What is Blackfishing?

Blackfishing is the act of someone altering their physical appearance to appear as an African-American or another POC. It is a term that has been popularized in the social media age and it is becoming more and more prevalent. This trend can range from someone who has lightly bronzed their skin or changed the shape of their facial features, to more extreme cases, such as people getting plastic surgery to look more like a certain racial/ethnic background.

The Reasons Behind Blackfishing

There are many reasons why someone might choose to blackfish, but most can be attributed to a basic desire of wanting to be seen and accepted as something else. This could be rooted in anything from a lack of acceptance of one’s own identity, to wanting to gain access to certain privileges that come with being viewed as part of a different group. Whatever the reason, blackfishing can have serious consequences for both the people who engage in it and the communities it affects.

Consequences of Blackfishing

Blackfishing has proved to be an issue for many reasons, particularly for those in the black community who are already facing discrimination. It has the potential to further perpetuate negative stereotypes, as well as diminish the culture and identity of those who have actually grown up within it. Furthermore, it can be extremely damaging for those who engage in blackfishing by incentivizing them to “fake” their appearance for social media likes, rather than recognize and love themselves for who they are.

Overall, blackfishing is a problem with several facets of potential harm. While it may be okay for someone to experiment with different beauty standards, it is important to recognize when it crosses over into appropriating the identities of others and perpetuating racism. We should be advocating for more body and self-acceptance, and likewise be aware of our own behavior, especially in regards to any potentially harmful actions that may be taken towards any racial/ethnic groups.