Model Naomi Campbell recently stunned on a recent cover for The Guardian, and the runway legend shared some interesting viewpoints on diversity, considering this was her first mainstream photoshoot shot by a black person. However, it wasn’t just Campbell’s undeniably good looks that caught eyes in the interview, some had some interesting opinions on her comments in the cover story.
The supermodel considers herself an advocate for diversity, and spoke out about people calling inclusive efforts “cult like.” “I feel a difference on many levels now – but someone I know recently called it a ‘cult.’ It wasn’t that way when you had everything, was it? You wouldn’t say that when you were getting everything handed on a plate, and things were coming your way constantly.”
Continuing, “I’m the kind of person where, with my friends – and I take that word very seriously – I’m happy for what they get. So to hear this called a ‘cult’, that was like, ‘Wait a second: so you want me to feel bad now that things are turning the other way?’ No. We just want balance, end of story.”
Even though Campbell considers herself pro-inclusion, she said that she turned down a sizable amount of money to do a show that only cast Black folks. “I won’t do an all-black show, for instance, because it would be hypocritical given what I’ve stood for, for so long…Balanced inclusion.”
Some on social media attempted to call Campbell out for her comments, claiming her comments are quite misguided considering how many shows are naturally “all white” and that an all-black cast actually is progress towards equal opportunity for Black actors and representation on screen. But nevertheless, Campbell does not want diversity to be seen as a money grab for corporations.
“I can see clearly when brands want diversity because they get it and think it’s the right thing to do – and the ones who just think it will look bad if they don’t.”
I personally understand where Campbell is coming from, you can still be pro-black and support the cause while being able to share space with others who support you as well, but may not be of color. There is a difference in inclusion and participating in the problem. What are you guys thoughts?
