YESS! That probably meant so much to little beautiful dark girls who don’t feel beautiful to see the love of a king be someone who looks like them. I’m light skin, but I know representation matters and everyone deserves to feel beautiful/ powerful like Lupita.
Shalifa's Spot Yes! And Okoye also had a gorgeous lover even if she's bald! Women and little girls need to know that they should not waste their time on men who can't appreciate their beauty.
That’s an African reality. I really hope that people will start making the distinction between African reality and non-African reality ‘cause many people now believe that dark skin women are not desirable everywhere in the world which isn’t true at all.
Hi Maya, I loved Black Panther because it allowed black women to be strong and feminine at the same time. I used to be made fun of because I naturally had muscles and I was strong and people would always say I looked like a guy. I felt so unattractive for some time. I also loved how they showed that beauty doesn't mean long flowing hair. It can mean bald, Bantu knots, braids, an undercut, dreads, and head coverings. They even allowed for "bright" hair coloring in Angela Basset's dreads. I loved how dark skinned women were portrayed in this movie. I mean none of those women were hyper-sexualized like dark skinned women usually are. This movie really spoke to me and I need to own it.
What you said here " I used to be made fun of because I naturally had muscles and I was strong and people would always say I looked like a guy. I felt so unattractive for some time." Every word was my experience as a young Nigerian-American girl. Michelle Obama helped to break that barrier somewhat with her physique in designer dresses, but this movie showed the African woman's figure in all its strength and glory. Confidence starts young an I'm excited to see how this impacts the next generation.
Very well stated! As a dark skinned youtuber it has definitely taken me longer to grow vs my lighter youtube friends and we do the SAME content with the same quality. It sucks. 😩 thanks for this video!
Amor Antasia So very true. I started doing RUclips videos back in 2010 and I noticed this back then. I do not understand why people like to deny this truth. I pray you have much success in your RUclips career.
Anytime a dark skin woman doesn't do something they want, they rationalize that it has to be her skin color smh. Have you maybe considered that maybe your content isn't good? Nah, it must be skin color! Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock got massive Netflix deals, while Monique didn't. It must be because of ski... oh wait, no, now it's because of gender too! Couldn't ever be because you're just not good, could it?
WrittenByMicah You're RIGHT. Dark skin black men are treated much, much WORSE. But unlike women, a man just goes about his business and puts in the work. He doesn't complain.
Amor Antasia There is a sister on RUclips Hashepsut Economics who was talking about how when you Google "soft black women" pictures of shoes come up instead of pictures of beautiful black women. This is in part because black women is not seen as feminine or beautiful. She say there in real time and showed how the internet does not even have images of soft black female images. Every other culture can find pictures except for black women.
Thanks for being vulnerable. I appreciate your mixed heritage view. One thing I would note is that there is absolutely black excellence in the experience of African slaves. We should never feel ashamed for being descendants of people who survived under unthinkable conditions, and who brought over inventions that today benefit us all without recognition. This is ONE way to speak to our strengths. Btw, I watch your videos because of the excellent content:-)
I feel like you when it comes to makeup companies and foundation shades. I support those who provide products for me. Simple as that. I AM NOT BEGGING for a seat at a table that I am not welcomed to sit at.
I am tired of the begging too coz we don't need their validation. Personally I am looking forward to seeing this potential market to be filled with black business owners. I want to see more of "Oh you tired of not being catered to?" "Don't worry, we got you"-- A black business
You honestly touched the point. I am lighter than Danai or Lupita, but I'm still dark-skinned. Seeing Black Panther and how beauty was represented, it affected me. I love my colour. It celebrates our melanin beauty. ❤ Also, you are one of my favorite youtubers. Well spoken and breaking barriers.
I had to pause the video and let you know why I watch. I've been subscribed to your channel since your apt in NYC and you spoke briefly about your marriage. I fell in love with a beautiful, honest and vulnerable curly haired woman who still to this day speaks her truth. Your constant bravery (Shamelessness) is inspiring to me. I support your channel and the concepts you brought to us bc you haven't sold us out. I know you've gotten offers that you've turned down bc you were thinking of the impact it would have on us. I appreciate your sensitivity to our points of view and how that impacts our perception of you. Thank you for having integrity in yourself and brand. You a wonderful example of a woman who gives herself time to grown and adapt to challenges. Thank you for being true. Thank you for being you.
I'm French West Indian and it wasn't until I started my natural hair journey watching US youtubers that I start learning about the real experience of black and mixed people in the US. I realized that even if my ancestors were also slaves, I am SO MUCH more priviledged than black people in the US, so I deeply sympathize and wish nothing but the best to my "US cousins". When I saw Black Panther, when I saw Wakanda, I felt like I was watching black people alternate story. The story of "what if white supremacy through slavery AND colonialism had never touch our ancestors?" and I LOVE what I saw. Beautiful dark-skinned women who are warriors, queens, scientists. 4C hair in all its glory: bantu knots, twist out, wash n go, box braids, locs even bald (yes it counts too lol). The other thing that I love about the movie is that it invites the WORLD (not just white people) to realistically discover Wakanda as it is: an African country that was hidden for generations. So no need for whitewashing, mixed people or white savior because (ironic shocking news...😒): it's not necessary to make a good movie.
Scoring57 Martinique, Guadeloupe or Saint Martin 😉 former colonies of France that have become part of France. They're Caribbean but have the French nationality.
Thank you for using your platform to talk about the colorism that has been happening in our society and Hollywood for a long time! I’m so glad that Black Panther touched on not only diversity but spreading the message of DARK SKIN people as well. You’re my favorite RUclipsr ever and don’t ever be discouraged to not talk about black issues, Love ya :)
THANKS for using your platform to address important topics that need to be talked about. Especially since you identify as biracial and see the privillige lighter skin tone people in the black community and mixed people have will educate others who deny that it exists. Hopefully Black Panther will inspire more cool moviessss to comeee!!
✊✊✊Ahh love this! I had tears in my eyes after watching Black Panther just because I was so happy and proud! The movie was so important for EVERYONE to see! Our younger generation really needed to see this---they now know anything is possible. You don't have to be black to appreciate and celebrate Black Panther or black culture overall. I love that you mentioned privilege and you're not denying it. This is why you inspire so many. Much love Maya! 💓
I agree. I grew up in one of the most hopeful eras - the 60s. We believed in the social change we were able to conquer - then they shot Jack, Bobby and Dr. King. It gives me hope when I see people willing to have the tougher conversations, willing to stand in front of the world and point out the bad things that are happening and just how far they are willing to go to get people out of office who refuse to recognize the concepts of equality. I pray that these old, privileged white men get voted out of ALL their offices - from state house to congress and the senate - and we're able to create a new reality where we can honestly talk about what is and what we can do to bring ourselves into an age like Wakanda.
I did not grow up in usa but coming here made me realize i was not just human. I was “black” The way I have been treated here for being black hurts me so much and I long for the good old days when I was in Africa.When no one saw color. I started a YT channel and no one is supportive or think I can make it, and sometimes i feel I am not pretty enough to be on a set. I wonder if you can ever make it in the US as a black woman. Probably would have been better staying back home. I miss Africa. I miss Nigeria 😭 The struggle here is real
Nenye, I'm going to subscribe to your channel... You're not alone in this journey. You left Nigeria for a reason and that's to achieve great things.. You will do that in spite of everything the US throws at you. You are smart, you are important and you are beautiful!!!!
I wouldn't say that Nigerians don't see colour,I just think that it's more subtle. Most definitely the transition from a predominantly Black country to somewhere like the US is difficult.
I started following you because of the feeling I could relate to you in so many ways! As an mixed young adult living in Holland ( Indonesian and Dutch ) I struggled with with a lot of feelings. Your RUclips channel helped me accept it's oke being creative, different and even cool with being mixed. Love all your videos x
Reena some Dutch people are so close minded it's to bad. Even in 2018 I see people discriminate other people for being themselves or being something out of the ordinary. Some people just don't fit the mold and stand out. I now love being mixed and to be able to stand out in a big crowd. Spread the love right😊❤️
Omg! I cried with you.. being Canadian from a Ghanaian background. I totally could relate to how you felt visiting Ghana and Toga- A Sense of Home! I pick up your spirit everytime I watch your videos. You are the true definition of an INFLUENCER. People like you are the ones who make a real difference
The answer you gave for "did you ever have to choose one side of yourself" i relate to sooo much. I am also half Black half Filipino, its really great to see you as an influencer who is mixed giving these messages because i didn't have that when I was younger so i always struggled sometimes identifying who i am to people or having them accept i was mixed. I also relate to you as a person where i took my experiences and put them into my art. thank you for the great content. Also thinking of cutting my hair once i graduate next winter, because i don't want to be identified or defines as my hair.
I applaud you for your honesty , I appreciate it when mixed people like yourself are honest about the levels of privilege that they have (when it comes to certain things). Very few mixed people are honest about this .
Thank you for this Maya. We need more folx like you speaking on this. A lot of people like you dont even want to admit that they have that kind of privilege.
It’s very interesting to hear your perspective as a mixed Canadian woman. I don’t really think non African Americans can fully understand our perspective, but I appreciate your genuineness.
Black panther also touched on the fact that a lot of the things that go into our phones, laptops, and etc comes from the raw materials in different countries in Africa. But Wakanda benefitted from it, which is something that many African countries do not benefit from.
My thing about foundation shades is that if a company doesn’t make my shade that means they don’t want me to wear their makeup and if that’s how they’re feelin oh well. Also I literally didn’t understand systemic racism until I was a teen. My dad instilled so much pride in me around my Blackness that I didn’t have insecurities surrounding my race. I didn’t realize that Black had a different definition than the things my dad explained to me that most people believe in some way. It was hard to navigate but I’m here! 😜
As a white person, I was of course aware of the significance of the movie. But I can never really understand. But I think I got a bit closer to understanding that this movie wasn’t just being progressive and all that when I saw your tears. Love you Maya!!
Hailey Pint im white and i fully get it. I dont really think its complicated.. light and white is overrepresented. Dark not at all. This was emotional. Just like wonder woman was for white women.
I was low key scared that you were going to say something crazy about colorism bc of the shanboody video I watched. The anxiety made me realize how much I care about you as a content creator. Thank you for being dope.
Black Diamond we both talked about our identity after watching this film and how different our experiences growing up were. I hope you liked her vid. And thank you for caring!
I'm sorry but Beyonce is not mixed. Both of her parents are African American. She is light and subscribes to European standards of beauty (with blonde weaves and wigs) but identifies as BLACK.
However she or you identify I respect. The term black is relative to which part of the world you're in. By American standards you consider her African American, Black. My Ghanian friends do not consider Beyonce African American or full Black and instead mixed.
@@shamelessmaya Beyonce would be African-American or Black since both of those terms are used to describe a race-based ethnic group that consists of people that are of African descent but typically of mixed heritage. However, she would not be "negroid" or strictly a descendant of native African ethnic groups. However, most Black Americans (ethnicity) are not only of African descent anyway. Hundreds of years of rape doesn't produce a pure-blood population. You are right about the word "Black" being defined differently in different parts of the world though. The English used the word to describe skin color. Australian aborigines were described as black. People of African descent in the U.S. do not use this term as a mere description of skin color but as a racial/ethnic identity. Our racial group is based off of the one drop rule but other members of the African Diaspora have completely different racial structures because they were colonized by different Europeans. When the American Black Power movement spread to other parts of the world, people of the African diaspora all started using the same word, "black," but defining it differently resulting in the confusion we are experiencing today.
I love a lot of what your saying, however you can be light skinned and not mixed. My sisters are as light as Beyoncé and both our parents are Africans. Very, very black. Beyoncé who is my favorite is not mixed. Her mother is mixed black with another type of black and dad is black. Her dad even came out with a book talking about how in touch Tina was and is with her blackness. If your going to say Beyoncé is mixed because of her mom then everyone in America is mixed...
Thanks for making this video Maya. I’m also biracial and can relate to much of this video growing up neither here (white) nor there (black), but somewhere inbetween. I also traveled to Africa (Tanzania). It was a feeling of coming home, even thought most African Americans are west African descendant and I traveled to the east of Africa, it still felt like a home coming. Wakanda Forever! Let’s keep supporting black film/tech.
Yas Maya love this! So many people act like there is no such thing as mixed or light skin privilege. And as a dark skin black woman it felt sooo good to see dark skin women be love interests in a movie of this scale like ground breaking. And I was with you on every point!
This video is game changer and a conversation starter. You can tell how your passion for these topics stem from your childhood and help you identify the woman you are today. Your words definitely moved me. Thanks for being so raw, open and genuine about these sensitive topics that people are too scared to talk about. And thanks for creating a safe environment for everyone to speak their mind and share their point of view! Maya, you da best!😘
Am a white girl from Sweden that totally love your channel, so yes, you have a wide audience, haha. This video was so interesting to me, to hear other perspectives. My mom is an Inuit and my sisters look a lot more like her, dark eyes and a bit different skin tones while I have light eyes and very light skin. And this is at all not the same, but I can images how it would fel looking different from your parent. Also, need to go watch black panter now! It seems epic. Loved the vid!
You’re look out and personality is my inspiration. I was born in Africa but was adopted and raised in America. Black panther for me was a dream come true and what I’ve craving to see in movies!
It hurts my soul to see any woman walking with their head down especially black women as a whole. We are more than this meat suit that we’ve been taught to beLIEve is all there is. Things must get worse before it gets better. But inevitably it will get better! 💗
Mayaaaaaa I have been watching your channel for like four and half years I did not realize your growth and I apologize. I am so proud of you. You helped me embrace my natural hair and I love you. You are the so amazing
I love that black panther is making a change and is making a statement !!! Hopefully this is a step to change the ideology in Hollywood and the high fashion world. Because we as the people in society are changing however Hollywood and the high fashion world still fails to catch up and be more inclusive. Hopefully this is a step to be more inclusive and celebrating differences! 😂😍
❤️ I was hesitant to click on the video, because the topic of mixed privilege is sometimes discussed in a way that doesn't speak to me fully, but HELLO Maya you did it again 👌🏽 I like how you reflected on all of these topics. wisely and eloquently spoken ❤️
I subscribed to you originally for your Tech Talk series. When I was searching for videos on how to edit video/photos, lighting, and sound, the majority of what I found was from a very “male” perspective. Spec heavy, numbers focused, and very...technical. When I found your videos it was a breath of fresh air to find someone teaching how to do video and editing from a more intuitive, “creative,” and aesthetic sensibility. You spoke a language I could understand. While the tech stuff drew me in, the rest of your content, and your personality, are what continue to make me stay. We come from very different backgrounds, and I am super fair (etc, etc), but I love how you express yourself and how you can explain things in a way that I can easily understand them. I also love seeing different takes on topics from a wide variety of people. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Can we make a distinction between being fair skinned or mixed and biracial or mixed. Just because you have fair skin that does not make you mixed, I think that goes without saying. But I guess I’m wondering how you define being mixed. Is 20% all it takes to be mixed? I’m fair skinned/light skinned but I wouldn’t consider myself mixed. I got this way for a reason so yes there is Native American and European ancestry in my blood, but you have to go back generations to find it. My parents are black and so are my grandparents. But I guess in this context mixed refers to someone who is multigenerational mixed...? But yes light skinned women are often seen as the standard by which media portrays black beauty and with that comes privilege as a light skinned black woman.
T_K M Yes. I want a distinction too because of the fact I am light skin.. darker blacks put me in the category as mixed because I am light but I have black parents and my parent's parents are black.. it's annoying being placed in a category because of your skin tone when you can't relate to being biracial because you are not. But light skins do be represented a lot, biracial or not. There needs to be a balance.
Okay I like to approach this issue a bit biologically. For example if genetically someone is more than 50% of Sub-saharan African descent it means that the majority of their fenotypical expression will adhere to those standards which makes them 'black'. And this can mean having variation in skintone because you can have people who do not have any European ancestors but are looking lighter. Mixed (with black) people would genetically have 50% or less Sub-saharan blood in them making their fenotypical expression unsure. I hope this helped you out
I started watching your videos about being shameless, I followed to support the journey and to be encouraged. During that time I had a lot of anxiety and fears, lack of direction and confidence. Those videos were a kick up the butt! They helped me to see that everyone has fears, but not everyone allows it to paralyse their productivity and creativity. You made 'breaking out of the comfort zone' something to get excited about, you showed how it opens up amazing opportunities, new connections with people, you can have fun with it, and also taught me that it is a continual lesson and journey that can be applied to all areas of live, not just work or relationships. Also I cut my hair not long after you did! I'd been toying with the idea for a few month, and came across so many youtube vids of girls rocking their natural hair, regardless of texture. Your big chop video was one of many that I watched so that I could prepare for the change that I really wanted. Plus your funny, open, informative, and you exude uplifting positive energy!! xx
As a dark skin kinky hair Jamaican American (clearly we have a nothing in common) I have followed you since New York because of your spirit. Your positive light, your creativity, and shameless behavior had me subscribing to you channel. 😊 You did you, and stayed true Maya that why you have 1 million subscribers
miznay30 it seems from reading the second sentence you may have more in common than you think!☺️ I’m a light skinned black American and Maya’s humor, positivity, and ability to relate to so many is what made me a subscriber.
Beyonce does't have natural blonde hair however point taken also light skin people can be more black than a dark skin person because of the distribution of melanin.
Maya I was a bit nervous when I saw the title of this video and wasn't sure I wanted to watch it but I am so glad I did. I have never seen anyone mixed race or of a fair complexion address the disdain and lack of appreciation for darker skin. THANK YOU!!! We are seldom represented in music videos, television or movies and rarely cast in an attractive light. Even our own celebs tend to put down dark skin publicly which for me is just painful. Hence the skin-bleaching craze. I love everything you said about colorism, mixed privilege and dark skin according to "Standard Beauty" and the disconnect between African-Americans & Africans as touched on in the movie. I feel understood. Thank you!
I've never seen your channel before. I've been searching out public opinions of the BLACK PANTHER movie so I clicked on your video along with so many others I've watched... but... I must say I'm very impressed with who you are and what you have to say. Not just about BLACK PANTHER but with what you've shared about your own experiences in life. You're beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful, wise, and you're not afraid to show your "silly side". A brilliant combination. Thanks for what you had to say!
Caribbean in the house! Growing up, I felt LESS Puerto Rican than the rest of my family and friends because I am white. I felt the pressure and need to prove my Puerto Rican-ness by becoming fluent in Spanish, studying the history of my island and people, wanting to dye my hair black at the tender age of 5, and resenting my light skin... I realize that it’s an odd experience to have since the world is by and large Eurocentric; however, it opened my eyes as an adult to how beauty standards are embedded in our minds long before we become conscious of beauty. BRAVO on covering such broad topics so well. I started watching you wayyyy back when you were in your NYC apartment. Initially I loved your curly hair videos, and got hooked on all of your content moving forward. It took me years to begin my own shameless journey which was SOOOOO inspired by yours. Thank you for being you, boo!
Lol pauses video because I’m dying laughing at the “watery black reference” haha I can totally relate I’m an actor and I recently did a commercial we’re I was the only black girl on set of a panel of 25 and I was wearing my hair straight and bouncy lol I just have to find the humor in some stuff lol back to the video💕
This is by far the best break-down of Black Panther I've seen so far! You're the first person I've heard talk about the theme in the movie on the disconnect between black Africans and black Americans. Black Panther reiterated what we already know...Black is beautiful, and powerful. Thank you Maya💕
Thank you so much for openly sharing your thoughts, experiences, intimate feelings on color, hair, identity, education, etc... I swear everything you expressed hit home with me. I cried with you, laughed and reflected on my personal journey. As a African woman living in the states, I get so many comments from people about my look that have me pausing for a moment to either SMDH and/ or laughing, doesn't mean it was funny. It's complicated but I guess that's why I enjoy watching vlogs more like this. Looking forward to much more. Stay blessed and relevant🌹🌻🌺
Am I gonna drop everything I'm doing and watch this 25 minute and 45 second video? Hell ya I am. **closes books** **sips tea** **clears throat** **presses play**
Hi Maya. I found you from your tech videos at first, but we have a lot in common including being mixed, coming from a commercial background, etc.. you not only gave me a lot of good tech advice, but helped me become a little more "shameless" and get over the weirdness of editing my own videos! Thanks, boo!
Love this -- it's rare for a light-skinned person to even admit this stuff. My only pushback? The idea that more people in the world can relate to mixed people over dark-skinned black people. Even that is part of the problem.
Can I just say, I relate to you so much when you say you connected to West Indians. Being a multiracial woman, that was the group that most accepted me because I looked more like them! A lot of people don’t really understand that. I also had to explain to my West Indian friends that I’m just American. First time I’ve heard this from another mixed person that’s not West Indian. Thank you for being so honest! I relate to you because you don’t just talk make up. Your content is diverse, refined, and eclectic. I can relate to that! Xoxo
Oh my God, you talked about the disconnect between Africans and African Americans!! I just wrote an article on this! I am fangirling right now - and subscribing!
Maya, I watch you because you are always real. The videos I love most are when you’re just talking about the life experience from your perspective. I’m so grateful that you are representation for so many groups of people. As a Filipino-American, I often struggle placing myself in society. There’s very little representation of people in power and media that I look like and relate to. I feel like society pushes people to fit in a box based on what we look like, our race, gender and whatnot and therefore places limits on what we can achieve. So I’m constantly grateful to the technological age we live in for giving voice to people who aren’t born into wealth and power. I’m grateful for you and other diverse voices shedding light on just how many different life experiences exist out here in this world. Thanks for what you do. Please continue to make content like this.
I started watching you because of your hair videos. I’m a curly haired light skinned Black woman and I needed inspiration on what to do with my hair. But as I’ve watched you grow, I’ve come to love you for you...the shamelessness, the intelligence, the pride in your heritage, your tech talks, your dedication, etc. Keep doing you boo!
I would love if you did another video about being mixed race because I do believe we have privilege but I also think we have our own struggles of not not being included and not being "enough" in our communities. I have had many experiences where I am not considered black enough but also will never be a part of the white community.
Melissa Magnuson Why not just be in the mixed community? You technically aren’t one or the other and won’t necessarily experience the things that fully white or black people (as in two parents of the same race) go through
That Thing You See At The Corner Of Your Eye That's the point of discussing that topic because there is no mixed race community because there are so many different mixes out there. None of us really fit in any box which is fine but it can also be hard and confusing. I think it's a topic worth discussing and exploring because it rarely is. Maya touched on it a bit and maybe that will give people a bit of a sense of a mixed community for those who might need it.
You are one of my favorite youtubers for many reasons. So intellegent, so humble so charismatic. Your advice about tech and cameras have helped and encouraged me to start my RUclips channel which has about 300 subscribers right now (still growing ^_^) but anyways, thank you for addressing these conversations within this video 💜💙
Do people not find it may be possibly insulting to describe Black Americans as "just black" or "just generational black American"? It almost implies Black Americans do not have a culture when compared to others in the diaspora and that is quite an unfortunate way of thinking. Because quite frankly black Carribean countries were apart of the slave trade as well and they did not just magically pop out of nowhere and begin cultivating their customs and cultures. I think the major difference is alot of Carribean countries are majority black or mixed so they mostly identify with nationality as opposed to race. So just like Jamaicans identify as Jamaican and thats where they are from, Black Americans are American based and that's where they are from. Also, if we're going to categorize Beyonce as mixed then a lot of Black Americans would identify as mixed. She definitely benefits from colorism though. And I'm glad darker skinned black people from all over the diaspora get to see themselves in Black Panther because this is long overdue.
I enjoy the video like usual, the only issue for me was when you talked about cultural appropriation as it has nothing to do with gender identity. I understand that people think it's ok to be inspire by an other culture. The issue come (to me, but you can think otherwise), when people pretend they invented it.
I follow you because I can relate to you in a lot of ways. I‘m a mixed young girl living in Germany (black and white - Ghana, Nigeria, Guinea / Germany, England, Finland) so you taught me a lot about identity and made me think about who I am. As well as you taught me how to care for my hair and really showed me the world of the natural lifestyle. That was around 2013 and I still stay following you😌🌹
Beyonces blonde hair isn't natural maya there's something called wig extensions and hair dye also, both her mother and father identify as african american. Black people come in many shades that's the beauty of our race, we have such a range
Beyonce isnt mixed though. Both of her parents are Black. She is light skinned ( that blonde hair come from a bottle, she had Black hair as a child) she has a shit ton of privilege because of it but her mama being creole dosent make her mixed. at least not like you , Barak Obama, and one of my nephews who all have one non-Black parent. Tina Lawson will correct anyone who says she not Black with a quickness. I mean i get your point, but I think the distinction is really important. over all though I hear what you were trying to say
After reading the comments I realize my use of mixed and light are interchangeable coming from Canada and that is not the case here in the US. It was never my intention to divide or argue and I feel bad if my words triggered you or others. Thanks for pointing this out respectfully 🙏🏾💕
I started watching and subscribed to you because of your energy. I think I watched 4 of your videos back to back and thought, "what a smart, funny, open-minded, beautiful human". The light you spread is amazing. Keep doing you. 🤗
FYI I started following you bc you are crazy funny and entertaining I was like this woman is so pretty & she makes the craziest faces but I LOVE that! I was completely inspired by your Shameless movement You inspired me to start back dancing and pursuing other dreams shamelessly Your channel was helpful in so many ways: hair, make-up, film, acting, tech talk, inspiration etc. Your channel speaks to the masses and thats awesome and a gift To me that makes you well rounded and such a beautiful being on the inside and out I did not start following you for your skin tone but visually you are literally a natural beautiful woman and tiny and I thought that was cute You just seem to be such a wonderful person inside and out Thank you for giving us continuous knowledge and inspiring us to be our best selves I support you 100%
So glad you’re back. I watch because you’re fun, inspirational, motivational, thoughtful, spiritual and so much more. I don’t watch you for makeup tutorials (my dark skin sisters help me out with that) but I will watch you doing your makeup whenever you’re sharing gems. My sister is mixed (her dad is white British and my mum is black Sierra Leonean) and my sister was also raised in the 80s. So despite the fact that you and I weren’t raised on the same continent, I am able to see you as a sister with no question! May your star continue to shine brightly.
Maya, just wanted to thank you for this video, as a mixed girl, I relate 10%; we're stuck in between and never know where we fit in. Just spoke out what has been hiding deep into myself for so many years and still. Thank you !
I get what it feels like to be stared at when you walk in a room and don’t know what/who ppl are staring at. That’s bc I am disabled and I am still considered privilege, but technically I’m not bc I am apart of the minority. So in a way I guess I’m mixed privilege too?? However, I have found refuge in my school’s Drama Club bc they r sooo accepting of differences bc a lot of them are LGBTQ+ and African background. Most of my friends are African and I love that bc they are so interesting to talk to and how accepting they are altogether! It’s all about UNITY!! ✌🏻🌈
When you said that you felt that sense of home & started crying, I was holding back tears. I felt that same missing puzzle piece feeling in the scene where T'Challa was speaking to his father on the ancestral plane. I was struggling not to break down in tears in the theater 😭 There are so many layers in BP & I'm here for all of them 🙌🏿
Please make more. I literally had you on the background talking. So maybe a podcast series. You made me cry, I can relate so much. Black America, Black African, black Caribbean...
I love you Maya😍 I hate being negative.... But some of these African Americans who come here "motherland" always lie about how awakened they feel and at home they are, dress in traditional attire, learn basic terms but if told to live here wanakimbia! wanatoroka! they wouldn't be able to "handle it" "it's not for them". they film the villages, the wildlife and tribes but not the cities, our development and how intelligent we are na hizo tabia hunikasirisha 😑
I completely understand. Growing up I would see how my mom hated how the Philippines was represented as a starving third world country with no development. I also see people who claim to embrace the motherland but can't stand that no electricity life and cold showers...you gotta write your story girl!
I typed a huge paragraph but decided that it was doing too much. All I can say is thank you for this video and your input on the movie among the other subjects you've touched on. I've been watching your videos for years. You are a beautiful soul. Keep going girl!
sly 5722 Im from the South. I know how the term Creole is used and what it really is. technically, none of them are “creole”. Creole is a term that was used to separate settlers from their mother countries from the people that were born in America. Over the years people have changed the original meaning.
Black To Grace a CrEolE pErsOn iS a DESCENDANT of sPanish and FrENch SETtlerS fRoM LoIsIaNa durInG tHe coLoNiaL areA. SlavErY wAS sTiLl iN tACt do if Beyonce is mixed every African American is 🤷🏽♀️. I’m pretty sure that most of us have white in us. People in that part of the south only mated with other light skinned “creoles” and some still do this. If y’all are going to come for me, at least be knowledgeable about the initial statement I made.
Sharun Marshae exactly. The average African American's dna is 20-25% White, and less than 5% Native. Beyonce is as mixed as the rest of us. If those little percentages make you mixed, we're all mixed. She can be Creole. She is still Black.
Agreed. I know plenty of Louisiana Creole people who are completely white. The term was developed to mean people who were born in the new world rather than in Europe like generations before and created their own culture. If it’s a race and not a culture then why do they sell “Creole Seasoning” at the groceries stores across the South. Does anyone think there is any such thing as mixed people seasoning?
Lots of great topics addressed. I love that you addressed the disconnect between black Americans and black Africans with vulnerability. I am Nigerian-American and my best friend is AA. I wish there were more sisterhood/brotherhood and less resentment/misunderstanding between us. Regarding makeup companies not catering to our shades, makeup is something most women reach for when getting ready for the day,work or a big event. Imagine your shade missing from every makeup counter and online. I'm not talking about having to mix shades, I'm talking the lines darkest shade doesn't match you. What do you do? What happens if the makeup breaks you out? Then you have no other options. At the root of the issue is black women not feeling valued enough to have makeup choices. A black woman who is a 34D can walk into a lingerie store and purchase a bra, but a black woman who is dark-skinned will likely walk out of a makeup store empty handed. Her womanhood always feels incomplete. She will likely have to go to work or that wedding with a poorly matched brand and not look her best. I agree that we should support the brands that do create our shades, but the problem is that there have been zero that create a wide range until recently. MAC tried before, but they only created monotone, I'll-researched shades for black woken with red undertones. Every woman of color who was not very dark or light, was categorized as MAC NC45. Lol! Brands should and probably realize at this point that black women want to look their best as well. Shoutout to Marc Jacobs and Makeup Forever for creating dark shades that are good matches.
For the people saying Beyoncé isn’t “mixed,” I’m mixed race (Japanese, Black, French Creole) and I consider her to be mixed lol. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but every thing I say gets some kind of backlash lol.
Yes but shes the same mix that black americans are. My mom is half black and white and I'am black! You are biracial , you are not like me and beyonce because we dont have one parent that is white, asian etc. then you mixed it with our black daddys and what you get BLACK! you just see her as you because shes lightskin and wear that blonde weave to make her seem mixed. havent you seen solange her sisters natural hair? doesnt look biracial curls to me.
I love this video Maya you have been inspiring me for years to START A RUclips CHANNEL, TO BE FEARLESS and YOUR TECH TALKS. My daughter is mixed black & puerto rican and Im black and this video helped me UNDERSTAND.
The wisest thing that should be on everyone mind currently should be to invest in different stream of income that doesn't depend on the govt especially with the current economic crisis around the world
I'm currently achieving success investing in bitcoin because I read through a post on bitcoin & how to get started with the help of an expert Evelyn T hills
I believe year 2020 was a year that thought everyone to be smart with whatever they're doing financially if they're to achieve the success they so much crave for
I found you when I was looking for youtubers with natural hair but...I keep Watching your videos for years now even though you no longer do hair videos. And that is just because you are a very inspiratonal person and I love your personnality
I absolutely loved that the apple of T’Challa’s eye was a beautiful dark skinned woman with short hair.
YESS! That probably meant so much to little beautiful dark girls who don’t feel beautiful to see the love of a king be someone who looks like them. I’m light skin, but I know representation matters and everyone deserves to feel beautiful/ powerful like Lupita.
Shalifa's Spot Yes! And Okoye also had a gorgeous lover even if she's bald! Women and little girls need to know that they should not waste their time on men who can't appreciate their beauty.
I know right...😍😍😍
That’s an African reality. I really hope that people will start making the distinction between African reality and non-African reality ‘cause many people now believe that dark skin women are not desirable everywhere in the world which isn’t true at all.
MélissaEnvy of course it is. It not a common thing to see in Western media especially not in a large film like BP.
Hi Maya,
I loved Black Panther because it allowed black women to be strong and feminine at the same time. I used to be made fun of because I naturally had muscles and I was strong and people would always say I looked like a guy. I felt so unattractive for some time. I also loved how they showed that beauty doesn't mean long flowing hair. It can mean bald, Bantu knots, braids, an undercut, dreads, and head coverings. They even allowed for "bright" hair coloring in Angela Basset's dreads. I loved how dark skinned women were portrayed in this movie. I mean none of those women were hyper-sexualized like dark skinned women usually are. This movie really spoke to me and I need to own it.
I'm so with you on every word you said.
This sounds insightful.
Angry Black Woman Getting Her PhD Ladies and Gentlemen... This is a beautiful person!!!!😍😎
Angry Black Woman Getting Her PhD what are you getting your PhD in? I want to get mine as well.
What you said here " I used to be made fun of because I naturally had muscles and I was strong and people would always say I looked like a guy. I felt so unattractive for some time." Every word was my experience as a young Nigerian-American girl. Michelle Obama helped to break that barrier somewhat with her physique in designer dresses, but this movie showed the African woman's figure in all its strength and glory. Confidence starts young an I'm excited to see how this impacts the next generation.
Very well stated! As a dark skinned youtuber it has definitely taken me longer to grow vs my lighter youtube friends and we do the SAME content with the same quality. It sucks. 😩 thanks for this video!
Amor Antasia So very true. I started doing RUclips videos back in 2010 and I noticed this back then. I do not understand why people like to deny this truth. I pray you have much success in your RUclips career.
Amor this soo true. I commend you for pushing through the barriers. Also you just gained another subscriber!!!
Anytime a dark skin woman doesn't do something they want, they rationalize that it has to be her skin color smh. Have you maybe considered that maybe your content isn't good? Nah, it must be skin color! Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock got massive Netflix deals, while Monique didn't. It must be because of ski... oh wait, no, now it's because of gender too! Couldn't ever be because you're just not good, could it?
WrittenByMicah You're RIGHT. Dark skin black men are treated much, much WORSE. But unlike women, a man just goes about his business and puts in the work. He doesn't complain.
Amor Antasia There is a sister on RUclips Hashepsut Economics who was talking about how when you Google "soft black women" pictures of shoes come up instead of pictures of beautiful black women. This is in part because black women is not seen as feminine or beautiful. She say there in real time and showed how the internet does not even have images of soft black female images. Every other culture can find pictures except for black women.
Thanks for being vulnerable. I appreciate your mixed heritage view. One thing I would note is that there is absolutely black excellence in the experience of African slaves. We should never feel ashamed for being descendants of people who survived under unthinkable conditions, and who brought over inventions that today benefit us all without recognition. This is ONE way to speak to our strengths. Btw, I watch your videos because of the excellent content:-)
turnernk thank you so much for saying this. I am in awe of my ancestors for all that they had to live through and overcome. They are my hero's.
turnernk i would be more ashamed to have slave owners and rapists in my family than innocent african people.
+ one million I am not ashamed of being descended from slaves. Two of my ancestors were former slaves who joined the Union to fight in the Civil War.
Your words truly resonate!
No better way you could have put it. I literally screen shotted this! 👏🏽
I am so glad you talked about mixed privilege ✨ it is very real and we dont talk about it enough.
I feel like you when it comes to makeup companies and foundation shades. I support those who provide products for me. Simple as that. I AM NOT BEGGING for a seat at a table that I am not welcomed to sit at.
JUST_ME_LE I'm not begging. I'm demanding that seat because I deserve to be represented.
bsbfan karen Yeah not me. My money spends everywhere. But I hear ya.
I am tired of the begging too coz we don't need their validation. Personally I am looking forward to seeing this potential market to be filled with black business owners. I want to see more of "Oh you tired of not being catered to?" "Don't worry, we got you"-- A black business
Truuuue
bsbfan karen
I feel you! The black women who have made changes in the past for equality did not beg! Equality should be seen in all aspect of life!
You honestly touched the point. I am lighter than Danai or Lupita, but I'm still dark-skinned. Seeing Black Panther and how beauty was represented, it affected me. I love my colour. It celebrates our melanin beauty. ❤
Also, you are one of my favorite youtubers. Well spoken and breaking barriers.
I had to pause the video and let you know why I watch. I've been subscribed to your channel since your apt in NYC and you spoke briefly about your marriage.
I fell in love with a beautiful, honest and vulnerable curly haired woman who still to this day speaks her truth. Your constant bravery (Shamelessness) is inspiring to me. I support your channel and the concepts you brought to us bc you haven't sold us out. I know you've gotten offers that you've turned down bc you were thinking of the impact it would have on us.
I appreciate your sensitivity to our points of view and how that impacts our perception of you.
Thank you for having integrity in yourself and brand. You a wonderful example of a woman who gives herself time to grown and adapt to challenges.
Thank you for being true.
Thank you for being you.
You are literally the only person I can watch for 25+ minutes...I'm so inspired, as an African and generally a black woman. Love you Maya
Yes...very much ✊
Omg right! She’s the ONLY person I can watch for 25+. Heck if it’s an hr, I’m down for the cause because I know it’s always solid!
Me too. I didn't think I would Watch the whole video but I eventually did!!
I'm French West Indian and it wasn't until I started my natural hair journey watching US youtubers that I start learning about the real experience of black and mixed people in the US. I realized that even if my ancestors were also slaves, I am SO MUCH more priviledged than black people in the US, so I deeply sympathize and wish nothing but the best to my "US cousins". When I saw Black Panther, when I saw Wakanda, I felt like I was watching black people alternate story. The story of "what if white supremacy through slavery AND colonialism had never touch our ancestors?" and I LOVE what I saw. Beautiful dark-skinned women who are warriors, queens, scientists. 4C hair in all its glory: bantu knots, twist out, wash n go, box braids, locs even bald (yes it counts too lol). The other thing that I love about the movie is that it invites the WORLD (not just white people) to realistically discover Wakanda as it is: an African country that was hidden for generations. So no need for whitewashing, mixed people or white savior because (ironic shocking news...😒): it's not necessary to make a good movie.
alison hilaire well said my dear!😇👏
alison hilaire
What does that mean "french west indian"? Does it mean you're mixed or is it just some location?
Scoring57 the French colonized parts of the West Indies or she/he may have been born in France
What country is french westindian
Scoring57 Martinique, Guadeloupe or Saint Martin 😉 former colonies of France that have become part of France. They're Caribbean but have the French nationality.
Thank you for using your platform to talk about the colorism that has been happening in our society and Hollywood for a long time! I’m so glad that Black Panther touched on not only diversity but spreading the message of DARK SKIN people as well. You’re my favorite RUclipsr ever and don’t ever be discouraged to not talk about black issues, Love ya :)
THANKS for using your platform to address important topics that need to be talked about. Especially since you identify as biracial and see the privillige lighter skin tone people in the black community and mixed people have will educate others who deny that it exists. Hopefully Black Panther will inspire more cool moviessss to comeee!!
so true!!
✊✊✊Ahh love this! I had tears in my eyes after watching Black Panther just because I was so happy and proud! The movie was so important for EVERYONE to see! Our younger generation really needed to see this---they now know anything is possible. You don't have to be black to appreciate and celebrate Black Panther or black culture overall. I love that you mentioned privilege and you're not denying it. This is why you inspire so many. Much love Maya! 💓
I agree. I grew up in one of the most hopeful eras - the 60s. We believed in the social change we were able to conquer - then they shot Jack, Bobby and Dr. King. It gives me hope when I see people willing to have the tougher conversations, willing to stand in front of the world and point out the bad things that are happening and just how far they are willing to go to get people out of office who refuse to recognize the concepts of equality. I pray that these old, privileged white men get voted out of ALL their offices - from state house to congress and the senate - and we're able to create a new reality where we can honestly talk about what is and what we can do to bring ourselves into an age like Wakanda.
I did not grow up in usa but coming here made me realize i was not just human. I was “black”
The way I have been treated here for being black hurts me so much and I long for the good old days when I was in Africa.When no one saw color. I started a YT channel and no one is supportive or think I can make it, and sometimes i feel I am not pretty enough to be on a set. I wonder if you can ever make it in the US as a black woman. Probably would have been better staying back home. I miss Africa. I miss Nigeria 😭
The struggle here is real
bullshit
Blond Gabriel thank u 🤗
Nenye, I'm going to subscribe to your channel... You're not alone in this journey. You left Nigeria for a reason and that's to achieve great things.. You will do that in spite of everything the US throws at you. You are smart, you are important and you are beautiful!!!!
Jade's Unfiltered Life this put a smile on my face. Thank you 😭🙏🏾
I wouldn't say that Nigerians don't see colour,I just think that it's more subtle. Most definitely the transition from a predominantly Black country to somewhere like the US is difficult.
I started following you because of the feeling I could relate to you in so many ways! As an mixed young adult living in Holland ( Indonesian and Dutch ) I struggled with with a lot of feelings. Your RUclips channel helped me accept it's oke being creative, different and even cool with being mixed. Love all your videos x
Betty Joanna yay holland! And as a Surinamese here I agree fully
Reena some Dutch people are so close minded it's to bad. Even in 2018 I see people discriminate other people for being themselves or being something out of the ordinary. Some people just don't fit the mold and stand out. I now love being mixed and to be able to stand out in a big crowd. Spread the love right😊❤️
Omg! I cried with you.. being Canadian from a Ghanaian background. I totally could relate to how you felt visiting Ghana and Toga- A Sense of Home! I pick up your spirit everytime I watch your videos. You are the true definition of an INFLUENCER. People like you are the ones who make a real difference
The answer you gave for "did you ever have to choose one side of yourself" i relate to sooo much. I am also half Black half Filipino, its really great to see you as an influencer who is mixed giving these messages because i didn't have that when I was younger so i always struggled sometimes identifying who i am to people or having them accept i was mixed. I also relate to you as a person where i took my experiences and put them into my art. thank you for the great content. Also thinking of cutting my hair once i graduate next winter, because i don't want to be identified or defines as my hair.
I applaud you for your honesty , I appreciate it when mixed people like yourself are honest about the levels of privilege that they have (when it comes to certain things). Very few mixed people are honest about this .
Thank you for this Maya.
We need more folx like you speaking on this.
A lot of people like you dont even want to admit that they have that kind of privilege.
What type of privilege?
+Many time,
replay the video, and listen closely. She explains it pretty well
Thank you
It’s very interesting to hear your perspective as a mixed Canadian woman. I don’t really think non African Americans can fully understand our perspective, but I appreciate your genuineness.
Black panther also touched on the fact that a lot of the things that go into our phones, laptops, and etc comes from the raw materials in different countries in Africa. But Wakanda benefitted from it, which is something that many African countries do not benefit from.
You are everything!! The perfect mixture of beauty and brains regardless of your complexion. People feel your authenticity and can relate to you.
This is Amazing! You are Amazing!! Go Maya!!✊🏽🙅🏽♀️✊🏽
My thing about foundation shades is that if a company doesn’t make my shade that means they don’t want me to wear their makeup and if that’s how they’re feelin oh well. Also I literally didn’t understand systemic racism until I was a teen. My dad instilled so much pride in me around my Blackness that I didn’t have insecurities surrounding my race. I didn’t realize that Black had a different definition than the things my dad explained to me that most people believe in some way. It was hard to navigate but I’m here! 😜
Shalifa's Spot I'm the same way. If you don't make my foundation I won't wear any thing you make.
As a white person, I was of course aware of the significance of the movie. But I can never really understand. But I think I got a bit closer to understanding that this movie wasn’t just being progressive and all that when I saw your tears. Love you Maya!!
Hailey Pint im white and i fully get it. I dont really think its complicated.. light and white is overrepresented. Dark not at all. This was emotional. Just like wonder woman was for white women.
why was wonder women emotional for white women?
LishTV white feminism and all I guess.
Peace 1 But if we're being honest, true Amazonians are African and more melanated
Amazons are from South America not Africa. So wonder woman should have been a red Indian looking person
I was low key scared that you were going to say something crazy about colorism bc of the shanboody video I watched. The anxiety made me realize how much I care about you as a content creator. Thank you for being dope.
Black Diamond we both talked about our identity after watching this film and how different our experiences growing up were. I hope you liked her vid. And thank you for caring!
I'm sorry but Beyonce is not mixed. Both of her parents are African American. She is light and subscribes to European standards of beauty (with blonde weaves and wigs) but identifies as BLACK.
However she or you identify I respect. The term black is relative to which part of the world you're in. By American standards you consider her African American, Black. My Ghanian friends do not consider Beyonce African American or full Black and instead mixed.
@@shamelessmaya Beyonce would be African-American or Black since both of those terms are used to describe a race-based ethnic group that consists of people that are of African descent but typically of mixed heritage. However, she would not be "negroid" or strictly a descendant of native African ethnic groups. However, most Black Americans (ethnicity) are not only of African descent anyway. Hundreds of years of rape doesn't produce a pure-blood population. You are right about the word "Black" being defined differently in different parts of the world though. The English used the word to describe skin color. Australian aborigines were described as black. People of African descent in the U.S. do not use this term as a mere description of skin color but as a racial/ethnic identity. Our racial group is based off of the one drop rule but other members of the African Diaspora have completely different racial structures because they were colonized by different Europeans. When the American Black Power movement spread to other parts of the world, people of the African diaspora all started using the same word, "black," but defining it differently resulting in the confusion we are experiencing today.
I love a lot of what your saying, however you can be light skinned and not mixed. My sisters are as light as Beyoncé and both our parents are Africans. Very, very black. Beyoncé who is my favorite is not mixed. Her mother is mixed black with another type of black and dad is black. Her dad even came out with a book talking about how in touch Tina was and is with her blackness. If your going to say Beyoncé is mixed because of her mom then everyone in America is mixed...
Obviously Beyoncé’s mum is mixed black and some kind of Caucasian.. that’s not 100% black and that’s okay
Thanks for making this video Maya. I’m also biracial and can relate to much of this video growing up neither here (white) nor there (black), but somewhere inbetween. I also traveled to Africa (Tanzania). It was a feeling of coming home, even thought most African Americans are west African descendant and I traveled to the east of Africa, it still felt like a home coming. Wakanda Forever! Let’s keep supporting black film/tech.
Yas Maya love this! So many people act like there is no such thing as mixed or light skin privilege. And as a dark skin black woman it felt sooo good to see dark skin women be love interests in a movie of this scale like ground breaking. And I was with you on every point!
You ask why I watch? Girrrrrl! I love your style and your personality. Keep it coming, you keep it real...💯
This video is game changer and a conversation starter. You can tell how your passion for these topics stem from your childhood and help you identify the woman you are today. Your words definitely moved me. Thanks for being so raw, open and genuine about these sensitive topics that people are too scared to talk about. And thanks for creating a safe environment for everyone to speak their mind and share their point of view! Maya, you da best!😘
Am a white girl from Sweden that totally love your channel, so yes, you have a wide audience, haha. This video was so interesting to me, to hear other perspectives.
My mom is an Inuit and my sisters look a lot more like her, dark eyes and a bit different skin tones while I have light eyes and very light skin. And this is at all not the same, but I can images how it would fel looking different from your parent.
Also, need to go watch black panter now! It seems epic.
Loved the vid!
So cool Maya lives in Sweden now.
You’re look out and personality is my inspiration. I was born in Africa but was adopted and raised in America. Black panther for me was a dream come true and what I’ve craving to see in movies!
It hurts my soul to see any woman walking with their head down especially black women as a whole. We are more than this meat suit that we’ve been taught to beLIEve is all there is. Things must get worse before it gets better. But inevitably it will get better! 💗
Mayaaaaaa I have been watching your channel for like four and half years I did not realize your growth and I apologize. I am so proud of you. You helped me embrace my natural hair and I love you. You are the so amazing
I love that black panther is making a change and is making a statement !!! Hopefully this is a step to change the ideology in Hollywood and the high fashion world. Because we as the people in society are changing however Hollywood and the high fashion world still fails to catch up and be more inclusive. Hopefully this is a step to be more inclusive and celebrating differences! 😂😍
❤️ I was hesitant to click on the video, because the topic of mixed privilege is sometimes discussed in a way that doesn't speak to me fully, but HELLO Maya you did it again 👌🏽 I like how you reflected on all of these topics. wisely and eloquently spoken ❤️
Thank you for articulating everything I've thought and felt as a dark skin woman, I really appreciate it
I subscribed to you originally for your Tech Talk series. When I was searching for videos on how to edit video/photos, lighting, and sound, the majority of what I found was from a very “male” perspective. Spec heavy, numbers focused, and very...technical.
When I found your videos it was a breath of fresh air to find someone teaching how to do video and editing from a more intuitive, “creative,” and aesthetic sensibility. You spoke a language I could understand.
While the tech stuff drew me in, the rest of your content, and your personality, are what continue to make me stay. We come from very different backgrounds, and I am super fair (etc, etc), but I love how you express yourself and how you can explain things in a way that I can easily understand them. I also love seeing different takes on topics from a wide variety of people. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Can we make a distinction between being fair skinned or mixed and biracial or mixed. Just because you have fair skin that does not make you mixed, I think that goes without saying. But I guess I’m wondering how you define being mixed. Is 20% all it takes to be mixed? I’m fair skinned/light skinned but I wouldn’t consider myself mixed. I got this way for a reason so yes there is Native American and European ancestry in my blood, but you have to go back generations to find it. My parents are black and so are my grandparents. But I guess in this context mixed refers to someone who is multigenerational mixed...? But yes light skinned women are often seen as the standard by which media portrays black beauty and with that comes privilege as a light skinned black woman.
T_K M Yes. I want a distinction too because of the fact I am light skin.. darker blacks put me in the category as mixed because I am light but I have black parents and my parent's parents are black.. it's annoying being placed in a category because of your skin tone when you can't relate to being biracial because you are not. But light skins do be represented a lot, biracial or not. There needs to be a balance.
Okay I like to approach this issue a bit biologically. For example if genetically someone is more than 50% of Sub-saharan African descent it means that the majority of their fenotypical expression will adhere to those standards which makes them 'black'. And this can mean having variation in skintone because you can have people who do not have any European ancestors but are looking lighter. Mixed (with black) people would genetically have 50% or less Sub-saharan blood in them making their fenotypical expression unsure. I hope this helped you out
I started watching your videos about being shameless, I followed to support the journey and to be encouraged. During that time I had a lot of anxiety and fears, lack of direction and confidence. Those videos were a kick up the butt! They helped me to see that everyone has fears, but not everyone allows it to paralyse their productivity and creativity. You made 'breaking out of the comfort zone' something to get excited about, you showed how it opens up amazing opportunities, new connections with people, you can have fun with it, and also taught me that it is a continual lesson and journey that can be applied to all areas of live, not just work or relationships.
Also I cut my hair not long after you did! I'd been toying with the idea for a few month, and came across so many youtube vids of girls rocking their natural hair, regardless of texture. Your big chop video was one of many that I watched so that I could prepare for the change that I really wanted.
Plus your funny, open, informative, and you exude uplifting positive energy!! xx
As a dark skin kinky hair Jamaican American (clearly we have a nothing in common) I have followed you since New York because of your spirit. Your positive light, your creativity, and shameless behavior had me subscribing to you channel. 😊
You did you, and stayed true Maya that why you have 1 million subscribers
miznay30 it seems from reading the second sentence you may have more in common than you think!☺️ I’m a light skinned black American and Maya’s humor, positivity, and ability to relate to so many is what made me a subscriber.
Thank you lovely 🙏🏾💕
You are so brave for tackling this!!!!
Beyonce does't have natural blonde hair however point taken also light skin people can be more black than a dark skin person because of the distribution of melanin.
Blujay Beyoncé didn’t even come in the game light skinned lol
Maya I was a bit nervous when I saw the title of this video and wasn't sure I wanted to watch it but I am so glad I did. I have never seen anyone mixed race or of a fair complexion address the disdain and lack of appreciation for darker skin. THANK YOU!!! We are seldom represented in music videos, television or movies and rarely cast in an attractive light. Even our own celebs tend to put down dark skin publicly which for me is just painful. Hence the skin-bleaching craze. I love everything you said about colorism, mixed privilege and dark skin according to "Standard Beauty" and the disconnect between African-Americans & Africans as touched on in the movie. I feel understood. Thank you!
I don’t have anyone to look up to so I chose you. You. Are. The. Truth!
I've never seen your channel before. I've been searching out public opinions of the BLACK PANTHER movie so I clicked on your video along with so many others I've watched... but... I must say I'm very impressed with who you are and what you have to say. Not just about BLACK PANTHER but with what you've shared about your own experiences in life. You're beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful, wise, and you're not afraid to show your "silly side". A brilliant combination.
Thanks for what you had to say!
I am so happy you made this video. I agree that Black Panther brought up the disconnect between Black Americans and Africans.
Caribbean in the house!
Growing up, I felt LESS Puerto Rican than the rest of my family and friends because I am white. I felt the pressure and need to prove my Puerto Rican-ness by becoming fluent in Spanish, studying the history of my island and people, wanting to dye my hair black at the tender age of 5, and resenting my light skin... I realize that it’s an odd experience to have since the world is by and large Eurocentric; however, it opened my eyes as an adult to how beauty standards are embedded in our minds long before we become conscious of beauty.
BRAVO on covering such broad topics so well.
I started watching you wayyyy back when you were in your NYC apartment. Initially I loved your curly hair videos, and got hooked on all of your content moving forward.
It took me years to begin my own shameless journey which was SOOOOO inspired by yours. Thank you for being you, boo!
Lol pauses video because I’m dying laughing at the “watery black reference” haha I can totally relate I’m an actor and I recently did a commercial we’re I was the only black girl on set of a panel of 25 and I was wearing my hair straight and bouncy lol I just have to find the humor in some stuff lol back to the video💕
This is by far the best break-down of Black Panther I've seen so far! You're the first person I've heard talk about the theme in the movie on the disconnect between black Africans and black Americans. Black Panther reiterated what we already know...Black is beautiful, and powerful. Thank you Maya💕
Your face is perfect😍 Every hairstyle suits you!
Thank you so much for openly sharing your thoughts, experiences, intimate feelings on color, hair, identity, education, etc...
I swear everything you expressed hit home with me. I cried with you, laughed and reflected on my personal journey. As a African woman living in the states, I get so many comments from people about my look that have me pausing for a moment to either SMDH and/ or laughing, doesn't mean it was funny.
It's complicated but I guess that's why I enjoy watching vlogs more like this.
Looking forward to much more.
Stay blessed and relevant🌹🌻🌺
Am I gonna drop everything I'm doing and watch this 25 minute and 45 second video? Hell ya I am. **closes books** **sips tea** **clears throat** **presses play**
Oneshia D 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
🤣 clears throat
Oneshia D 🙌🏾😁
It moved me to tears when you said that you felt at home while staying in Ghana. Loved it
Mayaaaa 😍😍
Hi Maya. I found you from your tech videos at first, but we have a lot in common including being mixed, coming from a commercial background, etc.. you not only gave me a lot of good tech advice, but helped me become a little more "shameless" and get over the weirdness of editing my own videos! Thanks, boo!
I STILL love Grace Jones!!!!
Blue One pull up to my bumper baby...
Love this -- it's rare for a light-skinned person to even admit this stuff. My only pushback? The idea that more people in the world can relate to mixed people over dark-skinned black people. Even that is part of the problem.
Yas Maya! Thanks for addressing this topic so well! There were so many messages and themes in this movie. Love when I get notifications from you ❤️
Can I just say, I relate to you so much when you say you connected to West Indians. Being a multiracial woman, that was the group that most accepted me because I looked more like them! A lot of people don’t really understand that. I also had to explain to my West Indian friends that I’m just American. First time I’ve heard this from another mixed person that’s not West Indian. Thank you for being so honest! I relate to you because you don’t just talk make up. Your content is diverse, refined, and eclectic. I can relate to that! Xoxo
You look what you are black filipino mixed your mom is great for telling you that your mixed ,and that you should identify as such.
Oh my God, you talked about the disconnect between Africans and African Americans!! I just wrote an article on this! I am fangirling right now - and subscribing!
I've never related to a video more in my life ❤️ so much love for you ❤️
Maya, I watch you because you are always real. The videos I love most are when you’re just talking about the life experience from your perspective. I’m so grateful that you are representation for so many groups of people. As a Filipino-American, I often struggle placing myself in society. There’s very little representation of people in power and media that I look like and relate to. I feel like society pushes people to fit in a box based on what we look like, our race, gender and whatnot and therefore places limits on what we can achieve. So I’m constantly grateful to the technological age we live in for giving voice to people who aren’t born into wealth and power. I’m grateful for you and other diverse voices shedding light on just how many different life experiences exist out here in this world. Thanks for what you do. Please continue to make content like this.
I'm here because I'm inspired by your shamelessness.
I started watching you because of your hair videos. I’m a curly haired light skinned Black woman and I needed inspiration on what to do with my hair. But as I’ve watched you grow, I’ve come to love you for you...the shamelessness, the intelligence, the pride in your heritage, your tech talks, your dedication, etc. Keep doing you boo!
I would love if you did another video about being mixed race because I do believe we have privilege but I also think we have our own struggles of not not being included and not being "enough" in our communities. I have had many experiences where I am not considered black enough but also will never be a part of the white community.
Melissa Magnuson
Why not just be in the mixed community? You technically aren’t one or the other and won’t necessarily experience the things that fully white or black people (as in two parents of the same race) go through
That Thing You See At The Corner Of Your Eye That's the point of discussing that topic because there is no mixed race community because there are so many different mixes out there. None of us really fit in any box which is fine but it can also be hard and confusing. I think it's a topic worth discussing and exploring because it rarely is. Maya touched on it a bit and maybe that will give people a bit of a sense of a mixed community for those who might need it.
You are one of my favorite youtubers for many reasons. So intellegent, so humble so charismatic. Your advice about tech and cameras have helped and encouraged me to start my RUclips channel which has about 300 subscribers right now (still growing ^_^) but anyways, thank you for addressing these conversations within this video 💜💙
Do people not find it may be possibly insulting to describe Black Americans as "just black" or "just generational black American"? It almost implies Black Americans do not have a culture when compared to others in the diaspora and that is quite an unfortunate way of thinking. Because quite frankly black Carribean countries were apart of the slave trade as well and they did not just magically pop out of nowhere and begin cultivating their customs and cultures. I think the major difference is alot of Carribean countries are majority black or mixed so they mostly identify with nationality as opposed to race. So just like Jamaicans identify as Jamaican and thats where they are from, Black Americans are American based and that's where they are from.
Also, if we're going to categorize Beyonce as mixed then a lot of Black Americans would identify as mixed. She definitely benefits from colorism though. And I'm glad darker skinned black people from all over the diaspora get to see themselves in Black Panther because this is long overdue.
I'm watching this because you are fierce and interesting, you stand up for what you believe in and keep on learning.
Always positive vibes
I enjoy the video like usual, the only issue for me was when you talked about cultural appropriation as it has nothing to do with gender identity. I understand that people think it's ok to be inspire by an other culture. The issue come (to me, but you can think otherwise), when people pretend they invented it.
beyourselfrightnow trust me I get the frustration. I also understand it’s not my place to tell people what they can and can’t do
I follow you because I can relate to you in a lot of ways. I‘m a mixed young girl living in Germany (black and white - Ghana, Nigeria, Guinea / Germany, England, Finland) so you taught me a lot about identity and made me think about who I am. As well as you taught me how to care for my hair and really showed me the world of the natural lifestyle. That was around 2013 and I still stay following you😌🌹
Beyonces blonde hair isn't natural maya there's something called wig extensions and hair dye also, both her mother and father identify as african american. Black people come in many shades that's the beauty of our race, we have such a range
Tina Knowles is mixed with Creole(French, Native American and African).
missy Tina is mixed and Beyoncé hair is naturally light brown also her hair is long.
so you're saying black people can't have different coloured hair besides black and black people can't have long hair? bye sis
Sumayyah Shannon Beyoncé Mom could be all that but she identifies as black & so does Beyoncé.
Ms. Smith Her hair long cause she mixed ? I don’t get the Correlation.
Maya, I've missed your talks like this. Keep it coming, and pass it on; we needed to hear it.
Beyonce isnt mixed though. Both of her parents are Black. She is light skinned ( that blonde hair come from a bottle, she had Black hair as a child) she has a shit ton of privilege because of it but her mama being creole dosent make her mixed. at least not like you , Barak Obama, and one of my nephews who all have one non-Black parent. Tina Lawson will correct anyone who says she not Black with a quickness.
I mean i get your point, but I think the distinction is really important. over all though I hear what you were trying to say
After reading the comments I realize my use of mixed and light are interchangeable coming from Canada and that is not the case here in the US. It was never my intention to divide or argue and I feel bad if my words triggered you or others. Thanks for pointing this out respectfully 🙏🏾💕
You and your mom honestly look so much alike! Especially in that childhood picture with Santa that you showed.
SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE FOLKS IN THE BACK!!!
I started watching and subscribed to you because of your energy. I think I watched 4 of your videos back to back and thought, "what a smart, funny, open-minded, beautiful human". The light you spread is amazing. Keep doing you. 🤗
There's a disconnect between black Americans, black Africans, afro- Caribbeans and other black people around the world.
Tay Made uhhh I'm Haitian and I'm sure I know what I'm talking about!
FYI I started following you bc you are crazy funny and entertaining I was like this woman is so pretty & she makes the craziest faces but I LOVE that! I was completely inspired by your Shameless movement You inspired me to start back dancing and pursuing other dreams shamelessly Your channel was helpful in so many ways: hair, make-up, film, acting, tech talk, inspiration etc. Your channel speaks to the masses and thats awesome and a gift To me that makes you well rounded and such a beautiful being on the inside and out I did not start following you for your skin tone but visually you are literally a natural beautiful woman and tiny and I thought that was cute You just seem to be such a wonderful person inside and out Thank you for giving us continuous knowledge and inspiring us to be our best selves I support you 100%
Bitcoin trading nowadays is a big chance to make money
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Stock are good too
@@kylieiris5240 me to Of course stocks are good but crypto is better
BITCOIN: IS THE ONLY TRUE DEMOCRACY EVER EXITS IN THE WORLD
I've been into it for some time now, but not really seeing much benefit in it.
So glad you’re back. I watch because you’re fun, inspirational, motivational, thoughtful, spiritual and so much more. I don’t watch you for makeup tutorials (my dark skin sisters help me out with that) but I will watch you doing your makeup whenever you’re sharing gems. My sister is mixed (her dad is white British and my mum is black Sierra Leonean) and my sister was also raised in the 80s. So despite the fact that you and I weren’t raised on the same continent, I am able to see you as a sister with no question! May your star continue to shine brightly.
❤️❤️❤️
Maya, just wanted to thank you for this video, as a mixed girl, I relate 10%; we're stuck in between and never know where we fit in. Just spoke out what has been hiding deep into myself for so many years and still. Thank you !
I get what it feels like to be stared at when you walk in a room and don’t know what/who ppl are staring at. That’s bc I am disabled and I am still considered privilege, but technically I’m not bc I am apart of the minority. So in a way I guess I’m mixed privilege too?? However, I have found refuge in my school’s Drama Club bc they r sooo accepting of differences bc a lot of them are LGBTQ+ and African background. Most of my friends are African and I love that bc they are so interesting to talk to and how accepting they are altogether! It’s all about UNITY!! ✌🏻🌈
Jen Klen
You're mixed privileged cause you're disabled? I don't understand what you're trying to say
When you said that you felt that sense of home & started crying, I was holding back tears. I felt that same missing puzzle piece feeling in the scene where T'Challa was speaking to his father on the ancestral plane. I was struggling not to break down in tears in the theater 😭 There are so many layers in BP & I'm here for all of them 🙌🏿
Beyonce mixed with what?
davuism nothing she look like every light skin black girl I know.
Please make more. I literally had you on the background talking. So maybe a podcast series. You made me cry, I can relate so much. Black America, Black African, black Caribbean...
I love you Maya😍
I hate being negative....
But some of these African Americans who come here "motherland" always lie about how awakened they feel and at home they are, dress in traditional attire, learn basic terms but if told to live here wanakimbia! wanatoroka! they wouldn't be able to "handle it" "it's not for them".
they film the villages, the wildlife and tribes but not the cities, our development and how intelligent we are na hizo tabia hunikasirisha
😑
I completely understand. Growing up I would see how my mom hated how the Philippines was represented as a starving third world country with no development. I also see people who claim to embrace the motherland but can't stand that no electricity life and cold showers...you gotta write your story girl!
I typed a huge paragraph but decided that it was doing too much. All I can say is thank you for this video and your input on the movie among the other subjects you've touched on. I've been watching your videos for years. You are a beautiful soul. Keep going girl!
Beyoncé is not mixed. Creole is not a race it’s a culture.
sly 5722 Im from the South. I know how the term Creole is used and what it really is. technically, none of them are “creole”. Creole is a term that was used to separate settlers from their mother countries from the people that were born in America. Over the years people have changed the original meaning.
Black To Grace a CrEolE pErsOn iS a DESCENDANT of sPanish and FrENch SETtlerS fRoM LoIsIaNa durInG tHe coLoNiaL areA. SlavErY wAS sTiLl iN tACt do if Beyonce is mixed every African American is 🤷🏽♀️. I’m pretty sure that most of us have white in us. People in that part of the south only mated with other light skinned “creoles” and some still do this. If y’all are going to come for me, at least be knowledgeable about the initial statement I made.
Sharun Marshae exactly. The average African American's dna is 20-25% White, and less than 5% Native. Beyonce is as mixed as the rest of us. If those little percentages make you mixed, we're all mixed. She can be Creole. She is still Black.
Agreed. I know plenty of Louisiana Creole people who are completely white. The term was developed to mean people who were born in the new world rather than in Europe like generations before and created their own culture. If it’s a race and not a culture then why do they sell “Creole Seasoning” at the groceries stores across the South. Does anyone think there is any such thing as mixed people seasoning?
Boy once is mixed with different bleach creams and blonde hair dye.
Lots of great topics addressed. I love that you addressed the disconnect between black Americans and black Africans with vulnerability. I am Nigerian-American and my best friend is AA. I wish there were more sisterhood/brotherhood and less resentment/misunderstanding between us. Regarding makeup companies not catering to our shades, makeup is something most women reach for when getting ready for the day,work or a big event. Imagine your shade missing from every makeup counter and online. I'm not talking about having to mix shades, I'm talking the lines darkest shade doesn't match you. What do you do? What happens if the makeup breaks you out? Then you have no other options. At the root of the issue is black women not feeling valued enough to have makeup choices. A black woman who is a 34D can walk into a lingerie store and purchase a bra, but a black woman who is dark-skinned will likely walk out of a makeup store empty handed. Her womanhood always feels incomplete. She will likely have to go to work or that wedding with a poorly matched brand and not look her best. I agree that we should support the brands that do create our shades, but the problem is that there have been zero that create a wide range until recently. MAC tried before, but they only created monotone, I'll-researched shades for black woken with red undertones. Every woman of color who was not very dark or light, was categorized as MAC NC45. Lol! Brands should and probably realize at this point that black women want to look their best as well. Shoutout to Marc Jacobs and Makeup Forever for creating dark shades that are good matches.
For the people saying Beyoncé isn’t “mixed,” I’m mixed race (Japanese, Black, French Creole) and I consider her to be mixed lol. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but every thing I say gets some kind of backlash lol.
Miyu Yamazato Well Black people don’t call her mixed because her mom is creole and her dad is black so she is mainly black facts but she is mixed .
Ms. Smith True. I see her as black because her mom is part black and her dad is black. Also most African Americans are mixed.
Yes but shes the same mix that black americans are. My mom is half black and white and I'am black! You are biracial , you are not like me and beyonce because we dont have one parent that is white, asian etc. then you mixed it with our black daddys and what you get BLACK! you just see her as you because shes lightskin and wear that blonde weave to make her seem mixed. havent you seen solange her sisters natural hair? doesnt look biracial curls to me.
Sky Reacher Um Solange Knowles does look mixed, and her hair!!
Miyu Yamazato she is mixed!! Her Mom is clearly not black. Her Mom might have black in her but that doesn't make her black.
I love this video Maya you have been inspiring me for years to START A RUclips CHANNEL, TO BE FEARLESS and YOUR TECH TALKS. My daughter is mixed black & puerto rican and Im black and this video helped me UNDERSTAND.
4 The Love Of Julia glad you found this video helpful 🙏🏾
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Investing in btc now is really good especially with the current growth in price of btc in the market now.
I believe year 2020 was a year that thought everyone to be smart with whatever they're doing financially if they're to achieve the success they so much crave for
Welcome back Maya,missed ya!😘
Brown boy here, from India ✌️
AKSHAY KAUTKAR 'Black' girl here, from Trinidad, living in the USA. Hi. 👋🏽
ladyiola hello there, it is my dream to live in USA 😌
I found you when I was looking for youtubers with natural hair but...I keep Watching your videos for years now even though you no longer do hair videos. And that is just because you are a very inspiratonal person and I love your personnality