It seems that everything Joseline Hernandez does falls under the gaze of intense scrutiny. This time the celebrity mom is being slammed for taking a picture beside the image of Saint Mercedes.
In the picture, Joseline and her daughter, Bonnie Bella, are dressed in white while standing in front of the image. Saint Mercedes is portrayed as nurturing as she holds a child in her arms. Joseline tries to mirror the timeless scene by holding her daughter in the same fashion that Saint Mercedes is portrayed as embracing her child.
I don't practice Santeria, I ain't got no crystal ball
I had a million dollars but I'd, I'd spend it allBradley Nowell #Sublime #Santeria
— Blaze (@BlazinHawkz) July 22, 2018
Some Instagram fans saw the candid as something beautiful. A few critics, however, took issue with the remnants of religion that they thought Joseline’s post bolstered. “This girl really needs help,” one troll said. Another of Joseline’s social media critics asked, “Black people still out here worshiping White fairytale?”
Some of the confusion from Joseline’s post came from the notion of it being based on Catholicism. One Instagram fan was quick to point out the differences of religion between the Catholic faith and Santeria.
https://twitter.com/Charlesfrize/status/1021613093783261185
“Saint Mercedes is a mask for Obatala/(Santeria)/Damballa(Vodoun),” the follower wrote. “Slaves were used white Catholic saints to secretly worship our true native Yoruba religion under the nose of the slave masters. So Joseline is not worshiping this white image but it is syncretized saint that was used. Please research the history of the African diaspora before jumping to conclusions.”
I’ve been a witch since 2003! Started in Wicca and felt it was too Eurocentric so I stopped! Was afraid to practice #vodou or #Santeria because I heard how dangerous it could be! But those very two religions came for me and I submitted! Been in love with them ever since!
— Erika (@EbonyBodyWorks) July 7, 2018
Bonnie Bella is Joseline Hernandez’s daughter with Stevie J.
