So just now (literally a few minutes ago) I was browsing another blog showing celebrities in their Halloween costumes and one person was dressed as be Jay-Z. Now, in all honesty, I've never heard the name of the person before so I don't know the his nationality but the blogger pointed out that this man was in blackface for the occasion. In that case, it's likely this person is white or possibly Hispanic. And sorry, I don't remember his name nor do I care enough to look it up. The writer of the blog gave a side eye for being in blackface. In the comments section of the blog some posters stated that no one had a problem when a black athlete was Justin Timberlake for Halloween and painted his face white and that black people were "too sensitive" which lead me to write this post.
If blacks in this country didn't have the history that we have, I could totally understand such a statement, but we do so I can't. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but back in the day white people would dress in blackface basically to make fun of blacks for minstrel shows and what not. They would either portray a black person as being a complete fool or some savage beast. Birth of a Nation anyone? So yes, because of this I can totally understand why black people would be sensitive when it comes to white people dressing in blackface, even if it is just for Halloween. I'm sure the intention isn't to be hurtful and it's all in good fun but, still. Something about it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Why not have me and a white friend dress up as slave and master? Okay, maybe that's extreme but you get the point.
Personally, I'm only slightly offended. Like, if I saw that in real life I would definitely give that person the ultimate side eye and curse them under my breath, but it wouldn't ruin my night. In a similar situation, while I was out with my friend over the weekend (an Asian girl if it matters), she pointed out that she didn't like one girl's Native American costume because she didn't feel that people should dress up as someone's nationality for Halloween. To be honest, I never thought that deeply about it but I can see where she's coming from. I know it's not exactly the same but like I said, similar.
Anyway, what do you think? Are some black people just being too sensitive? Are others not being sensitive enough? Maybe they're reading too much into it and making a big deal out of nothing. Or maybe they're not making a big enough deal out of it. I suppose it's something you can look at both ways.
2 comments:
I saw this issue on Friday night when I was out. The man was dressed as Bill Cosby (bad sweater and all) and had his face and the tops of his hands panted brown. I wasn't sure how I should feel. I mean believe me the side eye was given but I don't know if I felt racially offended or what. I was just sorta like really dude, that's what you did. But nothing much more than that.
I think when white, or other nationalities dress up as celebrities in brown/black face, they think it's cool and WE are okay with it. I personally don't think dressing in blackface or as indians, commonly referred to as "redskins" is cool, if you will. In the workplace we are bombarded with diversity and sensitivity training...does that go out the window when the bell tolls 5pm? Hmmmm
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