The NYT’s “Of Color” Gift Guide
Umm, does anyone else find this a bit strange?
The New York Times decided to include in its 2009 Holiday Gift Guide a selection of gifts “created for and by people of color.”
The category is even called “Of Color.” Seriously.
I’m sure the editors over at NYT meant well and many of the gifts — such as hair and beauty products by Carol’s Daughters, the tee above, children’s books about Sonia Sotomayor and President Barack Obama, and scarves by Indian designer Bindya Lulla — were great picks. But why couldn’t these same gifts be incorporated throughout the gift guide? Shouldn’t all people, regardless of race, want to learn more about people like Sotomayor and President Obama? Doesn’t this “Of Color” section further marginalize people of color and our interests (or perceived interests, I should say), stamping us as other?
I know, however, that some people say the same about blogs for women, and obviously I love those. So I do realize this is a tough topic tackle, but one we should consider, nonetheless.
So what do you think? Is this an example of the media ghettoizing minority interests or a legitimate attempt to bring them into the mainstream?
I think the thought was there, the idea was just executed poorly.
Now, if that Obama Chia pet is among the minority gifts I won’t be so understanding.