Zendaya is Not the Problem

Zendaya is one of Hollywood’s hottest and best-dressed stars at the moment. The actress, along with stylist Law Roach, are constantly pushing out iconic looks for every red carpet, screening, or photocall. There’s no denying the brilliance behind Zendaya’s outfits, makeup, and hairstyles, perfectly curated to fit the character or picture she’s representing.

In July, the actress was spotted at a London press tour for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, wearing 3,000-year-old Iranian discs as earrings. The artifacts-turned-accessories sparked outrage among historians, archaeologists, and archivists, who also pointed out that the discs may have been acquired unethically. The gold discs date back to the Median period, but were converted into earrings by jeweler Glenn Spiro.

The Controversy 

Though the earrings were not as blatantly disrespectful as other celebrities’ fashions, particularly the mass cultural appropriation and insensitivity on red carpets that occurred during the early 2000s, many articles condemned Zendaya instead of the “artist” behind the design. When controversy happens in the art world, there tend to be underlying issues with race, ownership, and respect. So many journalists came out with titles like “Zendaya Sparks Controversy” or “Zendaya Faces Backlash.” Although I do believe in the preservation of ancient materials, I also believe that it’s too easy for writers to overlook the bigger issue and instead place generational blame on Black women.

Whether she knew the earrings were actual artifacts or not, I think it’s even more important to look further and critique the people who are altering these cultural symbols for their own profit. White journalists are shifting the blame from the white men who put in place certain systems and practices to a Black woman who was simply given the item to wear one time. Maybe you could say it’s just because she’s so famous that using her name will increase engagement. But don’t you think that’s another issue in and of itself? You shouldn’t need to tear down and diminish the success of a talented Black woman you don’t even know personally just to get a viral article.

The next time you’re reading anything about anyone, try to think more deeply about it. Why is it that women, especially women of color, are constantly criticized for whatever they do? Ask questions. Be part of the change for good.