James Charles has been named the new CoverGirl, and social media exploded with reaction, most of them positive and overjoyed. During this age of inclusivity in ads like H&M's 'She's A Lady' and Target commercials featuring models with different body types, age, style, and race, it is refreshing to see other companies following their lead. All people should see themselves represented in the media so here is a list of reasons why James Charles' new feat is so important:
1. Men can wear makeup too.
Men wearing makeup is not new, but it is not as widely accepted as a woman's fully beat face. In some cultures, male warriors decorate their face as a sign of status. Men in film and television have been wearing makeup since the beginning, and some men have been wearing makeup to match punk and emo styles. Whatever the reason a man wants to or needs to wear makeup, he should be able to without ridicule.
2. Makeup no longer only consists of rouge.
The makeup industry has seen fabulous advancements in recent years, with just enough skill and the right products, a person can transform their entire face! Applying makeup has become an art form, so many makeup artists have gained millions of followers on social media who love to see which look they will slay next. (Notable accounts to follow on instagram include: @patrickstarrr @theevanitydiary @bobthedragqueen and of course @jamescharles)
3. We do not see enough diversity of men in the media.
It is wonderful how much diversity and inclusivity that some companies have been bringing to their ads, but we still have a long way to go. I absolutely love Axe's "Find Your Magic" commercial that features a model with a disability and men in heels. I consider it to be progressive and inclusive, and I commned Axe for that, but the world needs far more of these commercials, and we need to see more companies striving to represent our new society. James Charles being a CoverBoy is so important, because young children need to be able to see him in makeup commercials and know that makeup is not gender specific.
4. The Media represents our society.
Our lives can be accurately displayed in the media, and it has been in the past, so it should still stand true today. We need more diversity of races, gender roles, body types, people with disabilities, looks, and lifestyles in the media, because that is what we see in everyday life. Having a CoverBoy is groundbreaking and important, becasue it recognizes the marginalized and now more than ever, all people need a voice and represntation.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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