For Bloggers: How To Talk About Makeup And Racial Injustices At The Same Time

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.