# Blackface - Why the hysteria? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 5, 2013, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171 "2013-11-05T19:38:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/41 "2013-11-06T02:36:17Z")
> [@Iamnotivan](#): > > I am not at all bothered by the suggestion of racism. The term has been so badly abused and diluted that it means little more than _Some thing I must say reflexively to thoughts I dislike._ That’s the racist credo alright. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/42 "2013-11-06T02:40:30Z")
> [@Iamnotivan](#): > > a population today which is barely able to find its ass with both hands in a week Dude, you are in _no position_ to criticize others of not being able to find their asses with both hands. > [@](#): > > I am not at all bothered by the suggestion of racism. The term has been so badly abused and diluted that it means little more than _Some thing I must say reflexively to thoughts I dislike._ This, for example, among all the stupid defensive bullshit definitions of racism I’ve read today, is the stupidest. ---
**Author:** ![11811](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/9d8465/32.png) [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/43 "2013-11-06T02:44:01Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > : looks at the bananas on her desk : > > I’ve been caught! Run! Looks up at the bananas sitting on top of his flat head. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![11811](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/9d8465/32.png) [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/44 "2013-11-06T02:45:37Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > Only confirming your gazelle status! Next you’ll tell us you [jumped](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stotting)out of your seat. That’s not what I picture when I hear the word “pronging.” ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/45 "2013-11-06T02:46:12Z")
Okay, I’m not with the OP but I am going to ask questions. 😃 I wonder if it’s the traditional BF that offends people, or is it BF in general? Let’s say SNL did a skit with two white actors portraying black people. But instead of the crude method they used years ago, they had a professional make up team come in and make them look black. As in, did such a fine job you probably wouldn’t know they were actually white had you not been privy otherwise. I’m curious as to whether this would offend most people’s sensibilities. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/46 "2013-11-06T02:49:43Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#): > > Boring troll is boring. I don’t think he even rises to the level of boring. ---
**Author:** ![11811](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/9d8465/32.png) [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/47 "2013-11-06T02:49:54Z")
> [@Iamnotivan](#): > > …Do you mean to tell me that a population today which is barely able to find its ass with both hands in a week is yet so aware that each time they see blackface, they flip through their tiny mental capacities and say _Dang, that blackface is painful to me due to the ghastly history of Vaudeville?_ > … Dude, you’re the one who showed up with empty hands. Maybe use a funnel next time. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/48 "2013-11-06T03:00:57Z")
> [@Iamnotivan](#): > > I do not live in the U.S. Where are you posting from, fucking Mars? You get the other cultural references on SNL, but don’t have a clue about blackface? Not credible. ---
**Author:** ![drew870mitchell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drew870mitchell/32/3946_2.png) [@drew870mitchell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drew870mitchell)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/49 "2013-11-06T03:15:55Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > Okay, I’m not with the OP but I am going to ask questions. 😃 > > I wonder if it’s the traditional BF that offends people, or is it BF in general? > > Let’s say SNL did a skit with two white actors portraying black people. But instead of the crude method they used years ago, they had a professional make up team come in and make them look black. As in, did such a fine job you probably wouldn’t know they were actually white had you not been privy otherwise. > > I’m curious as to whether this would offend most people’s sensibilities. Eh, you’d have to try it and see. I think people’s reactions would hinge on the content of the script, but you would butt up against conflicting ends of the scale - either the screenplay is racially motivated, which will stir controversy, or it’s nonracial, in which event why change the actors’ race at all. The historical problem with blackface is real, but even if it’s done in a “tactful” manner you’re irritating some because it’s viewed as a barrier keeping minority actors from getting work. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/50 "2013-11-06T03:36:17Z")
The OP isn’t American but wants to take Americans to task for an American social problem that isn’t considered as much a problem outside America? Seriously? That’s a massive OP fail. Here’s a hint: we’re more culturally diverse in the US than other countries. Just because you don’t see a problem in yours doesn’t mean it isn’t there nor does it mean it isn’t a problem in the US. I’m fucking sick and tired of douchebag, asshole racism fest 2013. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![LeeshaJoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e8cbc/32.png) [@LeeshaJoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LeeshaJoy)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/51 "2013-11-06T03:45:06Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > > [@Trinopus](#): > > > > Pretty much everybody recognizes that it was a damn fool thing to have done…but it doesn’t rise to the level of wearing a Nazi uniform or a KKK bedsheet. > > Somehow associating that image with 8-year olds shouting “Trick or Treat!” amuses me to no end. Funny you should mention that… [Mom Lets Son Wear KKK Halloween Costume, Says It’s A Family Tradition](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/04/mom-son-kkk-halloween-costume_n_4212461.html) ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/52 "2013-11-06T03:46:53Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > Since I don’t believe anyone could honestly be this ignorant of American history and culture, let’s move this to the Pit. > [@Colibri](#): > > Where are you posting from, fucking Mars? You get the other cultural references on SNL, but don’t have a clue about blackface? Not credible. Honestly I barely knew it was a thing, let alone one to get mad about, until I was in college. I vaguely recall it getting a sentence or two in a high school history book. It just wasn’t something I thought about much until there was a big to-do about it one Halloween at my college. And I spent my early years in PA and TX. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/53 "2013-11-06T03:59:40Z")
> [@Ruken](#): > > Honestly I barely knew it was a thing, let alone one to get mad about, until I was in college. Then you learned about it a good 45 years quicker than the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/54 "2013-11-06T04:03:07Z")
Is it really something that comes up much these days? ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/55 "2013-11-06T04:07:38Z")
> [@Ruken](#): > > Is it really something that comes up much these days? Yes. It comes up on the news pretty regularly when some frat boys or others do it (as in the case mentioned in the OP). ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/56 "2013-11-06T04:08:36Z")
> [@Ruken](#): > > Is it really something that comes up much these days? No, because people know better. That’s why it’s somewhat shocking when it does pop up. But there’s a difference between your experience, i.e. “I didn’t know some people found it offensive” and “It’s not a big deal, you should lighten up”, which is the OPs point. We don’t get to decide for other people what they find offensive, nor, as members of groups who historically did denigrate them, should we think we should have that right, as the OP does. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/57 "2013-11-06T04:18:15Z")
I think that devoid of the historical context, the OP’s reaction is not surprising. Considering I’ve had exactly 2 conversations about the matter my entire life, one today and one ~10 years ago, and maybe noticed a news article or two in the interim, I’d expect anyone who has spent most of their time outside of the US to have a similar reaction. Doesn’t mean the OP isn’t a tool, though. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/58 "2013-11-06T04:20:22Z")
> [@Ruken](#): > > Doesn’t mean the OP isn’t a tool, though. I don’t believe for a second that the OP is as naive about the issue as he pretends to be. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/59 "2013-11-06T04:20:49Z")
> [@Ruken](#): > > I think that devoid of the historical context, the OP’s reaction is not surprising. I guess, but it wouldn’t be my reaction. Mine would be closer to “I’m sorry I didn’t realize this was a touchy subject, and I’ll avoid it in future”. The OPs was “You stupid assholes. Why so serious?” There’s understandable and then there’s being an unrepentant ass. ETA: And yeah, I seriously doubt the OP is as innocent as claimed. Posting history isn’t flattering. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2013, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171/60 "2013-11-06T05:08:30Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > Okay, I’m not with the OP but I am going to ask questions. 😃 > > I wonder if it’s the traditional BF that offends people, or is it BF in general? > > Let’s say SNL did a skit with two white actors portraying black people. But instead of the crude method they used years ago, they had a professional make up team come in and make them look black. As in, did such a fine job you probably wouldn’t know they were actually white had you not been privy otherwise. > > I’m curious as to whether this would offend most people’s sensibilities. I don’t know how familiar you are with US pop culture, but we have witnessed instances of white people “dressing up” as black people and no one being offended. There were no protests when Darryl Hammond darkened his face to look like Jesse Jackson all those years on SNL. Or when Dan Akryod and Gene Wilder went “black” in their films. There s a big difference between “blackface” and “thoughtfully applying make-up to one’s face to resemble a medium to dark complected person.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackface-why-the-hysteria/673171.md?page=4)