I want to address Ms. Lois Anderson, the curator of the Black Fashion Museum of Harlem, and Byron Lars, a New York clothing designer. Apparently, according to William Kissel in his article, "Styles With a Sizable Difference" (1993), Ms. Anderson calls the idea that there are basic size differences between blacks and whites is "just a bunch of malarkey." He also quotes Mr. Lars as stating that creating a distinction between African Americans and the rest of Americans is dangerous. Get a clue, folks! Who would know better than the clothing industry if there is a difference? Could it be that, perhaps, enough African Americans have complained that clothing doesn't fit them right that the clothing industry may have started listening to their customers?
Frankly, I would feel rather pleased, were I an African American customer, that another industry was trying to cater to my wants and needs. Oh, did I say "another?" Haven't the cosmetic and hair-care industries been marketing specific products to the African American community for years?? Surprise, surprise! Where have you been, Ms Anderson and Mr Lars -- on Mars?? I don't think that any of the companies already marketing to African Americans have reinstituted segregation by marketing certain products to African Americans (thank Heaven for small miracles). I feel like you're trying to turn African Americans into models of the "ideal white." Let them be who they are and delight in their diversity.
There's nothing wrong with being different. I've seen differences in overall size just within people of black African ancestry. Case in point -- the Zulu tribe. Another case in point -- the Mbuti tribe. There are obviously size differences there.
To not recognize that there are differences and treat those differences in a positive manner would REALLY be taking a step backward. By not dealing positively with the differences is tantamount to declaring African Americans non-existent. THAT's bigoted.
What if the genetic medical differences were treated in the same way that you, Ms. Anderson, feel to treat size differences? There would be no knowledge of sickle cell anemia; no research.
Please, Ms. Anderson and Mr. Lars, think it through, and don't let your bigotry get the better of you.
