Black in a Blonde World: Race and Girls' Interpretations of the Feminine Ideal in Teen Magazines

Abstract

This qualitative study examines culture as a mitigating factor in adolescents' media uses and gratifications. Middle-class African-American and White female readers of the three most popular teen magazines were interviewed for their interpretations of the feminine ideal presented in these texts. While Black girls in this study sought out mainstream teen magazines for what they saw as relatively generic content on topics like social issues and entertainment, these girls were largely uninterested in teen magazines' beauty images because they conflict with African-American standards of attractiveness. Featured brands of makeup and hair care products—as well as advice on their use—were also seen as being specifically intended for White girls, who consequently invest more authority in the magazines' counsel and images. The magazines are a one-way mirror through which Black girls observe and critique White beauty culture. White girls were generally unaware of any racial bias in the magazines.