BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture African-American Culture Black Audrey Hepburn?

Hi, all-

Happy New Year! I'm new here and I wanted to know if any of you have ever been described as the "Black version" of a given celebrity. What do you think about that? Is it offensive or does it depend on the context?

I'm sort of offended because I'd like to be judged (if at all) as an individual. I actually have to think about the issue more myself. But I want to know your thoughts.

My husband was once described as the "Black Arnold Schwarzenegger" [Read: big and scary], although he's the sweetest, nicest guy in the world and not intimidating at all!

By contrast, a friend described me as the "Black Audrey Hepburn." She obviously meant is a compliment. But I still felt iffey about it.

Comments?

Why should you feel iffy about it? Audrey Hepburn was an incredible woman. She survived the Holocaust, became an Academy Award winning actress and then became a Goodwill Ambassador. She was one of the first celebrities to bring the plight of starving children in Africa to the masses outside of the continent. I for one would be flattered is someone defined me as the "black Audrey Hepburn"

Speaking as someone who loved Audrey Hepburn, I think your friend gave you a beautiful compliment. Audrey was so graceful and elegant, as well as beautiful. I often find myself comparing people to others, not in a negative sense, but because they have similar features. Just last weekend when I was at dinner I noticed that my waiter was a male version of Angelina Jolie. My friend had to agree because they have so many facial features in common. While Angelina may take offense at the thought, it was not meant to be at all offensive. He just looked like he could her brother.

I see people of different cultures who look alike a lot. I've said to friends and family, "Doesn't he/she look like a black ________.", and it's usually a person we know. It would be different if they compared you to Brittany Spears and was comparing your personalities or way of life. A visual comparison isn't bad...as long as the other person doesn't have a distinct flaw.