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Vicki Duong

March 18, 2025

Blog Engagement Is “Low,” Yet Here You Are

It’s always amusing when someone takes the time to comment just to point out the supposed lack of interaction on my blog—while actively engaging with it. The irony is palpable.

Now, addressing the critique that I’m too “embarrassed” to acknowledge criticism: there’s a distinction between engaging in constructive dialogue and entertaining comments rooted in faux outrage. Your comment wasn’t published, not because it “owned” me, but because I chose not to feature it on my platform. The beauty of running my own blog is precisely that—I decide what gets highlighted.

What’s truly hilarious is the notion that someone can dictate to an Asian person (me) what should or shouldn’t be offensive to Asian communities. If you believe I’m the first or only individual to highlight issues with the fox eye trend, a brief exploration online will reveal that many have voiced similar concerns. For instance, CNN addressed how the ‘fox eye’ beauty trend has been criticized as racially insensitive, noting that it appropriates Asian eye shapes that have historically been targets of mockery.

Regarding Ariana Grande: she was used as an example, not as the sole focus—just as Doechii was an example of face tape done right. Zeroing in on Ariana as if my intent is to single her out is quite telling. For context, I’ve been a fan even during periods when supporting her was challenging, amidst her personal controversies and evolving public persona. Her album Eternal Sunshine was my top pick of the year in 2024 (it’s literally in print, which is embarrassing for YOU), and I watched Wicked multiple times in theaters. She remains one of the premier vocalists of our time.

But here’s the thing: loving a celebrity and being critical of them are not mutually exclusive. Celebrities are public figures, not deities. They’re not meant to be worshipped, and calling out problematic moments doesn’t mean you hate them. It means you’re capable of critical thought. Stanning doesn’t require blind devotion. If anything, real fans should be able to acknowledge when their faves miss the mark.

This piece wasn’t an attack on Ariana but rather an examination of a broader pattern where beauty trends commodify racialized features. If your interpretation is that I’m waiting for her to don chopsticks in her hair to critique her, that perspective reflects more on you than on me.

Lastly, addressing the jibe about my blog’s engagement metrics: you found it and interacted with it, which contradicts your point. Also, a friendly reminder—while comments may appear anonymous to other readers, I can see who submitted them. Something to consider before attempting to critique my engagement levels while actively contributing to them.

If you have strong opinions, perhaps consider starting your own blog. In the meantime, here are several reputable sources that have also critiqued Ariana and other celebrities regarding the fox eye trend, and btw, Google is free:

  • CNN: Discussed how the ‘fox eye’ beauty trend has been criticized as racially insensitive.

  • HuffPost: Explored instances of ‘Asianfishing,’ highlighting how celebrities like Ariana Grande have been accused of trying to “look Asian,” and discussed when makeup crosses into appropriation. ​

  • Fashion Journal: Analyzed the fox eye trend as cultural appropriation, detailing how the beauty trend commodifies Asian features. ​

Thank you for reading. No hard feelings—I’ll be here, listening to Eternal Sunshine on repeat and loving having a blog to be my petty self.

Posted In: YAP · Tagged: Ariana Grande, Asian fishing, Asian Representation, Beauty Industry Critique, beauty trends, Call-Out Culture, Celebrity Beauty Trends, Celebrity Controversy, cultural appropriation, face tape, fox eye trend, Hot Takes, Internet Culture, Internet Drama, Makeup Culture, online discourse, Pop Culture Criticism, Racial Stereotypes, Social Commentary, Trending Topics, Viral Beauty Trends

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