Halloween Has a Blackface Issue and It’s a Racism Problem
Every year. EVERY GAHTDAMB YEAR, Halloween rolls around and we have to deal with folks who want to paint themselves black and brown for some costume. It is exhausting and enraging and absolutely overwhelming. It’s REALLY hard for me to write about it because I just wanna cuss and fight the air and kick trashcans and throat punch the offenders.
I’ve never been a fan of Halloween, and it isn’t for any reason besides that I am pretty indifferent about rocking costumes and I’m lazy. That’s it. But, I didn’t mind the holiday because it can be amusing to see what people come up with. Now, I’m ready to place Halloween in the “HATE” box.
SO. MUCH. BLACKFACE! There are too many pictures floating around of college students, adults, fashion designers, random ingrates who decided that their costumes weren’t complete without the use of black or brown paint to change their skin color. AND MY SOUL IS BOTHERED TO THE CORE.
The fact that we still gotta tell people “Hey bro. Don’t do that blackface thing” in 2013 is mind-boggling. MIND. BOGGLING. What the hell is wrong with people??
You can wear a halloween costume of someone with a different ethnicity as you WITHOUT painting yourself their color! My girl Tracy Clayton (@BrokeyMcPoverty) wrote a post on BuzzFeed called 14 Times People Dressed As People Of Other Races For Halloween And Managed Not To Be Offensive that proves this. I particularly LOVE this costume of Left Eye from the Creep video:
Best costume EVER.
That is the greatest costume in the history of life and it’s super clever and awesome. AND HE DIDN’T PAINT HIS BODY!
Halloween is doable without blackface but it’s clear that those who do it either don’t know better or they don’t give a good gahtdamb that they’re being racist degenerates. I think it’s the latter most of the time because some of these costumes are so blatantly offensive that you cannot tell me these are just people with poor taste.
Upper left is actress Julianne Hough dressed up as “Crazy Eyes” from Orange is the New Black. Hers loses the least. To the right of that is Italian fashion designer Allesandro Dell’Acqua and friends at his “Disco Africa” themed Halloween party (read The Fashion Bomb’s post on it with MORE pics from the party where it seemed to be a requirement to be a part). At the bottom are the people who think Trayvon Martin costumes are awesome. The ones on the left have been identified as Greg Cimeno and William Filene. The internet has dragged them up, down and diagonally.
These costumes though. This is why I’m tired. THIS IS WHY I SLEPT FOR 10 HOURS LAST NIGHT. Because people have the unmitigated gall to not only paint their skin black for shiggles (shits and giggles), but they do it in the worst way. The Italian designers are LITERALLY dressed as Sambo. My God. And the ones below decided to dress like an innocent Black boy who was killed because FUNNY. HA HA HELL.
I am still unable to articulate how angry this makes me. Like, my ability to deal is out of stock and I don’t know when a new order will be placed. I CAN’T TIMES INFINITY!
WHITE PEOPLE, THIS IS NOT OKAY. I REPEAT: NOT OKAY! We talk about this every year but here we are again. Telling you that it’s not okay. Next year, I’m sure we’ll be having this same conversation.
People are so bold and unapologetic about this and it’s a greater problem than just Halloween. It’s about a system where racism permeates every fiber and Halloween just happens to be a great excuse for it to rear its ugly (black)face. Or redface. I used 4 examples of blackface but redface is another issue on the same spectrum.
It’s the same reason that there’s still a sports team called “Redskins” in 2013. What *I* don’t understand is how a group of people can say “you’re offending us. Stop that!” and people can go “BUT OUR TEAM NAME!” or “WE’RE JUST HAVING FUN! RELAX!” That’s like if you’re stepping on my toes, I say “ouch” and you say “But I’ve been standing on your feet for 10 minutes. I like it. I’ll stay.” THE HELL SENSE DOES THAT MAKE???
My alma mater is the University of Illinois. Chief Illiniwek was such an offensive mascot and I never wore any gear with his face on it.. He was always portrayed by a white student and he’d hop around around during halftime of sports games yelling “OSKEE WOW WOW.” O_______O When they got rid of him, people were in tears talmbout “HE IS TRADITION!” Grown ass people were on TV crying about being mad that our mascot, the made up Indian chief, was being retired. Alums threatened to stop donating to the university because the RACIST MASCOT WAS BEING RETIRED! I was floored.
Why do they need to stop painting themselves black and brown for laughs, and why do they need to get rid of a racial slur that represents a sports franchise? Because fuck our feelings of hurt and pain that’s attached to centuries of denigration, genocide, slavery, small pox and EVERY TERRIBLE THING EVER.
Again, I ask WHAT THE HELL?
People suck. Racism sucks. Halloween sucks and I’m so over all of it.
I want us all to stop being such terrible human beings. Is that possible? When a group of people tell us we’ve done something to hurt them, can we acknowledge their pain and fix it? Can you stop saying we live in a post-racial society now?
And for next year, can you tell your white friends, family members, cousins and neighbors to put down the black/brown body paint? PUT. IT. DOWN. Just no. And in case you’re confused about whether you should, I’ve created a handy chart for you.
You’re welcome.
A couple of people have said that we should ignore these people in blackface because it’s bringing them attention they want. They may want attention but I firmly disagree that we should ignore them. Ignoring hate has never been the way to disassemble the racist system in place. On THIS issue, I don’t think our silence is enough.
I’m a fan of the “don’t feed the trolls” theory but these aren’t just trolls and the problem is bigger than the individuals in the pictures above. So I will call it and them out. YEARS before the advent of social media, people were doing Blackface on halloween. They didn’t get attention and it has continued. Bad behavior is not to always be rewarded with ignoring. People need to be held accountable.
I have to ask. Have some of you had friends/fam do blackface halloween costumes? Did you tell them to go have an arena of seats? Also, since I threw that in there, how do you feel about the whole Washington Redskins name?
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246 Comments
The blackface ridiculous is just so beyond that I just can’t. I’m legit unable to deal with this mess. Like seriously what is your life about that in 2013 you don’t realize that type of shit ain’t gonna fly boo and that generic ass apology ma’am have a seat with some exfoliating make up cleanser and reevaluate your life decisions and the ppl you have around you cuz… Kevin Hart ain’t never lie when he said some of these celebs need a no man *side eyes* her so called friends.
As for the Trayvon/Zimmerman costumes what in all of the fucks in fucksville made those assholes think they wasn’t gonna get snatched by their stupidity within a inch of their lives. By the end of the night they done found they mama and daddy and I was here for it. However the threats went way toooooooo far that makes you just as bad as them. Report them ,make an example of them by getting them thrown out of life but saying your gonna kill them nah. I simply reported they asses on FB/Instagram because if they had they balls to put up those pics and make them their profile pictures words will not suffice.
I wonder how white folks would feel if we dressed up as Casey Anthony and a car trunk but I’m sleep tho. And taking a pic of a little girl cause you made you cant flaunt your white privilege in T-shirt form -_- Sorry for the tome but this fuckery had me all the way in my feelings! I hady comment ready now to read the post.
Let’s start off by speaking English “…think they wasn’t gunna get snatched…”, “…within aN inch…”, “…they done found”, “…simply reported they asses”? Seriously? Gain some credibility and speak correctly.
Secondly, I am white, not racist, and truly believe that racism is not as prevalent as some make it and many people make much more of it then it is, this article is exhibit A. Don’t take a few random inappropriate pictures and chalk it up to society. There are always bad apples. So why is everyone who does “black face” considered racist? There’s no ill-manner or malicious reasons behind 90% of the costumes so why is it bad to point out a factual difference?As a white male, I can’t portray the costume of say, Barrack Obama without darkening my skin, I will just look like a dude in a suit. I can’t portray Sammie Davis Jr. without changing the color tone of my skin, I’ll look like Frank Sinatra. My point is that it’s not usually a bad thing so everyone needs to stop being drama queens about it.
KemaB, you can go ahead and dress up as Casey Anthony because everyone I know won’t see that as a racial issue. Many black persons of the modern era still feel like they are being persecuted like it was the 60’s so all of a sudden two white guys dressing up as Milli Vanilli are racist and white supremacists. Instead people can’t just see it as a simple costume no different then dressing up as a police officer. You going as Casey Anthony and whatever else you said that didn’t make sense would be more of a moral issue to dress up as a child killer than anything, race excluded.
And why is “black face” so bad when a guy dressing up as a girl by putting balloons in his shirt and having long hair and lipstick on acceptable? Why is that not sexist? Aren’t they conveying that that is how society views girls when many are perfectly beautiful without big breasts and lipstick? Ya see how dumb that sounds?
I agree that given the context of using “black face” many are racist and terrible. But it is possible to do it and be perfectly fine. Just because someone tries to be a different race doesn’t mean its offensive and racist.
Sir,
Find the nearest fire, and walk through it.
My sincerest thanks in advance.
Can’t give an honest argument back? Because you don’t want to believe that it can be done with respect and in a non-racist manner?
And if I walk through the fire maybe my face will get black… hahahaha
There is no non-racist way to do blackface, sorry boo. The men dressing as girls is a false equivalency, by the way, but nice try.
And my darling dear, your face and body blackening and charring was my hope. Hasten to the fire, but walk through slowly. Good day.
Trollmeister James. Are you really THAT damn dense that you don’t believe you can put on a costume depicting a person of another race WITHOUT painting your skin black/brown/red?
If you choose to dress up as Sammie Davie Jr, intelligent people would know who you are if you correctly mirrored his mannerisms, speech and (DUH!) danced & sang as he did.
You don’t have to walk through fire to “maybe” make your face black. YOUR PEOPLE’S obsession tanning and lip injections says a lot.
I simply don’t give a damn about the rest of your ridiculous points so I won’t even address that nonsense.
Mag, YOU feel this article “makes no sense” because you are equally as dense as James. The both of you need to do a thorough Google search on the origin of blackface and reevaluate your uncultured lives.
For someone to dressup as Trayvon Martin is really disrespectful. I don’t why white kids want to dress in blackface? May be because they want to be black or is it some white privy type stuff? What is your reason? I really want to know?
This entire article is racist as fuck.
The entire premise is that the superior black race is superior and deserves a special privilege that none of the other races deserve.
“Nigga nigga nigga, nigga. I’m 100% nigga.”
If you’re a non-black person and you take SO MUCH OFFENSE to the fact that you can’t say “nigga” then why the hell do you WANT to say it? People in the groups that are marginalized can take control of any derogatory term they wish. The fact that you get so mad about it makes you a racist POS.
Her point is invalid because she chooses not to use historically ‘proper’, European English? You don’t disprove anything by mocking the mode of delivery, you merely make your own argument suspect.
In a world where there were no racism, perhaps you would be right, perhaps we could paint ourselves any way we want and use any words we want without offending anyone. But probably not. Blackface, Indian mascots, caricatures of big-nosed Jews, all these things dehumanize and ‘other’ people, which is a step towards persecution and discrimination. In the early 30’s in Germany a board game came out in which the object was to get rid of Jews. No doubt plenty of people played it saying just what you are saying – it’s all in fun, we don’t mean anything by it. But those same people found it in themselves to look the other way when the death trains came.
When I hear a friend who I know isn’t racist say something like “he Jewed me down” or “he gyped me”, I call them on. Gently, but clearly. I know they don’t mean harm, but it stereotypes and dehumanizes a group, and that needs to stop. These are small things, but they add up to something really, really important. It’s not okay.
Thank you, James for some rational and intelligent thoughts. This article makes no sense to me!
agreed. However, I feel this is offensive to many so let’s refrain. It’s not a must, it’s silly, pointless, no one is as amusing as they think they are in black face. I am not trying to trivialize the matter and the feelings involved. But to those of you who do not have a problem with “blackface” The fanny pack, mullet, bike shorts etc, are not attractive, not vital and frowned upon by the majority. We have pretty much eradicated those offenses, let’s do away with with this one as well.
I can speak however the fuck I want to bro how is that for proper English. Now since you wasted all of your time correcting me let me correct you. Firstly Racism is even more prevalent than your people would lead us to believe. If you don’t believe me that is most definitely your problem and I honestly feel sorry for you for being so jaded by your privilege you can’t see the forest for the trees.
Second everything I said made perfect sense just not to you because you don’t want it to but again that’s your problem not mine. Yes I used slang and catchphrases to make my point because that’s what we do in this glorious blog of Luvvie’s but dont make an ass off yourself by assuming i can’t read you the riot act in perfectly structured sentances (you might want to see your own comment for it’s plethora of grammatical mistakes btw. 🙂
Thirdly Racism IS a moral issue and YOUR people need to realize that there are certain things you absolutely should not do i.e dressing up as a deceased/wrongfully killed teen and sambo. This is not an opinion this is a fact blackface is wrong morally and racially. Perhaps if you all weren’t so indifferent about the way we feel about this then we wouldn’t have to be so called drama queens and call you out on it.
Lastly don’t ever tell me the way I feel is dumb because you feel differently. FYI that is not how you have a conversation that is preface to an argument. Thank You
Isn’t it racist to say your people? So you complain about racism than use racist remarks yourself. If a white person had said your people in relation to a black person it would have been considered racist. So you yourself must be a racist.
No it’s not racist because it is his people since it’s his race. He stated he was white the aforementioned offenses were made by white people therefore his people just as Black people are my people. Now if I said you people you would have a valid point. Cut it out and stop trying to detract from the main point which is Black face is wrong period.
@zellie imani – Excellent contribution to the discussion.
Obviously, as a white person, I have no place in any discussion that pertains to race or culturally equality.
Racism is going to persist as long as people keep separating the races. There will never be perceived equality until we stop referring to everything in terms of race and categorizing people. By referring to an entire race as “your people”, you are creating the exact racial divide that you are so very up in arms to combat. When a white celebrity dresses up in blackface, they face the immediate backlash of being considered a racist. When a black celebrity dresses in white face, that’s funny as hell! I don’t remember any backlash when Dave Chappelle impersonated a white news anchor. I don’t recall there being a backlash when the Wayans brothers made an entire movie where they dressed up as white chicks. I don’t see any indication throughout this rant that it is considered to be bad form when black people dress in white face. This is a blatant double standard, and if you want to play the racial equality card, you simply can’t continue to hold on to double standards like that.
In terms of the prevalence of racism in our culture, you need to consider the statistics and leave your emotions out of it. Like it or not, the United States is one of the most racially tolerant countries in the world. As of the 2010 census, slightly less than 13% of this country is African-American. The make-up of our senate and congress almost directly reflects the proportion of African-Americans to Caucasians in this country. Not to mention, the leader of this country falls into this category. Power in a democracy is based off of the people’s ability to participate in government. Demographically speaking, the United States almost perfectly represents each race. You want to see intolerace? Try living in France, the Middle East, most of Asia.
*If you want to see some data, check out the US Census website, Wikipedia, US Government website, etc.
So please stop using racially dividing arguments when trying to prove a point. If your a citizen of this great nation, there is no MY people and YOUR people, there should only be OUR people (united Americans).
And since I didn’t really touch upon the issue of black face very deeply, I simply believe that each case should be looked at individually. Some people don’t mean to infer negative feelings or perception, and as such, shouldn’t be demonized by the community. Personally, I wouldn’t dress up in black face, as I prefer not to give others an opportunity to portray me as a racist, but I don’t believe the every attempt is racist and therefore should not be treated as such.
No one is saying that every person that does black face is racist, but if you look at what black face is, where it started, and how it was used, that’s why it’s offensive. Look at the Italian designers. Why do you think the area around their mouths isn’t painted black/brown? Because we’re portrayed as big lipped people. It goes beyond that, but the point is, it’s offensive bc of the history of it. I don’t understand why people do it. Why can’t you dress up in a costume without the paint? I’ve dressed up as a cartoon character that’s white and didn’t paint my face white. It’s not that hard.
@KS – Wrong, many people here in this discussion have indicated that ANY form of white people dressing in black face is racist.
I’m certainly not saying that every white person who has dressed in black face ISN’T a racist. Obviously, I recognize negative racial stereotypes.
In your response, you failed to acknowledge or respond to virtually any point that I made during my first post. You also chose to ignore my personal stance on the subject, as I stated quite clearly that I would choose not to participate in this act.
Your entire reply was of no value to my comment or the overall integrity of this discussion. Your ignorance is offending.
Tyler,
Honestly, that would be an awesome point IF these said Black Congresspeople and the President of the Free World were not ridiculed and disrespected on a daily basis. I just read a Forbes (yes, FORBES) magazine where the journalist addressed the president as Mr. Obama, not PRESIDENT Obama. Yes. A recent article at that. Comments like that would absolutely not fly during Bush’s (or anyone else’s) administration.
@LadyLarke – I’m not denying that disrespect and ridicule are common, but that’s a pretty piss-poor argument. If you think that every politician in this country doesn’t face ridicule and disrespect from their opposition, you truly are blind. Have you considered that maybe this disrespect stems from the journalists perception that Obama is a terrible president? I’m not really looking for a political debate, but I’m not unwilling to oblige if you’d prefer. Numbers are numbers, facts are facts. The black community is proportionally represented within our government, and the fact that they face ridicule, just like every other sleazy and corrupt politician, doesn’t mean their votes count for less. Stop looking for reasons to divide the races. You can’t look at the situation at hand with blinders on and only see examples which support your cause.
And for the record, it WAS an awesome point.
Don’t you DARE bring race into this” — White proverb
@zellie imani – Excellent contribution to the discussion.
Obviously, as a white person, I have no place in any discussion that pertains to race or culturally equality.
why dont i punch you in the face and decide for you if it hurts or not,black-face is not directed at you so you have no place or justification to say if it is racist or not. EVERY person who wears black-face is a racist because they know what it means ,of all the things to choose to do or wear it is an affect that dehumanizes another group.
You had to go waaaaaay back into history to bring up Dave Chappelle wearing white-face , for black people it happens every goddamned day . When you defend something that obviously hurts another group your sir are a giant RACIST who is trying to use false logic to disguise the fact . Any decent human being when told something is offense to another would stop it even if they did not they understand why sadly most white people seem to lack basic human decency .when relating to black people
I 100% agree with this white guy being a mixed white and black Caribbean your RANT was ill informed, inconclusive, massively generalizing and ironic, i say ironic in the sense of you kick up this stink on “Black face” assuming white people are all racist and owe you something for historical events of part of my culture and heritage. predominately yours, ignoring the fact white people have persecuted their own kind pre-dating our ancestors and to this day still treat other white races just as bad if not worse in some cases. As well as other cultures that are not black “Muslim and Mexican minorities in the states” getting side tracked. How many black celebrities are bleaching their skin now? and no one is complaining? imitation is the lowest form of flattery seems to be your opinion on this. If a white guy wants to act and be black, and Halloween rolls ups and they wanna dress like biggie smalls cause he a fat white guy, go on do it its your insecurity with your identity that allows you to get this upset on 4 images of people you DON’T know who DON’t know or care about you. 2 celebs and 4 strangers one out of those images as potentially really bad and id say take with a pinch of salt. Your a hypocrite its 2013 and your writing a rant like the white people still own you or owe you something that didn’t directly affect you or concern you at all, baring in mind had it not been for the equality to teach black history which is general history. You’d be ignorant to the history that has grown the seed of hate you have toward white people… Racism is indoctrinated into young people, ignorance would be bliss in eliminating racial hate because its the 21st century and all anyone can talk about is war on religion and race and its due to people like your self who feel over educated on historical negativity to move past it. Move forward you’r perpetuating it by complaining and bastardizing white culture for being mature by moving past it. I’m not saying your 100% wrong, I’m saying not every single white person who black faces up is a Nazi! i read your emotional spiel and felt that you shouldn’t of wasted your time with the rant for 4 images without previous research other then a article from the black Italian party with the minstrels its sad how sensitive your being on something that has literally nothing to do with you in any context. Your only relation to the topic is being black and you didn’t choose that. Had you of been white you’d be on the other side of this, but you would not of made a rant because if a black person put white make up on for Halloween then i guess that’s OK to you? you seem to have a yardy man mentality which for anyone un familiar to the term, yardy man (jamaican men) and this is not exclusive to them but they are the poster men for this trait have one set of rules for them and another for women they can fuck around and cheat do what they like. Women does it or has a man FRIEND she is in the wrong even if she hasn’t cheated but if he does it its A OK! The vibe your giving is that blacks can dress as white people (white chics) a movie of which they not only portrayed white folks they portrayed white women… they was black men… no one complained not a single bad review on that film was in consideration of their portrayal of white women in that film… but a hand full of Americans having brown or black faces to complete a costume for effect and you have a heart attack how about tropic thunder with Robert Downey jnr being a black man where was your rant on that? grow up and stop worrying about the white people you don’t know are racist. worry about the people in your life who you know are or are not deal on your door step not on the internet its 23:40 on a Monday for me in Britain and i stumbled on this tripe from Facebook… and felt you needed to maybe get a reality check and stop acting like your the next black president because believe you me your well on your way to being something very close to Hitler with your views being so right wing and offended by a majority based on NOTHING! sort it out
Let me point out something, as a female who has typed things with blind anger. Throughout this whole post you can tell that her emotions are clearly running high, I doubt grammar is her main priority. But great way to start your argument off childishly.
Also changing your skin tone to accommodate a costume is offensive to people of all races, not just African Americans. If I, as a young black female, walked into a party dressed as Marilyn Monroe and painted my face white you wouldn’t make any type of comment; even in your mind? When you see African Americans with their hair died blonde you don’t make any mental judgement? I doubt it because I do it and am not proud of it. Now, I do not think that every person that does it is an ignorant fuck BUT the TM costumes make me want to cry and punch someone in the throat also. That action is the equivalent of someone dressing up as Emit Till and going to a party with a white woman and having a few friends dress up as the KKK to some people.
Now I nanny for a living (for a white family) and my little boy adores Micheal Jackson and Thriller so when he said he wanted to be the “brown Micheal Jackson” I didn’t take it offensively. Now if he wasn’t 3 and hadn’t asked for us to buy him brown gloves and a mask “so everyone knew who he was” I would be appalled but you have to take the whole situation and the surroundings into context. Yet you have to see where the anger comes from about these situations. But to compare this to gender switching is outrageous and absurd yet with this a person can still be offensive.
My whole point is everyone has a trigger, so just be aware of what is most offensive and if you are going to participate, or support it, be aware of the eminent fall out.
I agree with you. Maybe if people weren’t talking about racism all the fucking time we could just get over it. I don’t think white people would be offended at all if a black person painted their face white on halloween (?) what’s the fucking deal, it’s a costume, really, what’s so bad about painting your face black/white for a better portrayal of a costume. I don’t really get it.
Although the Trayvon Martin one is pretty awful, but those people are just stupid.
I agree. Painting your face black isn’t bad at all. It’s what you do with the rest of your outfit/costume that makes the different. Like the bloody hoodies, Ice Tea, and Skittles to complete it. That’s where things go WRONG! Just think of his family and how they must feel every time someone pops up on the internet making fun of their son. I really hope no one goes trick or treating to their house dressed like that.
*difference*
** SIGH ** Really? “Secondly, I am white, not racist, and truly believe that racism is not as prevalent as some make it and many people make much more of it then it is, this article is exhibit A.” Says the man whose very skin color has afforded him privilege since the day he was born. I’m all for honest dialogue, but honestly there are some things that white people will just NEVER get. Our experiences in this country are going to differ from birth simply because of the color of our skin, and you won’t understand it because you are not a person of color.
Second, its her blog, and the use of ebonics is a way of adding humor and/or expressing frustration/dismay or whatever strong emotion she (Luvvie) maybe feeling. It would have been best for you to read and not comment because none of Luvvie’s faithful readers are going to agree with you and most of us won’t take your comments lightly.
Your ignorant James…And the fact that your even trying to defend black face makes you more ignorant. Sad…very sad. “Just because someone tries to be a different race doesn’t mean its offensive and racist.” We are telling you that it’s offensive and racist…Think about that for a minute…Let it permeate. Now, go educate yourself.
–Emile Awe Reed
You’re
I can honestly say I can see where you are coming from. I, by no means, agree with you; but I can see why you think the way you do. First off, I don’t believe she was trying to say that they are all intentionally racists. From what I understood, the point she was trying to get across is that they are all extremely ignorant; as you are coming off as well. There is no tasteful way to do Blackface. When Black people emulate white people for Halloween, you don’t see them putting on white faces trying to “really capture the character”. They just wear the costume. That is what Halloween is about; a costume. And if it’s so hard to do a costume without ignorance…change your costume. Not that hard, in my opinion.
It’s easy for you to say racism is not as prevalent as before; as a white man in America you are never on the receiving end of it. As a black woman I have been told to hide my name on resumes to prevent discrimination (because my name is Islamic). I have had white customers laugh in my face because they thought it was made up when, in fact, it’s over 2000 years old. When you go to restaurants, you aren’t neglected and mistreated in comparison to other patrons. You aren’t pulled over for being white in areas that “you have no business being in” and illegally searched for contraband. Nor have you had items thrown at you while people shouted “Nigger” from their car. You haven’t had people throw the “Hail Hitler” salute to you while passing you on the freeway nor have seen the disparity between two schools of the same system where their main difference is location and the racial constitution of their student bodies. I have though and I can testify that your BELIEFS are far removed from the reality of the state of America. Unless you have experienced life from a minority’s perspective, or sought to truly understand it, you can not speak for us and tell us how life is. Laws do not change people and the Civil Rights Movement did not turn racists into understanding people. Moreover, many of those people are still alive today! Do you really think that they became more sensitive because of a law and raised their spawn accordingly? All it did was make racism politically incorrect, not erase it. You are truly deluded and ignorant if you believe otherwise.
You are so right. You speak the truth that unfortunately still rings true today, maybe even more so than a few years ago when you wrote this comment. “Laws do not change people” but we each can keep speaking the truth and live compassionately and someone will finally see and change and that is the way to progress. We all need to speak up and act out the understanding and wisdom we want others and our children to strive for and grow into.
Why is it everytime situations like this appear we have some white dude show up to tell all of us Negroes that they know more about our history and experience in this country than we do…and as such we should listen to them as to how we should perceive what is and is not racism and what we should and should not be.
Tell me, you fucking imbecile…what exactly does dressing up as Sinatra have to do with the historical significance of black face, and more specifically with dressing up in black face as an innocent child who was recently murdered for being black and minding his own goddamn business?
While you are at it…remind us how many people of color dress up in “white face” during halloween for the pure purpose of mocking people of European decent?
Let’s start off by speaking English “…think they wasn’t gunna get snatched…”, “…within aN inch…”, “…they done found”, “…simply reported they asses”? Seriously? Gain some credibility and speak correctly.
Um excuse me but maybe you should look up African American English before you speak on “speaking correctly” if you want to correct about grammar sir. Regardless of the way she spoke her information is still credible because you understood it correct?
And you sound really racist and ignorant when you stated that you could not be Barack Obama unless you darkened your skin. People are more than their race sir and I am highly offended that you would say something like that. For instance you could have worn your plain suit and held a damn bubble in your hand with his slogan or even said it and people would know who you are. PLEASE DO NOT BRING RACE INTO COSTUMES! You just don’t know how racial that entire statement sounds. smh
Blacks think it is okay to do whiteface in movies and youtube but hey if you are white and do blackface you are a racist. Screw your double standards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c6vKoaqWvU
That’s like me dressing up as Elsa from Frozen and painting my face white to look the part. When you look at where painting your face black originated from then you can see why this is offensive. You may feel, we as black Americans, should just get over it — I would like to see you say that to a Jewish person. One person dressed as a Nazi would be an out cry of how dear they; however, black face on white folk — we are over reacting!
>> I am white, not racist, and truly believe that racism is not as prevalent as some make it and many people make much more of it then it is <<
ROFL.
Well said James, just because some are not respectfull we should live by their norms and values?? I guess we are still very backwards in regard to truly regard the human race as one race without judging by colour. sex and age.
First of all James, I do not think that this blog was targeted to you seeing as the first thing you criticized was Luvvy’s grammar. It is one of her signatures!
Secondly, there is no valid reason whatsoever for a white person to want to wear black face, not when for so long it was a tool used to ridicule black people. You will never understand since you are a white person and grew up with that “privilege”.
Have several seats!
I did a blog on the Washington name a few weeks ago. Check it out!
http://vibincourtside.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/morethanjustaname/
Dressing up as Casey Anthony wouldn’t bother white people because of race.
Blackface is offensive. White people can defend doing it until they’re Black in the face, but it is. Period. What bothers me is they KNOW it’s offensive, but none of them can put in the effort to find out WHY it’s offensive. The opposition has been there since Frederick Douglass. It’s not like every Black person in the world gathered in a huddle one day last year and said, “Y’all see those white people over there in Blackface? Yeah, We don’t like that shit”.
I get that it’s hard for some to imagine living in a time where the majority could openly shit on your race, and any attempt to defend yourself or your people from it could make you a tree ornament. Well, that was reality for Black people. There’s such an interest in Black culture to listen to our music, dance like us, even look like us, why not go the extra step and learn a little more about us as people, rather than some tap-dancing, watermelon-eating Sambos.
You don’t have to like it. Clearly, the attempt to understand it just isn’t there. But respect our reasons for not wanting people picking at the old wound that is Blackface. People will get the costume. Just leave the paint at home.
I get your point…and there is some validity to it. But I have one argument that would help your case on so many of the generalized levels you are arguing your point with.
Use of the ‘N’ word in a number of African-American artists music and in the general vocabulary of a large population of inner city kids country wide.
It seems that when other races say that word it takes on a connotation that is not only racist, but racist with extreme prejudice that now could be even classified as a hate crime. How come a word that holds such negativity and reminders of abhorrent times in this country is used with such verve and bravado by those who would point the finger at the drop of a hat and cry racist should someone not of their color use it…even in its proper context.
I’m just saying that in order to make an argument that covers all generalizations, you must come up with facts to cover all those generalizations. And while you have a great point that I agree 100% with in terms of the type of face painting, and the effect it is trying to invoke. I have to say that most people in this day and age are not looking to demean any race.
I hope you can see my point and agree that there is a middle in this argument…since most of us were not even around when that particular type of failure in humanity was not frowned upon.
The movie white girls must have been a racist movie then right?
Yes, because historically white people dressing up black face is exactly the same as a fucking Waynes movie…..
Do you know what “context” means?
I think James just read the first comment he saw and immediately went for the jugular. He fails to mention that dressing up in ANY other race is deemed disrespectful (see my comment below about my disdain for the movie White Chicks), but it’s the fact that our argument is backed up with historical facts. Blackface was a way to belittle the African American race back in the early 1900’s. That along with the Mammie, Uncle Tom, Sambo, Pick-a-ninny, etc. stereotypes were made to be a stain on African American’s as a whole. It was such a stain that the media STILL subliminally uses those same stereotypes to this day…
I will not use profanity to make my case nor demean the comments of others. I will just simply state the facts.
Sorry, isn’t racism defined as treating other race as inferior? Dressing up as a black person is NOT treating another race as inferior. By that logic, dressing up as a cat would be hating animals, dressing up as the opposite gender would mean being sexist. Seriously? Is tanning also offensive to black people because then white people turn “black”?
I’m with you Mary…with a few exceptions I posted earlier.
Hate is like greed…it consumes and destroys those who would give into it blindly.
First things first…Whose responsibility is it to tell someone who they can, and who they can’t dress up as at Halloween…with some obvious exceptions? Nobody that I know personally has been named Absolute God and Supreme Ruler over ALL Halloween costumes and those who choose to wear them!
And until there is such a person, I will dress up as I choose for Halloween…again with some obvious exceptions some of which I listed here below:
Trayvon Martin, Charles Manson, Ray Rice, KKK Member, Christopher Columbus, Boston Marathon Bomber, Boston Marathon Victim, George Zimmerman, Asiana Airlines Pilot, Catholic Priest, Adolf Hitler, 911 Terrorist…I think the picture is pretty clear and common sense only need be used.
Now with that said…the more serious items being talked about are addressable.
Blackface…my knowledge of “blackface” has a specific description of what it looks like, and that description is most represented by the Italian Designer above. Now I understand why that could be viewed as offensive. But other interpretations when used in good taste are being used as just that…in good taste.
To feel the need, or feel you have the god given right to label yourself as the speaker for an entire class, race, demographic, culture, etc…of people(s), is very pompous, self absorbed, and quite frankly an absolutely ignorant way of thinking.
It’s the same ignorance this country is trying to get rid of as a whole. The same ignorance that makes racists think they can say racist things because of the 1st Amendment. It’s the same ignorance in thinking that dressing up like some of these idiots are is ok. It’s the same ignorance that I see being used in some of these posts that is making excuses for spewing hatred rather having a conversation.
The article…blog…whatever you want to call it, starts out with an angry vibe, and basically is sharing his opinion about something he doesn’t like. Sounds ok, but then it takes a racial turn. Something he complains about is what ‘White People’ are doing to offend him…Should I be offended that he’s lumping me(a person of Caucasian decent) in with the specific group he is talking about, as I have never dressed in the way he is talking of? Or should I just assume that he is talking to only a specific crowd of ‘White People’, even though he never really specifies a particular group? Should I also be offended at him wanting to respond to anyone who dresses the way he doesn’t like with violence?
My point is, if you are going to take a stance about something, generalizations are a bad way to do it. Be specific about what the complaint is, because I agree with parts of what he is saying and completely disagree with others. On principle alone there are a number of issues/reasons he has that hold no weight, and give him no right to generalize so much. It’s the kind of thinking that invites racist remarks from both sides of the discussion because the facts can only support part of what he says. The rest of his comments are based on his opinion and emotional state.
Pardon the term…but issues like this are not wholly black and white, there is plenty of gray area. And I will say that to take offense where none need be taken is being just prejudicial and lacking of the common sense that some of the people in these pictures are showing.
I’m just saying to take care at what you are offended by, because as you’ve seen in a number of these posts that people can and will take offense at your offensiveness of others, regardless of whether it is warranted or not.
Would you like those around you to tell you what you can and can’t wear on a given day…I think not. I know I wouldn’t…even though some of the things described and shown are not even things that would be on my radar as ok…
Blackface is OKAY! Nothing wrong with it. They have a black face so why not paint your face black? It’s not racist. Yes blackface in the 1800s was racist because it was used in a derogatory way. But if you mean no harm it is completely okay I don’t see a problem with it. Whiteface isn’t racist either I don’t see why people are so butthurt over this you are what’s keeping racism alive. If you get offended by stuff like this it keeps racism alive.
Did you see the heffa who was rocking a noose that was being held by a white person?
I’m done with trying to figure out just what the hayle goes through people’s minds when they decide to do things like this…
Yes! I just saw it. She doesn’t know who she is.
I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m not sure I want to either.
Saw it and posted it on my page because the more people that see that clueless black woman and call her on that travesty, the better.
Jessa, I have stopped trying to figure out idiots and stupid people…it just gives me a headache and makes me want to assist natural selection and the weeding out of wasted human space.
I have seen way too many white and black people defending blackface this year. “Just let them be” they say. “They’re just having fun” they say.
I don’t like Halloween because I don’t like scary things. Now I have another reason to hate this season.
Na wa ooo!!! Sometimes it can be so frustrating telling people over and over something that you would assume is just innate common sense.I’m convinced everyone needs a Twitter- that way when we drag each indvidual hard enough- maybe, just maybe they would take a minute and walk a mile in another person’s shoes.
They need a history lesson. ASAP. It seems they never ever paid attention. They know of it but they don’t know facts! A special needs to air on TV.
Sequoia-I think we need to hand out free tickets to see 12 Years a Slave (I drove 4 hours to see it and it was SO worth it, SO powerful, its a must watch) a dvd of Bamboozled, Drop Squad, Eyes on the Prize and The African Americans to anyone, white or black, that thinks Blackface is just for shiggles (yep, I am stealing that one luvvie) since ignorance is not an excuse. I think some people lack a sense of empathy. A normal person wouldn’t feel comfortable attending a KKK or Skinhead rally because its an obvious expression of hatred and ignorance. So, why would you dress yourself or your child in blackface, the literal representation of the dehumanization that blacks still face today (See stop and frisk, driving/shopping/walking/breathing while black, resumes with black names get automatically trashed, blacks get harsher sentences for same crimes as whites, etc. etc. etc.) Unfortunately, some people just don’t want to get it. They will swear that its just for fun and games, but they wonder why they cross the street when a black person is walking towards…sigh.
Agreed. I want to see it! I am in class watching Drop Squad now. I feel like everyone should also take one African American studies class.
My major problem with this is that so many people tell black people to “get over it.” It’s the same with the people who keep saying that racism doesn’t exist. Racism exists and painting your face black for Halloween, entertainment or just shiggles is not funny but offensive.
The guy dressed as Left Eye proved he didn’t have to paint his face for people to get he’s dressed as Left Eye. Imagination. It does exist.
My thought is that people who dress in black face don’t have any black friends or their black friends don’t call them out on this ish. Hough apologized (thank you but…), did she really thing that people wouldn’t get that she was a character from Orange is the New Black? The orange jumpsuit wouldn’t have given it away?
I can’t even comment on anyone dressing as Trayvon Martin.
It pisses me off that blacks are expected to just get over slavery, never mind the fact that America’s entire economy was built on and benefited from hundreds of years of free labor, but you know, whatevs, its not like Wall Street was a slave market or anything, oh wait, yeah it was. Sigh… You know that no one ever asks Jewish people to get over the Holocaust. I just dont get how people refuse to see how the past connects to the present.
100 yrs of free labor?? Slaves were not 4 free. They were bought. Sold by their own people. They were bought so they had 2 serve the purpose of why they were bought. When u buy a car, it drives u n serve the purpose 4 why it’s bought right? Do u pay ur car 4 serving its purpose after it’s bought? No. Whites are not 2 blame 4 slavery, Africans are to be blame. They betray n sold their own ppl. They degraded themselves n their own ppl by selling “HUMAN BEINGS” as slaves. So blame the IGNORANT, ILLITERATE, UNEDUCATED, UNGODLY AFRICANS that sold their own ppl like a commodity. If u ur can’t blame the Africans, then get over it n quit blaming white ppl all our life. #BTW I’m African not white.
slavery also existed in Africa,stupid. Go and do proper research before you start spouting your ignorant nonsense.
yea, from that i can tell that you know why its wrong but you rather defend it than actually be sympathetic.
If Native American find it offensive do not give the permission then the Redskins should change their name POINT BLANK.
I attend FSU and of course the “symbol” of my university is Chief Osceola and of course the un-informed try to say it is the same thing. However my university has a long standing agreement with the Seminole tribe of Florida he is a symbol NOT A MASCOT. Everything to do with Osceola and Renegade his horse goes through their approval, commercials, pictures and his garb is authentic.
Now i hate that we have to continue to have this DAMB argument EVERY. YEAR. A costume includes outer wear and idk why people don’t get this. I probably would have slapped those contacts out of Julianne’s eyes had I seen her.
*Americans*
One girl who threw a racist party was Australian.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/10/22/15/33/australian-woman-forced-to-defend-racist-21st
….and she’s trying to teach the next generation HELL NAWL, I hope her house gets egg’d on the 31st.
*SIGH*
I cannot understand how people do not understand that human tragedies such as murder and the oppression of entire races are not “cute” costumes. I don’t want to see another Jon Benet Ramsey, Trayvon Martin, 911, redface, blackface, yellowface costume. EVER!
I started following Martha Plimton for calling Julianna out for her stupidity and remind white folks that black is is never, ever cool.
I cannot wait until this holiday is over. I CANNOT with the dumbness.
I’m sorry someone dressed up as Jon Bennet Ramsey? Is nothing bleeping scared? What next a Casey/Caylee Anthony costume? Or Better Yet a Sandy Hook one? Jesus christ people!!!!
ok I hear your feelings and opinions and respect them but why not the outrage with the Wayans Brothers portraying White Chicks or Eddie Murphy in any one of his characters of other races. There is such a double standard when it comes to racism that nothing ever really gets fixed. Same thing with the NAACP…they pop up when national news targets the ” Black ” community but where are they when it comes time to unifying people through education and funding? Same double standard NAACP or an all White Power Group. What makes one better than the next..They both self segregate and fail to truly empower ALL people. I am not a racist I am a humanist..yeah that’s what I will call it….
Black people don’t have a history of exploiting white people. Blackface is offensive because of the historical context. The NAACP is about advancing/uplifting black people. White power groups are about degrading non-whites to advance white superiority. There is a big difference.
…really?
… yes…
I agree with you that painting yourself to appear like another race is inappropriate, tactless, and uncalled for.
But here is the difference: When white people paint themselves in black/brown/redface, it is making a mockery of the systemic and systematic oppression these groups of people faced and still face. Blackface is taunting; it’s the big kid on the playground that took your ball and is poking you, daring you to try to take it back knowing that they’ve kicked your ass before and can easily do it again. Blackface is unnecessary cruelty.
And comparing it to a black person painting their face white makes light of the situation at hand.
You ask about the outrage with the Wayans Bros. and Eddie Murphy portraying characters of other races. Do you know of anyone of the races they portrayed who was angry about it? With that reasoning, the same can be asked about the movie, Watermelon Man in 1970 with Godfrey Cambridge.
As for the NAACP, do you know and understand the history of the organization, how it started in 1905 and it’s many accomplishments?
The biggest “double standard” regarding racism is that so many people act like it doesn’t exist. And when someone points out a racist act/action, people saying it’s not racist or folks are too sensitive.
But for the sake of this post, if you show me black people dressed for Halloween as a member of a White Power Group, I would be offended. No double standard there.
I find it funny when people bring up white chicks and that’s their only example like that can even compare. Black face in media was used to demean black people, highlighting not only stereotypical mannerisms but attributes as well. This also stemmed for the way many artists have been portraying people of African descent for centuries. Bringing up white chicks is like saying “reverse racism” is real to me.
Do you follow everything the NAACP does or are you judging them based on what you see in the media. A lot or orgs held the AA community in many ways but of course the situations that are publicized are the national attention getters. White Power organizations are formed to shut out and demean minorities, preach against them and all have resorted to violence.
TROLLLLLLL IN THE DUNGEON! Also, you can’t be seriously comparing the organization that got Brown v. Board of Education to the Supreme Court to a white “power” group? stop embarrassing white people, you make us all look bad.
-sincerely
white girl who
and ps you’re not a humanist you’re an asshole (or too sarcastic for your own good)
ok, Humaacist…here’s something short and simple for you: the White Chicks and various Eddie Murphy characters = C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R-S that were germane to their respective STORIES, a.k.a. THEY AIN’T REAL, you twit! (i knew that may be a big word for you, so i broke it down. you’re welcome.); Trayvon Martin = REAL PERSON who was killed in a racist altercation. that’s the difference! i can make some flash cards for you if you’d like!
the other ladies handed you the fragments of your face when it came to the NAACP, so I won’t go there again.
I personally don’t like the movie White Chicks because of the stupidity of the plot and the underlying connotations, but I do agree with everyone else when it comes to the NAACP. They are founded on the idea of equality, not humiliation and degradation of other races. There’s the difference between them and the KKK or the Aryan Nation…
And White Chicks is just such a REALLY REALLY bad movie.
Hazel, I want to address your questions as calmly as possible, in the hopes that my anwers, and all the other responses I’m sure you will receive to your queries, will help you gain a much different perspective.
Carolina said it quite beautifully and succinctly, and perhaps I shouldn’t even attempt to go any further. But I’m compelled to do so anyway.
It is false equivalence at its core to want to equate what the Wayans Brothers did in that ridiculous movie, to the history of blackface in the United States, and the foundation of racism on which it stands. It’s imperative to start from that point. “Blackface” is not simply a member of another ethnicity attempting to portray a person of African descent. It is rooted in racial contempt, disrespect, and hatred. Period. The End.
Also, it’s important to understand what racism truly means. Inherent in racist attitudes and practices is the power to subvert, demean, hold back, an entire group of human beings, whether it be institutionally, or otherwise. There is only one group of people in the United States that has done this – continues to do this – and it’s not African-Americans.
The NAACP’s mission is to advance the rights of African-Americans, and to be in alliance with all peoples of color, and all people who want to work in consort with that mission. White power/white nationalist groups want African-Americans, Latinos, Asians, and people of other racial and religious groups that are not White and Protestant to disappear from this country. Again, it is the height of false equivalance to equate the NAACP with any “white power” group.
As to the self-segregation charge, well. . . you know what, I’m tired. Today really isn’t the day for me to be the “educatin’ Negro.” Sigh.
*answers* And sorry for any other typos I don’t catch.
You rock for saying all of this. Could NOT have said it better.
PREACH!! I need all of this in block print on a giant church fan so i can just hold it up, right in the face of the fools who try and roll up on me with this blackface foolishness. And I want a group picture of Jesus, MLK, JFK and the Obamas on the other side just because.
Well said.
Okay, so first of all: humanism is an actual thing and you clearly don’t know what it is. Humanism is about attributing value to other humans absent religious doctrine that commands doing so. You are not being a humanist when you criticize marginalized groups of people for wanting members of dominant groups to stop treating them like garbage.
I’m a white person too, and I’m aware that that cultural attribute means that I don’t have to struggle with many of the hardships that people of other races face. I don’t want it to be that way. I hate that it’s that way. I actively want to change that element of our society. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t true. As a racial group, we don’t need more empowerment. What we need is to shut the fuck up every once in a while and LISTEN to other groups when they want to talk about what’s going on and why it’s not okay. It contributes NOTHING toward this conversation, or others like it, when a white person pipes in to say “wah wah wah, what about us? we’re not all like that!!!”
So, miss humanist, this conversation isn’t about you or me or what we have to deal with. This is about the other humans who are being disrespected and the very least fucking thing we can do is give them the floor when they want to express their feelings about that.
P.S. I’m assuming you’re white here because I can’t imagine another reason why you would be talking about the “double standard.” If you are a person of color who is really worried about us white folks for some reason, please allow me to reassure you that our interests are not in need of advocacy at the current moment in history.
Dani, you just won today with this comment. I salute you, ma’am.
**tips hat**
Yesssssss!
I see your point..the foolery goes both ways. I give side-eyes out to all of it. My MAJOR issue this year is the costume portraying a murder victim. Those costumes portraying Trayvon Martin are shocking and a true sign of insensitive and immoral behavior. The end of days are near for sure..
It’s scary that this even has to be explained to people. What’s scarier is that there are people out there who still won’t get the message. Or allow themselves to get it.
Why, in this day and age, do we still have to say to people, “It’s fucking wrong to be this willfully hurtful and ignorant!” I just don’t understand.
Yes to all of this, Tracey.
I honestly don’t know which hurts worse, my head or my heart. I’m not one to advocate violence in any way, shape, or form, but anyone who thinks this is acceptable (especially those abhorrent individuals dressed as Trayvon Martin, lord Jesus I am UNABLE) just needs to be slapped until the stupid falls out.
The woman in the photo, Kt Cimeno, posted a comment saying that her costume is “Robin Da Hood” and, ironically, she belongs to a Facebook group called “PEOPLE AGAINST RACISIM[sic]” https://www.facebook.com/KT.Marie0612
One of the food blogs I follow is featuring a picture of (I think) the author’s husband dressed up as an ethnic stereotype–in this case, Mexican: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2013/10/easy-halloween-party-food/. I kindly pointed out in the comments how very offensive this was and included some links in case they wanted to learn about the issue and, of course, my comment was deleted. I can’t believe we’re still having this conversation in 2013. I don’t understand why it’s considered okay by so many people to be this disrespectful and hurtful.
I am so disappointed in them. I read this blog pretty regularly and even bought their cookbooks! I left a comment as well. It may get deleted eventually but at least some people will see it.
Dear White People,
The Wayans brothers’ movie “White Chicks” is the wrong response 127% of the time. Repeat after me, “there is no such thing as white face.”
-IAYP
AMEN!
You are absolutely incorrect. Whiteface, which is the hallmark of the mime, clown, or minstrel, has been used in theater longer than the blackface.
Wow, get over it… Halloween is about having fun, don’t act like non-white people don’t make fun of white people – it ain’t no thang unless you make it one… sick of the RACE CARD and whining.
Sincerely,
LocDogg
Wow, get over YOURSELF. Who do you think you are telling an entire group of people to “get over it”? No one has time for your ignorance, sir.
Well bitchin about it on a blog isn’t gonna do shit – i think one’s time is spent doing other things, like finding a way to get the president out of office… or wait, because of his color, you wanna keep him there – not because of his abilities as a leader. Reverse racism at its best!
You’re clearly a moron. I mean that in the best way possible. O__O
Did plenty for me; but then again, I also have an appreciation for discourse/exchange and progress. Keep doing your thing Luvvie!
I agree, it is 2013! It is called tolerance. Racisim will always be a part of culture and this blog shows why. Your fighting the wrong battle and crying over spilt milk. It would be better if you took time to write something positive about black people instead of hating on white people. Your a condradiction to your argument. Stop crying and enjoy life and others. Stop bitching! Boo! Happy Halloween!
yes!
Clearly Ignorance will always be a part of our culture as you and locdogg -____- so eloquently demonstrated all while missing the point so I won’t waste time bitching about that here’s a seat \_ do us a favor and take it
Oh Miss Sarah, it’s so easy to look down the hill and pontificate ain’t it? The question is how would you handle it on level ground or, heaven forbid, if you were looking up the hill? Of course, that’s likely something you’ve never given the first thought to isn’t it? You just keep clinging to your privilege and trying to conserve it, but keep in mind that time travels in one direction, things change and they always will. You stand still or try to go back and you just get passed by. And just so you know, fighting inequality of any kind is never the wrong battle, except to those who are advantaged by inequality. By the way, the milk wasn’t spilt; it was stolen and consumed by fat cats. So in your own words, “stop crying and enjoy life and others. Stop bitching!”
P.S. – You wouldn’t happen to be from Alaska would you?
I think who should be really mad here are the prostitutes. A prostitute should write a blog about how it is unfair that for Halloween woman dressed up in costumes are confusing their potential clientele.
And sure, I’m from Alaska. Privelaged? Do I get free education?
Damn girl, your train of thought done derailed!
Yes that is the point. It is ridiculous that people get so mad/angry/ sad over a holiday that is all for spectacles.
I thought that was the point? Yes, we happen to have different skin colors; NO, that does not make us a Halloween costume/spectacle.
I would really love it though if you learned to use correct grammar instead of telling an entire culture of people that we shouldn’t care about the stereotypes that have, for so long, been held over our heads. It is clearly not “SPILLED”, not SPILT, milk if, in fact the stereotypes still exist. You should really consider taking a class in African-American history. It should change your outlook on things. And by the way, it’s “You’re” not “Your”, as you so incorrectly put it.
Your clearly not a frequent reader of this blog so why would you think that your opinion matters now Lus? its called go fuck yourself.
I think Lus2Sing was referring to Sarah…not Luvvie
Seriously? White people painting themselves brown and putting chains around their necks is “having fun”? Putting yourself in a costume where you’ve painted yourself, are holding a bucket of cotton, and have a noose around your neck is just playing around? Would you be saying the same thing if someone walked around nearly nude, having made themselves look emaciated and played the part of a Jewish concentration camp casualty?
One, why does anyone have to paint themselves to portray a “character” of a different race? People of color portray white characters all the time and we don’t paint ourselves. I’ve seen costumes from my white friends and their kids who were portraying black characters and there wasn’t any brown/black make-up involved. Two, there’s a big difference between browning yourself up a little, than breaking out the shoe polish and painting yourself black.
I’ll be honest. When I saw Julianne Hough’s costume, I wasn’t offended. She looks a few shades tanner than she does normally (I had to Google some photos of her) and I don’t think she was being offensive. That’s very different from putting BLACK make-up on your face, and portraying some devastating era’s of Black history.
It’s not “whining” if a person is making a valid point. It’s more like trying to educate and point out the obvious which those who are too ignorant, too insensitive, or blatantly racist and don’t care, choose to ignore.
I wouldn’t wear a costume portraying Jon Benet, or a high profile rape victim, or a Boston Mass victim, or a Sandy Hook kid; because I have common decency. Other people’s pain and oppression isn’t funny to me. It’s not something to be mocked.
I find it interesting that you specifically reference “having fun” as a reason to do this. So ridiculing the oppression, rape, murder, torture, and systematic abuse of a people is funny? Perhaps you should look inward and consider if such atrocities had happened to yourself, or your family. Would you find it worthy of mockery then?
Okay the chick with the bale of cotton and noose is an actual black person, no blackface involved. I’ll just let that terribleness sink in. I agree with the rest of your statement.
High class you are by your judgements.
Yes, because making fun of white people affects their position in life and adds to the system of discrimination against white folks as a whole. IT DOESN’T! This isn’t a race card when it’s just RACISM!
I wish their was some way that people who desire to use blackface as their Halloween costume were forced to wear it until Halloween of the following year. Maybe they wouldn’t see the humor in it during the rest of the year. Just a thought.
Thank you for this post! And I’m tired of the BS excuse that blackface enthusiasts use saying they “NEED” to use the black skin so we know who they are. NAWL homeskillet. Nine times outta ten, the iconic person or character has an identifying outfit or accessory that IS NOT SKIN to properly identify ’em.
Like if I were to wear THEE Marilyn Monroe white dress, bet I don’t have to paint myself white for folks to get it. Just like Julianne Hough could have relies in her orange jumpsuit and IDENTIFYING HAIRSTYLE for folks to realize she was Crazy Eyes. They can MISS ME in a Drakeian manner with that lame excuse.
Blackface is soooooo wrong. It’s degrading, ignorant, disrespectful, hurtful and YES, racist! It brings the sting of facts of black oppression to the surface. Reminding all people that at a point, not so distant, in our past as Americans we were against an entire group of people just based on skin color. Not allowing them to vote, use white bathrooms, play on professional sports teams, stay in hotels, eat in restaurants or even ride in the same section on the bus. Blackface is soooooo wrong. That being said, technically what Julianne did is not blackface. Blackface was an exaggerated style of face paint designed for use of negative portrayal of blacks on television. She’s just wearing as much bronzer as Snooki. I honestly don’t think there was any sort of malicious or racist basis behind it. I think she thought it would be funny, and it kind of is seeing as how it’s a television comedy, and when she found out it offended some people she apologized. On the other hand the other costumes are horrible, the people with the actual blackface is an embarrassment for other white people. And the Trayvon Martin depictions are done in the poorest taste I’ve seen in my life. There is nothing comical about a young man being murdered. He was not a character from television show, he was a real person who lost his life due to racial profiling. That is not something to joke about.
I agree with most of what you say here, Becky. But lack of malicious intent doesn’t deny the fact that she coulda been Crazy Eyes without the face… paint. Even if it’s just bronzer. Nahmean? She coulda dyed her hair black and even worn dark contacts. THAT woulda worked better than the bronzer. But like I said, hers is the least terrible in all these. And I think she just made a bad judgment. The others? I wanna dropkick them in the face.
it’s too bad these people can change back to being white when the party’s over with. i wish some kind of supernatural process could take place while they’re in the midst of mocking the black people they apparently would so like to be like- and then, when they wake up the next morning, they find out that they’ve actually become a black person, for good, until the day they die. something like this would end it once and for all, because others who would be contemplating this kind of racist behavior would think twice before donning blackface after seeing what happened to their fellow racists out there.
This is actually a pretty good idea for a story or a movie.
I say we start whooping ass on the spot! I guarantee they stop that sh*t EE-ME-GEE-ately. But that’s just me.
It’s not just you. I make no apologies for my feelings either.
**Kanye shrug**
[…] reverse racism real? how do you define racism? is d-wade’s whiteface costume as offensive as hough’s blackface? […]
I am a DC resident and die-hard Redskins fan. Even though the name gives some kind of nostalgic feeling attached to days of childhood and burgundy and gold, I do think it’s time they change the name. Just not to the Washington Washingtons, which was a proposed name -___-
The Washington Washingtons is goofy as hell. But yes, it’s time for the name to go.
The Washington Washingtons? **blank stare** I’m sorry about that. I live in Houston and I think the name the Houston Texans is silly. Then again I’m a Dallas Cowboy fan. I realize this makes us enemies, but it’s all love on Luvvie’s page!
I live in MD, and grew up with the Redskins/Cowboys rivalry. Even as a little girl (4/5 years old), I couldn’t root for the Redskins. Simply for the fact that I knew the name Redskins was derogatory. If my simple little pre-K self could understand that, I didn’t get why all the grown folk running around me couldn’t understand how that was hurtful. Empathy is an amazing thing.
Black people dress up as white characters all the time. You don’t see us putting on Whiteface. Why paint your face black and demean a whole race??? It takes too much time to do something like that which causes me to believe how deliberate it is that these people wanted to make a racist statement. Foolishness. Racism is real.
tell it
tell it, Luvvie
you speak the truth.
The flow chart might be my fave part of this post, which seems to be entirely made of fave parts.
*curtsies* Thanks, Erin. Charts make everything more awesome, don’t they?
My boo thang is half Black and happens to be super light skinned. We went as Rue and Thresh from the Hunger Games. Thresh is very dark skinned, and I just realized my bf NEVER ONCE mentioned painting himself darker. He didn’t even suggest going to a tanning booth or any of that foolery. So if my half Black bf that was not raised in a Black community who MIGHT be able to get a pass (but not really) knows it’s terrible and unacceptable how can others not? Seriously, how can they even try and justify it. UGH!
This is why we need more movies like 12 Years A Slave or the new documentary series The African Americans on PBS. Hell, even if there was a Duh!ThatsRacist App, some people would still pretend like they don’t want to know, or act like its too “hard” and “depressing”. Is it because they are terrified that they might have a light bulb moment and magically discover exactly where racism comes from? Sigh. The fact that you have to explain why Blackface is wrong in 2013 just makes me CRAZY. And it happens every single Halloween. And you are right Luvvie, it will happen again.
Rule of thumb, white people, if you would be too scared to try that sh*t in an all black neighborhood, just don’t do it. This goes for blackface, saying the n*word and defending George Zimmerman or any other crap that you know is just wrong but since you aren’t surrounded by black people, you think its cool. Its not.
Robirdie23, you better trademark “Duh!ThatsRacist” before I do. Brilliant! Otherwise, see you in court!
<>
Also, Luvvie, can you somehow add this to your flowchart??
“Rule of thumb, white people, if you would be too scared to try that sh*t in an all black neighborhood, just don’t do it.”
*BEST (and most obvious) THING I’VE READ THROUGHOUT ALL OF THIS DISCUSSION!
Luvvie, what do you think of people who paint their faces brown or black when they dress up as a mythical creature? For example, one year a friend of mine dressed as an evil forest fairy kind-of thing (I don’t really know the best name to call it.) She had a mostly black costume with wings and ivy vines, and she painted her whole face and neck jet black to match her costume. Do you think that’s offensive? Is it still offensive to paint your face darker when you want to dress up as a mythical, but human-like, character that you made up? I’m curious to hear your opinion.
I think painting your body to be a mythical creature is ok, a la avatar. Because they’re fictional and they’re not about a particular racial or ethnic group. If you wanna paint your body yellow to be a pokemon, GO FOR IT! High five!
It’s when folks are painting their skin to emulate someone else of another racial group that problems arise. Does this clarify? Thanks for asking!
an evil forest fairy isn’t a representation of african americans….it would be the same if she dressed as a black cat and painted her face to match her cat suit. all she’s representing is a cat…forest fairies aren’t real people who have been held down and held back by another race of people…they are fictional creatures….ergo no offense to be made…
FUNNY how Chris Brown and Dwade are not mentioned here. Both wore offensive costumes yet the blind eye is turned on them. I guess this type of controversy is one way only.
I don’t know about their costumes, so I can’t form an opinion about it.
Comedian Paul Mooney said it best when he said: “White people wanna be black, but don’t want TO BE black at the same time.” It’a a damn shame tho.
LOL People need to lighten up. It’s HALLOWEEN!!! First of all, it’s for KIDS!!! Second, it IS supposed to be fun. You can’t take all of the human element out of it so there are going to be bad judges of character on EVERY end of the spectrum. There is tasteless everywhere, but lighten up if you see someone dressed up as Mike Tyson, or done up as Mr. Rodgers..the Pope…WHATEVER! Lets not lose site that the kids are the ones who aren’t racist…yet, till they start asking what the big deal is and reading your article. You might have a good time if you chill out.
If a child is reading this article (and this blog for that matter), I would’ve been focusing on the fact that a child is reading this blog.
Halloween is for kids? If it is, why are adults dressing up going to adult parties?
I don’t believe the point of this post is to talk about people dressing as Mike Tyson, MR. Rodgers or the Pope. The point is about the use of blackface as costumes.
My hope is that you understand that this article points out a racist action, blackface. If you really want to shelter kids from racism, find a way to end it.
As a white person, I am so sick of all the idiotic white people who say “Racism is not a thing anymore.” Or even worse, the ones that start talking about reverse racism. It’s sickening. It is hard to understand the ignorance. I mean, I think a certain level of ignorance is normal just in the sense that I won’t, as a white woman, know know what it is like to be black, no matter my level of open mindedness or empathy. But the level of ignorance we see from some white people is absolutely staggering and I just don’t understand it.
tbh while your point is correct you should REALLY try to write it in a normal way instead of your “tumblrish”/ “memeish” way of speaking. You kind of miss the point talking about an important issue like that.
A page I follow on Facebook put it best “If I painted my child’s face white and put fake bulletwounds and said she was a Sandy Hook victim, would it still be funny?”
yes, just try
I’m Chinese and I personally find it hilarious when people who aren’t Chinese poke fun. Everybody does it to everybody else but the second its a black person they have to get all up in arms. Racism only exists to those who want it to exist. Sounds like the writer of this is searching every inch of reality for some excuse to cal someone a racist. Its 2013, get over yourself, you’re just as human as anyone else.
Nope, racism exists whether you want it to or not. Your argument is entirely invalid and, for bonus points, moronic. Kindly see yourself out.
Just because YOU do not find certain costumes racist doesn’t mean that it is racist. Hell, your friends/family might come across the same type of costume and find it to be racist.
Really? Because I’m offended for you when people (of any race) make fun of Chinese people. And I’m offended when people (of any race) make degrade Indian, or native American, or Hispanic or any other group of people.So go ahead and laugh about it, I’ve got your indignation covered.
i have a ring. it says love.
EVERYBODY LOVE EVERBODY
I did a blog on the Washington name a few weeks ago. Check it out!
http://vibincourtside.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/morethanjustaname/
So, honest responses: for the people who believe this specific act IS racist, what do you think of Dave Chapelle? He paints his face white for a skit and regularly stereotypes African Americans (as well as other races) does this make him racist? In the same nature people dress up for Halloween, Dave Chapelle does for humor also. But I’ve heard viewers say he actually raises awareness of racism… Thoughts?
In my opinion, Dave did the impersonations (most of the time) to “raise awareness”.
These people, on the other hand, are dressing up for sh*ts and giggles at the expense of another culture. And I am also referring to people who make fun of other cultures, not just the Black American culture.
Plus, I doubt that these individuals are dressing up and going to a party that has a large black population anyway. They are going to be in a “safe environment”.
No, he did it for laughs. He’s a comedian and a lot of them walk the race line. Saying he was trying to raise awareness is a complete lie. Closing your eyes and making excuses for reverse racism is just as bad as the guy’s dressing up as TM.
That’s not a lie; why do you think he dropped off the radar for a minute, and went to Africa? Because the crowd was starting to laugh at things in the wrong way.
You’re an idiot. His show’s script was written in conjunction with white people. And he hated it. He hated his life because of that show and left.
This is what I posted on my facebook when I first saw the Trayvon costume popping up:
A couple of my other friends have posted this picture and I’ve seen comments saying that this is not racist, just ignorant and distasteful. So let me take a minute to educate the public.
Blackface is ALWAYS racist, no matter what your intention is. In this case, it it both racist and distasteful. If you can’t figure out a way to convey the character you want to dress up as without painting your skin, you need to find another costume. It’s racist for the same reason that you, as a non-Black person, cannot use the N-word (I prefer Black people not use it either but that’s not the issue here): History. Historically, blackface has been used to marginalize and malign people of color so now it’s off limits to you. I’m sure your specific ancestors were completely innocent of this practice but that doesn’t give you license. I’m sorry that other people’s ancestors ruined it for you, but there are many other costumes to choose from so you’ll have to make do. Blackface (and also brownface, yellow face, redface and any other ethnic-face) is ALWAYS RACIST.
Here’s the thing:
They are doing the “black face” without acknowledging that they are doing it.
Those people (the ones who are wearing black face as a Halloween costume) are not just dressing up. They are also “mimicking” as well. They are not just dressed up in black face, grills and cornrows and sitting in a corner, at a party. Nope, they are more likely performing their best stereotypical impersonations as well.
More than likely, majority of these people are going to parties that are not patron by black people.
I doubt that some non-black college student is going to attend a KAPPA or an ALPHA party dressed up in black-face.
I have asked my White, British born, privately educated husband,how he feels about racism, blackface, integration, and how it feels to be a privileged white male. I asked him no less than 35 questions. I have been married to him five years and I was SHOCKED at what he had to say. I will post it here or on my blog soon. God don’t they go on about how put on they are!
Traditionally on Halloween (or Samhain which pre-dated Christianity) youths would rub ash from bonfires into their faces as disguises from evil spirits. The festival was an end of harvest festival originating in Celtic tradition. In essence Black-facing is a tradition from before anybody had seen a coloured person. I do see from the pictures that some idiots to step over the boundaries of good taste.
Okay, here’s my two cents…. First off, I’m a white guy and (i know this is cliche but its true) my very best friend in the world is black. Ironically enough, a few nights ago this issue came up in conversation when he, myself, and a few other firends were hanging out. Someone mentioned that they were considering being Robert Downey Jr’s character from Tropic Thunder this year, and asked him if he thought it would be offensive. His answer: “I personally would think it was hilarious, but not everyone has the same attitude as me.” Which is why, racist or not, good or bad intentions notwithstanding, it’s probably a bad idea. People say it doesn’t matter, and they’re half right. It SHOULDN’T matter, and in a perfect world, it wouldn’t matter. But in our fucked up world, it does matter. Why? Not because of racism, or the history involved, or any of that. It matters because it’s rude. Look, you may be the nicest white person around, not a drop of racism in your heart, and your friends may all know that. But Halloween is a time of year youre almost guaranteed to cross paths with people who DON’T know you so well, and to them, it very well may seem racist and be offensive to them. We’re getting so hung up on the racism as the reason not to wear blackface, that we’re missing the bigger, broader reason not to: being conscious of those we share this world with, and courteous to them no matter what. There’s literally limitless possibilities one can choose for a costume, why go with the one that’s most likely to upset someone?
Racism is bad, but lack of common courtesy and decorum is worse.Racism, sexism, homophobia, bigotry, it all stems from the same basic deficit: Respect for one another.
No matter what we think of it, blackface WILL offend someone. I’m all for freedom of expression, but sometimes we have to choose our battles and realize that we share this world with a lot of other people who don’t share the same views as us. We don’t have to agree with them, but we do need to recognize their feelings as valid and respect them as we would want someone to respect us in any other situation.
Can’t we all just get along?
good post dude
Girl, you hit the nail on the head. This is the first time I’ve read your blog and I love it. This article is just spot on. SING IT!
This is totally unrelated I absolutely love the phonetic spelling of GAHTDAMB… so good.
xo
I can’t even muster the energy to get mad anymore. I’m tired.
I AM TIRED of people thinking this is okay.
These people cannot wait for Halloween to come round every year so they can don black ace. You know damn well what the history surrounding blackface, anyone one who says otherwise is delusional at best, but most likely just a liar.
What infuriates me is people saying “get over it” or “they’re having fun” in what world is it funny or okay to paint your face black and mimic a dead teenager?
Anytime anybody calls these ignorant fools out, we’re hit with “you’re pulling the race card” or being accused of ‘reverse racism’ GTFOH.
As the guy in the left-eye costume proved, you can dress up as a person of another race WITHOUT painting your skin. It’s possible. I can’t even deal with the guys dressed like someone in a minstrel show. Wow.
It is worrying that there are some black people who cosign this shit. STOP GIVING THESE FOOLS A PASS.
The fact that some are comparing blackface to Shawn & Marlon Wayans in White Chicks is actually hilarious. Like I said, I can’t even get angry anymore. It is so tiring and frustrating that many still think this is acceptable.
glad i’m not the only tired of all of this…i would cry in frustration, but i’m too tired to do that, too!
You see, if I wasn’t empathetic and I lack common sense, I would’ve gathered some friends and we could’ve done a “group theme costume” thing for this year’s Halloween.
We would’ve been white people. We would’ve airbrushed our skin with a white shade of white paint, wore wigs and contacts.
And to add to our Halloween costumes, we would’ve had props and did our best “stereotypical white” characteristics.
-One friend of mine would’ve been dressed in a pair of Birkenstocks flip flops, a pair of cargo shorts and a shirt that had a fake fraternity insignia on the front. His props would’ve been a vial of fake roofies and a mannequin that was dressed as an unconscious teenage girl.
-One friend would’ve been dressed in extra-extra-extra large clothes and her eyes would’ve had dark circles under her eyes and she would carry a bucket with her at all times.
-One friend would’ve wore non-descriptive clothes and a pair of thick-rimmed glasses. His prop would’ve been a windowless Econoline van. He would have the words “S*x Offender” written on his forehead. He’ll spend the day (and evening) asking women to see their driver’s licenses, just to make sure that they are of age.
-Another one would wear a pair of Dockers, a pair of loafers, a Polo shirt and have a small sign that reads “Privilege” mounted on his back. He’ll spend the entire day offending non-white people and then pretend that he is appalled, when they lash out. Or he will make half-a**ed apologies, once he is called out about his bullsh*t.
Are you offended by this post yet?
If you are, then you’ll finally understand why we are offended by this behavior?
I’m white, and I agree with you 100%..
Why can’t ppl understand it’s about an actual historical context of systematic racism?,..
The reason the Wayans bros being in whiteface is not offensive, is because;
Whites were NEVER prohibited from performing on stage and replaced by blacks who pretended to be white by painting their faces and mocking white ppl, whilst portraying them as stupid, dishonest and scared…. oh and whites never had their civil rights denied, and weren’t systematically disenfranchised either..that’s why!~
The Wayans brothers actually dressed up as white WOMEN. Everyone on here has apparently forgotten that women also had their civil rights denied, were seen as less than men and had to fight for equality. Therefore, by your own argument that movie/costume IS offensive.
That movie was offensive…. Offensively bad. Lol
Lol, I love how people tell Black people what should/should not offend them; as if they know what it’s like to be Black. Ignorance at its finest.
Dwayne Wade as Justin Timberlake. Google it baby… Then tell me something good! The Trayvon Martin and Nat Turner black face bullcrap is blatantly racist. But the “Crazy Eyes” outfit… Come on, now. To wanna look as much like someone as possible is flattery, not racism. I don’t think the idea should be banned in that form. This is a grey area that most people choose not to live in, which is why society is still fighting racism. Flattery: Good. Fuckery: Bad. Ijs…
Just like someone posted in an earlier comment:
Before non-black person puts on a costume that they think requires black face, they need to ask themselves “If I find myself in an environment where the majority (of the population) are black, would I still wear this costume?”
[…] Has a Blackface Issue Halloween Has a Blackface Issue and It's a Racism Problem | Awesomely Luvvie So, It's October 29th, a few days before Halloween and a few days after some people threw […]
Stop making Problems because of our skin.
If some people want to look like black, then it’s okay.
And if someone black wants to look like a white then this should be also right.
Racism starts in our heads.
there is so much inequality. First step to overcome that problem is:
stop thinking of they and us- its only us.
why don’t your write that you don’t like in general when people colour themselves. I bet there are also pictures the other way round
In my opinion, I believe that the comments would’ve been negative anyway.
They would’ve been accused of internalized self-hate.
I agreed that the Trayvon Martin costume is wrong. But black face is not the issue, it’s what you do with the blackface. Did anyone have a problem with the movie White Chicks starring the Wayans Brothers dressed up as two sterotypical white girls from the Valley? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Chicks
Question: Did you find it offensive?
i totally played “white privilege/derailment bingo” with these comments and won three games WITHOUT using the free space. i can’t believe in 2013 we have to remind people that
1. blackface (or yellow face or red face) is a thing.
2. it is racist, whether or not the person doing it “intends” to be racist. point. blank. period.
those two things are irrefutable facts.
deal. with. it.
when a group of people tells you that something you do causes them pain and/or offends them, a decent human being apologizes, ceases and desists immediately and proceeds to make a concerted effort to do better in the future.
the fact that people are out here defending this foolishness, ESPECIALLY OTHER PEOPLE OF COLOR, is a telltale sign that they are, in fact, terrible human beings.
sorry, but not sorry.
you are fucking a fucking terrible person if you even think for one moment doing blackface (or any permutation thereof) is okay in the spirit of humor, costuming, or “honoring a culture”.
its really like if i tell you not to smack me in the face, because it hurts and you say “get a higher tolerance for pain” “i didn’t mean to hurt you, but i really like smacking you in the face” “but OMG, its funny!”
no. just no. get some empathy, because you have a serious dearth of it.
*and if ONE MORE PERSON uses White Chicks as a false equivalency, i will find you, come to your house and taking a dump in your kitchen sink. maybe then you’ll understand how this feels.
Using your logic, was Dave Chapelle using white face and the (white guy) voice offensive? Does that make Dave Chapelle racist? I also find it intriguing that there is a large presence in the black community that discriminates against homosexuals. For a group to have gone through similar trails I find it absurd that kind of bigotry is allowed to flourish in a community that was subject to so much discrimination 60 years ago. Why does the black community hate homosexuals?
another white privilege bingo comment!
you managed to derail the conversation(why do the blacks hate homosexuals??), use two false equivalency (dave chappelle; the struggle for rights for homosexuals) and screech “reverse racism” (which, by the way, doesn’t exist).
good job.
Isn’t “reverse racism” an act of not being racist?
Shouldn’t they use the word “bigotry” instead?
I guess you aren’t very familiar with sarcasm. Dave Chapelle skits were funny as hell, blackface is dehumanizing and absurd, and the majority of black people don’t hate homosexuals. But to go as far as calling someone a terrible person for being an ignorant, insensitive asshole, thats a bit overboard. There is no arguing that the Christian and Islamic fundamentalism has caused the most pain, suffering, discrimination and fatalities in this world. I think that the acceptance of fundamental relgious practices are offensive and disgusting, and have no place in modern society. So I think all churchfolk are bad people? No. Do I think all religion is bad? No. Will I change anyonea mind about said subject by ranting like a lunatic. No. The only thing you can do to curb bigotry is through education and patience. Name calling and generalizing groups of people will only cause more division. By the way, reverse racism is real. It happens in South Africa on a daily basis. Dont be so closed minded as to think that the US is the center of the universe.
Julianne Hough’s costume was not racist and not black face. Look up the true definition what blackface is please. Now the other costumes displayed were out of line.
I’d like to be honest here, and say that in the past I, too, fell victim to the ignorance that comes with white privledge and may have initially said “it’s all fun and games” to these types of instances brought up in this article. I have come full circle from this, however. As a white woman raised and indoxtrinated into the society of white privledge, I was largely unaware of the still extremely prevelent systemic racism that is very strategically built into our society that aims to serve the White/Male/Powerful. And make no mistake, THIS IS THE AIM, to keep all races except white degraded and oppressed because this serves the powers at be, this type of society continues to add to their power. Once you can understand this, then you will see how prevelant racism still is in society.
It pains me to see so many people blinded by their priveledge. I do not claim in any way to be perfect, and I will never be able to truely understand the experiences of people from other races, but the bottom line is: if someone is offended by the actions of others, then those offenses should be taken into serious consideration and stopped. That is humanism. It is incredibly selfish for white people to say “well its all in fun and games…” because in the end, its not. They may not have had any ill intentions in doing this, but that is the bigger problem, the ignorance to the systemic racism that is build purposefully into our society. And what is absolutely worse then the unknown ignorance many white people claim, is once these issues are pointed out, they continue to CHOOSE ignorance, and this is the biggest offense.
As soon as these ideas came into my scope of knowledge, I researched them, I watched countless documentaries and wanted to genuinely understand the idea of “black face” and cultural appropriation, because that is my duty as part of the human race. It would be ideal to live in a world where we can all genuinely appreciate all differences and celebrate real racial equality, but in order to do this, understanding the intricies of our culture and society must occur.
Free your mind.
Well I for one have never painted my face, but I have to say (being a lover of Halloween) that dressing up as an Indian Chief with a pale face would look pretty stupid. LOL I don’t think all people paint their faces for costumes to be racist. That’s like if a person of color were trying to dress up as a famous white person and painted their face to reflect that… I wouldn’t feel that were racist. The Sambo costumes and the Trayvon Martin costumes are TOTALLY racist, not because they painted their faces but because they chose to represent racism in the form of a costume. I have to admit I was shocked. I always want to believe that this type of racism is a thing of the past and sadly it is not. If I had a friend that dressed up as a Sambo or Trayvon Martin you can bet that I would have something to say about it! So to be clear… I don’t think all face painting is racist, but I do think some costumes ARE racist. If I were to dress up as an Indian Chief and I painted my face for authenticity it would be out of respect not racism, the same would be true if I wanted to represent a famous person of color such as Dr. King or Sojourner Truth. All this said… I have no desire to ever paint my face for costume purposes… and my next Halloween costume if I should do one will be Poison Ivy… I could definitely fill that out. 😉
In regards to dressing up an Indian, there are Native Americans who do find that sh*t racist and highly offensive. For references, check out the controversy involving Lana Del Rey’s “Ride” video and also Andre 3000’s “Hey Ya!” Grammy performance.
Im black and don’t have a problem with people of other races painting their skin a different color
Well, good for you.
This one is pretty easy. The majority of black folk find it offensive, so just don’t do it. I lived in a predominantly black neighbor for a good part of my life and was subject to many different anti-white slurs. It offended me and I didn’t like it, so I would be pissed if someone told me I shouldn’t be offended for being called a cracker. I consider generalizing a group of people b/c of their race is pretty racist in itself, and that has been done on both sides.
Get off you high horse.. yes, some of the costumes you posted were offensive, the crazy eyes was not. Are you pissed at Dwayne Wade? Dave Chapel, The Wayans? Jean Genet’s The Blacks? Godfrey Cambridge must be racist for his whiteface in Watermelon Man, and don’t forget Eddie Murphy pulling whiteface more than once. Oh.. and Chamillionaire in Hip Hop police. You’ve also got Douglas Turner Ward’s day of Absence, Whoppie Goldberg in “The Associate” and Park’s Topdog/Underdog.
These are just some of the examples, so again.. get off your damn horse and help yourself to dose or reality.
SMDH…
Did you know Watermelon Man was a movie based on a book about the experiences of a white man who darkened his skin to understand racism in Southern states?
What was the premise of Whoopi Goldberg’s movie “The Associate?” It showed prejudice against a black woman (and other women) in the white male dominated world of Wall Street.
There is a difference.
And if you are offended by painting a face white and feel it’s racist, you have a right to feel that way. Just like black people have the right to feel how they feel about blackface. It’s because of the history of blackface. And it is racist.
As for the high horse and the dose of reality, I invite you to do the same. You may not agree that racism exists. That’s your choice. But for many people, groups and races, it does. That’s the reality.
I am going to assume and generalize here…
How in the hayle do the “non-melanin folks” found out about this article?
Did they type in “black face for Halloween” (looking for black face tips probably) in the Google search box and a link for this article popped up?
Because I have never seen these folks around here.
Unless they are a couple of black kids trolling for shiggles.
Lol I wondered the same thing
Searching for Julianne Hough led me to this crap
A friend of mine posted it, and as I am very aware of the still prevelant racism in society I wanted to read it and keep myself informed. I don’t think it should be a bad thing that white people see these types of articles, because although there will always be trolls, there are some who genuinely want to understand and hopefully enlighten themselves. For society to really change in a positive way, we need participation from every race.
Lol where is Luvvie when you need her?! All of these white apologists and trolls, I tell you. All I’ve heard is people saying, “It’s not offensive anymore, so blackface can be done.” Who told you it wasn’t offensive? If the group who was historically, systematically, and hatefully targeted and disrespected by black/brown/redface tells you it’s still offense, guess what?! It’s still offensive. An abuser can’t tell his/her victim that the abuse is ok. White people can’t tell nonwhites that they aren’t allowed to be offended anymore. As for the “black people do it too” bit, please. It doesn’t even compare. Nowhere in our history has whiteface-it sounds weird because it’s not even a thing-been used to dehumanize, fetishize, undermine or distort the image of an entire race. Nonwhites don’t even have the power or privilege to do such a thing. To compare blackface to whiteface is akin to saying, “I as an adult slapped this baby because the baby slapped me.” The power dynamic and social constructs are so imbalanced that it’s impossible for “whiteface” to be viewed in the same light as blackface. It’s a tired, sad argument. And, let’s try to focus on Halloween. We’d be here all damn night if we entered into a discussion about the ridiculousness of Hollywood. I COULD name five blackface movies for every one “whiteface” one, but that would be diverting and unproductive.
Also, I haven’t read ALL of the comments, but telling someone to “speak proper English” is a problematic comment in itself. “Speak the language that white people created and forced on others as THE mode of communication. To speak any other way undermines your credibility.” If English was my second language, if I had a learning disability that kept me from being able to articulate myself or write well, or if I simply chose to use slang and colloquialisms, my point of view and opinion are still valid and important. You can disagree with someone without(pitifully) trying to attack him/her.
ps. I have to say that I will not respond to anyone unless I see something other than “Black people do it, too,” “It’s not offensive anymore,” or “He/she didn’t know it was offensive.” You’ve got to come up with something better than that.
I’m white,..and I’m here to say it’s not only offensive to blacks,..it’s offensive to humanity.
And it offends me that so many “supposed humans” are NOT offended by it…
Really? So when did you get your freedom? Who abused you by taking you back to the 1830’s and forcing you to endure the mockery? Wow.. must’ve been hard growing up in the 1800’s, how are you dealing with time change thing.. remember it’s sunday..
Blackface is offensive. White people can defend doing it until they’re Black in the face, but it is. Period. What bothers me is they KNOW it’s offensive, but none of them can put in the effort to find out WHY it’s offensive. The opposition has been there since Frederick Douglass. It’s not like every Black person in the world gathered in a huddle one day last year and said, “Y’all see those white people over there in Blackface? Yeah, We don’t like that shit”.
I get that it’s hard for some to imagine living in a time where the majority could openly shit on your race, and any attempt to defend yourself or your people from it could make you a tree ornament. Well, that was reality for Black people. There’s such an interest in Black culture to listen to our music, dance like us, even look like us, why not go the extra step and learn a little more about us as people, rather than some tap-dancing, watermelon-eating Sambos.
You don’t have to like it. Clearly, the attempt to understand it just isn’t there. But respect our reasons for not wanting people picking at the old wound that is Blackface. People will get the costume. Just leave the paint at home.
“speak proper English” is a problematic comment in itself. “Speak the language that white people created and forced on others as THE mode of communication.”
If you cannot communicate properly, others will start to wonder what else you are lacking in your education; so that often, your point isn’t taken with much validity, based simply on the perceived lack of education. Also, I’m pretty sure all “white people” didn’t force you to speak English, or even create the language. There are light colored people from all over this world, speaking many thousands of different languages. Lumping everyone light-skinned into the catch-all term, “white people” is pretty racist.
Lastly, remember that this is the internet; when posting something clearly controversial, taking the time to proofread will go a long way in preventing the things you mentioned.
[…] Redface – wer nach wie vor nicht mitbekommen hat, das sowas rassistische Kackscheiße ist, geht ziemlich ignorant durchs Leben, hält Awesomely Luvvy fest. Inklusive praktischer […]
There is no disputing that blackface was and is an embodiment of racism. Hard to believe but well into the mid 20th century blackface was a popular form of entertainment. It was not uncommon well into the 1950s for high school, fraternities and local theater groups would perform in blackface. The real Mad men of Madison Ave. had no compunction utilizing blackface in their advertising. Take a look http://wp.me/p2qifI-1LM
when you dress up in blackface and roll upon the wrong one, do not say anything when you get a beatdown
I’m a fellow UIUC grad – LAS 02 and College of Law 06. I was also one of the Native students on campus who was actively involved in having the mascot removed. I’m Black and Native, so I’ve always seen the correlation between Native mascots and Blackface. On the UI campus, there used to be Spring Minstrel shows held, and the KKK was a registered fraternity with its own house. This is the same environment that bred the mascot. Anyway, I digress.
This, to me, is why the Julianne Hough’s in the world cannot slide. Yes, her costume was based out of ignorance rather than racist intention, but she’s a celebrity who influences thousands of people. I can’t believe that someone of her age wouldn’t know how volatile the subject of darkening your face is.
I see some similarities in Hough’s act and these girls. This is the newest image going around on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DopeBieber/status/394997176876535808/photo/1
[…] Halloween Has a Blackface Issue and It’s a Racism Problem [Awesomely Luvvie] […]
Bigotry is a disease. Blackface is a symtom of bigotry. Attacking the symptoms won’t cure a disease you must get to the roots of discrimination. One of which is religious fundamentalism and is the biggest contributor to bigotry in thw United States. You have to educate the ignorant and it takes time.
Some white people do Black face because they are insensitive to any black plight, some of us act as if we don’t know that these type of people share this space with us , they will always be here, there is nothing in the pass are present, and likely the future that will suggest any thing different in them, lets move on
Uh…I’m a white male & have a buddy who is a black male. We are going to our long running costume party as Vincent vega & jules Winfield, from the classic movie Pulp Fiction. Anyway, “WE” thought it would be humorous to reverse roles. He will be portraying Vincent vega, a character portrayed by john travolta (white male), & I will be dressing as jules Winfield, a character portrayed by Samuel l Jackson (black male), & we will both be using “paint”. We have gotten plenty of positive feedback, from peers of both races, & quite a few good hearted laughs. Now, in my opinion, comparing this example to trayvon Martin &/or the kkk is absolutely ludicrous. We heard this discussion on our local radio station & thought it was almost funny, in a sense. This discussion is simply based on intentions & perceptions. Even if him or I decided to rock either of these costumes solo, where or what is the issue? There are no ill intentions involved here & Samuel l Jackson IS black & john travolta IS white, are they not? Again, can’t speak for all because perceptions & intentions may vary. In this instance I just really don’t see the issue nor problem. Am I wrong? Is my buddy wrong? Are we both wrong? Not taking a side on any instance but my own, but this is my OPINION on this particular matter. If we could have these discussions in a civil manner, I think it would go a long way towards breaking these racial barriers .
Thanks,
J
The fact that people are having this discussion and the fact that our society has to talk about this kind of stuff is disheartening. As far as the article goes, I came here to see why ‘blackface’is racist from my own naiveté. I wanted to learn more about the facts and not about feelings. Feelings mean nothing without facts, though people have feelings because of facts. However, the real facts are rarely disclosed.
I think that some white people may put ‘blackface’ on because they respect black people. Seeing a person wearing a ‘megatron’jersey and wearing black face paint could never signify something bad as Calvin Johnson is a role model for all children. It may be wrong for some of the ‘blackface’ costumes be be worn but on the same note I believe it is also wrong for people to complain about things that never affected them.
It is time for people in this world to act like people and not differentiate themselves by color or race or etc. We all go through different experiences and those experiences is what defines us… nothing else does. I am sure people in my family have done horrible things and I am sure they have had horrible things done to them but I don’t use that as an excuse for who I am or how I am treated. In this world, I am only entitled to what I earn, whether it be respect, honor, or hate. If I try to be a good person and define my world by what I do and who I am, I will not let articles like this or people who purposefully hurt other people by wearing ‘blackface’, bring me down.
In my opinion, I guess a better message would be for people to act like people and stop the color / race / etc. categorizations. Be a better person and help others be better people and take responsibility for your actions… when something upsets you, tell people why and be honest, using your own experiences. If somebody made you feel bad then be clear why it hurts you. When we say something hurts us because of slavery, or because of discrimination, etc. we do not do a good job of showing others the damage they do unless we have faced discrimination or unless we have been enslaved.
If a white person wears a Calvin Johnson Jersey, and paints his/her face black, maybe they are doing it out of respect. Not everything in this world is born from hate…
[…] In nahezu jedem Kostümshop findest Du Blackfacing-Utensilien, wenn nicht sogar komplette Sets. Luvvie hat dazu einen sehr guten Artikel geschrieben. Und College Humour haben ein Flowchart entworfen, dass Dir hilft festzustellen ob Dein Kostüm […]
Let people do what they want. It’s like dealing with children the more you acknowledge the behavior the more they act out. So what if they paint their face black, it doesn’t put a stain on my pillow.So, I don’t have to sleep on it. Ignorance deals with itself eventually, science has proven that the simple minded eventually die out one way or another. Here’s to not caring!!! Cheers, Happy Halloween!!!
Good thing I am Asian now doing a ‘black face’ as you all call it won’t be racist.
I came here to further understand why African-Americans/blacks find white people with brown face paint on offensive and racist. I’m not here to say you’re wrong or to get over it.
I 100% agree what Allesandro Dell’Acqua did was racist. He painted on the racist Blackface scheme. What I don’t fully understand is why the connection to a basic brown painted face. What they’re representing are two different things. When I look at Julianne Hough or the football coaches, I see them as trying to resemble characters as close as possible for Halloween.
As for the White Chicks movie debate, I believe people are trying to say the Waynes brothers were stereotyping white girls, and stereotyping is a form of racism, hence the double standard argument.
Hi Clyde, at first I didn’t understand the racism behind blackface for the use of innocent costumes. I specifically wondered about it when trying to understand why it is unacceptable for a young white child to go as a black superhero. The reason is because of the historical uses for black face. Black face has been used in American history (primarily in the first half of the 20th century) by white performers who wanted to preform “black” music. It was considered unacceptable for a white person to listen to black performers so the white performers would wear black face in a sort of mockery of black culture. This mockery and the racist notion that a white could not even listen to a black performer is one of the primary reasons that this behavior is considered unacceptable by many. So even if the costume may seem innocent the history of blackface makes it offensive.
P.S. thank you for being reasonable in your asking.
Obviously I will get shit on for this, but here goes:
I know that blackface originated as racist Southern comedy, but the other commenters are exactly correct. If I dress up as Barack Obama or Rick James, it would look odd — because I am white.
I don’t have an issue with a black or an asian man dressing as Elvis or the Unabomber and using whiteface. And don’t tell me that the hoodie-wearing populace is going to be insulted because a costume for the Unabomber would likely include a hoodie! I honestly think the reaction to blackface has more to do with “progressive” netizens than it has to do with bruised feelings. I know racism exists, we see it every day (the Sambo pics speak volumes). But does everything have to be racist?
It’s kinda like earrings. It used to be if a man wore an earring in his left ear he was straight, and in his right ear if he were gay. Now it just means you like pierced ears. Left-handers are not thought to be evil anymore. Time to let some things go. The past is a whore — the future is virgin territory.
Here we go,
First of all, people in this discussion need to open their minds up and stop looking for a fight. That being said…
Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, Tyra Banks, Lenny Henry, The Wayans Bros.. the list can continue. All of these black actors dressed in whiteface and portrayed white stereotypes. Where was the uproar over this?
Second, Trayvon Martin was a thug who tragically fucked with the wrong neighborhood watchman. The evidence proved him guilty. Not by way of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, but by good old fashioned SELF DEFENSE. Comparing the little prick to Emmett Till is a disgrace to the history violence portrayed against blacks. There is no analogue between the two.
Stop holding up double standards and stop looking for reasons to feel discriminated against.
I went as a KKK member everyone one thought it was I genius. Even the African Americans thought it was hilarious.
Racism is over, people are too sensitive about racism and therefore are unable to let things go. The past is past.
[…] with a friend, spent a night looking over on Youtube and felt the push to say my piece since Halloween and Black Girls […]
[…] because I’m pretty tired of being tired of your antics. I JUST laid down my burdens regarding Blackface on Halloween and here you come with this trifling stunt. A plague of papercuts you can’t identify their […]
[…] Halloween Has a Blackface Issue and It’s a Racism Problem – Because this year, folks more than TRIED IT with their Halloween costumes. Blackface was […]
We African Americans are the real Jews! !!! White people want us to get over losing our nationality, spirituality, and our ancestors.,but they fail to realize that because they are tought to tell us to move on and get over it. If you read the bible it tells you all of our history, and it also reveals the judgment that is coming for the white race. It reads prepare slaughter for the children for the iniquity of their fathers. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity, he who killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword….these are prophecies out of the holy bible not my own words. The white race want us to forget about the crimes that their fore fathers committed and nobody went to jail or payed for the murder .100 million Black. slaves , 77 million Native Americans and the numbers are still rising . Let them have their blackface because it lets me know that the bible and christ is real and factual . I know the cowards that do this are only at home in their white neighborhood they dont have the guts to come to a black neighborhood with a blackface .So with that my black people dont get mad just pick up the bible and read and follow the laws statues and commandments of the heavenly father .and he will fix our problems. We are gods chosen people and nothing they do can make me mad because we are superior and we have god on our side
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So, I see all of this arguing going on and as a fairly well educated white man who is a veteran and have served with some of the finest representatives of every “race” the United States military has to offer I have to ask this honest question. If I get flamed over asking this question then I will know the caliber of people I am dealing with and will cut sling load and be on my way so here it goes…
I guess maybe I view costumes a little bit differently since I don’t see a problem with a person getting into their “character” as much as possible and if that includes changing skin tone for it, and it is not being done to be racist but to simply make the costume more believable then what is the problem? I don’t care if a black person wants to lighten their skin tone to dress up as a white character. So under that parameter, why does it make some of your worlds seem to unravel at the thought of a white person darkening their skin tone for a costume.
Secondly, why are none of you seemingly so appalled at the thought of David Chappelle dressing as a white character for his show. How about Eddie Murphy with his SNL skit of years past? Is that ok but it is only to be forbidden for white people to reciprocate?
Now understand, I am not talking about these idiots like in the photograph, I am not sure who the girl in the upper left was supposed to be but I did not see anything that terrible about her costume. The rest of them were wrong on many levels and indeed I would consider them to be racist. So I guess that I have to ask why is it ok in one direction but not the other?
If we as the human race want to get past racism then we have to quit making everything about race and quit taking everything so seriously. I mentioned Eddie Murphy and David Chappelle and both of them dressing up and changing their skin tone to that of a white person and then performing some skits about white people that were less than flattering but I am not upset or angered by it. So again, I ask, why so upset over the ones that are so clearly not racially driven?
Why find and perpetuate hate and anger where none is intended? Isn’t there enough that is intended to deal with without having to go create it?
Lastly, the term black face refers to a specific style of theatrical make up. Someone earlier in this thread told another to do some Google research. I think if that person does a Google image search they will find the majority of the photos show what actual black face is. It is not simply darkening the skin tone, it is blackening the skin and then putting white around the mouth and sometimes the eyes as well. I can definitely see why that is offensive.
Now if you want to flame me for asking a serious, honest question, again, I will know what type of people I am dealing with and simply will not engage. Keep in mind, these things do not get fixed until understanding can be achieved. People cannot begin to understand with so much hate in the air.
Jim,
I think a lot of this issue has to do with intent. The intentions are to mock. Blackface also perpetuates stereotypes and racist attitudes, so when college kids do the same thing, they are carrying on that harmful tradition from the 1800s. If an actor were to portray a black character accurately in mannerisms, dress and the skin tone, without the intention to mock, then it’s more acceptable. When Dave Chapelle and Eddie Murphy characterise white people, their intent is not malicious. The Wayans Brothers were not particularly offensive. I don’t remember a lot of hearing people complain about the portrayal of white women in that movie. Generally, I think people laughed. White people laughed. So the intention matters, and that’s what this article is about. If you intend to ‘make fun of’ a black person, it hurts people. If you intend to ‘mock’ a white person, a Jew, an Indian, an Arab, an Aborigine, it hurts people. And if those people say it hurts, you should stop, I think as HUMANS we should listen, treat them with respect and stop doing it.
White people are always quick to say, “yeah but …” and then go on to justify their actions or rationalise them by drawing comparisons to other races etc. None of that matters. The point is STOP. It hurts people. Just as White people don’t favour the characterisations of skinheads and Afrikaaners because those are not good reflections of white people.
I was looking for good ways to make myself look like Danny Glover from Lethal Weapon. Found this place.
Still gonna do Danny Glover from Lethal Weapon.
Also, I’m Mexican.
Can i wear a mask of a famous black person?