Figuring Out the Cost of Fitting In ft. Rahkim Sabree
Fitting in is costing us more than we think.
This is a short (pre-show) episode when our guest Rahkim Sabree ( Financial Trauma content creator) stops by. We discuss the cost of keeping up with Black beauty standards. Additionally, we cover its historical connection to our wallets as well as our minds.
While beauty and personal care brands have committed to the advocacy and support of the Black community, gaps still exist for the Black consumer. Black consumers are responsible for over 11 percent (over $7 billion) cut of the global beauty industry. Additionally, social media has led to a wider embrace of cosmetic surgery. From breast augmentation, nose surgery, and even botox, post-pandemic looks different.
This industry is one of the leading causes of modern-day Black debt and body dysmorphia. Does it beg the question is black beauty only skin deep or is there something more? Who knows, there might even be a case of Black phenotype erasure.
Let’s discuss this.
Table of Contents
What is body dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. The worst part is that these perceived flaws are unnoticeable to others. While social media (or access to apps) doesn’t cause BDD, it can amplify and exaggerate perceived imperfection. In truth, no one is perfect however seeing a culture built on likes changes things. And not for the better.
Constantly taking and posting selfies seemed like harmless fun at the beginning, but the perpetual critique and comparison create the demand to go under the knife. This level of beauty is painful because the audience is never satisfied and the likes are fleeting.
The annual value of Total Beauty + Skin sales for Black consumers stood at $7.42 billion at the end of April, according to NielsenIQ Omnishopper.
Hair Care is the top category for Black consumers, with approximately $2.29 billion in annual sales.
This is unsurprising, given the unique needs of textured hair types and the popularity of natural hair movement. Yet what is surprising is that the Facial Skin Care category is the least lucrative, making just $1.05B. Generating $1.94B, the Cosmetics and Nail Grooming category is also surprisingly weak, considering the size of the overall U.S. markets for both categories.
Fitting In during The Age of BBLs and Faux Flat Stomachs
Per the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, between 2015 to 2019, the number of butt augmentation surgeries increased by 90.3% and the number of Black patients increased by 56%. The price of a Brazillian Butt Lift (BBL) ranges from $8,000 to $10,000, not including recovery.
Recommended read “I’m Still Insecure” — How Black Women Really Feel About BBL Surgery” by Arese Sylvester.
- For Grace Victor, getting a BBL was one of the best decisions she has ever made. “I love my BBL and I don’t care what anybody has to say,” she tells Unbothered. “It madly boosted my confidence and my clothes just fit better. People also treat me better which I think is f*cked but I can’t complain.”
Fitting In for Black Men?
The cost of acceptance for Black men is equally toxic. Ja Morant is a perfect example. It can come in the form of chaotic masculinity. Formed by years of Scarface and the glorification of gangster, to be a Black man and to not be deemed as corny, relies on your ability to spend. Recommended read “Ja Morant Demonstrates Another Side to Financial Trauma” by Rahkim Sabree
Other costs include an obsession with tennis shoes, gadgets, cars, and more. In 2020, sneakers generated $70 billion in profits. Unfortunately, Black retailers saw very little of that action. This is true of other brands. High-end brands and retailers attract an increasing share of Black consumers’ wallets despite diversity efforts that come across as superficial and exploitative.
That being said, modern Black consumers spend around $835 billion a year in direct contradiction to building wealth. We are arguably trying to buy our way into happiness.
And it’s extremely costly.
Just in case you didn’t want to just fit in with the Average, Get to Know Us:
The Financial Griot is a play on two words (Finance + Griot) that hold significance in closing the wealth gap while embracing our differences. We tell the stories that others don’t. Stories about growth, opportunity, and embracing changes. Beyond that, we talk about Finances. Specifically, how to become Financially literate, incorporate actionable steps and ultimately build generational wealth.
Can you imagine being a Millionaire in 20 years or less? Yeah, it’s possible. 80% of millionaires are first generation. That means they didn’t come from wealth. We teach you how. Join a community of subscribers that welcome a fresh take on money.
So there you have it, The Financial Griot, or TFG for short. The hosts were able to amass over $2 Million in wealth in about 8 years and are on track to retire early. If you want the secrets; we will gladly share them since the opportunity is abundant and Win-Win.
Find the TFG Crew Hosts on Instagram:
- Alainta Alcin – Blogger, Travel and Money Enthusiast @alainta_alcin
- Lovely Merdelus – Entrepreneur and Small Business Growth Specialist @lovelymerdelus
- Lawrence Delva-Gonzalez – Federal Auditor, Blogger, and Tax Specialist @theneighborhoodfinanceguy
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