“Blackfishing” refers to when non-Black individuals try to appear Black through various means. This term was highlighted by hip-hop journalist Wanna Thompson and is similar to the idea of blackface, which involves using makeup to caricature Black features. Social media has made it easier for some influencers and celebrities to engage in what is essentially a digital form of blackface, sometimes deliberately misleading their followers about their racial identity.
The motivation behind blackfishing can vary. Some people engage in it due to insecurities about their appearance or in an effort to gain sympathy. According to clinical psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz, this behavior reveals a type of duplicity—whether intentional or subconscious—where individuals present as something they are not. Psychologist LaToya Gaines suggests that deeper insecurities may drive someone to change their racial appearance.
Leslie Bow, a professor studying race and culture, argues that when someone blackfishes, they reduce a culture to something they can exploit. For instance, someone might see Blackness as a commodity that they can adapt when it suits them, without considering the full cultural implications. This trivialization of Black features is not new; it has roots in a long history of objectifying and stereotyping Black culture as “cool.”
In contemporary multicultural societies, non-Black individuals may feel compelled to show solidarity with Black communities by adopting their styles, which Bow suggests can become a form of cultural expression. However, this does not address the real struggles and histories behind these appearances. Despite good intentions, blackfishing does not adequately support Black communities.
Those who blackfish can effortlessly switch between hair textures and embrace traditionally Black hairstyles without facing the typical discrimination that Black individuals do. A survey indicates that many Black women feel compelled to alter their natural hair in professional settings to be accepted. As Black representation in media rises, some may see blackfishing as a way to boost their social or professional status, exploiting Black features for personal gain. This intersects with cultural appropriation, where people borrow elements from cultures they don’t belong to and make them their own for profit.
For Black individuals, especially women, blackfishing may carry psychological and emotional impacts. When non-Black individuals adopt Black features as mere trends, it can signal a lack of respect for genuine Black identities. There’s a term called Black fatigue, which describes the exhaustion that comes from constantly witnessing acts of disrespect or aggression.
Understanding the motivations and impacts of blackfishing is vital. However, it’s also essential to comprehend how people perceive blackfishing and address it when it happens. Many who engage in blackfishing might not realize they’re treating cultural features as trends, detached from their deep meanings.
Leslie Bow further notes that those who blackfish can easily abandon the imitation, unlike Black individuals who cannot escape their racial identity. This highlights a privilege that allows some to treat Blackness as a costume rather than a lived experience. Often, blackfishing is rooted in privilege or ignorance rather than malicious intent, but psychological reasons may also play a part. If someone struggles with their identity or emotions around these issues, seeking help from a mental health professional is advisable.
In summary, blackfishing involves non-Black people attempting to appear Black, using techniques like makeup, tanning, and technology. While the intentions may vary, engaging in this practice can have harmful effects on the mental well-being of Black people. It’s crucial to understand what blackfishing is, recognize it when it occurs, and actively avoid participating in it.
