The BBC has been accused of publishing "divisive tosh" following an article that described wearing bare manicures as rooted in "white supremacy". Critics have accused the broadcaster of pushing a left-wing agenda, with some public figures calling the piece "utterly insane".
Article's claims and context
The article, titled "How the bare nails trend became a class issue", interviews nail salon owner Paloma Buddemeier, who runs Wumman Spa in London. She told the BBC that the increased interest in bare-looking fake nails comes from a viral social media trend symbolising "quiet luxury".
According to the text, manicures became a mainstream form of self-expression largely through the influence of Black, Latino and Asian communities. Nail artist Celeste Hampton said nail art gave Black women a way to express their "softness", femininity and beauty at a time when they faced restrictions on how they could present themselves.
Criticism and backlash
As colourful and elaborate nail art became more common, wealthier consumers began moving towards a more understated look. The result is that bare, carefully groomed nails can now be presented as a sign of wealth, elegance and good taste, despite often requiring expensive treatments and regular maintenance.
Critics of the trend argue this creates a class and cultural divide, because nail art has deep roots in Black, Latino and Asian communities. Beauty journalist Kristina Rodulfo said the trend towards bare nails can promote "blankness" and the erasure of cultural identity.
She said: "They are often called elegant or tasteful, and these are often usually euphemisms that perpetuate white supremacist standards of beauty."
Reacting to the article's point, there were furious comments from some people, with critics accusing the broadcaster of unnecessarily politicising the subject, the Daily Mail reports. Ex-Olympic swimmer Baroness Sharron Davies dismissed the piece as "divisive tosh", while choreographer Rosie Kay called it "utterly insane".
Public figures respond
Opera historian Alexandra Wilson said: "The politicisation of absolutely everything is becoming deeply tedious. We used to be a sane country. Women could wear nail varnish or not, according to their preference, and nothing further needed to be said, certainly not by the BBC."
She added: "This is the most absurd story ever and it demeans the BBC to be reporting as 'news' that going without nail varnish is (apparently) classist and racist."
