Urban Echo
Beyonce - A "Lighter" version of her Former Self
By IP Stuff
Aug 9, 2008 - 11:25:27 AM

When Beyonce signed on with L'Oréal in 2001 her career was big -- but not huge. As she became more mainstream, her look in the ads appear to evolve -- into a whiter version of her former self.

I saw the new L'Oréal ad a few days ago and well.... you take a look and see for yourselves...

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Something seems to be different in these photos.  From skin tone to hair color.  It seems that all atypical African American features are being toned out to reveal a more European look.  Is this intentional?  I think so...but why?

Why can't a powerful, talented African-American woman be celebrated for her natural beauty? L'Oréal claims they didn't change Beyonce's appearance, but who are they fooling? L'Oreal obviously wanted to make Beyonce look more "European".

I remember reading of a time when African American's had to pass the Brown Paper Bag test to determine if they would be admitted into certain social clubs, organizations, establishments, acting roles, etc.

Is this a modern reflection of that old thinking?  We'd love to hear from you.