Model Chantelle Brown-Young, also known as Winnie Harlow, has found success in the modeling world despite the fact that she suffers from the rare skin disease vitiligo. Previously, agencies turned her down because of her unique look, but now it has become her trademark and people are paying tribute to her by emulating her skin and sharing photos on social media.
The new trend has received backlash from people who feel those who are recreating her skin pattern are participating in blackface. The 21-year-old model quickly took to Instagram to defend those who are showing adoration, asking that people don't accuse them of being hateful. She also voiced her opinions on appropriation.
"My response to this is probably not what a lot of people want but here it goes: every time someone wants fuller lips, or a bigger bum, or curly hair, or braids does Not mean our culture is being stolen. Have you ever stop to realize these things used to be ridiculed and now they're loved and lusted over. No one wants to "steal" our look here...Just because a black girl wears blue contacts and long weave doesn't mean she wants to be white and just because a white girl wears braids and gets lip injection doesn't mean she wants to be black."
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