Sometimes wearing a zebra print is like a category 5 – storm and is going to make certain people in attendance, very uncomfortable. Probably no one will mention it, but zebra might not always be the most appropriate thing to wear. This may be disappointing because the garment may look exceptionally fabulous, better than the other available choices, though unfortunately, it ends up hanging like a waist-rope with scalps. Such particular situations can for mixed individuals, conjure up immediate associations with the ignorant and nasty racial slurs used to describe their ethnicity albeit, most searingly during childhood.
There aren’t any red or yellow creatures used to signify Hispanic and Asian persons – and Caucasians aren’t ‘polar bears.’ One of the only exceptions is perhaps a ‘Black – Panther,’ a fearsome predator that could easily kill a human; and one might hear some gossip about a ‘cat,’ who is usually a male. Nonetheless, it is the ‘zebra,’ that has infinitely captured the imaginations of those wanting to be rude about mixed race – and similar to “mutt,” alludes to a personage more vulnerable or ridiculous. Such associations often remain firmly imprinted within the psyche of bi-racial children for the rest of their lifetime, and it will always live on as a put-down. Therefore, most mixed-race individuals may agree that in the broad scheme of things, the idea of a representational flag seems impossible despite the need for more flexible institutional self-identification – such as found on medical paperwork, for example.
With that said, bad wardrobe choices are usually accidental, like when showing up in the same outfit as another person, being under-dressed, too much cleavage at a funeral, looking snazzier than the bride, etc., though it is generally public figures who are expected to be the most concerned about appearing to embarrass and ridicule someone. Meanwhile, animal prints are wardrobe staples, like a leopard coat for example, which can be worn over any number of ensembles. So for those who look sensational in animal prints and are concerned with being friendly and polite, here are a few suggestions that could be helpful:
- Do not wear zebra if you are presenting an award to a bi-racial person in front of an audience.
- Do not wear zebra patterns at a party where someone mixed is the host or featured guest.
- Most of time, it will be best to avoid wearing zebra to show solidarity with someone mixed race.
- If a mixed-race person wears a zebra pattern, do not worry and behave normally. Remain calm.
A perfect example of such a zebra faux pas occurred three years ago on a hot day in Barbados – donned by none other than the Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, as she bestowed the title of “Right Honorable” or “the right excellent” unto pop/R&B singer Rihanna. It was an unfortunate and completely avoidable coat infarction for what must have been an hours-long ceremony celebrating the country’s conversion into a republic and the end of 396 years of English monarchy. Mason, known for her flamboyant style and who can often be found wearing an extraordinary hat of some kind, is ruining every picture with the “Right Honorable” because of this bronze-toned zebra print, apparently her inspiration for that evening. Did anyone tell her not to wear that? It’s possible no one did since mixed persons are a racial minority in the country, making up only 3 percent of the population.
ROYAL TOUR – “THE PAST WEIGHS HEAVILY”
“The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to visiting the Caribbean region during the Platinum Jubilee year and having the opportunity to thank communities…for the support they have shown Her Majesty throughout her seventy-year reign,” Kensington Palace said.”
Many journalists described Prince William and Kate’s 2022 visit to the Caribbean as “chaos” and a “backfire,” stating at the very least, that the trip “hit snags.” Vanity Fair labeled it a “complete disaster” due to the “protests, awkward pictures, and uncomfortable meetings. ” William was quoted saying:
“Our trip was an opportunity to reflect and we learned so much,” he said. “Not just about the different issues that matter most to the people of the region, but also about how the past weighs heavily on the present.”
– Vanity
When the royal couple visited Jamaica – the prime minister, whose name happens to be Andrew Holness, decided to remind everyone of the what’s-what during a gift-giving and good vibes photo op, declaring again the intention to abdicate. This had been previously announced back in 2012, for example, by Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Millero, and so it was apparent that Holness was speaking of the current sentiment. He came across as “strong” for the moment, one journalist said. Town & Country noted the “soured” tone and declared the entire visit “an embarrassment.” And so, the temperature seems to be rising, not only over the issue of abdication; what we are seeing now is entire countries asking for financial reparations for slavery.
“Protestors outside the British High commission in Jamaica handed over a letter signed by a group of 100 prominent individuals from Jamaica’s Advocates Network calling for an “apology and recognition of the need for atonement and reparations.” The letter also said, “We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.”
Travel Weekly 2023 stated that Caribbean tourism is “very good and getting better,” despite the impression that there are islands full of derelict black folks demanding money on behalf of their ancestors. Perhaps it is similar to the sentiment expressed in the American film The Butler, Lee Daniel’s main character Cecil Gaines, who becomes generally less polite as his social circumstances improve, which may have made some audiences uncomfortable viewing him as the hero. Could it be that what’s happening in the Caribbean is part of a normal transition period and that the region will move on to best wishes soon?
“White supremacy, capitalism, and the plantation are the foundation of Barbadian society, and racism has been and continues to be toxic to both Black and White Bajans. We need to call it when we see it and we need to talk about it in our segregated circles.” – Annalee Davis
Written by: Kat Sweet
