Okay, look.
I have never once apologized for the content that I post on Clumps of Mascara. The beauty of not posting a ton of sponsored content (not judging those that do….pay those bills, girl) means I can write as freely as I’d like without worrying about upsetting current or potential clients.
Basically, I can do what I want and ain’t nobody gon stop me.
This is the way I prefer to blog and if it ruffles some feathers, no problema. I’m so used to doing that.
Lately, there have been discussions among bloggers of various topics on if it’s even important to discuss social/racial injustices on your blog whose topic does not regularly feature these kind of articles and features.
“I mean, what will your readers think? They came to you for makeup, not politics.”
“People need a happy place. Talking about that kind of stuff is depressing.”
“It’ll make brands not want to work with you.”
“Not everyone feels comfortable openly talking about this kind of thing on their blog.”
“So, if I’m not blogging about it, I don’t care? That’s not fair to say.”
There are just so many ways to think about this. I am not the Judgement Police. It is not my place to tell people what they should talk about on their platforms. The only voice I’m concerned about is my own. But for bloggers who normally talk about makeup, their families, traveling, cooking, coupons, pets and fashion but also want to sneak in chatter about the state of the world and they’re not sure how to get started, here’s how to do it…
Decide that you want to
Not all bloggers want to do this. And that’s okay! Some bloggers stick to their topics but are fighting the good fight other ways, ya know? But are you sick of being of being quiet about injusices? Do you feel guilty every time someone says, “Your silence is killing us.”? Are you burning up with things to say and feel that in your heart, you have to say something even if it’s against what your audience, brands, friends and family members may think or feel? Yeah? Then, you, dear friend, are ready.
Prepare yourself for some awful comments, and irritated readers
Everyone will not be okay with you talking about uncomfortable topics. Okay, well maybe discussing racism doesn’t make YOU uncomfortable, but it makes a lot of people feel things they don’t want to feel. That is not your fault or responsibility. But because many adults are not ready to consider other ways of thinking, they may lash out at you and your post. They’ll do it anonymously. Your feelings may get hurt. Which is okay. You’re human and I’m sorry if this ever happens to you. You must have thick skin to do this regularly. The good news? Your skin will get thicker each time you post content surrounding this kind of topic – and you can always block and delete the truly awful comments.
Realize that you’re allowed to talk about all kinds of things
I don’t know about you, but I ain’t no trick pony. I’m not just a blogger. I’m not just a Black woman. Not just a mother. I’m not just someone who loves face masks and hates when people ask to touch my hair. I’m a lot of things. I like and dislike a lot of things. And I’m allowed to talk about whatever I want as much as I want. I get that it may be weird for some…especially when I spent many years ONLY talking about makeup and beauty. But *shrugs* It is what it is, girl. People will either rock with you or decide that they aren’t interested in topics that aren’t your main topics. That’s cool.
Understand that the risk will always be worth it
You’ll lose some readers. Everyone isn’t always able to openly and objectively talk about Black Lives Matter. But some will be inspired by your words. Everyone may not feel okay with you saying you’re irritated with White women. But some will be enlightened by your opinion. Everyone may not feel comfortable with you being so open to discussing racism, race, heritage, and culture. But some will shut up and actually listen. The comments and reactions from those Somes will keep you going. The conversations you have with them will light a fire that will make you want to keep talking. Trust me on this.
Just do it.
Get over the nerves and do it already, bro. What are you waiting for? For the state of the world to change? (Hint: It won’t. Not tomorrow, at least.) To find the perfect words? (Hint: You won’t.) Shake the nerves, take a deep breath and jump in the water. Your bravery will keep you afloat. You got this.
By the way, have you been loving my eye makeup in these pictures? Wouldn’t be possible without Eyeko, a brand that I’ve been loving since I FIRST got into makeup almost 10 years ago. They so kindly sent me their Lash Alert mascara, 3-in-1 Makeup Brush, and a few of their Shadow Liners.
Your girl is in a happy place.
And just like that we can talk about makeup and racism in one blog post.
See.
…and everyone survived.
Your turn…
FTC Disclosure: I was provided press samples but all thoughts and opinions are myself.
Beautifully said. I love that you shared this to help point the way for people who don’t know how to find the words. This was masterful. I’ve been sharing things on social media since I’m not actively blogging, but I may have to dust off the site. Also I love your eye makeup!
Fantastic post. Your blog is one of my favorites because it’s not about the latest release but about what makes you happy….or not happy…or whatever the hell you want to talk about while looking fabulous doing it.
Thank you so much, Jen! I really appreciate that. <3
Love this piece, Brittany.
I don’t write about make-up, but about life, and so I’ve been drafting and redrafting my words this last week. It’s so damned hard. But eventually I will get there – I know I always do.
Sending love to you and yours.
You will definitely get there. And at least you’re trying. That says a lot. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for sharing, Brittany. I so appreciate that you are a real person. Makeup blogs can be fun without being shallow and oblivious to the events happening in the world. We at Tu’el Skin Care salute you and stand behind you 100%.
This is a wonderful post, and I love that you’re encouraging bloggers to discuss things out of their normal line of writing. You’re a bright, shining beacon of hope and this was an inspirational thing to read today.
On a completely unrelated note, I absolutely looooove the lip color you’re wearing in these pics. What is it?
Thank you so much, Stephanie. I really appreciate it. This is Urban Decay’s Firebird with MAC’s Vino lipliner. Currently my favorite combination!
I love your post! It is so timely and such an important subject right now. Beautifully written!
Thank you so much, Valerie. I really appreciate it.
This was an awesome post, so I decided that instead of just being content to read your blog here and there- I subscribed.
Thank you for existing and creating and speaking your mind. Your post was an swath of sanity with great shadowliner.
(I love Eyeko, too)
Thank you so much for subscribing. I really appreciate you.
Super late to this post. Just wanted to thank you! The ethics of beauty seem to be so centered around cruelty-free (to animals) or not that sometimes I feel like cruel to humans or not gets lost. Am I buying from a brand that’s inclusive to all people? Am I buying from a brand creator who is a racist or sexist? Thanks again!
You bring up a great point, Kate. Thank you so much for reading!