Yellowface is a really awful way to celebrate "diversity."

Vogue photo shoot features Karlie Kloss doing stereotypical geisha shit.



For real, Vogue? A photo shoot featuring a white model as a geisha? In the so-called "diversity" issue, no less.

The much-hyped March issue of Vogue features supermodel Karlie Kloss in a Japanese-themed spread, titled "Spirited Away." Okay, can we just stop right there? Red flags, so many red flags going up everywhere. Let's be real: there was no fucking way that Vogue was going to handle this right.

The spread, photographed in Japan by Mikael Jansson and styled by Phyllis Posnick, features Kloss in what is pretty much yellowface, going full geisha in various photos shot around Japan's Ise-Shima National Park. They've got Kloss in thick black hair, pale skin and kimono-like attire, posed in various Japanese-y backgrounds. There's even a friggin' sumo wrestler for bonus stereotypical Japanese-ness.

Japanese American Women Try On Geisha Halloween Costumes

"The Geisha With The Dragon Tattoo"



So you've seen my excruciatingly terrible gallery of Asian-themed Halloween costumes, which includes of disturbing number of "geisha" ensembles. Geishas, by the way, are a real thing, with a rich culture and history in Japan. Ever wonder what actual people of Japanese descent think of these crappy geisha costumes you can buy out of a plastic bag? Here's your answer. In this BuzzFeed video, Japanese-American Women Try On Geisha Halloween Costumes. As you might expect, they do not approve.

Take a look:

Museum ends kimono-wearing promotion amid protests

Critics accused the MFA's interactive exhibit of cultural appropriation.



So... the Museum of Fine Arts Boston recently announced "Kimono Wednesdays," an interactive art event inviting museum-goers to pose in front of Claude Monet's La Japonaise while wearing a replica of the kimono worn by Monet's wife, Camille, in the painting. I don't know about you, but dressing up like a white lady dressing up like a Japanese lady sounds like a fun way to spend a Wednesday night.

As you might have guessed, some folks were not cool with this cultural cosplay, and organized a peaceful protest to call attention to issues of orientalism and cultural appropriation in the promotion. Still, the museum pressed on with the stunt despite the outcry, handing out a one-page flyer to address the criticism, and flatly stating the MFA's position on the matter: "We don't think this is racist." (Well, I guess that settles it.)

But now, as a result of the negative response, the MFA has announced that it's changing its interactive kimono experience. Instead of trying on the kimono, museum visitors will be allowed to "touch and engage" with it.

Here's the release the MFA sent out on Tuesday:

Get Your Geisha On at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Museum-goers invited to do their best impression of Monet's "La Japonaise."



People of Boston, what better way to spend a Wednesday night than with some orientalist cultural appropriation! Plus, ya know, photos. So get this. The Museum of Fine Arts recently invited museum-goers to get their geisha on, à la Claude Monet. Every Wednesday night through the end of July, you're welcome to try on a replica of the kimono worn by Monet's wife, Camille, in his painting "La Japonaise."

Somebody call Katy Perry.

Racist Asian-themed drag party draws fire on Facebook

Geishas Gone Wild in New York City



What is this? File under racist Asian-themed parties... Yo, why can't people throw social gatherings without turning to tired, racist, orientalist stereotypes? One look at the geishas-gone-wild flyer for this Holy Mountain drag party happening in New York this weekend, and you've pretty much got all you need to know.

The party, organized by New York City nightlife personality who goes by "Ladyfag," is supposedly a tribute to the Sakura Matsuri and a "celebration" of Japanese culture... but I'm guessing the affair will likely amount to a lot of intoxicated white people dressed as half-assed ninjas and geishas and shit.

Would you drink a beer called "Happy Ending"?

Retailer refuses to carry beer over racist, sexist bottle label.



Would you drink a beer called "Happy Ending"? This one comes courtesy of Atlanta-based SweetWater Brewing Co., who apparently have no problem marketing their beverages with sexist, racist stereotypes. One Chicago retailer has a problem with it, and has made headlines for refusing to carry the beer.

Does craft beer have a sexism problem? Binny's rejects Happy Ending

SweetWater's Happy Ending imperial stout label art features a box of tissues, the silhouette of a geisha and that "O-face" guy from Office Space. The beer is subtly described as "sporting a huge dry hopped stiffy resulting in an explosive finish!" Well, I'm sure someone thought they were being clever.