General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsLet's go over the definition of "Blackface" again
Blackface is a form of theatrical make-up used predominantly by non-black performers to represent a caricature of a black person. The practice gained popularity during the 19th century and contributed to the spread of racial stereotypes such as the "happy-go-lucky darky on the plantation" or the "dandified coon". (Wkipedia)
Black makeup used by a performer, as in a minstrel show (Your Dictionary)
Makeup applied to a performer playing a black person especially in a minstrel show (Mirriam-Webster)
Blackface:
Not Blackface:
octoberlib
(14,971 posts)johnp3907
(3,723 posts)Some of the stupiding around here lately is mind blowing!
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)who grew up in the American south have any reason to know this in 1985?
I know that what is called Southern history is a bit different from Northern, or actual, US history.
But even in the uncivilized wilderness of Québec, we all knew what blackface was. And what was meant when a white person wore blackface.
Recommended.
Lefta Dissenter
(6,617 posts)Ive given a lot of thought to some friends whose daughter was obsessed with Kirby Puckett back in the 80s, so she dressed up as Kirby for Halloween - including using dark makeup on her face. She was probably in first or second grade at the time, and she did it because she admired him, not because she wanted to make fun of him.
Full disclosure - dare I even admit that Im actually related to Al Jolson?
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Lefta Dissenter
(6,617 posts)EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Lefta Dissenter
(6,617 posts)Im also related to Alexander Hamilton. Thats way cooler, but dont forget to thank me when youre paying your income taxes and your goods are more expensive due to tariffs!
uponit7771
(90,225 posts)Historic NY
(37,449 posts)EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Does the makeup resemble the skin tone of any actual black person?
Does the person in the black makeup actually resemble the person they're supposedly impersonating?
Does the person in the blackface resemble any particular black person or some random, unidentifiable black person?
Does the person in blackface look like they're appearing in a minstrel show?
TCJ70
(4,387 posts)I think Northam should resign for trying to backtrack his apology, but he also mentioned going to some dance thing as Michael Jackson. If you have a specific person in mind, and arent trying to make fun of them, is that still filed under racist?
EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)That is not an impersonation. It's blackface.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)A school in Atlanta has apologised after children performed a poem for Black History Month in blackface masks.
Pupils at Kindezi Old Fourth Ward Charter School recited Paul Laurence Dunbars 1896 poem We Wear The Mask while wearing black masks with exaggerated red lips and white eyes.
A video of the recital, which was performed by seven and eight-year-olds, has been viewed millions of times since it was posted on Facebook by a concerned parent last week.
mcar
(42,210 posts)It's the exaggeration, the mocking, the stereotyping.
janx
(24,128 posts)I don't know why people don't understand that it's the INTENT that matters, and I'm really sorry that you need to point this out.
It should be obvious.
Gothmog
(144,005 posts)SidDithers
(44,228 posts)I liked the way Hekate phrased it:
Sid