Wednesday, October 31

Chic Diversity



Currently there is all sorts of criticism from Vogue India readers regarding Australian supermodel Gemma Ward being on the cover with 5 other Indian models, on the magazine's first edition in India. Read article
here. One Indian reader said 'Call me overly PC but what the hell is Gemma Ward doing on the inaugural cover of Vogue India? Is she like 1/100 Indian or something from her dad's side 4 times removed?'. And another reader stated 'What is Gemma's significance in India and Indian culture? Are the desi models and actresses not sufficiently beautiful and glamorous to hold their own?. Another so-called fashion-reader said this 'Is Gemma an Indian or of Indian origin??She sticks out like a sore thumb between the gorgeous Indian girls. As usual if there is no dumb blond bimbo the magazine is not going to sell. I am so disgusted with Vogue India for putting an Aussie on an Indian magazine. Can you ever imagine Australian Vogue putting Bipasha Basu on their cover… never'. Alot of Indians complained that it's a symbol of 'white' dominance over other ethnicities. What this shows is that people who call white people racists are actually the real racists. I was so very disappointed and ashamed to see this kind of reaction from my own origin. This is about Fashion and not about India right? So what do you want..Aishawarya's face all over again to feed your ego? So if Gemma isn't Indian and shouldn't be on the cover, then why do Indian women wear western clothes at all? You give us the right to ask that. If this mixed cover does anything at all, it will only bring the world closer to each other. See the bigger picture for a change!

Now I'm not white and I have an Indian background, so my opinion on this would be unbiased and honest to the max. I have lived in Australia and mixed with both Eastern and Western culture long and well enough to shed some light on this issue. My first reaction to these racist comments was this - 'people, you are flaunting your backwardness real fashionably'. This distasteful and unintelligent reaction from some Indian readers tell me that so-called Indian fashionistas aint all that fashionable as they believe themelves to be. If India wants to prove they're not backward anymore, please wake up this very moment and prove it. So what if the Indian Vogue included a white model on their first cover? Black, brown, yellow or white, we are all humanbeings and these models share a common interest...and that's FASHION. Nothing else should matter. Besides, Vogue is an International magazine, not just Indian. No matter how deep your knowledge may be in fashion, if people can't look beyond skin color and embrace fashion for fashion and not for ethnicity, then their mentality is shoddier than an ancient tribe. What I'm trying to say is that if these people can't overlook physical differences and concentrate on talent and unity in an industry, instead of origins, then they should stop reading Vogue, kick their high-heels off, shed their halter-necks, wash off their Revlon makeup, don a grass skirt and move to the jungles. Cos that's where out-dated mentalities belong. STOP TRYING TO BE FASHIONABLE WHEN YOUR PSYCHE IS SHOCKINGLY UNFASHIONABLE. And that goes to every fashionista in the world. (this last pic is of Vogue China launched in 2005, which has Gemma and 5 Chinese models in it. The Chinese fashion industry and Vogue readers didn't die over white skin being on their first cover, neither did they whinge).


We have all benefitted from each others' cultures and we have evolved into being an intelligent, modern and tolerant society. These covers portray the smart, fashionable and modern woman - it's neither about the Indian woman nor the white woman. Go Bipasha, Gemma, Priyanka, Monikangana, Preity and Laxmi of Vogue India's inaugaral cover! All these models are unique and gorgeous women, working together for a greater cause. I love these covers, don't you agree? And remember, DIVERSITY WILL ALWAYS BE IN VOGUE. Wear it well ;-).

Today's song is one of my fav Hindi numbers...it's an old song and it basically means JUST HAVE FUN. Even in the olden days people seem to have known how to have fun. So lets just realise that and not get too serious and ugly about people's origins. We are one after all.


Current Music: Dum Maro Dum (from the Hindi movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna)

191 Cranium Signets:

J said...

yo kesar!
i like this song too ;)
and you have an indian background? i thot srilankan bg :D

Keshi said...

hey Jitterz!

:) Lets just say I dun hv an Indian background at all ok. So how does it matter Jitterz?

Keshi.

BUMBLE!!! said...

YOU SAID
Can you ever imagine Australian Vogue putting Bipasha Basu on their cover… never'.

I feel really dumb because I don't know who she is.
Then again, I feel dumb for not knowing who blonde girl is either.

I DON'T GET OUT MUCH.

have a good 1!!!

J said...

doesnt matter.. jus asked for my general knowledge ;)

Sweetstickychewy said...

Keshi you rock my socks in this post. Loved it!

I don’t see an issue just becuz a white lady is standing among the midst of the desi babes. I believe the idea of putting the beautiful aussie is not to prove the point that nothing can beat the white. At least that’s the way I choose to look at it.

Anyhow I don’t see why it’s a big deal that a white lady is in their midst. Seriously, I don’t understand why people love to make a big issue out of this kinda small or pointless matters. I thought many are vouching for peace in this already shaky land? Gee..

Keshi, I love when you said this below.

***If this mixed cover does anything at all, it will only bring the world closer to each other. See the bigger picture for a change!

That sums up the beauty of bearing with one another and accepting each other to make the world a better place.

The covers are really pretty...:)

U go sweetie!

Keshi said...

hey Bumble!

**YOU SAID
Can you ever imagine Australian Vogue putting Bipasha Basu on their cover… never'.


I didnt say that! :) An insensitive, arrogant, selfish Vogue reader said that.



** Bipasha Basu

is the girl who's the first one in the first pic, from the left. She's a Bollywoold actress/model.


tnxx Bumble!


-----------------------------------

hehe no worries Jitterz :)




Keshi.

Keshi said...

ty so much Amy! I knew u'd agree with my take on this matter...cos I know ur a SENSIBLE girl.


** I thought many are vouching for peace in this already shaky land? Gee..

Spot on! Thats exactly wut I mean. Why get divided more n more?


tnxx tonz Amy u rock!




Keshi.

Jim said...

if u ask me
I say Keshi shud be in the center

she gott what it takes to be brand ambassador for INDIA

Sri Lanka is no diff from TAMILS in India

Ash said...

Interesting post Keshi.

Well, Gemma does stick out like a sore thumb!

Must go out and grab my copy!

Keshi said...

Jim tnxx!

But Sri Lanka doesnt consist only of Tamils...it's Majority is Sinhalese...and they originally r from Orissa and Punjab in India. Tamils were from Kerala.


-----------------------------------

Ash hey!


**Gemma does stick out like a sore thumb!

how d u mean?


Keshi.

Southpaw unplugged said...

I dont hv any problem with the cover coz my eyes were on Bips and Priyanka, nothing else on the cover can distract my attention...:D

Amey said...

This is not about fashion, Keshi, this is about selling the magazine. And I agree with the person who said that the blond face on the magazine is going to sell the magazine (as well as establishing it as international)

Keshi said...

lolz Southy I thought abt u when I saw Priyanka on it!


-----------------------------------

hey Amey WC!


**This is not about fashion, Keshi, this is about selling the magazine.

VOGUE magazine is abt FASHION. Should we care abt anything else such as the profit they make etc?

If u and that other reader think that the WHITE face is going to sell more copies in India, then who's problem is it? Its YOUR problem.



Keshi.

Keshi said...

Amey = Fleiger :)

So tell me Fleiger...


Keshi.

Keshi said...

And Southy I'd like to know ur thoughts on this too..plz dun avoid the topic now LOL!

Keshi.

raffi said...

you're right. but, the inaugural issue is missing one key component - keshi!!! i loved that video - great song, beautiful singer. btw, paris hilton is the epitome of "loser" and how we become losers by becoming engrossed with her triviality in our lives... i think keshi makes everything so much better :)

Jim said...

what i object to in the cover foto is the dress


Indian woman is no indian woman without the sari

Jim said...

Bips and Priyanka are on the cover??

i didnt notice
I wud prefer all of them in indian dress


or nude

gP said...

Oh God, here we go again...

//If India wants to prove they're not backwards anymore, please wake up this very moment and prove it.// Agree 200% with you. I dont get India these days, they're like seeing the modern world culture for the first time, and still let their redneck equivalents to dictate what should be consumed and what not. WTF is wrong with contemporary culture being absorbed by the Indian youth? I hope the next time they complain of anything race and skin color biased, they ask their Bollywwod movie makers first why they still make ripoffs of foreign movies without shame.

P/s: me nevah tired of Kesh.

gP said...

Tamils are from Kerala! i TOT they from Tamilnadu...aaaaa...what do I know...I'm an alien...:P

Jim you suck!

gP said...

Keshi...its true that now India is more obssesed with White rather than unbiased love for art and fashion. Just have to get a whiff of whats coming from the Bolly and south movie industries to get a picture. I think they're rotting...turning into something like what the youth's in Japan and America go through...evolving into a cultureless creatures. Not all...but some of them anyway. I wonder what Bipasha and all the other girls would say about this.

Keshi said...

Raffi I take that as a genuine compliment...ty! :)


** paris hilton is the epitome of "loser" and how we become losers by becoming engrossed with her triviality in our lives

hehehe...we need all sorts of ppl to keep this world working hard right? :)

tnxx Raffi!


-----------------------------------

hey Jim!


**Indian woman is no indian woman without the sari


altho I dun agree that the Indian models MUST be wearing the saree on the Vogue cover, u hv a point there. If all those Indians who got annoyed by the fact that Gemma isnt Indian and shouldnt be on the cover, then maybe those Indian models there shouldnt be wearing Western clothes. Ur spot on there!




Keshi.

gP said...

happy Halloween keshi...watcha favourite dress if u were to trick or treat?

Keshi said...

lol @Nude!

-----------------------------------

hey Ghosty!


**. I dont get India these days, they're like seeing the modern world culture for the first time, and still let their redneck equivalents to dictate what should be consumed and what not.

I agree 100%! Well-said. Maybe it's high time they wake up. Worse,they even find it hard to admit it.



**Bollywwod movie makers

good point! Even the name Bollywood was copied from Hollywood!


Keshi.

Keshi said...

hi again Ghosty! :)

aww Im not tired of Ghosty either hehe. HUGGGGGGGGZ!


**Tamils are from Kerala! i TOT they from Tamilnadu

I mean the Sri Lankan tamils..their origin is Kerala.



Keshi.

J said...

racism is all over.. in india (against indians).. in australia.. in the US..
just the degree varies ;)

gP said...

I love the sri lankan tamil language...its damn sexy... :D But I love English more...coz we communicate...though i wish we talk in a language that Jim doesnt understand.

Keshi said...

hello again Ghosty :)

India is obsesses with WHITE, but they dun wanna admit it. Thats even worse! btw dun most Indians like fair skin? dun they shun dark skinned girls? So wuts the issue now? LOL! Hypocrisy I guess.


**evolving into a cultureless creatures.

yes..even Sri Lanka is like that now. But what Im saying is, if u like to be dressed and seen as Western, then dun pretend like ur sooo Indian! Just be whoever u r and be proud of it.


**watcha favourite dress if u were to trick or treat?

hmmm I guess a sexy cat-suit. LOL!


Keshi.

Southpaw unplugged said...

Well there r two reasons i dont like to talk abt racism and anything related to it, coz i hv myself faced that in the country which blabbers a lot on racial tolerance but has practically no control over their locals on such issues and i can say that so confidently coz i m well versed with the law enforcement system and the protocol in that country. And secondly like my wife says the day i stop calling ppl with names like jackass, Son of a bitch, Swine, etc then talk abt racism coz till then i wud be myself busy racially abusing them with all those lovely names.
As far as the magazine cover is concerned i dont think it had anything to do with white dominance or something, the aussie model looks good and gives a nice look between the two dusky beauties.

gP said...

cat suit...meowww.... wohooo...

Keshi said...

tnxx jitterz!


**racism is all over.. in india (against indians).. in australia.. in the US..
just the degree varies


I agree that Racism is everywhere duh! :) But this post is abt the Vogue India issue. And I had imagined u'd say something abt how the Indians reacted to it. Not abt global racism.

Anyways, if u dun wanna comment on it, thats fine. Then again, I feel that u dun wanna comment on it cos ur Indian...if thats the case, then thats being biased Jitterz. Its ok anyways :)



Keshi.

Keshi said...

lolz Ghosty Jim is gonna get ya now!

Keshi.

Keshi said...

Southy I admire ur honesty. TY!

And yes..what happened to u in Perth was pretty bad. I agree, every country has it's racist bastards...ppl with no brains.


-----------------------------------


meowwwwwww...scratch scratch...lol!

@Ghotsy




Keshi.

The Stormin Mormon said...

I have to say it...

I would be on the cover of Gemma Ward any day. ;-)

Unknown said...

I mean... who gives a damn! whos on the cover!

As long as there r hot chicks I am ok! Lolz....

AakASH!!! said...

Nice article lady, and very relevant too.

And btw, dum maaro dum means 'smoke up people!' Dum is a joint made in a clay cone called a chillum.

:) Love.

Keshi said...

lol Mormon I knew that!


-----------------------------------

hey Iceman!



**I mean... who gives a damn! whos on the cover!


seems like alot of Indians do care abt who's on the cover :)


I agree...as long as the models represent what the magazine stands for, who cares.



Keshi.

Southpaw unplugged said...

Yes u find that small section of ppl everywhere, like we had some who teased Andrew Symonds during their matches here and the reaction of the ppl over the cover is more or less coz of the way Symonds and Ponting bloated the whole issue in the media and even went ahead warning the Indian players to be carefull when they come down under.

Keshi said...

hey Aakash hal kya hai? :)


**dum maaro dum means 'smoke up people!'

yep I know that..it's a weed song ha? :):)


tnxx Aakash!


Keshi.

Southpaw unplugged said...

And whatever happened down under i wasnt proud of then but the more i read and listen to such issues i feel satisfied that atleast those jackasses will always remember me everytime they see themselves in the mirror.

Known Stranger said...

nice post. after a long time i am here. nice post that caught my eyes. more important nice pretty ladies in the post that gave a good smile. i went through your post keshi and infact after becoming global atleast india trying to be global this mean comments doesnt gell well atleast from my point of view. I agree with you except one comment and one particular word in the context you used.

first comments by those readers makes a feeling they are still wtih a closed mind. As i ofetn comment my own country ( i am still a indian to be noted) India a open country with closed mind. it clearly seen from the readers comments which i dont know what percentage they represent among the bigger crowd to give importance to their views and if are they the so called representation to pass judgment is one point of view to be given a thought. Because for everything there will be a comment and appreciation in world. the One thing that irks me in your post is the usage of this sentence.

"If India wants to prove they're not backwards anymore, please wake up this very moment and prove it."

you could have used the word open mind instead of backwards. I guess the usage of word could be more apt . just a view to share not to critize your post as you have the liberty to express. just want to share wont the word open mind more suitable in this context.

second thing - is this the subject the yard stick to guage if a country is backward or forward ? another thought that i dwelled.

Apart from that i have no clue on the magazine vogue togive a reall comment . just shared my views on the context of your post.

Keshi said...

hey Southy!

** like we had some who teased Andrew Symonds during their matches here

yes...it was disgusting behavior from Indian spectators. Its an embarassment for both the teams.



** Symonds and Ponting bloated the whole issue in the media and even went ahead warning the Indian players to be carefull when they come down under.

I dont think they bloated the issue Southy. It's natural to be hurt when ur in another country and being teased abt ur race etc. Ponting warned the Indian team only cos it's EXPECTED isnt it? Every country has it's racist spectators. So Ponting stated that it's not going to be all smooth for the Indian team when they r in Aus cos of what happend in India...its just a warning...not a threat.

I dunno, I see it that way. but if the Vogue issue went overboard cos of the cricket issue, who started it first?


Keshi.

Romeo Morningwood said...

Apparently 97% of all Earthlings from ages 4 -94 all agree on what features constitute a beautiful face.

Whatever the marketing angle is, the fact of the matter is that the gorgeous, dusky, ladies are absolutely stunning. I would say that the 'paleface' token white chick was unnecessary unless they are trying to get that Benneton feeling...but if they were they should have had First Nations, Blacks, Arabian, and Far Eastern Asian models etc. on the cover.

I don't know. They are all so beautiful but Gemma just sort of sticks out..
the post Colonial Era are still too fresh in the minds of many and the growing pains of overcoming the Centuries of Empire are still in force.

Maybe it is simply a matter of ratio...
there isn't a pattern and that is disconcerting from an esthetic point of view.

I wish that WE didn't notice, maybe our grandchildren won't.
How cool will that be.

Rani said...

hmmm - 'tis true that diversity will always remain among vogue, but i know ure not gonna like this - thinking from a general indian population perspective (mostly the average middle class or even lower who is reading this passing by) -- they might think that there is too much "white" or shall we say other influence and that india should pride upon ITS SELF instead of gathering its influence from others..


although i do realize what ure saying and completely agree with you. and yes, vogue is a foriegn magazine, so it should be display all things equally.

Southpaw unplugged said...

The Indian spectators started it and noone's proud of it either.

Keshi said...

hehe Southy I hope so too. So they will never be RACIST again. I think they learnt their lesson for life :)



-----------------------------------

hey KS how r u? Long time indeedz :) TY for stopping by mate.



**As i ofetn comment my own country ( i am still a indian to be noted) India a open country with closed mind

I dun think so...India as a nation is open-minded and a great country with a rich culture. Just that some Indians hv a closed mind...the ancient thinking pattern is hard to eradicate...thats all.



**you could have used the word open mind instead of backwards.

Im sorry to say this KS but thats how I see the reaction. It is backward. cos take a good look at it...India has come along way in fashion. But has the attitude changed? An instance like this shows it in great deal KS. Im talking abt Fashion alone here. I dunno abt the rest. But as Ghosty stated, most Indians dun like to admit that they r fastly becoming Western. Whats so wrong in becoming Western? And look at the Indian models on the mag...they all look very Western to me...and most of us hv no probs with that. So why the prob with a white face on it? It's a bakward attitude not wanting to ADMIT the changes that India is going thru. Dun u think so?


**is this the subject the yard stick to guage if a country is backward or forward ?

true...I agree on this one. This issue alone cannot judge the whole of India. As I said before, Im talking abt the fashion industry in India.


Anyways, it's not nice to hear ur own country being called backward KS. But I cant hide the truth...this reaction proved it. And even if Aus or Sri Lanka did it, I'd say the same.



Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey HE tnxx!

**I don't know. They are all so beautiful but Gemma just sort of sticks out..


yes she sticks out. But thats not the issue HE is it...the readers r questioning her origin and why she's on the mag etc. Dun u think thats unnecessary and quite rude?



Keshi.

Sig said...

Heya Keshi,

When I saw this as well, I was just annoyed at India. Honestly, they must have no idea who Gemma Ward is otherwise they wouldn't be saying that. She is an INTERNATIONAL supermodel, up with the ranks of Adriana Lima, Giselle and even Naomi Campbell.

What they see is the colour of her skin, and they have misinterpreted that. Vogue is about fashion and if they were truly serious about it they wouldn't have even put the Bollywood stars Bipasha and Priety, and perhaps not even Priyanka on it - just stuck with the supermodels that are the true face of fashion.

It's just stupid, Indians are yelling how people treat them differently due to their skin colour and they are doing exactly. the same.

Actually the girl was right, they would never put Bipasha Basu on the cover of Vogue becasue she is NOT a model. She is an actress. A beautiful one yes, but not a model. They would have been added there as they are more recognizable to the average Indian then the other two Indian supermodels and Vogue still needs to make money doesn't it?

I'm not saying that other editions of Vogue stick the rules of just models, but it isn't fair to say that the one person who really deserves to be on the cover of Vogue is being treated like that. I saw the billboard when I was in India and I was excited to see Gemma there becasue she is Aussie!! I didn't think it took away the "feel" of the cover from the Indian ladies at all.

Vogue is about fashion. That's it - nothing else should matter. Fashion is universal, it's a form of art and like art it has no boundaries. Anyone who doesn't see that - just don't read the magazine. Simple.

Keshi said...

hey Choco hows ur break going? :) Good I hope.


**they might think that there is too much "white" or shall we say other influence and that india should pride upon ITS SELF instead of gathering its influence from others..

is WHITE/BLACK/YELLOW the essence of Vogue Choco? This mag is abt Fashion, not abt COLOR. So why cant Indians see that?

If Indians do think that they should pride upon itself, then mebbe they should questiuon abt why the Indian models r wearing skimpy dresses in that pic? Mebbe they should be wearing the saree, as Jim said? Besides, I think Indian copies alot of Fashion/Movies etc from teh Western world. So whats the big deal anyways?

Just my thoughts Choco...thats all :)

tnxx for ur honest opinion!


Keshi.

Keshi said...

Southy thats right. Its the same when it happens here...when the Aussie bogans start being racist, its the same feeling we all get. Its not acceptable at all!


tnxx Southy!

Keshi.

gP said...

keshiroo...I got a Halloween post up...head there if ur free...

Keshi said...

hey Silvara tnxx for comin ova :)

Absolutely ROCKING comment...TY!


**they must have no idea who Gemma Ward is otherwise they wouldn't be saying that

I guess so too...mebbe they think she's just a white face and dun recognise the hard work she's put into being who she is today.



**Vogue is about fashion and if they were truly serious about it they wouldn't have even put the Bollywood stars Bipasha and Priety, and perhaps not even Priyanka on it

I thoguht the same! Cos tho Bips, Priyanka and Preity r super HOT n famous, they r not models right? I dunno, r they part-time models? Cos Vogue only represents the Fashion and modelling industry. ur absolutely right there Silvara!


**It's just stupid, Indians are yelling how people treat them differently due to their skin colour and they are doing exactly. the same.

Amen! thats what I always say too. If u dun like the behavior of some ppl, then why act the same way as they do?



**I saw the billboard when I was in India and I was excited to see Gemma there becasue she is Aussie!! I didn't think it took away the "feel" of the cover from the Indian ladies at all.

Exactly how I felt the first time I saw this cover. I was so happy the Aussies and the Indians r working together. And I thought that is HOT.


** Fashion is universal, it's a form of art and like art it has no boundaries.

Spot on Silvara! I say the same thing. Anyone who dunno what Fashion is, should drop their Vogue mags and go hide in a cave.


ty for ur enlightening, unbiased and superb comment!



Keshi.

Keshi said...

will be there soon Ghosty ty!

:)
Keshi.

Kay Vee said...

well said keshi...

i kinda feel a bit dumb at reading such biased comments coz i never looked at the issue in this way. in fact i still don't see it the way the other complaining Indians do... i agree with ya that it brings the world closer...

:)

i love that track and especially zeenat aman in it!

Keshi said...

heyya Trinz! :)


ty babes..I knew u'd agree cos ur a sensible woman. And u r above average when it comes to seeing the bigger picture.


**zeenat aman

I think she's one of India's HOTTEST women!



Keshi.

Neer said...

GUYS, hang ON!!! first thing first... lets stop calling India names... and especially, those of you who are even remotely related to the land... how could you belittle your roots? a tree however tall cant afford to do that!

I agree and disagree with you Keshi... true, this is an international mag and this cover shows the beauty of diversity.. . and true, there are lotsa folks out there who jus make their business to create a hullabaloo about nothing... empty mind is devil's workshop and this is true of humanity not jus of one country... the problems which plagues india... plagues the planet in varying degree.

Jim, i agree with your... "Indian edition without Indian Saree..." thing

But guys, a handful of people who manage to find time to have opinions about as trivial thing as a Fashion Mag cover and wouldn't spend a second thinking of kids in Somalia is a problem not just of a country but of the world.... so, plss lets not ride the bandwagon of either being "overtly patriotic show-offs so much so that if a guy named bobby jindal makes an american guvnor i am elated, doesnt matter if he is so much more american than indian" or being "bash india cos its in fashion esp cos am n-generation indian"

"ism" of any kind is not a balanced society...

however, a good post, Kesh!

anits said...

keshi shud replace gemma ther... ;) i wil b more proud gal!

Keshi said...

hey Neers ty for being so honest in ur opinion!


** and especially, those of you who are even remotely related to the land... how could you belittle your roots?

who do u mean by that Neers? If u meant me, Im half Indian. If u really look deep into my origins, Im fully Indian too. Cos both Sinhalese and Tamils originally came from India. :) Anywaysm, even if Im not Indian, I hv the right to say how I feel abt some thing like this. And this isnt abt belittling anyone's roots Neers...it's abt the TRUTH thats happening ard us. Patriotism shouldnt blind us from the reality should it?



**... the problems which plagues india... plagues the planet in varying degree

I agree...racism is everywhere. But when Aussies face terrible racism in the hands of Indians, did any Indian care? And when Indians r being called racist, all Indians come out to defend themselves...and thats not fair. Sometimes it takes alot of courage and grace to ADMIT that we can be wrong too.


**But guys, a handful of people who manage to find time to have opinions about as trivial thing as a Fashion Mag cover and wouldn't spend a second thinking of kids in Somalia is a problem not just of a country but of the world..


I dun think this is a TRIVIAL matter Neers. This is a very imp issue...it may be just abt a fashion mag, but the underlying issue is RACISM...and thats a very serious matter and it should be addressed when it happens. And various ppl find various things in the world interesting to hv opinions abt Neers...just like u hv ur's and I hv mine.


I think u misunderstood my post Neers..it's not abt bashing India. It's abt bashing RACSIM.


tnxx :)


Keshi.

Keshi said...

aww Anits I think u'd do a better job at it?


Keshi.

Menchie said...

that's a beautiful cover! those Indian models are gorgeous! Don't understand the negative reactions and you're right, they ARE being racists!

Keshi said...

ty Menchie! yes the Indian models r so gorgeous..and so is Gemma Ward. I think she's hot.

yes those ppl were being racist...but its sad that even the sane Indians dun see that as racism and instead they classify this post as an India-bashing post. All Indians seem to hate me now :)


Keshi.

Keshi said...

to Neers...

**RACISM

sorry abt the typo in my comment-reply.


Keshi.

J said...

haha..nothing like that..comments of few readers on a forum is not representative.. these r random gossipers who just say jus for the heck of it. to be honest, a majority of the indian population (incl me) doesnt give two hoots about this magazine or what models it uses. Better things to fret. ;)

Jeevan said...

"This is about Fashion and not about India right?" Your right dear!

Before that we have to think our gray side, where a top model was left in streets to beg and live… when no one to give voice for her, only after the media sounds.

Łóòň Ġãĺ said...

lol keshi .. this is the same india that made a fuss about shilpa shetty and richard gere's "kiss" ... talking about it is still acceptable but not burning posters and protesting against them on the roads and a court case??

there is so much inconsistency in India ... the upper class competes with the west whereas the middle class and the lower class does not want to get out of their shell. Making an issue of these little things keeps these politicians and others in limelight and thats the sole reason they do it!

i have no idea why was Gemma included ... but now that she is there .. they either accept it as it is ... or to be a lil positive they shud see it as how our own beauties stand out ... so much that u almost ignore Gemma's presence in there!
Indians are themselves very racist n then they accuse "whites" of the same!

these are the same indians ... who want "fair, slim and beautiful brides" for themselves when they advertise in the newspaper!

I guess, some things will and can never change ... it'll take generations to do that! So its worthless trying to change people's attitudes through an internet blog! And am not saying this coz am staying in the UK and i abhor Indians .. am very much an Indian from within .. but its just perspective I guess!

Am so terribly late for work Keshurr .. and if i get a sack ... u'll have to transfer money in my account every month .. what i earned here! lol

Bla said...

Happy Halloween 2 U all! :)

Gordie said...

I think India is becoming a very confident nation, especially the young university educated professional class (who, I imagine, will be the target audience of Vogue.)

India has had a relationship with England for the last two or three centuries, which includes positive and negative elements. I think the controversy over this picture reflects the best and worst of that.

So I'm with sweetstickchewy on this.

Peter said...

Disappointing that racism can still be a subject! You have unfortunately had to express something that should be so natural and obvious to all of us; all colours and mix of colours are beatuiful!

Vogue is beautiful to look at! Have you ever read an article?

Keshi said...

hey Jitterz tnxx!

**to be honest, a majority of the indian population (incl me) doesnt give two hoots about this magazine or what models it uses.

i.o.w. d u mean FASHION is not a major industry in India? I think not!


Keshi.

Keshi said...

will be bak with the rest of the comment-replies....

Keshi.

phishez said...

She does seem to stick out. Those girls (all of them) look absolutely stunning. But she has a different face shape and she doesn't have the same glow to her skin.

phishez said...

Also, I'm going to an Indian Cultural society night at Blacktown this weekend. Are you going by any chance?

Nora said...

O, dear! There's a definite message on that cover - unfortunately, those who complained failed to understand. [Or, it could just be Vogue's attempt to stir up controversy, sell more mags etc etc. :)]

Nora

Tys on Ice said...

I dont get it..this is Voques Australian edition rite?..then doesnt it make sense that it shud hve something australian abt it?

totally with u on this...sometimes we take our indianess to ridiculous length...

its a sort of racisim...

Shionge said...

You are so right to say that we all benefited from different cultures. Hmm...why can't people embraced all nationalities and just have fun like what you say...

Anonymous said...

where is my amisha patel?? lol
these girls look same to me..
ru singing in that video? looks like keshi-chan na!
thanks very much for great song!

Jay said...

I agree totally with you about the need and the greatness of diversity. There really isn't all that much diversity in the entertainment industry, and certainly not in terms of who the American media focuses on over here.

Personally I find it a bit boring. Every year or so the media finds a new standard issue white chick produced by the Hollywood slut factory to go ga-ga over.

Kind of like when Destiny's Child first got big. The media went bonkers over Beyonce. Sure, she's beautiful and talented, but the other two members of the group are pretty damn beautiful too. So, did the media focus on Beyonce because she was the lead singer, the super talent or because she had the lightest skin and dyed her hair blonde?

Vishesh said...

true....the people who say no white are racists...
as for india proving...i say we will prove it sooner than the world expects....

starry said...

I cannot believe people can be so shallow.We call other people racist. You said everything that needs to be said in these lines."if people can't look beyond skin color and embrace fashion for fashion and not for ethnicity, then their mentality is shoddier than an ancient tribe. "

Helen said...

I thought having Gemma with the Indian gals just showed the contrast of beauties... I wonder sometimes if we don't go overboard proclaiming our differences. What are our similarities?

Sameera Ansari said...

Real logical and intelligent musing there!Keep it up :)

Vidya said...

So very true. People then, did know how to have fun and how to belong. With the whole world shrinking we still do not know to belong as one :) Great post!

SIMON said...

Great post Keshi!
Totally agree with your view!!
The world is far too full of ism's!

Happy Halloween if it's not too late to say it to you Kesh, though I wish you happiness every day cos you rock!!

Little Miss Muffet said...

hey keshi, it's good to be back reading ur blog and that's a controversial topic for sure..
well, i will disagree with you on some points...maybe it's not about racism, maybe people are getting a little miffed since we have tons of beautiful indian models and actresses who can grace the cover of vogue..and since it's vogue india, maybe it should be more representative of india...i would love to see indian models in all the different shades of white, brown, black...then again, i haven't really read all the posts so i'm not sure if it is a racist thing...

i don't think gemma dominates the scene in the cover...maybe as u said, the one white model was shown to underline the international appeal of vogue...after all, if vogue in the US had indian models, no one would mind ....but maybe that's coz we are used to the diversity here in the US...lord knows I see more indians and chinese everyday than white people...probably coz we don't have that in india, people are finding it weird to accept it...

just my 2 cents worth:)

K M F said...

happy..

BUMBLE!!! said...

Sorry about the confusion, but personally, methinks the one to blonde things right could just obscure blond thing once and for all.

But that's just my guy opinion.

radiohead said...

hmm .. rite !!
I dont mind ne gals on d cover .. as long as thy r hot :D .. hehe .. I guess I wont evn mind sober gals there ..

nothing has got to do with nationalities ..neither fashion..

I guess those were comments of some ppl who jus want to put some comment .. else u see a lot of diff nationality models walkin the ramp with an equal praise in events like lakme fashion week

I guess now we are a wrld ..nd not countries or continents .. I love aus frsure :D .. nd d gals .. its jus tht u knw ..there's a bit of adjustment factor bcause things wrk a bit diff at places .. nd I observed tht most of d cultures have hint of the others as well ..

Globescoper said...

Hi Keshi

I agree with you.

I think cultures are worth preserving. Diversity has little to do with saving cultures. I live close to the most diversified, multi-cultural city in the world. Each culture is represented in some aspect. This city works because it's multi-cultural.

As for Western culture, I really have no clue as to why this phrase is used.

If there is such a thing as Western culture, it originated in Britain.

I have yet to find anyone who can truly define Western culture.

Bev

robkroese said...

Ok, nobody else has the guts, so I'm going to say it. Where are all the fat, ugly chicks? Discrimination!

Anonymous said...

To be honest, I'm not sure what to think. I do think we don't see enough Black, Indians, Asians, Arabic etc, top model in front page of magazines, and that's true for all countries. That's bad. That's ignoring all people with a different background... not to mention that even among white, we're not all 1.80 m tall and thin with long blond hair !

That said, I don't see a big deal in the cover...

EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima said...

Vogue did nothing odd or wrong.

The Art Edditor and Art Director knew perfectly what they were doing professionally and commercially.

Aptly described as "Chic Diversity" by Keshi and I would have been disappointed if my Sweet Keshi did not agree with the concept of Vogue.

Cheers and God bless.

Keshi said...

And Jitterz I wanted to say this...

**nothing like that..comments of few readers on a forum is not representative.. these r random gossipers who just say jus for the heck of it.


not really. There was so much criticism it made into International news. thats how I got to know abt this story...I dun go to these sites to chat abt fashion...I read this on Int'l news.


**to be honest, a majority of the indian population (incl me) doesnt give two hoots about this magazine or what models it uses. Better things to fret.

Its not so much abt WHO is on the cover..it's how ppl reacted to it. And I think FASHION/ENTERTAINMENT is pretty big in India.


tnxx!



Keshi.

Keshi said...

heyy Jeevan ty!

**where a top model was left in streets to beg and live

really? OMG who was that? thats really sad.


-----------------------------------



hey Cheesy ty for dropping by amidst ur busy schedule :)


**this is the same india that made a fuss about shilpa shetty and richard gere's "kiss" ... talking about it is still acceptable but not burning posters and protesting against them on the roads and a court case??


LOL yes. Thats what I used the term BACKWARD. Majority of India needs to wake up...seriously. This is the 21st century. And wuts wrong with a kiss and a hug? for godssakes wut do Bollywood movies always depict..sexual and flirtatious moves in every damn song! wut abt that then?




**there is so much inconsistency in India ... the upper class competes with the west whereas the middle class and the lower class does not want to get out of their shell.

true..



**Making an issue of these little things keeps these politicians and others in limelight and thats the sole reason they do it!

Politics is ugly in countries like Sri Lanka and India...cos the politicians r selfish...they dun care abt the country n ppl, they only care abt themselves.



**i have no idea why was Gemma included ... but now that she is there .. they either accept it as it is ...

thats right...now that she's there, accept it.



**Indians are themselves very racist n then they accuse "whites" of the same!

Exactly! And alot of ppl dun wanna agree with me on that cos they FEAR admitting it! Im not afraud to say it, Indians r as racist as much as whites r.



**these are the same indians ... who want "fair, slim and beautiful brides" for themselves when they advertise in the newspaper!

HAHAHA thats exactly wut I said to someone else in my reply to them. Dun they adore LIGHTER skin color and shun darker women?? this is such a joke.



**So its worthless trying to change people's attitudes through an internet blog!

I agree...but wut surprises me is that even today's generation dun wanna ACCEPT that this is racism...just cos that wud mean belittling their motherland? I dun get it!



**And am not saying this coz am staying in the UK and i abhor Indians .. am very much an Indian from within .. but its just perspective I guess!

so true! I mean alot of ppl think just cos I live in Aus, Im a traitor. Im so not. I love Sri Lanka and India...my origins. But that doesnt mean Im gonna insult other cultures. I respect humanity, not the color of skin.


ty Cheesy now u can go to work MWAH! :)



Keshi.

J said...

nope.. thats not what I meant. When I say majority, I mean >50% .. when 60-70% of the country is dependent on agriculture, you talking of few comments in a fashion magazine to be representative of the feelings of indians as a whole?
Wrong sampling, i would say.
Thats like saying Indians have racially abused Symonds just b/c a couple of guys made faces at him.
By definition, racism is "Discrimination or prejudice based on race." Now personally I dont have any problem if xyz from abc country appears on the cover, but if someone else opines that there is no logic to have an aussie model in an Indian magazine, I dont see any racism in that comment. Sure, you will always find some people making personal attack on people - blonde or otherwise - and you cant call them representative.

Keshi said...

hey Bla ty n Happy Halloween to u too mate!


did u hv an eerie nite? :)


-----------------------------------

hey Gordie WC n tnxx!


** I think the controversy over this picture reflects the best and worst of that.


I agree...it's a love-hate r'ship of many generations.




Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Peter!

**You have unfortunately had to express something that should be so natural and obvious to all of us;

Spot on! I dun even hv to write this post...it should hv come naturally to ppl..cos this is abt Fashion, not abt taking over a country!


-----------------------------------


hey Phishez hows u?


** But she has a different face shape and she doesn't have the same glow to her skin

well mebbe its more obvious cos she's with 5 other dusky gals. If she was with 5 other white women, it wud hv been different. But I still think Gemma is HOT. Im not saying this cos I live in Aus, but she's got that model look...a lil bit like Kate Moss too.


**Indian nite

aww how nice! I dun think Im going to that one this wknd cos Im going to a music concert on Sunday WOOHOO! :) anyways enjoy hun!

tnxx babez!


Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Nora tnxx!

**unfortunately, those who complained failed to understand. [Or, it could just be Vogue's attempt to stir up controversy, sell more mags

mebbe...but whatever the motive is, as long as it promotes fashion n beauty, thats all that matters right? :) And the msg of multi-culturalism is also a bonus isnt it!




Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Tys, na this is Vogue India's inaugaral launch. :)


**sometimes we take our indianess to ridiculous length...

very true...


ty Tys!


-----------------------------------


hey Shionge tnxx!


**why can't people embraced all nationalities and just have fun like what you say

exactly my point too. I mean it isnt so hard to do!




Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Niki tnxx!

**amisha patel

she's busy dancing ard a tree...LOL!


**all look the same

I agree..a lil bit monotonous with all having straugh hair, same colored dresses etc...so its great that Gemma was in it to make the 'difference'! :)


me singing that? hell na LOL!


-----------------------------------


hey Jay I agree...


**media finds a new standard issue white chick produced by the Hollywood slut factory to go ga-ga over.

LOL very true.



**did the media focus on Beyonce because she was the lead singer, the super talent or because she had the lightest skin and dyed her hair blonde?


hmm good qn...mebbe thats why. I dun like Beyonce anyways...she's beautiful but that doesnt make her talented...I mean take a good look at her lyrics...'baby come get my jelly'...???


also cud it be the same reason why MJ changed into being white?


tnxx Jay!


Keshi.

Keshi said...

Thats good to hear Vish...sounds very promising :)


-----------------------------------

ty Starry!

I guess u n I u'stand it better cos we live overseas...we r exposed to many cultures here and we get the drift. But some ppl who live in India n hv never been living o/s, must be narrow-minded. Its a result of not being exposed to other cultures..so they think all whites r racist n they retaliate etc etc...




Keshi.

Keshi said...

heyyya Helen!

**just showed the contrast of beauties...

exactly! If all the girls were dusky in that pic, it wud hv been monotonous.


**I wonder sometimes if we don't go overboard proclaiming our differences. What are our similarities?

Brilliant thought! I wonder if ppl ever think that way. But Im glad that I hv u thinking just like me :) HUGGGGGGGGZ n ty!


-----------------------------------

ty Sameera! :)





Keshi.

Keshi said...

Hello Vidya!

**People then, did know how to have fun and how to belong. With the whole world shrinking we still do not know to belong as one

Spot on! Very well-said. Its like the gap is widening along with the time...its sad!



-----------------------------------

ty Simon HUGGGGGGGGGZ!

Hope u had a 'monsterous' nite? :)





Keshi.

ghee said...

Well,Vougue is obviously a Fashion Magazine,and I don`t think races have anything to do with it :)

even a baby has a choice of his/her own fashion ;)

btw,I got you tagged,Keshi dear.
i`m looking forward to seeing your reply for a favor.I know that you could make an interesting one.

Have a nice day!!

and oh,you could see the tag HERE

ghee

Keshi said...

hey Miss.Muffet WB! :) hows u?


**maybe it's not about racism, maybe people are getting a little miffed since we have tons of beautiful indian models and actresses who can grace the cover of vogue..

I see this as RACISM..cos these ppl whinged abt Gemma NOT being Indian and being a 'dumb blonde' in their own words..isnt that racism?


*and since it's vogue india, maybe it should be more representative of india...

India may hv beautiful models of Indian blood, but Vogue isnt abt India...it's abt Fashion. This may be the Indian edition, but that doesnt mean the cover and pages MUST carry 'Indianness'. Besides there were 5 Indian models with Gemma..there's clearly MORE Indianess in there isnt it. Isnt that enough to satisfy the Indians?



**i would love to see indian models in all the different shades of white, brown, black...

That wud hv been really nice, yes. I agree.



**...probably coz we don't have that in india, people are finding it weird to accept it...


I so agree on that one Missy. So true. Cos we live overseas, in multi-cultural countries, we r exposed to all sorts of cultures. Very well-said Miss!

And ty :)



Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey KMF wut d u mean by happy?


-----------------------------------


tnxx Bumble!


**could just obscure blond thing once and for all.

hehehe...its never gonna be that way anyways LOL!



Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Anuj tnxx!


**I guess those were comments of some ppl who jus want to put some comment .. else u see a lot of diff nationality models walkin the ramp with an equal praise in events like lakme fashion week


but this made to Int'l news cos the criticim was massive. Lakme Fashion week...I love watching it :)


U like Aussie sheilas ha..;-)



-----------------------------------


hey Bev ty!


**As for Western culture, I really have no clue as to why this phrase is used.

yeah..what reall is Western culture? Cos even these 'Indian' models on the cover r wearing 'Western' clothes right!




Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Anuj tnxx!


**I guess those were comments of some ppl who jus want to put some comment .. else u see a lot of diff nationality models walkin the ramp with an equal praise in events like lakme fashion week


but this made to Int'l news cos the criticim was massive. Lakme Fashion week...I love watching it :)


U like Aussie sheilas ha..;-)



-----------------------------------


hey Bev ty!


**As for Western culture, I really have no clue as to why this phrase is used.

yeah..what reall is Western culture? Cos even these 'Indian' models on the cover r wearing 'Western' clothes right!




Keshi.

Keshi said...

heyy Diesel!

**Where are all the fat, ugly chicks? Discrimination!

Well-said! WHERE R THEY? The normal ones? :)


-----------------------------------


hey Zhu ty!


**That's ignoring all people with a different background...

well to a certain extent I agree with ya...but the reason why Blacks, Indians, Arabs etc r not so much on the covers of Int'l mags is not cos of WHITE dominance...I dun think so. They r no there cos they dun make it to the top, cos of their cultural differences. White women r daring and modelling is a career made for them. Whereas women of Indian and other cultures, come from conservative backgrounds and to make it to Int'l level, is a BIG step.


Having said that, Naomi Campbell made it...Salma Hayek made it...Aishwarya Rai made it. etc etc. These r the exceptional women from other cultures. The message is, if you have a will, there is a way. We cant blame it on white dominance.




Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Ori ty!


**The Art Edditor and Art Director knew perfectly what they were doing professionally and commercially.

I agree 100%.



Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Jitterz!


**When I say majority, I mean >50% .. when 60-70% of the country is dependent on agriculture, you talking of few comments in a fashion magazine to be representative of the feelings of indians as a whole?


its not few comments..its all over Jitterz. It made to Int'l news. What it shows is that even the edcated, upper class Indians r still bakward in theit attitude. So do we hv any hope on the rest of the Indians?


**Wrong sampling, i would say.
Thats like saying Indians have racially abused Symonds just b/c a couple of guys made faces at him.

I agree...thats not fair to to brand ALL Indians as racist based one incident. Then its the same for Darrel Hair incident...Indians?paks branded ALL Aussies as racist just cos of one guy. FAIR IS IT?



**By definition, racism is "Discrimination or prejudice based on race." Now personally I dont have any problem if xyz from abc country appears on the cover, but if someone else opines that there is no logic to have an aussie model in an Indian magazine, I dont see any racism in that comment.

This is NOT an Indian mag! Its an Indian edition of an Int'l mag.



**Sure, you will always find some people making personal attack on people - blonde or otherwise - and you cant call them representative

I agree...


so coming back to the post topic, d u think these ppl said the right thing by Gemma then?



Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Jitterz!


**When I say majority, I mean >50% .. when 60-70% of the country is dependent on agriculture, you talking of few comments in a fashion magazine to be representative of the feelings of indians as a whole?


its not few comments..its all over Jitterz. It made to Int'l news. What it shows is that even the edcated, upper class Indians r still bakward in theit attitude. So do we hv any hope on the rest of the Indians?


**Wrong sampling, i would say.
Thats like saying Indians have racially abused Symonds just b/c a couple of guys made faces at him.

I agree...thats not fair to to brand ALL Indians as racist based one incident. Then its the same for Darrel Hair incident...Indians?paks branded ALL Aussies as racist just cos of one guy. FAIR IS IT?



**By definition, racism is "Discrimination or prejudice based on race." Now personally I dont have any problem if xyz from abc country appears on the cover, but if someone else opines that there is no logic to have an aussie model in an Indian magazine, I dont see any racism in that comment.

This is NOT an Indian mag! Its an Indian edition of an Int'l mag.



**Sure, you will always find some people making personal attack on people - blonde or otherwise - and you cant call them representative

I agree...


so coming back to the post topic, d u think these ppl said the right thing by Gemma then?



Keshi.

Keshi said...

**educated


Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Ghee ty sweetz!

**even a baby has a choice of his/her own fashion

so true! :):)

k will check ur blog soon....tnxx!



Keshi.

lee said...

keshi -I saw this article as well and thought:what are they worried about? They should actually be happy that gemma was in the photo -it actually means that the rest of the world knows that there even is such a thing as an indian vogue magazine -has drawn some attention to their own lovely ladies. It paints the country in a good light. If the models themselves didn't have a a problem with posing with a white woman, why should anyone else have a problem with looking at it?? Like you said, they are all beautiful women :).

Amey said...

Oh, the subject of the magazine may be fashion, but the faces on the cover are sure to be about profit. More well known and well accepted the cover, the more the magazine will sell.

And what I said is ground reality in India. I am not saying it is good, but it is the fact. Why do you think every cosmetic company here has a "fairness" cream, now even for men?

Jim said...

, GHOSTY
tuje maicho go
konnen sangle tuka ullong?


tujo pai tujo pai nuin
tuje mai fotti marta
,

Jim said...

Why do you think every cosmetic company here has a "fairness" cream, now even for men?



VEST HAS THE ANSWER
read his current post

Known Stranger said...

the country is far far back ward no doubt about it. atleast i can really comment it as had lived in india and see the better world in south east asia if not western world. But still fashion is not the yardstick to comment on a country i strongly feel. there are forward well developed countries with greatest economy and infrastructure and advancement where fashioning to western world costume is prohibited or not liked atleast. just a view that judging or passing a comment on the aspect of fashion is bit too over wording is my opinion. for ex few of my friends who are Pr of aust at times comment me - though aus is so western yet the minds of few aus whites have racial feelings towards brown skin when it comes to bottom line of employment though they dont exhibit - we cannot pass the judgment on aus keeping this as a yard disk. how ever.. one good thing.. you posted the nice gals pictures and i had a good grin looking at their perfect beauties.

Keshi said...

heyya Lee hows u? I hope ur feeling much better now?


**what are they worried about?

Exactly my point! Wut r they WORRIED abt?


**They should actually be happy that gemma was in the photo -it actually means that the rest of the world knows that there even is such a thing as an indian vogue magazine -has drawn some attention to their own lovely ladies.

good point! Cos Vogue is an int'l mag, and by Gemma being on India's inaugaral cover, it's actually a RECOGNITION factor for Indian modelling and fashion industry on Int'l standards. It's not a symbol of dominance, rather a treading aid to the Int'l fashion market.


**It paints the country in a good light

definitely! It symbolizes that India stands for Freedom, Peace and Harmony. Not so when I read the Vogue comments LOL!


**If the models themselves didn't have a a problem with posing with a white woman, why should anyone else have a problem with looking at it

Spot on! mebbe those ppl who were against it should come n pose on the Vogue..haha!



-----------------------------------

hey Amey/Fleiger :)


**but the faces on the cover are sure to be about profit.

so why should that worry the Indians?


**Why do you think every cosmetic company here has a "fairness" cream, now even for men?

If Indians want to be fairer, then why the big hype abt a white model on the cover? I dun u'stand. All I can think of is the words HYPOCRISY, DENIAL?



Keshi.

Keshi said...

Good morning Jim!


wuts fotti? :)


-----------------------------------

hello KS! So u came ard again to take another glance at these pretty faces ha ;-) goodo!


I agree with wut u said..u cant judge an entire nation based on few ppl's actions.

BUT...yes there's a but :)


India has a long way to go when it comes to being FORWARD in the attitude. So does Sri Lanka. I lived in both countries Aus and SL..so I can tell w.o. bias. India and SL may seem FORWARD with the way ppl dress, move ard etc but not in the attitude. We are evolivin nations but not quite there yet.

Leave aside the Fashion industry cos u say its such a minor area...so then take a look at how the Caste-based voting system still exists in India...how FAIR skin is such a big deal in marriages...how a simple KISS by Richard Gere caused so much mayhem...how Politicians just dun do anything for the country but themselves...surely AUS/US/UK dun hv such ANCIENT and BACKWARD issues to deal with, tho they may hv other issues.


Keshi.

J said...

i dont find ANYTHING wrong or narrow-minded with any customer who wants to see only indian models in an indian version of the magazine. Altho i cudnt care less, but it makes sense to have indian models for an indian version. Duh! Attacking someone personally is wrong. But just expressing opinion or a preference is not racism. A small issue is made into an international news.. so I wont look much into it either Like I said, its def not the concern of 60-70% of the Indians.

The magazine owners has a right to bring whoever they wish to. Its *their* model. Similarly, the magazine readers have a right to express their preference for Indian models, if thats what they want. This infact is gonna be good for the magazine. As long as there is no personal attack, I refuse to brand people as racists just based on their personal opinions/preferences.

Keshi said...

heyy Jitterz...

**As long as there is no personal attack, I refuse to brand people as racists just based on their personal opinions/preferences.

Wasnt calling Gemma a dumb blonde racist?


I really find it hard to believe that u find it hard to ADMIT that this is racism! Im done.


Keshi.

J said...

if u read above, i have already commented against personal attacks. How many such attacks have you seen? These are the noises that need to be ignored b/c like i said, racists are everywhere. If you feel someone objecting to having an aussie model in the magazine (without resorting to personal attacks) is tantamount to racism, i dont agree :)

Keshi said...

ok Jitterz lets just agree to disagree on that!

Keshi.

J said...

;)

Anonymous said...

I guess someone has said it already, but it is all about selling magazines and the controversy will sell even more.

Jim said...

Jitu

why r u getting so worked up?
its only WORDS

if u ask me
the most racist of the racist is an indian

we treat white skin women like goddesses (UK, USA)

while the black woman is treated like dirt (Nigerians)

when looking for a bahu
your mom will want wheat complexion

in konkani the lang of GOA
white is referred to as nitao
meaning clean

the native goanese licks white asses

in GOA, u go to a restaurant as an indian
u will be served last

the white folks get premium treatment


I LOVE MY INDIA
visit this blog of mine

Keshi said...

aha Andrew that too!

if WHITE sells in India, then who's problem is it? really :)


-----------------------------------


Amen Jim!

atleast u admit it. alot of Indians live in denial.



Keshi.

J said...

@ Jim
who is getting worked up? I am just being logical ;)

Keshi said...

Jitterz but everything that Jim said is SO TRUE abt India...logical u may be, but it doesnt show in what Jim said abt India. :)


I think Indians like Westernism and wanna live that way too...but they dun wanna openly ADMIT to it.


Keshi.

J said...

@jim again
also, marriages et al is a matter of prefrence. lets not confuse preferences with racism. all it means is u r denying someone's right just b/c s/he is from a different race. In marraige, no one has a right on anyone else. x chooses y based on whatever preference s/he has. Now if that preference means usurping a fundamental right, sure its racism. I dont see how arranegd marriages correlate with racism.

just my $0.02 :)

Jim said...

Racial differences will be a thing of the past as interbreeding -( this is not the type of inter breeding among relatives in Tasmania known to produce offspring with twin heads)- produces a single coffee-coloured skin tone. Some people I know have achieved this already.

The future for our descendants isn't all long life, perfect bodies and chiselled features.

While humans will reach their peak in 1000 years' time, 10,000 years later our reliance on technology will have begun to dramatically change our appearance.

Medicine will weaken our immune system and we will begin to appear more child-like.

The future of man will be a story of the good, the bad and the ugly.
While science and technology have the potential to create an ideal habitat for humanity over the next millennium, there is the possibility of a monumental genetic hangover over the subsequent millennia due to an over-reliance on technology reducing our natural capacity to resist disease, or our evolved ability to get along with each other. After that, things could get ugly, with the possible emergence of genetic 'haves' and 'have-nots'. And the workforce a major race of ugly mishapen hunch backed Gnomes






for more read VEST

J said...

if someone likes X and doesnt wanna admit, thats not racism. I think there is a confusion about the definition of racism. read my post above. Might clear some confusion ;)

ghee said...

oh yes,I think I know u so well,Keshi :)

pls do me a favor,answer my question here on your blog so you could elaborate for more that would interest your reader.well,i believe that you have "knowledgeable" answers for my Q.

thanx!time to work now!Have a nice day,Keshi dear!

cm chap said...

Too many people are jobless who want to ensure always this kind of controversies are alive.

Personally for me... It doesn't matter who s there. All I wanna see is gorgeous fashion models. WOW... They seduce me.

BTW... Why Keshi missed in that??? I defntly condemn that.

Jim said...

also, marriages et al is a matter of prefrence. lets not confuse preferences with racism.
,
Jitu
your logic is nutsincaps
,

the preference for white over black all other things being equal
is discrimination




Discrimination on colour sex and gender is against the law in india


I can sue u Jitu
if u reject me in a job interview for instance

Southpaw unplugged said...

@JIM/SABY

in GOA, u go to a restaurant as an indian
u will be served last****Thats the only way they hv figured out to deal with someone like u who gets into the place and starts blabbering in konkani and tries to get extra discount. I read u blabbered some really bad things in konkani for ghosty...
Now seriously stop using the terms WE, INDIANS, coz like it or not times hv certainly changed for good, unfortunately u dont get to see all that coz most of ur time is consumed abusing ppl on net and a few mins of work and the remaining hours in boozing.

Nadine said...

Nicely said Keshi. The cover by the way is absolutely beautiful as is.

Southpaw unplugged said...

The topic seems to hv taken a very interesting turn here unfortunately ofcourse. Some jacks make few comments and rest of us get on disecting the entire country's attitude and culture!
Read somewhere in the comment section that the magazine's abt fashion and in that case Bipasha Basu or a Preity Zinta or a Priyanka Chopra r not meant to be there, well in that case i wud like to make a point that if that magazine is supposed to be circulated in the Indian sub-continent then u gotta put those ppl on the cover coz a majority of females in the region dont follow whata Naomi Campbell or Gemma Ward displays, they follow a Priyanka Chopra or a Bipasha Basu or a Preity Zinta or a Lara Dutta.
Anyway different ppl, different perceptions...

Steph said...

Speaking from a marketing perspective this is GOLD because the cover achieved what it set out to do. Get people TALKING and clicking to see what the drama is.

From a laypersons perspective, it makes no sense. It would appear they threw some random chick in the mix. Please know that is NOT the case and knowing the beauty editors of Vogue, they're very clever.

This is nothing more than a marketing tool.

Speaking personally, I think it's a beautiful shot and shows the diversity of female beauty.
Having said that, I would sorely love to see more Indian divas in the pages of our fashion magazines. Their look is exotic, pure and friggin HOT!

Keshi said...

Jitterz hello :)


** lets not confuse preferences with racism. all it means is u r denying someone's right just b/c s/he is from a different race.

plz tell me u understand that certain prefenrences can be very racist too! Racism can also be a preference..dun forget that!



-----------------------------------

tnxx Ghee :) I just did it...hope u like it.

MWAH!




Keshi.

Known Stranger said...

true.. in regd the subject you speak in comments sect. In a way i never defended and never tried to defend. indians attitude has a long way to go to get more better for themself.Not for getting the approval of the other world because one each part of the country is so called different because they are wired to be so. When trying to want to people causes all these problems. But the whole point i want to make is - on context to your post alone the fashion. that should not be a yardstick to pass a opinion back ward is my point to share. If you had posted the right yardstick to pass that opinion certainly i wont have taken pains to share my view. the fact is india is backward in many aspects and nothing there to deny it. If i am hypocrite i can argue and defend. the most richest wealthiest nation is in highest debts as of date. Some where i read the figures cant quote it again sorry to be with no figures- so every country will have its share of backwardness and forwardness. All a relative term. its all about with what we compare. if the comparing comes on spritual enlightment the whole equations would go upside down i guess. Again not defending the attitude of india just sharing my view in pretext to the post and your opinion you passed while writing on the subject. again came to view the pretty skin of these gals. wow yea.. nice colour and skin :d see my attitude.. too cheap :D just kidding.

Keshi said...

hehe I agree Chap ty!

me? no ways! Im Sri Lankan by birth so Indians will complain abt that too LOL!


-----------------------------------


hey Jim!


**the preference for white over black all other things being equal
is discrimination


Spot on!




Keshi.

Keshi said...

ty Nadine!
:)


-----------------------------------


hey Southy hows u? :)


**if that magazine is supposed to be circulated in the Indian sub-continent then u gotta put those ppl on the cover coz a majority of females in the region dont follow whata Naomi Campbell or Gemma Ward displays, they follow a Priyanka Chopra or a Bipasha Basu or a Preity Zinta or a Lara Dutta.


I agree...and thats a valid point that those commentors could hv highlighted upon, instead of asking if Gemma has Indian blood. That was the racist bit. U made a good point there TY!




Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Stepher ty for comin ova!


**Speaking from a marketing perspective this is GOLD because the cover achieved what it set out to do. Get people TALKING and clicking to see what the drama is.

definitely!



**From a laypersons perspective, it makes no sense. It would appear they threw some random chick in the mix. Please know that is NOT the case and knowing the beauty editors of Vogue, they're very clever.

aha...



**This is nothing more than a marketing tool.

I agree...but it also somehow makes the world look closer to each other right? I think that makes it hotter.


**Speaking personally, I think it's a beautiful shot and shows the diversity of female beauty.

exactly my point!



**Having said that, I would sorely love to see more Indian divas in the pages of our fashion magazines. Their look is exotic, pure and friggin HOT!

me too...yet Steph, the fact that Indian Aussies dun do much modelling still remains true...if they r determined they will make it to the covers just as much as any Aussie model does...

tnxx hun!


Keshi.

Keshi said...

KS u urself just now stated India in BAKWARD in many areas...so does yardsticks matter anymore? :)

Keshi.

Southpaw unplugged said...

I m doing good keshhhaaayyy..:) How u doing?

Keshi said...

Im doing good myself Southy ty! :)


Keshi.

Jim said...

I guess SOUTHY is hurt
Indian pride is hurt

I am an Indian too SOUTHY
but I dont believe in my country RIGHT or RONG

I will expose the bad tings about us Indians for all to hear

it is not bcoz i love India less
i want my country men to change

u get a lott of change by shaming the rascals

the BMC recently had a campaign called CHEE CHEEE

if u see a man spitting paaan on the road u said CHEE CHEEE

we still have a lott that requires change

caste discrimination for instance
and color discrimination
and gender discrimination

we still have female foeticide
and dowry deaths

Southpaw unplugged said...

@JIM/SABY
U want ur countrymen to change! did u changed in the last 57 yrs????List me one thing u did constructive for ur motherland, except for paying tax that too after all the possible adjustments what the HELL u did for the country? Even ur intelligence is a waste when u approve things just to keep ur client happy! Exposing wrong things and making fun doesnt gets ppl change, u hv to do things urself and make an example and then see how many of'em follow u in the right way and even if nobody does u atleast hv the peace in mind that u did the right things...
I really HATE u oldman, coz my country cud never achieve the things it shud hv by now only coz of talented wastes like u.

Jim said...

my apologies GHOSTY
I said your dad
aint your dad

your mama lied

J said...

racism is an *act* of discriminating against someone in a public place/at work/anywhere only on the basis of one's *race*. Act and Race are important when it comes to racism.
It was the act of throwing Mahatma Gandhi from the train just because he was a black made those people racists. The act.

anyways, i think we have discussed enuff on it already. Truce!

Keshi said...

k Southy and Jim time out! This is not abt India-bashing...it's abt some true attitudes of some ppl that dun change - black or white some ppl remain racist. So it's not abt every man. Now can we plz stop fighting over Indians Vs Whites. This post was abt the Vogue issue and thats abt it.

ty!


Keshi.

Southpaw unplugged said...

One last thing oldman, follow everything u say or just shut ur mouth forever....

Jim said...

WHOA Southy
IMNUTSINCAPS

i wish to pass on my tots to the younger gen. I also want to keep my self up-dated on wat is cool and wat is not ... as perceived by dis gen.

If i were to be born again, i wud want to be a mother or a teacher in junior school.

The fate of dis world depends on the values imbibed by the little ones today.as a public blogg we are exposed to annony mouse attacks. We do not exercise censorship or accept liability for these comments.


'BULL SHIT - All i wanna do is to have some funn before i die'

Keshi said...

Jitterz somehow that definition is flawed...its not only by an Act that someone can be racist...it can also be done verbally and emotionally as well.


Keshi.

Southpaw unplugged said...

@Keshi
I m already done keshi and sorry for using ur comment section for something like that.
As far as the oldman is concerned i'll always hate him coz he never follows anything he says himself.

Keshi said...

Southy nah its not abt using my comment section :) U can say anything here u know that...I love a healthy debate. But no fights.

Saby yeah...he says one thing today and another thing tmrw :):)

Keshi.

Jim said...

wat i love about India

FREEDOM of speech
RIGHT to information
SECULARISM - I am allowed to profess and propagate my religion




Our sense of HUMOR

Southpaw unplugged said...

I m not fighting with him, just reminding him that he himself is not man enough to follow what he thinks and says then how does he expects ppl ard him to change...
And healthy debate, u can never hv one with him coz like he said he is here to hv fun and nothing else, though he forgot to add, at other's cost.

Keshi said...

k Jim I hope u follow em too?



-----------------------------------

aha Southy...I know that. Jim can be the most OPINIONATED person...and u know how many fights I've had with him :) and ur right...he has fun at others' expense. duh Jim!




Keshi.

Jim said...

the ACHIEVEMENTS of INDIA


Mukesh Ambani the richest man in the world today
Youngest millionaire in the Guness Book of records at 19

Reuben Singh, a high profile UK born indian busineessman has been declared bankrupt with debts of more than pounds 11m

The judge said he had deceived the bank of scotland to acquire a pounds 900,000 loan

the headlines today
YOUNGEST MILLIONAIRE a broke liar

Keshi said...

Jim that happens with any ethnicity.


Keshi.

Jim said...

other ACHIEVEMENTS
we gave the World the number 0

and the most widely read SEX MANUAL the Kamsutra

Keshi said...

and how abt JIM the big mouth?

Keshi.

Jim said...

more

The INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON VIOLENCE is now Oct 2- MKG's birthday

He inspired Rev Dr Martin Luther King
and NELSON MANDELLA





We told the US of A what u can do with your NUKES

and we will go in for GAS from IRAN
a huge pipeline extending across PAKISTAN

Jim said...

the highest battle field in the World - the SIACHEN GLAZIER

where our JAWANS are posted


KPS Gill- a sardar who put an end to dreams of KHALISTAN

He also mentored RIBEIRO
who destroyed the hold of the underworld in Mumbai

by ENCOUNTER KILLING

Jim said...

the gutsy woman PM Indira Gandhi
who made us a nuclear power

she also decimated the PAKIS to create BANGLA DESH

Rajiv Gandhi went into Sri Lanka as IPKF

it was a fiasco
he paid with his life

Jim said...

there is a lott more SOUTHY
but i gtg now

i work too
unlike KESHI

Sig said...

Heya...just a quick comment to Southy - it was me that made the comment that Bips and the other actresses shouldn't be there if Vogue wanted to stay true to fashion

They would have been added there as they are more recognizable to the average Indian then the other two Indian supermodels and Vogue still needs to make money doesn't it?

- but I also noted that the average Indian would have no clue who Gemma Ward, or Naomi Campbell etc are therefore they are on the cover to provide a recognizable face and thus sell more copies. It's the same as putting Angelina Jolie on the cover rather than Giselle.

Vogue is still a business and it especially with its first issue they would def want to sell lots of copies. Perhaps n later issues they might do thigns differently - who knows.

The issue wasn't that tho - it's just about the stupid fuss people are making over one white girl (who is a supermodel) being on the cover of an Indian magazine. It's just proof of people hypocritical attitudes.

Southpaw unplugged said...

Shut ur stinking mouth oldman! u talking abt Mahatma Gandhi, all his life he stood by his words, u talk abt Mandela, he had the gutts to stand by his cause, u talk abt Indira Gandhi, Julio Ribero and KPS Gill they all had the balls to do what was required then and u call Rajiv Gandhi a fool, he did what a powerfull neighbouring country shud do for his neighbour in trouble. These ppl dont deserve to be discussed by an utter failure in life like u and i cant believe u intend to pass on ur failure to the next generation? Sebastian D'souza, u lost all the respect i had for u coz i'll always prefer to hv a strong enemy longing for my life rather than admiring a weak friend like u.

Known Stranger said...

back ward in right context if said should be accepted not on the pretext of fashion which your post emphasis is what i point out. that makes your post to be more opinionated on the facts that need not worth to comment - is my view. i never defended india for being back ward - it is many aspect like many of the forward countries that is back ward in other ways

Keshi said...

k I'd allowe Jim n Southy to reply to each others' comments :)


-----------------------------------

tnxx Silvara I hope Southy will read n reply to ya.



-----------------------------------

KS its ok. Lets just agree to disagree.

Cos my argument wud still remain the same. Cos Fashion or not, it shows the racist attitude of even the educated n upper-class Indians, no matter what the context is.



Keshi.

Keshi said...

and to me, that's BACKWARD.


keshi.

Southpaw unplugged said...

@Silvara
I do not hv any problem with Gemma Ward's presence on the cover nor do i hv any problems with her professional status and achievements and i m sure 99% of Vogue readers feel the same way, but yes if u r circulating it in the Indian subcontinent u certainly cant ignore those other celebs coz somehow they r the fashion idols in their own fraternity and their gender and a very large section of females follow their style of fashion.

@Keshi
I m really sorry , the frekkin' oldman has literally pissed me off with his bullshit!

phishez said...

Yeah. I'm looking forward to the night. I got invited by one of the guys at dancing. I think he wants a pretty dance partner to show off. Me all over.

I know three people who are going, but I'm really looking forward to meeting new people.

Anonymous said...

yeahhh monotonous. u are right lol
and these chinese models look worse!

AmitL said...

Keshi,being an avid mag reader(Haven't seen this Vogue issue in Dubai,though,yet), I think what's important for publishers,in this day and age of competition,is 'what sells'.So, if they feel putting Gemma Ward on the cover will see the issue in India, so be it. (And,frankly, I think it must've worked, the way our country's readers have opened up to so many international mags with,err, open arms)

I'm totally with your views in this post,frankly...it's time we 'grow up'. It reminds me of the court case someone has put up against the cricket team after their twenty-20 cup win- that they insulted the Indian flag by using it as a cover,and allowing champagne to fall on it. Now, would anyone in their right minds think like this,that the team had 'insult the country' in their minds at such a joyous time??Arghh..

Keshi said...

hey Southy I agree with everything u said to Silvara except this:

** i m sure 99% of Vogue readers feel the same way,

99% of Indian Vogue readers dun share ur sentiments abt Gemma. They were so worried that she's WHITE and that she didnt have INDIAN blood. Thats why I call this RACIST. If they said something like what u said...that Indian women look upto Indian celebrities and thats why they didnt want Gemma in there, then that wud hv been understandable.


Abt Jim n u...it's ok :) Dun apologise. I was only letting u guys continue with ur discussion. Thats all.

tnxx Southy!


-----------------------------------

Phishez heyy!


**I think he wants a pretty dance partner to show off. Me all over

Im sure he needed u for that..cos ur HOT!

Hv fun swt hrt!




Keshi.

Keshi said...

hey Niki :)

I thought the Chinese girls looked good there...


-----------------------------------

ty Amit!


**against the cricket team after their twenty-20 cup win- that they insulted the Indian flag by using it as a cover,and allowing champagne to fall on it

LOL! I didnt hear abt that one...tnxx for sharing it here. times hv changed, India has moved on so yeah, some ppl just need to grow up! FANATICISM blinds and makes ppl stupid.




Keshi.

Sam said...

just wanted to add something... Did you know that teh Cosmopolitan being circulated in India didn't have any Indian cover girls till about 2000, and they've been in circulation for years by then!!
And we are talking about Cosmopolitan India... Ummm.... no racket then, then why now??

Pijush said...

Nice post Keshi, really nice one.
To me beauty lies in the personality, charisma, intelligence and not in color or nation.
Even if we forget about the history, innovations, culture; Now India have the World richest man. And I will not wonder if few more join the top list soon.

indicaspecies said...

Just got back from a weekend getaway and find here Keshi's interesting post. Without reading the comments section, what I'd like to state quickly here is as follows:

India is a great country with a rich culture. In these times of globalisation, including its influence in the fashion industry, these comments on intolerance of a foreigner on an Indian fashion magazine cover indicates narrow mindedness of those commenting.

Through Keshi's blog, I'd like to pass on a message: Let's learn to embrace people from all walks of life from all over the world, to accept the best of all cultures and strive to merge into one peaceful humanity. Cheers!

Keshi said...

Indica ty that was VERY WELL-SAID!

Keshi.

Keshi said...

Pijush thats true ty!



Keshi.

Vik Rajagopalan said...

you know said and done the most racist people are Indians and we continue to live in dim light thinking we are safe avoiding such consequential issues... as a matter of fact the transforming economies like India and other under developed states adjacent to India have a long way to go for you to put them on a pedestal next to US or UK and do the comparison.

But ethically speaking, did you ever notice that not one brown skin from Asia or Orientals would appear on the magazines in Europe. I have been there and I feel there is some negativity in all countries - developed or transforming or developing or backward countries. Question is when and how to start judging different country's idealogies together...

My two cents though...

Keshi said...

true Vik...we say that whites r racists, but we r more racist n we dun even realise that!


**did you ever notice that not one brown skin from Asia or Orientals would appear on the magazines in Europe

I dunno abt Europe, but Aus has alot of multicultural faces in their mags...Indian, Sri Lankan, Lebanese, Asian etc etc. Im saying this cos I live here and I hv seen these mags.




Keshi.

Vik Rajagopalan said...

Yea sounds like Aus is not that bad place after all... I think that is one place where I want to visit atleast as a tourist [:)] mabbe next year and you be my trusted tour guide [(-:]

indicaspecies said...

vik says, "..the most racist people are Indians.."

Having lived in and out of India, and travelled to several countries (including Europe and the Americas), I can say with certainty that I do NOT agree Indians are the "most racist" simply because, to start with, I've come across others who are worse!

In spite of all its problems, India is a place where 1.2 billion people are co-existing harmoniously in a pluralistic society. That is unheard of anywhere else in the world, and truly commendable!

Gordie said...

1.2 billion? That really is a remarkable achievement. I only wish your neighbours in Pakistan would embrace pluralism in the same way.

Keshi said...

yes Vik..alot of ppl who hasnt lived outside India/Sri Lanka r quite judgemental abt the Westerners. They should be here first to comment on others. I hv lived in both countries so I can tell.

tnxx!

-----------------------------------

Hey Indica dun take it the wrong way...wut Vik means is that we r very quick to judge, when we ourselves arent perfect. thats all :)


-----------------------------------

ty Gordie!



Keshi.