Indianapolis is one of the most segregated cities in the
Midwest. I've come to terms with that...really I have. I grew up in a world
where there was no color. People gasped at me when I brought a white man home to
visit my family. What did your family say? Say about what?!?! Well....you
know about Jason being white? Umm...my family didn't say anything. I don't think
they even noticed. I've been in love with every race there is...I'm an
equal opportunity lover. (I haven't dated an Asian though, need to fill that
void...no really just kidding!) And it's not that I'm naive about race,
hatred, and exclusion; it's out there and it's stronger than ever. I just try
not to let it rule my life.
This time last year, I decided to follow a dream of mine and
work in the fashion industry here in Indianapolis. I didn't know much about our
fashion scene, but I knew one was out there. So I started researching to see
where I would fit in. I have met so many new and exciting people since I've
started to surface among the scene. Too many people to name...but you know who
your are. I've also learned of many catty fights and division in the ranks. What
do you expect? It is fashion...the mother of all cattiness, but I didn't expect
any racial division. I don't know why, it's Indianapolis.
In Indianapolis, we have the black clubs and the white
clubs...black stores and the white stores...black salons and white salons. Now
don't get me wrong...there are some people of both races that break the mold.
They don't follow the status quo and visit places that cater toward the opposite
race. But the fashion industry....really?
I saw on Facebook last week a boycott against Midwest Fashion
Week because it's founder, a Haitian male has been accused of purposely
not promoting African American models and/or designers, because he's ashamed of
his African heritage. I was floored, because this same issue was on the tongues
of some when the Indianapolis Fashion Collective started. Many people said the
organization was full of elitist and didn't want to particpate because they saw
no representation of color within the ranks or there was no representation from
IFC at the "black" fashion events. STOP PEOPLE!
Are people being too touchy? Are people looking for something
to bitch about or does the Indianapolis fashion industry have a problem with
color? I think certain people do, we cannot change the ignorance of those who
choose to walk down a path of intolerance. But what we can do is support each
other, whether that person, model, designer, photographer, or corporation is
black or white or any other ethnicity or creed. Let's stop focusing on and
fueling the color line, but lets step over it. Because Indianapolis is filled
with talent from all sides; just think if we truly all came together and worked
on making Indy the new fashion hub of the Midwest. We would be
unstoppable.
~Janelle
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