Giving Y’all The Blues: Blue Ivy Carter’s Gown Exposes Deeply Rooted Double Standards – Essence

Wait a damn minute now, not too much on our niece!

Let’s get one thing straight: Blue Ivy Carter is not the problem here—society’s obsession with policing young Black girls is.

At the Mufasa premiere, Blue stepped onto that red carpet in a custom Christian Siriano gown that had some folks clutching their pearls and gasping like they’d never seen a young lady wear something outside of Oshkosh B’Gosh overalls and barrettes before.

We understand at 12, some of our access was Limited (Too) Kohl’s and Charlotte Russe, but let’s be clear: This Ain’t That.

It’s fitting that the heir to the throne would show up like royalty—posed, graceful and stunning. By the age of 12, Blue has became a movie star, won a Grammy, narrated an Oscar award-winning film, and performed on sold-out stages around the world. At 12, some of you were probably just learning how to carry 1. So now, at your big age, we have a new lesson to teach: Scram and Carry On.

Let’s unpack this: Why are we creating these toxic, unrealistic standards placed on Black girls in the public eye?  You have scrutinized her hair, her looks, her performances, her parents — just because of her last name. Enough.

The open scrutiny and policing of her body in ways that are uniquely harsh and rooted in the societal expectations placed on Black girls. From her appearance at events to how she carries herself in public, the focus often shifts to her body and features rather than her talent or intelligence. 

It’s called growing up—and if Blue Ivy wants to embrace her style, sophistication, and, yes, her family’s legacy, let her. We’re out here applauding OTHER celebrity children for being themselves, but the minute she does it, we’re ready to condemn her for “looking too grown”? Spare us.

Black girls should be empowered to explore and express their creativity freely, whether through fashion, music, dance, or any other art form. For too long, society has tried to fit Black girls into narrow boxes, policing their choices and diminishing their creativity. 

It’s not a new story—Black girls have long been subject to a double standard, with society quick to critique their style, bodies, and expressions. This stems from deeply ingrained stereotypes about how Black girls should behave or present themselves. Black girls are not your experiment in respectability politics. The way they dress or move is not a problem—it’s a celebration of individuality and culture. If it’s not hurting anyone, why the fuss? It’s time to stop playing court and jury and start applauding their creativity. Creativity knows no bounds, and every child deserves the freedom to explore their individuality.

When we allow Black girls to express themselves, we not only encourage their creativity but also acknowledge their voices and perspectives as valid and valuable. We must resist the urge to criticize or control their expressions and let them be kids. By empowering them in these spaces, we nurture future leaders, artists, and change-makers who will shape the world in ways we can’t yet imagine.

Quit feeding the Buzz. (Catch it) And if you disagree, maybe you’re the problem.

Tend to your own overdrafts.