For those of you who haven’t heard this story yet, NHL player Raffi Torres [of the Phoenix Coyotes] put on brown make-up to go to a Halloween party as his favourite emcee Jay-Z, while his girlfriend went as a pregnant Beyonce. Once the photo above hit the net, dudes were ready to stomp his monkey-ass out like Em in 8-mile, and the racism claims were quick to follow and when the national media got a hold of this story, it EXPLODED. But throughout this entire saga, it seems 99.9% of the people have missed the entire POINT of why we as a society SHOULD care about his actions.
Let’s make something VERY clear, Raffi is most likely not racist AT ALL. In fact he loves Jay just as much as any hip-hop fan, and dressing up as him was probably MUCH more of a tribute than it was to mock all Black people. point taken. But where things start to get a little messed up is when all the WHITE media, his WHITE teammates and WHITE sports writers and newscasters not only try to defend Raffi as being far from racist, but try to minimize the event as if Black folk need to “stop overreacting” and just “chill out.” To them, I say a heartfelt ‘Go F*^K Yourselves.’
His teammate Paul Bissonnette said “As far as everyone trying to call ‘Racism’ because Raffi dressed up like Jay-Z can simmer down.” Simmer down? Really Paul? Do you even have ANY clue why Black folk are upset? It’s not because we think Raffi’s actions were meant to emotionally and mentally destroy us as a people, but because his actions are reflective of the raw IGNORANCE that surrounds racial insensitivity on this continent and the world at large. The fact of the matter is you, Raffi, and a lot of these other smug prejudice c*nts have no clue about what a minstrel show is, who Al Jolson is, and how much it STILL hurts to see how we use to [and in MANY cases still are] characterized by a media force that we have little to no control over.
Listen, back in the days white men dressed up in Black face, chased white women, ate chicken and watermelon with ridiculously large painted on lips and disgusting hair, and paraded around depicting Blacks as lazy, shiftless, stupid, worthless members of society. It degraded us down to our worst stereotypes and us. used as a public way to mock us and humiliate us. But, thank God that only happened back in the days, and not today, right?
…not so fast. The picture below is from 6 weeks ago:
Students at a business school in Montreal decided it would be HILARIOUS to paint themselves in Black face, chant in mock Jamaican accents, wearing Rastari hats and talking about smoking weed. Is what they did inherently RACIST? Maybe, maybe not – but the fact that they are so wantonly IGNORANT about the issue, yet take so much God-damn pride in mocking another race makes them DOUCHEBAGS, just like Raffi.
And to all the simple-minded MORONS talking about “Where was the outrage when the Wayans brothers painted themselves white?” I will answer your question with a question: “Where is the similar historic-dichotomy that shows how WHITE-face was used as a tool of major media to propagate racist ideologies and stereotypes against a mass of people unable to adequately defend themselves?” Don’t worry, I’ll wait….idiots.
I got an idea, how about we put a moratorium on STUPID-ASS tweets like this one from some DOUCHEBAG called @justlike_neon [some frowsy f*^k of a white dude] who tweeted:
Ya know, I don’t like Raffi Torres at all, but there’s literally nothing offensive/racist about his costume.
Sorry, but what exactly qualifies your B*TCH-ASS on making qualitative analysis on how one race [of which you are NOT a part of] should internalize what we deem offensive to us? The main point here is that the excuse of “not knowing” is NOT an excuse and the plea of “I’m not racist” is not applicable, because at the end of the day I would LOVE to see how the media would react to Vince Carter dressing up as Hitler for halloween and see how THAT goes over.
This Is Your Conscience
74 Comments, Comment or Ping
lincolnanthonyblades
Ladies & Gentlemen, Did You Find That Pic Racist And/Or Offensive? Are People Overreacting Or Is Black Face REALLY That Bad?
Nov 2nd, 2011
terrythrillz
im black and NO i dont…dude wanted to go as Jay Z,not Eminem so yeah,e black face was necessary as part of the costume.the only ignorant people here are the ones that find it RACIST.yal need to get over yourselves coz it was more racist when the Wayans bros put on white face and depicted the "dumb blonde white girl" stereotype
Nov 2nd, 2011
sugasmaxx
And to all the simple-minded MORONS talking about “Where was the outrage when the Wayans brothers painted themselves white?” I will answer your question with a question: “Where is the similar historic-dichotomy that shows how WHITE-face was used as a tool of major media to propagate racist ideologies and
stereotypes against a mass of people unable to adequately defend themselves?” Don’t worry, I’ll wait…. idiots.
You're the idiot here.i like how you used the word HISTORIC.its all in the past,get over it.racism will never end until shallow headed folk like yourself get in touch with reality.black and white people are now regarded as "equal" not "similar" and skin colour is one of those differences.this was a halloween COSTUME and surely you cant tell me something's wrong with one perfecting their costume.if u wanna dress up as obama and u white u gonna need to put on black face to make ur costume make sense and if u black and wanna go as elvis should b allowed to put on white face (simple logic) with no judgement from ignorant fools like yourself.its the 21st century dammit.we got a black president,yal need 2 get with e change
Nov 2nd, 2011
Roxx
i hear your points linc but overall id have to disagree completely
Nov 2nd, 2011
Ganjababy
Sorry but this is one of your most ignorant posts. He was portraying a persona not a culture or race. I think it is way more offesive that the students dressed as black face and dreadlock wig and mocked rastafarianism then someone dressing as Jay Z. Geez do italians get offended when everyone decided to spray tanning spray on and go as jersey shore characters. (Who r completely hated by true blooded italians for portraying such a negative sterotype of them)? It was a HALLOWEEN costume. Quite honestly probably one of the least offensive ones I have seen compared to people that go all demonic. I mean isn't halloween about dressing up like you alter ego? Anyway, stop making an issue out of this. Or should halloween only allow people to dress up as non existant things like smurfs just so no one gets offended? Oh wait then little people may get offended because people are dressing like little people. Get a clue and discuss real issues!
Nov 2nd, 2011
Alice
I’m sorry but this costume for me does not at all remind me of the characters in back face from minstrel shows. There was much more to minstrel shows then black paint and when we equate a costume that had some brown make up involved in it to the stereotypical bashing of black people and culture in the practice of minstrel shows we are getting a little off track. I really can’t even muster up much fuss about this because he looks like he went tanning and threw on some bronzer to top it off and at Halloween this is what people do. I get that it might bother some people as it does push the envelope but let the man and his girl be Jay and Bey for the day Sheeeit.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Alice
People throw on Obama masks to pay tribute to their President for Halloween or dress up as Charlie Sheen and it’s essentially harmless, unless we as a people make it more than that. Last thing we need is huge race riots over a silly costume, I think at that point we are taking ourselves to seriously and kind of need to “shimmer down”. Anyhow, what does disturb me is the third picture where people are actually in black face paint and the fact media hoopla over that seems to be non-existent. I’m not going to defend Torres’ benevolence or even ignorance but I’m not going to get caught up in a fuss on one individual’s ill-advised actions when teachers, and perhaps even a principal ok’d students dressing up in black face SMH.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Megga T. Classy
Still trying to find the blackface in that Raffi picture… He looks more like someone who has a tan than an actual blackface.
Nov 2nd, 2011
KemaVA
I am not really offended by the Raffi pic. Now if he had decided to be 'a black person' for halloween and did some stereotypical stuff then I would feel some kind of way. He went as a star. Give him a break! lol!
Nov 2nd, 2011
pauliebrooks
I believe that Torres did not intend to offend at all, after all, imitation is the highest form of flattery. But, what people need to understand is the reason we(black people) react the way we do when we see this is, it is strikingly similar and reminds us of the feelings of degredation we feel, when we see actual blackface. So, if you aren't black, most people lack the perspective to understand why seeing , lets call it, "black costume", puts our asses on alert and makes us uneasy.
Compare it to a woman who has been abused for years, even if she gets out of her situation, any time a hand is raised around her, she will be on alert, regardless if the hand has no intention to hurt. While we are no longer subject to racism supported by law,it still exists, and we are still on alert to its "raised hand", regardless if there was any intention to hurt.
I don't expect everyone to understand, including black people, but at least be aware of why those who feel this way rather than being ignorant to it, as if we don't have the right to feel how we feel.
Nov 2nd, 2011
@WheresRonald
Wow, it's almost like you didn't even read this post… And what's even more hilarious is that 3 people thought what you said worthy of them clicking a thumbs up button. What the Wayans did was not RACIST buddy. Racism is defined in the power wielded by the majority oppressor, which they Wayans are not even close to being a part of… Check this article out and get a better scope on what racism is and what the term "reverse-racism" does in the conversation.
http://www.thegrio.com/politics/is-reverse-racism...
Nov 2nd, 2011
@WheresRonald
I see a lot people breaking Lincoln over the coals for his perception of this guy's complete insensitivity to people of color with his Jay-Z costume. And while I don't necessarily believe this dude is a clan member, I do think that, if he even came close to thinking this costume was a bad idea or that people might be offended by it, he didn't give a damn. Which in itself comes from a place of white privilege and is applauded and reinforced by the type of subtle and inherent racism so many of us deal with on a day to day basis that when something like this happens we (being so desensitized by the racism we face constantly) wave it off as not being "that bad". And it kinda is, not that bad, seeing as more than likely the guy had non-malicious/completely innocent intentions. That being said, it's still insensitive, and if somebody finds it to be offensive than that is a real feeling and all the down shouting is incredibly counter productive. I'm going to quote this blog writer from persephonemagazine.com to better iterate what i'm trying to get across…
"When someone tells you to “Stop being so sensitive,” they are trying to shame you by calling on weakness, on femininity, on your deviance from the acceptable, masculine response.
That is not OK.
I know not everyone who says, “Stop being so sensitive” comes from a place of privilege, but the phrase “Stop being so sensitive” comes from the place of ultimate privilege. It comes from a place where no one has ever erased your identity and experiences. It comes from a place where your concerns are taken seriously and the concerns of others not like you are dismissed as secondary. It comes from a place where you haven’t thought about and acknowledged the fundamental humanity in every other person, regardless of race, sex, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or disability. It comes from a thoughtless place.
So you know, I’ll be as sensitive as I damn well please."
Nov 2nd, 2011
pauliebrooks
Co-motherf@#$ing-sign.
Nov 2nd, 2011
@WheresRonald
That's exactly what I was trying to say.
Nov 2nd, 2011
@craziijnell
I agree. Like in a real way!
Nov 2nd, 2011
MistaHarsh
"its the 21st century dammit.we got a black president,yal need 2 get with e change"
LMAO…smh….you're the idiot. You know legally we were all equal before Obama became president so to say that his presidency changes things is absurd. Racism is more overt now than in the past 20 years.
Take his dressing up as hitler example. Its not the block mustache that's offensive. Its what the Man and his history represents!
Blackface is not just painting yourself a darker colour its the history behind. Its symbolic in what the action represented.
And all this talk about forgetting history lets see you dress up as Hitler Israel. How about dressing up as a white farmer in South Africa? Mussilini in Italy? Ray J in Brooklyn?
keep it in context you dummy
Nov 2nd, 2011
MistaHarsh
*in his best black militant voice*
Why does he have to be Jay-z the hustler? He could have dressed up as Jay-Z the businessman. Jay-z don't even where plat chains anymore.
Nov 2nd, 2011
MistaHarsh
look No one is saying dude is a racist. He's basically ignorant. Of the historical meaning of blackface.
If nothing else understand this:
What if I used the swastika symbol as my company logo because I like the aesthetics of the design . Should I tell people that are offended to simmer down I'm not racist? Or that it was so long ago get over it I'm changing the meaning of it?even though I'm not racist I HAVE TO RESPECT what that symbol represented and what it meant to people who are offended by it.
To all those people saying he was trying to be realistic: if that was the case he should have dropped the chain and rocked some chancletas and a Jay-z mask.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Dante Powell
I disagree. A little too far a reach to equate every instance of a white person in black make-up to the "blackface" of minstrel shows.
If the premise of the article is "don't do it, its offensive, and dont be mad because it offends me, you wouldn't understand." then you must also allow the same for those offended by the Wayans in "white face", because you don't know, and can't speak to what its like to be a white woman (who, in America were without rights given to men for quite some time in the past, which would qualify them as oppressed.)
So this pompous bullshit I can't rock with:
“Where is the similar historic-dichotomy that shows how WHITE-face was used as a tool of major media to propagate racist ideologies and stereotypes against a mass of people unable to adequately defend themselves?” Don’t worry, I’ll wait….idiots.
You're putting so much effort into bashing "blackface" and letting everyone know that you're educated on that particular segment of racial inequality, that you're totally ignoring the difference between all of that…and a guy dressing like Jay-Z. (Who has been able to be his own tool in major media to create, propogate, and debunk his own stereotypes, with adequate options to not only defend himself, but others, as well.)
Nov 2nd, 2011
Mabl
I wonder why it's all "forget about it" when it comes to the history of black face and what that meant for/to the black citizens of this country and "yeah, my black friends' say it, and that's ok, but I won't say it" when it comes to the word "nigga." I think anyone who wants to push the history of black face and racist portrayals of black Americans into the dark like they are over and done with are definitely part of the problem of continued racism in this country. True equality will not be reached in this country until understanding is avhieved, and you cannot have understanding with such insensitivity as "just leave it alone". That is a very backwoods, we-take-care-of-our-own-every-one's-knows-the-horrible-secrets-here-but-no-one-deals-with-them way of thinking and not at all progressive. Moving forward is seeing a problem complete and working on a solution that obliterates it complete. If you want to white-wash part of what created the climate that exist with continued racism you are always going to have a root and the problem will never completely be taken care of.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Alice
I don't think everyone is in agreement that he indeed went in black face. If you don't know who Raffi is you probably barely notice that he has make-up on, as he is almost the same shade as his wife in the picture. In that sense, it's even a stretch for some to debate this as a true back face issue. I guess because I don't care too much about celebrities I can't exert too much emotion just cause he's famous (which essentially is what the woopla is all about) especially if just below there are kids in black face in a much more offence context and no one mad or is making a big deal about that.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Dante Powell
"Stop being so sensitive.", when said to people who are actually being overly-sensitive towards something has NOTHING to do with privilege, or anyone looking down on others.
The correlation of someone celebrating Hitler (a figure that is personally responsible for a genocide in Germany) and the fact that people affected by this would find that costume offensive, and black people being upset about this is non-existent!
Minstrel shows mocked us, they weren't holding us back or killing us. Slavery, and segregation was! Maybe if he dressed like a slave master, or a slave, or a "White's Only" sign, you'd have a more valid case. For now you're just being too sensitive.
Nov 2nd, 2011
@WheresRonald
LoL I can't even tell if you're being serious or if this is one of those internet comment pranks.
Nov 2nd, 2011
@WheresRonald
So, you're really comparing the oppression of the enslaved african-american to that of the pre-suffrage movement american white woman? Nice.
Anyway, I do agree that there is a big difference between a minstrel showman and Jay-Z. However I think the point he is attempting with this blog post is more about the historical indifference the man has in wearing said costume, than saying they are practically the same.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Love
What about when Beyonce did it. http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/02/24/experts-react-to...
Nov 2nd, 2011
NurseJilly
Your point on the swastika symbol is so right. For some reason a lot of the kids listening to "punk" music walk around with swastika t shirts and armbands and are under the assumption that its just a fashion statement. Whether you believe in the ideology behind what the swastika represents or not it is a symbol of hate and it would be socially unacceptable to tell Jewish people to "simmer down"
Nov 2nd, 2011
Kam
To be honest with you. If he dressed as Jay-Z the businessman I don't think people would of got it ( I know I wouldn't). I would just think he was dressed as some black dude in a suit. However when I see the NY hat, the white-t and blue jeans I immediately caught on to what he was supposed to be dressed as.
As well the wife could of got a blond wig to carry the Beyonce look off even more.
Nov 2nd, 2011
imakesense
"And to all the simple-minded MORONS talking about “Where was the outrage when the Wayans brothers painted themselves white?” I will answer your question with a question: “Where is the similar historic-dichotomy that shows how WHITE-face was used as a tool of major media to propagate racist ideologies and
stereotypes against a mass of people unable to adequately defend themselves?” Don’t worry, I’ll wait…. idiots. "
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 2nd, 2011
MistaHarsh
I actually disagree. MAAAAANNNNNNY rappers and regular white and black folks wear a Yankee fitted, white tee and white shoes and jewlery. Don't forget this was once the Cash Money Millionaires uniform.
I can equally say he looks like a black guy in a white tee and jeans
Nov 2nd, 2011
MistaHarsh
you can't marginalize racism. Its like saying the holocaust was only approx 2-4 years and slavery was 400+ so slavery was worse.No you can't tell Jews that. Gays can't tell blacks that(regarding being the same struggle) and you can't tell blacks to "buck up". Acts of racism are acts of racism period.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Rhea Newton
Your reasoning I can understand. The correlation with Hitler didn't work for me, but re-working Linc's analogy using the swastika makes more sense. I am personally un-offended, and prior to reading your comment, MrHarsh, I would've said something akin to "calm down". Now, I remain un-offended, but I understand why others might find his portrayal beyond the pale.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Rhea Newton
Comparing how bad different groups of people's experiences were is an exercise in foolishness. White women =/= to Black women =/= Black men =/= Jewish people =/= Asian people.
Respect the struggles of others, as you expect them to respect yours.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Rhea Newton
True. Although quite a few people were offended that she felt the need to darken her skin in order to "pay homage" to black women.
Nov 2nd, 2011
MistaHarsh
it was dumb as well
Nov 2nd, 2011
Dante Powell
How does his choosing to wear makeup with a costume equate to an ignorance of "the historical meaning of blackface". These are totally unrelated things!
The symbolism of sambo's and minstrel shows being understood, this guy was in "Jay-Z-face" hence the symbolism of the cap, the shirt, and the necklace (as you often see donned by Jay)
So your idea of Swastika's as a "symbol" for a "company" is not a parallel I would accept. If your "company" was one that sold German relics, and historical items, and you had a Swastika in your company's symbol, I would find Jewish outrage towards your company to be overly sensitive!
Nov 2nd, 2011
Abu Husain
You only used one definition of racism. I may feel that you and "your people" are beneath me, but because I dont actually have any real power in society im not considered a racist?
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
yes it was more racist when the hockey player you dumb fuck! what is the negative history around whiteface???
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
word!
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
racism and prejudice are two close but different things!!
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
since when were white and black people regarded equals??? did i miss that damn memo??? if we are so equal then why do we make up the majority of the jail and the minority of every boardroom in america?? man shut the hell up!!
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
real talks!! tell his ass again!!
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
you sound young as hell!!
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
such a corny ass response!
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
real talk!
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
go fucking tell jews to man up and stop being so sensitive and see what the fuck happens to you!! i swear only black folks rush to the defense of white people faster than the defense of other blacks! smh!
Nov 2nd, 2011
The_Mad_HATER
exactly!
Nov 2nd, 2011
Kam
You can disagree but this is Jay-Z signature clothing from since I can remember. No one else would come to mind when seeing someone dress like this for Halloween.
Nov 2nd, 2011
@craziijnell
But, Rhea… be serious. We can respect the struggle of others with also looking at slavery as it's own type of beast. 400 years of slavery (death, brutality, rape, forced labor) is not the same as suffrage (that still wasn't given to Black women til wayyyyyy later). I can respect the struggle of suffrage without diminishing the impact of slavery on the world (YES the WORLD).
Btw, I got some fandango tix for cheap. We should totes do another movie.
Nov 2nd, 2011
@WheresRonald
Exactly my point… although it sounds so much smarter without the sarcasm.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Double K
I'm on the fence about this issue as a whole. For me it breaks down like this.
First, black-face is not ignorant. They knew what they were doing, it's completely racist.
Dressing up as Jay Z. A little ignorant, not racist. I think Raffi really just wanted to go as Jay-Z for Halloween. The fact that he's white and Jay's black probably was a footnote in his mind. People were offended and other people were not. Everybody is free to feel the way they do. I, personally, did not see it as a legitimate attempt to go black-face. What I'm not cool with is being treated by some people I talk to about this as some fucking uncle tom, like I don't know my history.
Dressing up up as random Jamaican stereotypes. Ignorant and racist. I don't care how innocent you claim your negative depictions of my culture was. As a black man, I'm going to cuss you out, as a Jamaican I'm going to hand you a box. There's no defence for this. It is a straight 100% mockery with no room for interpretation. This reminds me of some of my favourite football club where fan would throw bananas on the field to the black player.
The media's reaction to both of these situations I would classify as systematic racism. They're going to downplay the story of the students but then up play the Torres story to make it look like "those crazy black people are overreacting again".
Nov 2nd, 2011
MistaHarsh
Tell 'em again son!
Nov 2nd, 2011
Dante Powell
When I see Jews bitching about stuff out of over-sensitivity, I will.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Jason Howe
I'm late to the game today… but without reading any replies here is my take. How come it is never an issue when blacks put on the powder and act as white folks? Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, and Martin Lawrence (to name a few) have done this and there was no issue with it from us black people. I think we need to ease up on the white guilt and just let some shit go. Instead of worrying about one dude in blackface reestablishing the minstrel show how about we worry about those born black face that live up to every stereotype ever depicted in those shows.
Nov 2nd, 2011
A
The fact that this has been turned into a huge deal in the media is so problematic because it is a distraction from actual racism. This whole thing reminds me of the movie "Wag the Dog".
One ignorant/benevolent action gets propelled into a discussion about racism? Really?! When the US is overwhelmed with real issues of racism. People should be getting this heated EVERYDAY about black people being disproportionally affected by unemployment, poverty or prison industrial complexes but nah we're getting all wound up over some celebs Halloween costume?
Nov 2nd, 2011
Jason Howe
My man I am blacker then a funeral and BLACK people are racist also. NO, what the Wayans did was NOT racist, but as I mention below many BLACK comedians have used the white guilt to play on stereotypes of white people to financial gain, are Eddie, Martin, and Chapelle racist? Anyway, I totally do not believe racism is only a tool of the MAJORITY (think Apartheid)… Racism is any person in any place during anytime who has drank the kool-aid and believes their race is superior to another… majority or no majority.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Jason Howe
Very good points, I am fighting to find an argument here… give me a second.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Jason Howe
Oh yeah, who is Raffi…
Nov 2nd, 2011
Jason Howe
Yeah, lets not forget the minstrel show was not just white folks, blacks signed up to shuck and jive also…
Nov 2nd, 2011
Jason Howe
and oh yeah, I do think its ignorant…. just not always racist.
Nov 2nd, 2011
Jason Howe
Truth, nothing but….. my point exactly when I said let some shit go…
Nov 2nd, 2011
Sara
1.) Its Linc site he can discuss whatever the fuck he wants
2.) Oh, so the representation of black people/culture in media and the history of minstrel shows isn't "real" for you?? Maybe Lincoln should only write about how a nigga should get his dick wet. Fuckouttahere…
3.) Kudo's to the author for calling a spade a spade
4.) Lemme find out The_Mad_HATER making the most sense up in this entire thread tho
Nov 2nd, 2011
MistaHarsh
but when you say let some shit go what are you really saying?
in terms of a relationship if your girl did something that was foul(she might not have meant it or known how it affects you) and you let it go it just leaves the possibility for her to do it again.
We both agree he's not racist but ignorant and insensitive. No one is demanding he loses his job but he should be schooled on racial sensitivity by the organization that employs him(NHL) where racism is rampant.
Of course we have more pressing issues that need to be addressed but it doesn't mean we let certain racist acts slide because some people think its minor. Thats the same reasoning that got us into this N word mess to begin with.
Nov 3rd, 2011
J Howe
I apologize, maybe my skin is way to thick, but yes some clown dressing in black face is ignorant for sure, but I personally do not see it as a racial attack… so no, we do not let racism “slide”, but we cannot label everything to do with color as racist because its not.
Nov 3rd, 2011
terrythrillz
im not saying we should forget our history but lets all please stop talking bowt e past.whatever black face meant in e past that aint now,that aint what he was symbolising with his jay z costume,its f**king halloween.black people call each other "niggas" in 2011.rewind back to slavery times thats on word we would never have used or even wanna hear from any1,black or not but hey…REALITY CHECK.that was then,this is now
Nov 3rd, 2011
ddddd
i dont think he was racist, just ignorant. since when did you need to paint your skin to dress up as somebody? when little girls go as tinkerbell, they're not painting themselves white… when little boys dress up as a ninja or something they are not elongating their eyelid lines with eyeliner….. since when does someone's race/skin colour have to be a part of the costume? i feel that if you need to change your skin colour or eyeshape (wigs and noses for specific characters are a different story) to finish the costume its time to choose another costume… because thats when the stereotyping comes in…. you can be a black tinkerbell, a white or black ninja and you can be a white jay-z… he didnt need to change his skin colour to pay homage to his favourite rapper.
when people reach the point where a stereotypical image of a race is allowed to become a costume (i.e a mexican person, a native person an asian person or a black person *key word – person..) thats pure unabashed priviledge… and ignorance. i'm completely against changing your skin colour to imitate a race for anything really… thats not necessary.
and for the argument that he didnt really change his skin colour that much because he's quite dark himself for a *i guess white person ( i dotn know who he is) then why did he need the makeup at all? he couldnt be a i guess "lighter skinned" jay-z? aren't they rich? im pretty sure his wife could afford a beyonce-like costume from a awards show and a blonde wig with her skin colour… and he could have simply found a significant outfit from a jay-z music video and wore that…. like there were alternatives. he just thought he was being clever.
Nov 4th, 2011
@craziijnell
Tell it!
Nov 4th, 2011
Jason Howe
Good points.
Nov 4th, 2011
Dollabill
*Applauds*
Nov 5th, 2011
Kenley Ambroise
it is dat bad its evil like slavery and guess wat the whites kept US as slaves and so the african Pres. has WHITE slaves now is it a big deal?
Nov 28th, 2011
Bernard Piprah
I'm really glad you did this article, I have recently come under a lot of fire in B.C. for my stance against the blackface character Zwarte Piet in the Sinterklass celebration in New Westminster. Without even speaking directly to the organizer, I voiced my opiniion that the celebration of a character who within Dutch history was a slave to Sinterklass (Santa Clause) and is presently being celebrated in my community is objectively offensive. The end result was the unbiased Vancouver Sun trying to throw me under the bus and many Dutch people unleashing what they believed as righteous, hate mail becuase the Sinterklass organizers decided "If you don't like us having blackface characters we cannot think of any alternatives to this Zwarte Piet, therefore we are going to cancel the entire event"….whoops.
Dec 8th, 2011
I'm Just Saying
you clearly must have been high when you posted that response…trying to portray a persona does not include actions that de-value and disgrace one race. The Mtl students are just dumb cunts, but that does not make Raffi's actions any less. Yes Italians do get upset when people do that. Just because it's Halloween, that does not mean it's time to be a racist prick. Just because it is the least offensive ones does not make it ok, or one not to be spoken of. Are you implying that his alter ego is Jay-Z? He can wear the clothes,chains, make the diamond sign with his hands for all I care, but the second someone applies brown or black make-up for the sake as appearing as if they are black it is a problem.
Feb 2nd, 2012
Victoria
Wow, just wow. I'm first off Samoan second I'm Inuit then I'm black. Why do I put black at the end? One its because only a small percentage of my heritage is black and two I feel a little ashamed. Don't get me wrong my ex-husband is black and my boyfriend is black. I'm talking about the blacks who live and breathe the stereotypes they scorn. While reading the comments I've noticed that the folks supporting that guys costume were damn near crucified by blacks. But really aren't black people constantly berating whites for wanting to be black as some of you would so eloquently put. Is it because you see a lot of yourselves in their actions? Smoking blunts, baggy clothing, speech, actions. Black people embraced that persona and they seem to want to keep it in the family so to speak. None of my ancestors were slaves, so me saying this might offend. But hey its the internet so who cares. So GET OVER IT!' That should get a few replies.
There is STILL human trafficking going on today. Right here in American as we debate this foolish garbage. Asians and Native Americans told besides blacks as they served those slave owners. Where are their apologies and history months. Gays are fighting for their constitutional rights as blacks and women did not to long ago. But blacks and women are the primary people against it. Racism is still here sure. But whites aren't the only people perpetrating these henious acts. So cry me a river black people and get over it! I'm tired of.seeing people have to tip toe around a group of over over emotional cry babies who are no better than the so called offenders. I can go call someone a niggardly or a spade right now and wouldn't get in trouble because I look a little black. Is that progress? Is it really okay for anyone to constantly remind blacks whites and everyone else of a horrific past instead of moving forward.
I'm sorry but that is not okay. The writer of this article should get a clue and most of the commenters should too. Stop living in a past you never even experienced and move forward.
Feb 22nd, 2012
Victoria
Sorry its five am I'm sleepy and irritated. My spelling was pretty bad. But you catch my meaning I'm sure.
Feb 22nd, 2012
Victoria
Oh yeah before I head off to la la land. To that question responding to that White Chicks question. Back in those Minstrel days blacks did have the opportunity to defend themselves. They didn't… instead they donned the COSTUMES as well and got in on that cash cow. Were they ignorant and naive as the whites were? Or was it just whites because of who they were? Or do blacks get a free pass because they are black? The people of the past are only as ignorant as the ignorant people of the present make them out to be. They say that history is written by the winners. But that simply isn't true, history is written by the people who are alive right here and now. We can teach are children anything we want and they wouldn't be the wiser. They weren't alive 100 years ago and neither were you.
Feb 22nd, 2012
Reply to “YES, Wearing Black Face DOES Make You An Ignorant DOUCHEBAG”