Why We Need Black Girls in Ballgowns
Image: Universal Studios
I was about 5 or 6 when I first watched the Bennet sisters prance around at the Netherfield ball. My sister had just begun her obsession with period films, which my entire family endured. She was about 12 or 13 years old, when she was practicing “Georgiana” over and over on the piano, until at some point we as family sighed, shrugged our shoulders, and continued about our routines. I often let the playing glide to the back of my mind, as she Mary Bennet’d the soundtrack of the Arnold household (this is all coming from the point of view of a 6-year-old little sister).
I don’t remember the exact time or day when a switch went off in me, when hearing the dialect of British actors and actresses was no longer strange, or when me and my sister first started to throw, “These are the best boiled potatoes” or “UNGRATEFUL CHILD” into our regular conversations and messages. Neither, can I recount a moment when I began to know score composers by name, nor when the sound of pianos, violins, and other instruments became the criteria for a great film, or especially when the sight of an intricate fabric, flowing dramatically across a screen made my heart flutter with the same movements.
I now know that I can’t separate myself from these films or from the bond they created with me and my sister. Suddenly, within me there was a swift change that occurred, I went from once being irritated with her eccentric tastes to being completely enthralled by them. Pride and Prejudice will always we be my number one favorite period piece (possibly favorite film ever), but I will always see it as being my sister’s original treasure as well. The film was something that was initially her own private masterpiece, which she found joy in and shared that feeling with me. And now, this joy will forever be ours.
As I have gotten older, there is an emotion that rises within me after the joy of period films. It’s something I have tried to ignore but without fail it creeps back into my mind. The emotion stems from an innate need to watch people like me draped in a beautiful, intricate fabric. A floor-length gown, a wide petticoat, all the makings of a breathtaking gown, giving our main character the appearance of gliding angelically above the ground beneath her. Her brown skin contrasting beautifully in a deep, red silk with black lace trimmings at the bottom, she dances jovially around the ballroom while violins and cellos swell. This is a story that I can imagine, yet I wonder why so many can’t.
Creating New Narratives
In the world of film and fantasy, can black people only be depicted enduring strife? Or wearing rags and a distraught face? Yes, this is the truth, this was reality, but the mind is a capable and creative mechanism. It is limitless. And it can move beyond the chains and harsh realities of true African American historic life. It’s not about erasing history or solely presenting truth but it’s about creating new narratives. Ones that are engaging, creative and express people who exist whether fictionally or factually.
I have witnessed many other young, black lovers of period pieces whether they be via Instagram, dressing up in various vintage pieces, or on Twitter with a picture of Amy March as their profile picture. Black lovers of these films even extend back into the film industry. Actress Maya Rudolph explained her point of view in a The Hollywood Reporter roundtable discussion,
“…Because [if you’re black] it means that you’re going to be playing a slave. And it’s always been my dream to be in a period piece with the hair and the costumes, but we are so limited, and that’s the reality.”
When I heard Maya state this in the interview, I knew immediately that she had the same inclination that I and many others have. Again, in the world of art and creativity, there has to be some realm where the medium for black characters is unlimited.
Credit Where Credit is Due
I have to admit there are a few pieces that have tried to be more accessible and diverse in their cast, they have gone beyond the scope of reality and honestly, it was quite significant to me. Anne with an E (2017), is a show that has veered from the norm by giving Sebastian Lacroix and his family their own plot line. My heart leaped a little when I realized his character was given significance and reality. Yes, rightfully so racism was represented but it did not overwhelm the plot. Sebastian is a great example of a character whom is treated like a character, a part of the plot, meaningful, and is a person who can be placed right alongside any other character.
Little Women
I mentioned earlier that while Pride and Prejudice is treasured both by me and my sister, it was my sister’s before it was mine. Now, I have found a piece that is completely my own, at least until my sister sees it. Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is MY film. I’m not positive if I can put into words accurately the emotions that I felt after the viewing the film, but I’ll try.
Gerwig’s Little Women was not my first encounter with the story, I had recently seen Little Women (1994) that being said, I knew the story quite well so I already had expectations as far as the plot. The new Little Women brought something different to the table, which I hadn’t seen in the other films. As a writer, I felt inspired through Jo March and her inner struggles, which were made plainly and expertly evident through Saorsie Ronan. I also learned the importance of having ownership of your work and understanding the legal aspects of the writing world, especially as a female writer. After viewing the film a second time, I understood how Gerwig’s backwards retelling allowed the audience to step inside Jo’s mind. We were able to fully understand her motivation and the value she held in her relationships.
Various scenes caused my own heart to ache for the March sister’s childhood and their loss of innocence. In the final scene as Jo watches her book come to completion, she ponders her life and the journey she endured to get that moment. And I did the same, I thought about my own sister as images of the younger March sisters flashed across the screen in Jo’s mind (I could go on and on about how this movie changed me, but that’s for another essay). All this to say, this movie means a great deal to me and I believe it always will.
After leaving the theater I felt artistically inspired, it was almost like floating on air and my mind was brimming with new ideas, my heart full with emotion. And underneath all of this, was a feeling I couldn’t quite shake but yet I tried to ignore it. In the back of mind I thought, was this for me? For some odd reason, I felt guilty for being so moved by this film. Was it wrong for me, a young black girl, to be crying for 4 white women( I mean, obviously not)? On the most basis of levels, Little Women is about humanity and sisterhood. The emotions I felt were simply human, and not race based.
Who wouldn’t want to be seen wearing this? (Image: SONY/COLUMBIA)
Or in this! (my absolute favorite) Image: SONY
I have to say, my attention was peaked as I saw various black characters flitting through scenes and dancing in crowds. And I smiled inwardly, as a young black character learned to play the violin in the lawn of Jo Mach’s school. But I couldn’t help wanting to see black women in these beautiful dresses, telling men they simply couldn’t love them! Or watch them sprawl men’s insecurities across a Parisian ballroom, all while wearing black lace and silk!
As a lover of fashion first, I can’t help but imagine myself and people who like me in these fine clothes.
After thinking about this issue for a moment, I came to this conclusion. The black audience cannot expect non-black creators to tell their stories because simply put, they can’t. I mean, they could but it does not have to be on their agenda, as they have their own stories to tell. Instead of pleading for diversity from those who have no interest in it, create the content and allow others to follow suit. Little Women is the story of 4 White American sisters, this is the narrative of the plot, and I applaud Greta Gerwig for her efforts in diversity, in a story with the point of view from one race.
I grew up with a few pieces that represent the images that appear in my head. Although they are few (examples are limited to 19th century-esque),
With a little imagination, anything is possible. And hopefully soon we will see black girls in ballgowns on screen, along with many other girls.
Here are some photos of me and my sister (the Elizabeth to my Jane) at the Downton Abbey premiere at our local theater. Yes, I was the only one who dressed up. And yes, we quote this show as much as P+P ( Pride Prejudice).
