Indian influencer under fire for using blackface

Ansha Mohan slammed by social media users for darkening her skin to ‘gain clout’

Ansha Mohan, a social media influencer from the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka, is under fire for posting a series of videos on her Instagram with her face and body blackened. 

Soon after the videos were shared, Mohan's social media became a hotpot for criticism. In one clip, the influencer is dressed up as a street seller selling flowers in Bangalore, with a dark-coloured foundation on her face and a "beggar" costume to match. 

In the post, captioned "No one has ever become poor by giving," Mohan reveals the plight of darker-skinned individuals in India. She focused on how people react differently to darker skin tones, highlighting the prejudice that resides in society.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ANSHA MOHAN (@ansha_mohan)

After the videos were posted, many appreciated her efforts to show colourism. But, things took a drastic turn as users started pointing out the wrongful use of blackface to get the message across. Others considered this a marketing ploy to gain more followers.

One user commented, "This is so dumb. Why the need to darken your skin? It's 2022 and we still doing this? You should delete this reel."

Another user highlighted the use of blackface and urged the influencer to read up on the topic. She said, "Casually doing blackface. Wow, I don't know what to say. Mohan, please read and understand how this could be offensive."

Many people slammed Mohan, accusing her of exploiting the issue just to gain clout. One user questioned, "Did you seriously dress up as a poor person for views? Why are you romanticising begging?" While another criticised her for "capitalising on a racist practice."

 

The influencer's viral video series even made rounds on Twitter. Similar to other online platforms, the users remained opposed to this display of blackface.

One tweet read, "So this person on Instagram darkens her colour and pretends to be poor. The question is for what? This is insane."

So this person on Instagram darkens her colour and pretends to be poor.. for what?? This is insane?? pic.twitter.com/zGbZbr3Wqh

— Rutuja (ऋतुजा) 🇮🇳 (@Havaldarshinde) October 20, 2022

Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup that is used to make a mockery of darker-skinned individuals. Prior to Mohan, many influencers and models have been in the spotlight for darkening their skin, and receiving backlash for it.

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