A Perth based mother who shared a photo of her nine-year-old son with his skin painted black is getting a much needed lesson in racism after the photo went viral promoting criticism of the costume and her ignorance over its abhorrent historical significance.
The boy, covered in brown paint with a wig of dreadlocks, was dressed up as AFL star Nic Naitanui for his school’s Book Week.
Others have questioned why on earth the boy was even going to a Book Week parade as an AFL player…
It’s not the first time ‘blackface’ has been an issue this year.
In February Basketball star Liz Cambage slammed her fellow Opal Alice Kunek for posting a social media pic of her dressed up in ripped white clothes, a beanie and painted face alongside her Melbourne Boomers team-mate Tess Madgen, who was also in fancy dress.
Cabbage tweeted “I’m am so shocked and disturbed to see this behavior (sic) from someone I’m meant to call a “teammate”,” wrote Cambage, whose father is Nigerian. “Blackface is disgusting, I honestly have no words.”
The Mixed Grill discuss the Frankston Bombers ‘blackface’ scandal. Post continues…
While in May another sporting team, the Frankston Bombers, posted images of players dressed as ‘rappers’ to their public Instagram page.
Many players donned dreadlock wigs, covered themselves with fake tattoos and painted their bodies black for the club function, which was ‘iPod Shuffle’ themed.
The club have since publicly apologised.
On Twitter many expressed their anger and disgust at the post and those who defended it.
Constance Hall since deleted the post saying she did not believe that the woman was racist but said she did not support her decision.
“Because it is hurtful to our indigenous brothers and sisters.
“I don’t believe that the mum in question was behaving maliciously, I don’t believe that she intended to hurt anyone.
“However, I think it was an ill informed decision based on her view that there is too much political correctness in our world.”
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Top Comments
Australia is seriously ignorant of the implications of blackface. Does anyone remember that dreadful show Hey Hey It's Saturday and the Red Faces acts they had, with guest judges? Harry Connick Jnr was a guest judge who had the courage to call out a so-called entertainment act that was all blackface. The producers allowed it on air, seemingly clueless as to its history. And this was in 2009!
https://www.youtube.com/wat...
I feel like Australia doesn't understand the negative historical significance of blackface as well as the US does (i live in America). But, I can tell you right now that even if you don't personally find it offensive, even if your intent is not racist, still don't do it. Plain and simple. Figure out another way to emulate your hero.
Um, I'm Australian living in the US?I would think it odd if the US introduced warnings on tv targeting indigenous australians as they don't live here? However, POC exist in both societies, so the blackface issue is pertinent in both nations. Regardless of you being African American or Indigenous Australian, you are still persecuted for the melatonin levels in your skin, and blackface is offensive in both cultures. BTW, the US is obviously fraught with race issues- the BLM movement being at the forefront. Only an idiot would claim that the US is without extreme racial tension. Not sure what your point is.
So the only way to validate blackface as an issue in your worldview would be for every single person of colour in Australia to sign a petition? If only one person opts out, then apparently blackface is not an issue anyone should be concerned about. Ludicrous logic.
Yikes. You're clearly a kind, compassionate person who cares about the repercussions of your actions on others. Blackface is offensive. Period. And it's not idiosyncratic to American- Liz C, of Nigerian descent, publically stated her offence. And, just for your own education, here's a little history of global blackface - http://black-face.com/black... BTW, ignorance is not a defense, especially not in our information-saturated world.