A headline on American news site CNN has sparked outrage for asking the question, “How black will the royal baby be?”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child into the world, a baby boy, on Monday (May 6).
An article was then published on CNN on May 7 about rejecting mixed-race “myths” following the arrival of the royal tot.
Read more: The royal title Harry and Meghan’s newborn son could have
The headline directed readers to an analysis piece which was labelled, “Don’t use the royal birth to trot out a dangerous myth”.
It urged people not to turn the baby into “another Great Mixed-Race Hope”.
However, part of the article has been criticised on Twitter for asking “how black will the royal baby be?”
Under the headline, the article read: “Here’s why we should be cautious. The royal baby watch has already resurrected some of the most dangerous stereotypes about race.
“And in many cases, the commentators who are reinforcing these stereotypes are totally unaware of the damage.”
American comedian Amber Ruffin posted a screengrab of the article’s headline, and wrote: “Wut?” (Sic)
Wut? pic.twitter.com/GUqTo83R1G
— amber ruffin (@ambermruffin) 6 May 2019
American broadcaster Soledad O’Brien replied: “CNN needs more people of color working in the executive, decision-making ranks. Obviously.”
The article and publication was quickly criticised by many people, who said the choice of words used in the headline were “terrible” and “unacceptable”.
CNN needs more people of color working in the executive, decision-making ranks. Obviously. https://t.co/QJzfMXM5qk
— Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) 7 May 2019
One person wrote on Twitter: “Wow. This actually makes me sad. Terrible.”
Another said: “Are you KIDDING ME? This is too awful to believe. @CNN Headline Asks: ‘How Black Will the Royal Baby Be?’ how idiotic can they be to print this? Leave the beautiful #royalbaby alone CNN.”
A third added: “@CNN you had the nerve to ask How black the Royal baby is, wtf does it matter, it’s a beautiful healthy baby boy, you are racist pig.”
Wow. This actually makes me sad. Terrible.
— Holli Hunter (@hdh742002) 7 May 2019
Are you KIDDING ME? This is too awful to believe. @CNN Headline Asks: “How Black Will the Royal Baby Be?” how idiotic can they be to print this? Leave the beautiful #royalbaby alone CNN. 🤦🏽♀️🤦🏼♂️ https://t.co/GopW3HQ6tS
— Joy Villa (@Joy_Villa) 8 May 2019
@CNN you had the nerve to ask How black the Royal baby is, wtf does it matter, it’s a Beautiful healthy baby boy, you are racist pig
— Shawnamarie52 (@shawnamarie52) 8 May 2019
However, it seems the headline misguided people into what the actual article meant.
John K. Blake, who wrote the article, hit back at the criticism and insisted the piece “specifically addresses why classifying a child as X% black is a trap”.
He said: “Those who read my entire piece will understand the context. The analysis specifically addresses why classifying a child as X% black is a trap.
“It’s the language & racial ideas from the Jim Crow era. That‘s the exact point of the our actual headline.”
Those who read my entire piece will understand the context. The analysis specifically addresses why classifying a child as X% black is a trap. It’s the language & racial ideas from the Jim Crow era. That‘s the exact point of the our actual headline. Read: https://t.co/wURv89ugXk
— John K. Blake (@JohnBlakeCNN) 7 May 2019
Read more: Prince William makes funny joke when asked about brother Harry becoming a dad
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their son in the early hours of Monday morning and are expected to give the world the first glimpse of their new addition on Wednesday (May 8).
Ent Daily has contacted reps for CNN for comment.
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