*Drops Mic* <- Although I could I’m just kidding> I feel the title of this post, the video and the slideshow sets the tone for what I’m about to say, so here I go->
Let me say first that I am fully aware that I live in the Caribbean which has given me first hand knowledge of the damage caused by left over sentiments of colonialism. Racism in different shapes and forms is still rampant throughout the Caribbean. Nevertheless, we have been given ample resources ad knowledge to love not only ourselves but also our ancestors. To know that we were descendants of Kings and Queens that we were beautiful, smart people. I can remember the pride I felt when I found out that Timbuktu was actually the learning center of the world and not just a word used to describe a very far place.
Throughout the years we have struggled, we have fought the ingrained lie that ‘If it’s white it’s right” and man times when I am hopeful that we as a black people have embraced ourselves and begun to love ourselves something like Vbz Kartel happens.
Now PEOPLE, have you seen the transformation in the slideshow?! Adijah Palmer a.k.a. Vybz Kartel is one Nadinola jar away from being a croaking lizard. I am tempted to but him against my kitchen wall and see if he changes color. Is THIS what we aim for? Is this what is seen as attractive? When I saw the latest picture of him all I could think was “E.T. Phone home”. If I brought that picture to Home Depot do you think they could match his complexion? Maybe they have a paint called “Mongoloid spoil” or “WTF” either way I wouldn’t want it.
That leads me to ask. Ladies, is this attractive to you? Like when you see Kartel now and the Kartel of old which one is more attractive <- I use that word loosely as he was NEVER a looker. Come on, let’s look into this deeper, suppose you met Kartel sans celebrity with that clearly altered complexion. Would you find him attractive? I say sans celebrity as I understand many females are drawn to his talent. But are YOU willing to help him rub on the Symba cream or his version of “cake soap” then back it up on the dumper truck? Not this bish.
I guess my main concern is for his fan base who will now think this is safe, funny and also that it is to be accepted. There’s nothing wrong with lightening a blemish that’s fine but what Kartel did was a extreme home makeover. I don’t support that.
If you’re wondering what Djimon is doing in the slide show. I just wanted to remind everyone that ebony is sexy as hell and show how embracing oneself is so much better.
Cool and never wash my face with no cake soap.
Mamachel
Sell off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well if he was trying to make himself appear *more* unattractive, and expose his fragile self-image… Job well done!
PS: I like the website design!
Well said, but what can you really expect from Vybz Kartel? I mean, really. He looks terrible. I thought he was goodlooking when he just came out but now?!
P.S. Djimon is handsome to be true, but his partner is another self-loathing, insecure character so mi nuh know…
Chelz, this is simultaneously hilarious and truthful! I read this and ended up bursting out into peals of hysterical laughter in the office, shared it with co-workers and am now printing a copy for one to show her family at home. This is good stuff!
As a side note >> A thought occurred to me this morning in the shower (as most of my thoughts do!) – Kartel didn’t say “Cool BECAUSE I washed my face with the cake soap” he said (paraphrased here) “I’m cool AS THOUGH I’d washed my face with the cake soap”.
Scores of Adidjah’s fans are taking his words and re-interpreting it to mean that his increasingly pale pigment is due to the use of cake soap. Everyone knows how musicians/artistes and their fans get – the real hardcore stans represent their artiste/musician of choice and oftentimes end up emulating them in any way they can: similar tattoos, body modifications, skin lightening etc.
So their misinterpretation of his lyrics means loads of people are going to wholesales and supermarkets to purchase cake soap (and cake soap powder!).
Anyhoo, I’m NOT a medical doctor, but it seems Kartel may have body dysmorphic disorder, just as Michael Jackson and loads of other celebrities/normal people have been said to. BDD sufferers cannot find any peace at all with their appearance and often go to drastic measures to alter it. This is where you encounter people who are addicted to plastic/cosmetic surgery and procedures.
People with BDD need medication and cognitive behaviour therapy, in other words, a combination of pharmacological treatment and psychological/psychiatric counselling/treatment.
Kartel seems to be no exception to the rule.
He’s a brilliant lyricist but, the man needs help.
Chel, brilliant as usual… and loved the slideshow for extra effect! I’ll never understand how people can bleach and at the same time KNOW that this is dangerous to their health! *smh*
I’ve been watching scores of documents about this phenomenon and it is quite sad… I hope and pray that people will begin to embrace themselves just as God made them.
Kartel is super thrilled at getting ‘ATTENTION’ so here comes the shock value! Yes ;at the expense of post colonial esteem, its funny how “brown+uptown” isnt readily accepted in the dancehall/ socio-demoghaphic but its what so many want to mimmick and pattern.
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i used to think everyone was exaggerating on his “transformation” cuz unu know how wi tan! but clearly from evidence dis man tek tings toooooo raas far!
even tho my hubby is caramel or maybe hazelnut :-z …. i love a chocolate man, milk or dark
There’s nothing to say only tears to shed. I pray for inner peace Kartel.
No words, just eye water and positive meditations. I wish for you to receive some inner peace Kartel. x
Love this!!!! True words spoken!
And Kartel is known as the intelligent DJ… the lyrical genius as prolific with styles as he is with business ventures… So you know these issues far from skin deep…
Whatever brand of rub him using, it should be called Cool and Deadly.
Positive, to the point, another “Timbuctu” moment to be shared by all persons who enjoy truth.
Bway comparison can say so much without words. For a creative individual like Kartel who can or what can he teach, Addi u fi come again na badda stay out deh ah look like a “Puple dragon” ( Queen I frica) it noh too late.
Bless mamachel
Well said Mamachel! The fan base and the direction of our already deploring culture is what bothers me the most….sigh…idk! Good blog post!
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Love Luciano…the pride of Daveyton District in Manchester – where some of my people trace back for about 100 years or more (from slavery times).
The color of skin issue is an age old one that will haunt Jamaica for a long time to come. Hate to be ominous about it, but it’s unfortunately true.
Wow Chel, you really hit the nail on the head with this one. Every line of your 2nd paragraph had me cracking up! Good post!
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