3 Reasons Being Called Exotic Is NOT A Compliment | Decoded

“Exotic” is often a word used to describe women of color that is intended as a compliment, but but the ugly truth is that whether it’s being used to describe someone’s eye shape, body type, hair or skin color it’s just another way to reinforce white standards of beauty. How did this happen? Watch the episode to find out.

Directed by: Andrew Kornhaber
Director of Photography: Eric Brouse
GFX By: Noelle Smith
Editing By: Mike Petrow

Sources

[MakiPcr]

For what is worth, here in Latin America, people find blonde, blue eyed people "exotic" and interesting

[dlouise]

I actually don't mind being called exotic haha .. I would rather stand out than blend in

[nina-ozxj]

getting called exotic (for me) isn't offensive, but idk for other women. it prolly shows how beautiful and have features that stand out.

[lajellybeans]

In Brazil being blond with blue eyes is considered exotic 🤷🏻‍♀️ it really depends on where you are in the world.

[ToyaF]

I'm offended my many things, but being called exotic isn't one of them.

[adrianlowery]

“Exotic” is based on white beauty standards in the U.S. In other parts of the world, black and whites people would both be considered exotic (In China, for example)

[nittygritty]

That blond blue eyed American eagle caught me so off gaurd.

[ninavictoria]

I'm very proud to be Exotic. I'm an afrocentric racially mixed woman with dark skin and East Indian facial features. But growing up I was made to feel ugly by insecure individuals, because I don't have a typical black American look. Exotic just means ur not basic. Why turn this into a negative??? Jeeze

[yousufullah]

As a person of colour. I like the word Exotic and so does my family and friends. We feel it has nothing but positive associations and should not be twisted into something so negative and racist. Stop changing the meaning of words using twisted logic it's not fair on the people who love the word and appreciates it's beautiful meaning. 😤

[kekelauren]

I love being called exotic, because I am "foreign" and I relish that fact. I love my culture and I love my features that make me different. I am exotic to more than white people, I am exotic to anyone who is not liberian. That makes me extremely unique because my county has a small population. I love being different and I know I can belong anywhere I go. No one can make me feel inferior.

[illmeeillmee]

It IS a a compliment. Eastern and Southern European women are called exotic. It means you are BEAUTIFUL. People who are alluring.

[cool_kid]

*“Here are more things to act like you’re offended about”*

[prettylyricsmarie]

My son gets called exotic and so do I sometimes. It just means you look different, for the area you live. People try to figure out what you are. What race, what ethnicity? You look like you could be more than one race or ethnicity.

[julissadc]

I still like to be called exotic, I don't know if is because in my country is like a cool thing to be foreign because not many people immigrate here, I actually think when someone says "You don't look like you are from around" I feel good that my features stand out like that, so like every other compliment is personal is you chose to accept it or get offended, and the number 2 point of this video is kinda ridiculus because white people can look exotic too, I mean have you seen people from Estonia? they look so cool (sorry for the bad english)

[pottierkurt]

Here we go again with another cringe fest.. Smh

[jeffryrufino]

Yeah, this channel definitely ran out of topics.

[Ebolacrash]

I find these negative comments DISGUSTING!! My oldest daughter now 19 was born with down syndrome and believe me her life as been a struggle but she has beaten the odds.She is now working part time at a local grocery store and staring to live a normal life because our family and community has shown compassion , positive reinforcement and human kindness . I think we should show Ms Francesca the same respect and dignity that she deserves so she her self can hopefully live a normal life as well . Mental retardation and brain disorders IS NOT A JOKE PEOPLE . She did not choose to be born this way but she is a beautiful person and from the grace of god ONE DAY she will beat the odds like my daughter .

[fahrudinomerovic]

I'm not from America, I'm exotic AF! :)) Stop speaking for everyone, thanks.

[VolvoImpala]

Franchesca doesn't look exotic to me at all. I just see her and I say to myself, "Typical enough American black girl." I think some of her hairstyles get pretty exotic, though.

[melissayeri]

Out of topic but you’re really pretty 😍😍