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Blackface shows up so frequently these days, you'd think it's become a contemptible fad. Recently, this Jim Crow relic has been spotted in cartoons on high fashion pages, 'Mad Men' and 'Tyra.' Who can keep track?
So is it any wonder that two white Northwestern University student athletes would jump at the chance to hop on this trend by donning blackface as Halloween costumes? Click here to see photos.
One of the students involved in the incident reportedly dressed as Bob Marley, painting his entire body black and wearing a shirt with the word "Jamaica." The second student dressed as a black woman with a tennis racket.
Both are believed to be student-athletes, according to the Daily Northwestern. Student reactions have been mixed, with some suggesting the campus culture allows insensitivity because of the low-minority population. Source: Northwestern Blackface Costumes Inspire Protest - NBC Chicago
What were these crazy kids thinking? Or not thinking? Who knows. But I see a big double standard here. Celebrities seem to get away with offensive behavior, while the regular Joes get the "racial insensitivity" hammer dropped right on their head. I'm not defending ignorance, but I think your proximity to celebrity shouldn't get you a pass on proper behavior.
And while I'm on this subject, is it just here in Los Angeles or did you notice more white folks than usual sporting huge Afro wigs on Halloween night? At first I was a little peeved, then just confused. I don't understand it. I'd be cool if white women (and men) chose to adorn themselves in Afros as a preferred style in everyday life, much like many black women wear straight wigs or weaves. What does it mean, though, to adorn hair mimicking my natural texture as a "hilarious" costume?
After all, I can say without hesitation that I have never, ever, considered leaving the house looking like an escapee from the cast of the Wayans' 'White Chicks.' Can't see it.
But if I did don a blond wig, paint my skin white, call myself Becky and repeat stereotypical Valley girl phrases such as "omigawd" or "that is sooo awwwsumm" how would white people I passed on the street respond?
And if they were offended, should I feel entitled to tell them to just "lighten up" or "get a sense of humor"?
Comments: (104)
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By: mika on 11/08/2009 5:20PM
But how do you know he was being Bob Marley? Just because you wear a shirt that says Jamaica doesn't mean he's trying to imitate Bob Marley, what if he was just dressing up like any black person from Jamaica? How would my costume be mean spirited? Its not like I would be going around hanging an African American. Just because I dressed like a slave owner or a member of the KKK doesn't mean I agree with their point of view its just a costume. Costume being the key word.
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By: wild irish rose on 11/08/2009 5:34PM
IF you chose to dress as a KKK/Nazi, you and everyone else KNOW that those images are hateful, destructive, absolutely racist images. They can be viewed in no positive way. Dressing as just a "guy from Jamaica"...what derogatory meaning does that have? It would be like dressing like a stereotypical guy from Austria or Germany, with the little Tyrolean hat and Lederhosen. Is any of this getting through to you, or are you just arguing for the sake of arguing? Did you get the comment about everyone "wanting to be Irish" on St. Pat's? Are people making fun of the Irish? I don't think so.
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By: mika on 11/08/2009 5:40PM
So if a person where to look at the history of blackface and why it was used, it was all just in good fun, right? So I presume slavery wasn't hateful or destructive and didn't promote racism at all.
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By: wild irish rose on 11/08/2009 5:48PM
Mika, these people weren't dressing up in generic blackface, like Al Jolsen, etc. They were dressing up as famous people who happen to be black, not like slaves or oppressed people. People don't usually pick someone they hate to dress up like on Hallowe'en, they usually pick someone they admire, think is funny, think they can make a cool costume out of...turn it around, ok? YOU make your case for why you think these people were wearing racist costumes, bearing in mind that their makeup and costumes had no resemblance at all to slavery or the old theatrical blackface (except for the color, of course). I just don't get you, and I repeat: I think you just like arguing.
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By: Alex on 11/08/2009 6:39PM
Ohhhh what a shocker, someone had to pull out the Nazi card, right? Let me tell you something, as a political science major, using Hitler as the ultimatum standard in an argument will basically get you laughed at. There are CENTURIES of other people groups who did terrible things in their time, killed thousands...the Huns, Vlad the Impaler, the church during the Spanish Inquisition, the ENGLISH who wiped out thousands of Native Americans with the diseases they carried over...give me a break. Narrow-minded idiots use the Nazis as their go-to because they think it can't be topped, and because it's the most recent example of massive destruction. Don't get me wrong, the Nazis were/are not a cheerful bunch, but don't think for a second that's your brilliant counterpoint there, Mika.
And, for the recond, if you DID dress up as a Nazi, I would personally not be offended. Because yes, it's Halloween. If you, however, had actual anti-Semitic viewpoints, then there would be an issue. As should be the case in ANY situation like this.
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By: boo on 11/08/2009 4:28PM
Come on!!!! I get so tired of the double standard....Accepted if another black person does it and not to be accepted if a white person does it.....Same double standard with the N word!! Want equality? I do!
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By: Gee on 11/08/2009 4:32PM
There is perception that all whites are racist, and black people aren't. I dressed as Michael Jackson for Halloween, in one of his 80's costumes, and yes I painted my face black. When I dress up as a celebrity I try to look as much like that person as possible, if they have a different skin color, then I will make mine match.
If you are telling me it is racist or insensitive to dress like the most popular musician to ever exist, or if you are saying that these college students can't dress like their favorite musician or athlete then you are clearly ignorant to the changes our country has gone through.
You should be proud of the fact that white people want to dress like black celebrities. Look at it as a black accomplishment, not racism.
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By: anonymous a on 11/08/2009 4:35PM
i dont see a da-n thing funny about iy, and it is a degrading History it! One question if i dressed up as nicole Simpsom with a blond wig and a knife with blood sticking out of my chest.. How would you white folks feel would it be just halloween then? wouldnt be too funny then huh!! goes both ways thats why Halloween should be left up to the kids to trick or treat .. not growm ignorant idiots to be mocking black folks!!
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By: Andrew on 11/08/2009 4:40PM
Dude, I couldn't care less if you dress up as one of those stupid valley girls, white face and all. This is 2009, we have a black president, and black people get to sit wherever they want to on the bus. The only racist talk I hear these days is coming from old, washed up civil rights activists with nothing else to do. C'mon, does Jesse Jackson have any relevance these days? If you want to talk about civil rights, talk about the gays who still can't get married or adopt children, even in the 21st century!
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By: ray on 11/08/2009 4:42PM
The wayans spent an entire movie in whiteface. I thought it was funny. Did Black voices speak out on that occasion? No, black voices is only narrowly interested in points of view on race.
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