Dear Ms. Anna Wintour (Editor in Chief of Vogue Magazine),
Some say you are the most powerful woman in the world, and whether you are or not is not for me to decide. I am sure that you have not met many who are willing to question your authority or decisions, but when those few come along they should be respected for expressing their voice. Vogue magazine and Anna Wintour would be nothing without their readers, and here is one Vogue reader expressing her opinion and appreciation.
I am Liana Murray and I live in Asheville, North Carolina. I attend Asheville High School, ranked one of the top 100 high schools by Newsweek. I read every month’s issue of Vogue, I have seen The September Issue, and fashion is a huge part of my life.
Vogue, world-wide, has recently been addressing the issue of pro-anorexia (pro-ana) websites and embracing the body of the real woman; which is great. Tons of your readers have felt closer with Vogue since the Rihanna issue, but not everyone.
When I was a little girl I flipped through the glistening pages of your magazine, entranced by the world of fashion. Your magazine gave me a sense that I was closer to that world, closer to my dreams, that I could almost touch them. But in reality that fierce world is literally miles and miles away. As I grow older I realize how far away it really is, especially when I am looking through your magazine, Vogue.
The United States of America is full of people of all different ethnicities, religions, and political views; and yet only the Caucasian race is fully recognized. I flip through your magazine and that is all I see. Porcelain models spread across those glossy pages everywhere. I don’t feel recognized or acknowledged. Vogue magazine sets a standard for women, fashion, beauty and looks. What kind of example is this for those 13 million Vogue readers? Magazines like Ebony and JET are specifically for the black reader because magazines like Vogue are not.
Next time you’re editing your magazine, at a photo shoot, glancing at an advertisement, attending an event, or even walking through the office; just notice how little color is before you. Maybe there are a few Western Asians, Latinos, or maybe a few black people dotted here and there; but that is not diversity. The definition of diverse is “of various kinds” and if you can count the people of color with your fingers compared to the amount of white people, then that is not diverse. Racism is the lack of color, and Vogue is just that.
There are so many different races out there, most being races of color: Caucasian, Indian, Native American, Latino, Middle Eastern, Western Asian, and Black. For Vogue to be equal, diverse, and free of racism; then over half of the photographs would contain people of color, considering that white is only one of many different races. Having all different colors spread across your pages would bring even more readers to your magazine, and show the world that beauty does not come in only one shade.
This racism and lack of diversity is hardly recognized because we see this everywhere and every day. Vogue can be the first to begin this change and fight against this racism we have all lived with for so long. If you are “the pope of the fashion world” then listen and begin this new era of what beauty can really be. Stretch the limits and create this path of equality, and the rest of the world will slowly begin to follow.
Sincerely and with great respect,
Liana R. Murray
