This article is 7 years old

Alicia Goes Natural, Sparks Controversy

Entertainment

When Alicia Keys first told the public that she would be leaving the years of a makeup covered face behind her, the media surged in response. Keys’ radical decision instantly became a popular controversy across many social media platforms and news outlets. The singer’s intimate and personal decision was suddenly hot gossip which generated strong opposing opinions. She was immediately supported by many of her fans who posted their own #nomakeup selfies and praised their idol for stepping away from some of our society’s toxic beauty standards. When she appeared on the Today Show on Friday, September 2, Keys inspired Tamron Hall to wipe her face clean of makeup right on TV, saying, “You don’t have to… It’s not about me, it’s about you.” But not everyone is so inspired and on board with Keys’ decision. Many have claimed that not all women are comfortable without makeup, and those who choose to continue the normalized practice shouldn’t be shamed. So what is the truth beneath all the controversy? Alicia Keys’ decision to go makeup free is both empowering and inspiring. However, another problem lies deeper; the reality of women getting criticized and attacked for all the decisions they chose to make.

Because Keys’ is already so famous and an inspiration for many, her choice gives women seeking freedom through bare skin someone to look up to. As Keys’ stated in her article in Lena Dunham’s Lenny Letter, “We all get to a point in our lives (especially girls) where we try to be perfect.” This simple statement encapsulates a harsh reality for many girls which often starts from a young age. Our minds are constantly bombarded with messages from the media telling us that we are no good just the way we are, and makeup industries make millions of dollars of this idea.

Not only is she breaking down standards for beauty as a whole, she’s more specifically taking a big step for women of color. Our society suffers from intense dehumanization of black women, and in order for them to feel heard and seen in our country. The toxic message that being beautiful means to have pale skin, straight hair, and be petite is planted into young girls’ minds, and black women especially struggle to confine to these unrealistic standards.

Although many women feel inspired and thrilled by Keys’ going makeup free, some have vocalized how it shames women who continue wearing makeup. Many of the reactions to her decision were so ecstatic that the impression was given that those who do wear makeup aren’t strong or empowered. Piers Morgan tweeted, “So @aliciakeys wore no makeup to the #VMAs. 100 times more ‘empowering’ than @KimKardashian @emrata’s naked selfies.” Morgan’s tweet completely twisted Keys’ message and used it to pit women against one another. This mentality is precisely what the real problem is behind the whole matter. Women are under constant criticism and policing for their every move.

Keys’ decision to go makeup free was one of deep empowerment for herself and other women alike. She challenged the beauty standards many of us struggle with everyday to confine to, and now the musical icon acts as a role model for even more people. It’s time for each of us to take a personal step by challenging ourselves to let go of the deeply embedded criticism and judgement of girls everywhere. In order for women to be truly liberated, it isn’t about whether or not one wears makeup, it’s about the freedom to make their own empowering choices.