Is it wrong for a white woman to benefit financially from using representation of black women?

[Youarestillintherunning]

Hi, I've posted specifically on this board as I would love to get opinions from black women, if you are happy to answer of course.

I'm in the process of setting up an etsy shop, I have a little hobby of making custom-made travel cups. I was thinking about the kind of designs I want to do. I am a proud feminist (I am very aware that the vast majority of feminism needs to be more inclusive of women of colour, and tends to focus on the needs of white women). I would like my travel cups to reflect that, and was thinking of feminist-y quotes/phrases, as well as the images to go with them. I was thinking about the kind of travel mugs I've seen with a similar theme, and I have only really seen ones centred on white-women feminist issues, or images of white women. I thought I could tap into a demand by doing a range of cups that are specifically representing and centred around black women. In all honesty, half because I genuinely do care about these issues, and half because I think that I could make a good profit by doing something a little different to what is already available.

Thinking about it more deeply, I thought, but is it wrong for me to benefit financially from using black representation as a white woman?

I realise that feminist-y travel mugs might not be everyone's thing! 😅 but would really appreciate any feedback.

Is this a wind up? If not, maybe you are over thinking this?

Why do you think you are only producing travel mugs that appeal ONLY to white women? Have they got a kkk trademark on, or something? Why would I not want to buy one of your existing mugs? How do they presently exclude me?

Feminists come in all shapes and sizes, colours, cultures, ages and so on. The common denominator being that we are the same sex.

What's a *white woman feminist issue" as you call it?

sorry about the typo fail

It won't have 'Girl Boss' on it, will it?

@spotcheck

It won't have 'Girl Boss' on it, will it?

@EchoNan

What's a *white woman feminist issue" as you call it?

No, it isn't a wind up! There's nothing about the cups that would actively exclude a black woman from wanting to buy them, but an example of something more inclusive, would be using images of black women, or a black woman's hand etc instead of similar ones I have seen with white women. (Bit of a rubbish example, but I have havent started drafting any proper designs yet).

Speaking with black women close to me, they have discussed how the voices of black women are not given the same space or time as white women. Those women have also spoke about issues with tone policing, and how feminism fails to address the additional oppression that black women face because of their race/ethnicity, as well as white women failing to recognise or address their own privilege. 'White feminist problems' was bad paraphrasing on my part!

@spotcheck

It won't have 'Girl Boss' on it, will it?

🤣🤣 GOD no. None of that mum-trepreneur crap either

Well I'd say crack on myself. It can only be a good thing surely?

It's not exploitation to make your goods more inclusive, it's good business sense from a thoughtful business woman.

I understand where you are coming from now.

Please don't think you need a BMN blessing to do that, I'm sure the women around you would say the same. Great that you are doing this.

If you look at another thread on here, you will see that some of us in the UK are strugglng to find a Christmas Nativity scene with black figures in it. ( Not just one King). So being able to buy things that are inclusive is important. Obviously!

I hope your business thrives. Good luck!

Thank you Echo, I completely agree that so many things needs to be more inclusive, I think that representation is so important (even on trivial things like a travel mug). But it seems I'm just overthinking it as I don't want to accidentally cause offence 😅 I appreciate your feedback.

I believe representation in art is important and will try to buy from BAME artists where possible. But I think I’m in the minority as most people I know just like to buy whatever they think looks good.

Op I've bought art from white women with black women as the image. Firstly because it was beautiful and secondly it was nice to see black skin. Sounds like your hearts in the right place

Apologies for gate crashing, but UNICEF have beautiful nativities from all over the place - I purchased this for my classroom
market.unicef.org.uk/product/wood-nativity-scene-14-pieces-jesus-and-the-african-kings/E57127/

@balloonsintrees thank you, by a black artist too, yay!

So beautiful, something the family will keep using over many years.

@Youarestillintherunning I'll keep my eye out on Etsy,

@Ozanj and @inmyslippers thank you both for your feedback. Completely get why it's important to buy from BME where possible.

I'm excited to get working on some designs! 😊

@balloonsintrees

Apologies for gate crashing, but UNICEF have beautiful nativities from all over the place - I purchased this for my classroom market.unicef.org.uk/product/wood-nativity-scene-14-pieces-jesus-and-the-african-kings/E57127/

No apologies needed! Thank you for sharing 😊 those wooden ones are beautifully made

So are you going to have only white and black women or other skin tones too?

@TractorAndHeadphones yes a range of skintones definitely, as well as different body types and ages. I was primarily thinking of black women, as I am located in an area where black women are the majority 😊

This boss is infiltrated by WW who need advice from BW, not what I was hoping for.

Boss = board

@BridesmaidsHelp I'm genuinely sorry if that has offended you. I do read on this board to try to educate myself, but I have never commented with my own opinions, because I do understand that this is a place for black people, and my opinions are not needed on here. I posted on this board, because I didn't want white people's opinions speaking on behalf of black women telling me that it's fine to use representation of BME women. I made it clear that I was white, and of course there is no obligation to read or answer the op. I won't post on this board again 💐

A thumbs up from me, would love to see different skin tones occasionally and I don't think I've ever thought the colour of a designer on etsy before. I just buy what I like.

Do as you please, why not?

This kind of item I'd only buy from a Black Woman however; Im keen to support Black (Woman) Business and do so as often as I can.

But thats me, some won't mind

I really think this depends on what you are going do with the money you make. If you use it to support those communities whom you are commodifying to make a profit, I would be all for it. Otherwise, not really it's just same old same old white behaviour.

Your website won't paraphrase your original post, of course, but let's say you were transparent, I wouldn't buy your mugs knowing that about you. I would want spend my money supporting black female business. If my money had to go to a white woman, I would want think that money would be recycled into the black community.

For example, the fact that there aren't (m)any black women doing this is absolutely NOT because they haven't had the idea. Your privilege puts you in the position to get there first. As ever......

Thank you all for your replies and opinions, very much appreciated 😊

I’m not black but you might consider donating a small portion of the profits to a black female focused charity.