Big brands vs. 'us'

[Urban]

I was just watching a current affairs program (Dateline for you aussies), and there was a segment discussing the skin colour divide that exists in Brazil... How darker skinned people are under-represented in the media. Nothing new.

BUT one of the experts being interviewed pointed out that these big brands specifically do not want to be associated with black people . You guys, I just really thought these companies didn't really care what black people did, as long as they were making money. But to think they may actually actively avoid being associated with anything 'black'? Damn....

I immediately thought of all the products that become very popular on here and among black people but are then mysteriously discontinued...

Maybe it's just people speculating. But I'd be interested in finding out from ladies here who work in marketing, branding, consulting, PR etc ... Is this tactic something that's actually done out there???

 

[hannan]

I just finished reading the transcript on the SBS website and it left me with a sour taste in my mouth. The expert goes on to say that they don't want blacks featured on their brands because they're economically poor and what's the point of featuring them if they can't afford the products - NOT BECAUSE THEY'RE BLACK So black = poor? All the blacks in Brazil can't afford anything now? Brazil has the largest population of black people outside of Nigeria. This is a bigger issue than economic status.

ETA: Here's the link if anyone's interested: http://www.sbs.com.au/dateline/story/transcript/id/600722/n/Flawed-Beauty

 

[LovingLady]

I was just watching a current affairs program (Dateline for you aussies), and there was a segment discussing the skin colour divide that exists in Brazil... How darker skinned people are under-represented in the media. Nothing new.

BUT one of the experts being interviewed pointed out that these big brands specifically do not want to be associated with black people . You guys, I just really thought these companies didn't really care what black people did, as long as they were making money. But to think they may actually actively avoid being associated with anything 'black'? Damn....

I immediately thought of all the products that become very popular on here and among black people but are then mysteriously discontinued...

Maybe it's just people speculating. But I'd be interested in finding out from ladies here who work in marketing, branding, consulting, PR etc ... Is this tactic something that's actually done out there???

What products are you referring to?

 

[Urban]

You're so right Hanna. When she said that, I turned to my mum and said, "Wow, they better be careful, because I think black people now have much greater purchasing power." Then I mention the example of how there are quite a few homebased business ladies starting natural hair care lines and doing quite well. I pointed out this young lady: Leanna Archer who is making $100,000 per annum. I'm pretty certain her main market would be black women. Then there's all the other YT ladies - blackonyx, kimmaytube, sunshine who are doing very well.

Then the bigger product companies - jane carter, karen's body beautiful, qhemet etc all targeted towards black women. Mind you, these are just a handful of hair care companies .... raking in, i'm sure in the 100,000s or more.... Are they really, really trying to tell us that black people have no purchasing power. Please!!

I guess I understand that psychologically, some may associate black people with ... ugh, as much as that pains me. But how about they wake up, be realistic and do the math!

 

[Urban]

What products are you referring to?

I've seen many a thread since joining this forum where people are complaining about popular products being discontinued. I can't remember them by name since it's never been anything that I use. I'll try and do a search later and see if I can come up with specific names for you.

 

[hannan]

Like one of the model agency dudes said, they take all of their inspiration from Europeans and Americans because they can't come up with any ideas of their own. And what do the majority of these Euro/American people look like? White. As long as they keep perpetuating that blacks are too poor, there won't even be a need for a market for them. It's all just stupidity.

 

[Krymsonkween]

I also feel more blacks are embracing their natural beauty and wyt america is scambling. I was reading athread that said the weave market is feeling the economic pressure.

As many of you have said you look more to what is working for you. I find that alot of commercial products have broken me out or I am having horrible allergic reactions.

People are seeking to live more eco friendly lives. I find for me regular baking soda and olive oil is so good for my skin. I went to the lancom counter just looking and the lady begain to tell me about their product and told me I have beautiful skin. She asked what did I use I told her baking soda and oilve oil. she bagan to tell me that was bad for my skin and would harm it. I kinda looked because earlier you told me that my skin was beautiful.

I have learned and take a better pro-active outlook for my healthy and and skin care. I research more and ask questions here.

I am learning to love me. I feel with this new age of women not excepting any ole piece of man or playing second fiddle, I feel this is why it is becoming the black woman can not get a man, the black women is this and the black woman is that. We no longer except that white is right or white is beautiful and we are moving to another demension that people are not used to.

If you will not accomodate me then I will accomodate it for myself.

 

[Vashti]

BUT one of the experts being interviewed pointed out that these big brands specifically do not want to be associated with black people . You guys, I just really thought these companies didn't really care what black people did, as long as they were making money. But to think they may actually actively avoid being associated with anything 'black'? Damn....

I immediately thought of all the products that become very popular on here and among black people but are then mysteriously discontinued...

I've heard of this issue before. It does make me wonder sometimes. This is why more black people (I can only speak about those of us living in the US since I'm American) need to wake up on a lot of different levels and support black businesses that cater to our specific needs and wants. And support the black beauty ideal. Some of us do but more of us need to do this.