Question: Is ‘the black face’ caricature still offensive? Or can we laugh, yet?
This past weekend was the preferred time for costume parties and halloween-themed events. Creativity was at its peak, on this past Saturday night.
To the right, you will see modern interpretations of Carlton Banks (me), Punky Brewster (Lindsey), and several other characters: Happy Gilmore, Olive Oil, Popeye, and Johnny Depp on ‘21 Jump Street.’
There is always a person that pushes the bounds however.
This presidential race has opened the eyes of many Americans. Great discussions about civil rights has everyone thrilled at the thought of those last few barriers being broken (so we don’t have to talk about them anymore.)
This post will pose a question, is black face still offensive in the 21st century? With millions of Americans dressing up for Friday night’s festivities, how many stories will we hear on the news about politically or racially charged costumes? Will this be a moment that opens the door for the black face caricature to make its way back to the discussion?
Back to this past Saturday, a Jesuit Prep School buddy of mine dressed up as a Saddam Hussein and Barack Obama hybrid. He spent a lot of time on it and his ingenuity was applaudable. But then after the initial shock and laugh was done for, I questioned his costume and its intent. Many of our friends and questioned,
“Webster, do you feel that this is inappropriate?”
Now, the gentleman is a good guy. To my knowledge, not a mean-spirited bone in his body. He likely spent two hours on the costume and it was ’simply a political statement.’ My response, as I recall was,
“While I appreciate the effort that you put into your costume, it can be seen by others as offensive. While you are around friends that know you, it is all fun and games but just so you know, people may not like it if you walk down the street in this get-up.”
I wasn’t upset with him, he said that he didn’t know better. I stayed, I had fun and I shrugged of all of the questions. This is an important issue, because I feel that there will be an influx of caricatures of Senator Obama for halloween. Should this be discouraged? Is this sort of humor still offensive? Click below to decide.
Sup,
Nah homey, I’d beat his @zz. This type of shoe polish black face along with the Hussein/Hussein angle is a reminder that I, most black people and Musims will always be considered subhuman criminals and terrorists by most of American society, best case scenario. This cat should sit down and watch Bambozzeled and see why I feel this way. This brings up the same anger back when I went on a cruise, and because of some “folks’” minstrel shows i.e. hip hop, movies, Springer etc., I have non white foreigners calling me the n-word and throwing signs…in front of whites. “Self-inflicted” thanx to the community, perhaps arguably so. However, I don’t patronize this stuff. If your friend had to ask if you were offended, then he knows he’s wrong.
BTW, the E-mart was out of Halloween costumes where I’m at. It’s good to see I’m not the only new parent just throwing a costume on based on what’s in their closet………just playing.
Comment by DaRobbSupreme | October 30, 2008
For me personally it really wouldnt make a difference if it was some other black character..just fact that he found it appropriate to paint his face black as part of a halloween costume doesnt sit well with me..now ofcourse the fact that he did it in the way that he did (Obama/Hussein) does nothing but add fuel to the fire that is seperating people already. I am a believer in the idea that people are generally good so I would like to think that he truly did not intend to offend anyone and that it was all in “good fun”, but it has been my experience that complacency or this care free “ahh you just gotta relax” stance is really no better than the stance for hate, seperation, and inequality. Choosing to ignore the fire is no better than starting it. This thing that is happening right now, with the up coming election is serious business. At some point everyone will be forced to choose a side, making “statements” or “all in good fun costumes” WILL place you on a certain side and I hope that is the side you intended to be on.
Comment by CJ | October 30, 2008
If this was Bush, everyone would laugh. Nobody would care. Im sorry but everytime someone says something bad about him he goes crying to his mommy. Not everyone should be made to love him. Everyone finds Obama satire so offensive, but would slander Bush in a heartbeat. It’s backward. I think this is extremely harmless. George Bush had a play written about him going over all of the different ways someone could assassinate him. I think that is something to be concerned about. not a halloween costume for crying out loud.
Comment by Anonymous | November 23, 2009