LC Style: How do I look?

Race , beauty, and desire on the LC campus.

This sponsored content was paid for by Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies, produced by The Pioneer Log.

By Demi Glidden /// LC Style Editor

The 11th Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies kicks off next Wednesday, November 12. This year, the symposium examines the role of race and ethnicity in our conceptions of beauty and aesthetic, and how we can use style to express, empower, defy and resist unjust political and social structures. This week’s LC Style focuses on students who are doing just that, previewing images and ideas that will be discussed next week.

Danni Green (’16) reflects thoughtfully on the way race has formed her ideas of beauty: “I didn’t like my skin growing up. I’ve always wanted to be darker because I’ve always thought darker skin black people are beautiful, so me wearing makeup is a way to celebrate my skin color.” Green also says she likes, “that my skin goes with bright colors like pink, purples, red, orange, and green.” 

The Panel The Business of Beauty: Race and Consumerism will feature several entrepreneurs, including a Lewis & Clark alum who founded her own cosmetics company marketed for black women. The panel takes place on Friday, November 14th at 1:45-3:15 p.m. in Stamm Dining Room.

Kian Lutu (’16) got this Samoan tattoo because he identifies strongly with his culture. The designs are usually intricate and small.

“To me it means to see life in a colorful way and not in a dark way,” says Mariane Diaw (’16) of her Senegalese dresses. She got the dresses and bangels in her home country, Senegal. The fabric comes from Mali and the Ivory Coast. These dresses are for special occasions and ceremonies.

The Panel Dressing the Part: Fashion and Beauty Culture will explore how style and clothing can reflect one’s own culture or the appreciation of another culture. The panel takes place Thursday, November 13th from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in Stamm Dining Room.

Erin Banks (’16) keeps her hair in braids because it’s practical for the Portland rain. Plus, she says, “this style gives it more pizzazz.”

Our first keynote event, Blackness and Beauty: Style, Hair Politics, and Colorism will discuss how mainstream beauty ideals have generally elevated physical attributes associated with whiteness, whether in terms of skin color, hair texture, or body shape. The event takes place Wednesday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chamber. 

For more information about this year’s symposium, including schedule, visit the website. Follow the Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies on Twitter: @rwsymplc. Don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook.