a command of languages. Nodding and smiling is not enough. Do her projects have tangible results?
Lastly Harry. As long as he smiled and played the jester everyone loved him. He knows that when his father becomes king and trims down the monarchy to himself and his heir, he has no significant role. Being pre-emptive and carving out a new life for his family is courageous. Eventually supporting themselves even more so. Involvement in projects that have more than one life cycle (Invictus/Travalyst) will give meaning to many people. Wishing them success is the decent thing to do, instead of delving into family issues that are not for the entertainment of strangers. Ana
Thank you, Ana.
حذفAna, thank you! Glad you could use some FACTS that little devil that somehow doesn't seem to have a lot of meaning nowadays.
حذفThe police " defunding" mantra used by some is just propaganda and fear mongering.
Regards
Last thoughts from me:
حذفCherry what you have described as “white privilege“ is a series of subjective vague interactions that occur in the multi-millions everyday between people. It is more an example of individuals rather than systemic issues. Quick (if possible example- forgive the crib note short handing.). A family member was recently in a phone store. All Americans. Asian clerk, Customer(C) 1- white, C 2A- black,C 2B- black and C 3-white. Clerk is helping C 1 in long process of new smartphone. C’s 2A& 2B walk in to ask about upgrading a track phone. Clerk says quickly what they want is not possible but he will happily help them when done with C1. In walks C3- headphones on, singing, behavior altered (seems intoxicated), drumming on merchandise in store, slaps down $40 on the counter to pay a bill, and continues drumming on merchandise. Clerk stops what he’s doing, helps C3 quickly. C2B gets angry and walks out in front of store. C3 leaves and C2B comes back in and to his credit starts talking (loudly) to C1 about why the clerk helped C3. C1 points out (while C2A agrees) that given C3’s bizarre behavior (which C2B wasn’t taking into account - only the race of each) and quick task the clerk probably figured he could get C3 out of the store, finish with C1 and then be able to give his full attention to C2A& B. If C2B hadn’t talked with others, he said he was ready to leave with a perfect example of what you described. That is in spite of being in the store before, knowing the clerk’s lengthy help previously and enjoying his help on previous visits. Perception is a very big unknown. Are there situations like you’ve described, yes at times and I have seen others (as well as the system) support the minority/ offended or unfairly treated customer. Sadly there are times where the opposite happens. Not systemic- dialogue, education, willingness to grow and forgive or publicity for the market to PEACEFULLY decide regarding a store, or lastly to have penalties from the criminal justice/judicial system (which has anti-discrimination laws in ALL states). If you care about fighting discrimination then again painting all with a broad brush solely based on race is the very thing you say you are against. Amy Cooper has not been upheld nationwide as a role model while the vast majority of the US, including police forces nationwide, were horrified by George Floyd’s brutal murder by an evil police officer and apathetic others who stood by while he was killed.
Re:Ana- to dispute me saying NYPD was defund you say the had $1 billion removed from their budget (funds actually decreased) with calls from gov’t officials from NYC - local and federal to completely defund them what is your point. This on the heels of 600 undercover officers removed, millions in property damage (a LOT of minority owned businesses- especially in our city!) from looters and vandals posing as protestors and while murders are horrifically up. What is your point exactly because the direction is a dangerous one with black lives being in the most danger since NYC black homicides outnumber other ethnicities, even though trends had been going down.
Regarding NYPD- as of July 2020: 47%- white/Caucasian (includes all backgrounds), the rest by percentage largest to smallest are Hispanic, Black, Asian and Native American. It matters because that makes race less a factor, as stats have shown. This allows people to try and really look at other issues, largely awful public policies like no school choice, affecting inner cities’ populations which greatly contribute to the crime numbers affecting them.
Sorry so long, moving on.
Glo
Harry shouldn't be the face of a Travalyst. He does not live and does not travel ecologically. His luxurious lifestyle produces a large carbon footprint.
ردحذفPerfectly said, Ana. Every word. Thank you.
ردحذف- Anon 9:13
Seems like a lot of people have free time on their hands to take it too personal. Frankly, it's all a lot of word salad coming out from these two to stay relevant.
ردحذف@ Vanessa. As usual your comment is demagoguery!
ردحذفTell me where I´m wrong.
حذف@Glo, and your lengthy story is not just one example? So you are telling Cherry above that what she is stating are isolated cases, and you debate with 1 (one) anecdote. People like you are living proof of what racism is . Not overtly racist actions, but passive aggressions. You are insisting in telling black people that what they endure is not a big deal, that is anecdotal, you are diminishing them with every word. Denying that there is systemic racism in our country perhaps makes you feel better , but it won't change the facts.
ردحذفGo back to your happy, happy place where all races are treated equally.
@ Vanessa, you aren't wrong in your own universe, this is not a right or wrong, denying facts is just what racist do. The fact that people of color migrate to wealthier countries has no bearing on whether these countries are racist, the majority of immigrants are facing extreme poverty, hunger, and possible death by the lack of health assistance. Back in the day these immigrants were welcomed to do the labors that nobody wanted, and as long as they stayed quiet, submissive and within their own, now the next generations are demanding equal treatment and the system can't allow this to happen. You are presenting a false analogy. Just took a trip thru the South this past weekend and the confederate flag keeps flying even on the highways...so one can say that promoters of slavery are still at it, even more so than ever because the local governments, and the message from our administration sides with them.
ردحذف@ 8:03
حذفSystematic racism was a problem in the past. No-one disputes that.
Racism still exist today, but it is rare and not systematic anymore. If it was systematic, people of colour would not choose to emigrate to such a place. No rational person would ever choose systematic racism over poverty, especially since the alleged racism would mean you´d stay poor anyway. And the people coming to the US (or Europe for that matter) aren´t the extremely poor, starving people either. The extremely poor, starving people have no means to undertake any such venture, they simply wouldn´t make it.
As for the confederate flags flying today: I believe you that that is what you saw, but I did not witness anything of that kind when I visited couple of years ago. In order to prove the existence of systematic racism, those flags would need to always be there, but they weren´t. They are up now as a reaction to this current movement. I told you it´s divisive, causing a rather explosive debate.
I don´t approve of aggression from either side, but I can understand everyone opposing the notion of systematic racism and white privilege. It is a blanket accusation solely based on race, which - by definition - is racist. Glo pointed that out in an above comment as well, and I couldn´t agree more.
Anonymous at 8:03 PM, at least you managed to bring yourself to acknowledge that Vanessa's point about emigration is valid (although of course you had to call her "racist" in the process). People generally seek permanent residency in Europe or the U.S. because they know life will be better for them there. One of the ways it will be better for them if they become U.S. citizens is that they will be given abundant opportunities, regardless of the color of their skin. For example, Ilhan Omar, formerly a Somali refugee, had the opportunity to run for office and now sits in Congress as the U.S. Representative from Minnesota's fifth congressional district. She even luxuriates in the freedom our supposedly "systemically racist" country gives her to vilify the nation that she nevertheless is happy to call home. (Go figure, eh?)
حذفAnd that's it for me too. Like another contributor, I am passionate about this and that is why it has been totally worth it -- in spite of the toxicity that inevitably accompanies these "debates" -- to have put in my $.02.
Cheers and hasta luego. 😊
@ Vanessa. A visit to the US does not peel back the layers of systemic racism that people encounter everyday. Look at the pictures of adults screaming at little children and their parents as they try to register them in a whites only school (Brown vs Board of Education). That is ingrained, and their children and grandchildren still walk among us. Most of the people who leave their countries, refugees in particular are fleeing war or famine. The northern countries offer safety, but like you a visit to Europe shows that the immigrants live in crowded conditions on the outer edges of the city and are not fully incorporated into the mix.
ردحذفDo not presume to tell people who are discriminated against on a daily basis that racism is rare. Here are two samples for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7sNKxvaEi4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPubUIKLzsM
All of this is part of the reason for M&H hosting a conversation on racism, which will be one of many, for them. July
He has no choice but a long hard goodbye and he does it very well.
ردحذفإرسال تعليق
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