Vogue magazine accused of racism, 'uglifying' Chinese people in Instagram post

American Vogue has come under fire on Instagram for a photo and accompanying profile of Chinese model Qizhen Gao, on Monday (March 3). 

With her wide-set eyes and indiscernible nosebridge, Gao is no conventional beauty by Chinese standards, as commenters were left perplexed, once again, by the perception of 'Asian beauty' through Western eyes.

It stirred debate as to whether Vogue was being cluelessly discriminatory despite its best efforts of being inclusive. Some even accused the magazine of "uglifying" the Chinese race (ouch).

Vogue's description of Gao having "singular appeal" in the caption was also perceived to carry negative undertones.

In an accompanying interview with the fashion magazine, the Shanghai-born textile student acknowledged that her looks fly in the face of convention but for her, being "anti" is an empowering stance, especially in the realm of fashion.

“Anti is a word that applies perhaps as a negative thing in some fields, but in terms of fashion and modelling I think it challenges the norms of beauty and looks," said Gao. 

The 20-year-old became a model after getting scouted in her campus canteen during her lunch break by London-based Anti-Agency -- how apt. 

Other commenters have defended the magazine for bringing attention to beauty that lie outside the norm, thereby encouraging people to embrace diversity.

On Weibo, the discussion centred around whether her face was chosen for being 'high fashion' or if it was an image that once again perpetuated the racist stereotype of 'Asian-ness'.

"Western media love to portray Asian faces that are far from what is deemed beautiful to us, does that constitute racism?", one report questioned.

But most criticisms appear to have missed the point and smack of hypocrisy, said Instagram user kyle_ins_.

He/she wrote: "I'm just here to see how many of you are bringing shame upon the Chinese. All of you criticising Vogue, don't pretend to be objective or logical. You all are simply here to state that this girl does not meet your standard of beauty. But what gives you the right to pass judgement? Who are you?"

Yet others just don't see what the fuss is about, calling on people to stop attacking Gao, directly or indirectly, with their insensitive comments.

The issue comes hot on the heels of "freckle-gate" -- after Zara was lambasted for using a Chinese model with freckles in its ad campaign titled "Beauty is here". 

"Does Zara mean all Asian girls have freckles on their faces?" Went one of the hottest comments on the Zara release, with others alleging that the Spanish brand was "insulting" China. 

The furore prompted state-run media China Daily to run an editorial which criticised commenters for being "over-sensitive" and "lacking cultural confidence".

"It shows they are so afraid of being hurt that they tend to take a defense (sic) gesture against any move they do not understand."

Hear, hear.

candicecai@asiaone.com