This is not going to end well. Nick Cannon is trying to promote his new album, White People Party Music. So… to promote the album, Nick “dressed up” in whiteface and Instagram’d some photos and videos. He wrote: “It’s official… I’m White!!! #WHITEPEOPLEPARTYMUSIC #Wppm in stores April 1st!!!!!!Dude Go Get It!!!Join The Party!!!! #GoodCredit #DogKissing #BeerPong #FarmersMarkets #FistPumping #CreamCheeseEating #RacialDraft ‘Bro I got drafted!!'” Is it wrong that #FarmersMarkets made me giggle? White people love farmers’ markets.
Anyway, this is “controversial” I guess. It’s as controversial as Nick Cannon can get, and Nick Cannon is sort of like Wayne Brady in that… no one is afraid of him and no one thinks he’s controversial in the least. Still, some people are saying that whiteface is comparable to blackface, and that “dressing up” as another race is always a bad idea. Nick gave a shout out to Robert Downey Jr.’s performance in Tropic Thunder and noted “There is a big difference between Humor and Hatred.” Eh. I mean, black comedians doing whiteface is nothing new – Eddie Murphy, the Wayans brothers and many others (Richard Pryor too, right?) have all done whiteface at various times of their comedic careers.
Photos courtesy of Nick’s Instagram, WENN.
In whiteface, he looks so much like my cousin, it’s kind of scaring me a little.
It looks pretty real, what did he do? Crazy.
That said. I think if blackface is considered racist, then whiteface is as well. I have no problem with either of it (I’m not from the US), but I get that many feel uncomfortable because blackface has got a racist history.
Nah, i disagree. I don’t think it’s the same at all.
yeah not the same at all. Intentions are everything. The intent of blackface was ALWAYS to demean. If someone had dressed up as whiteface in the south, land of the one-drop rule, they would’ve been lynched.
Yeah, not the same. Just like people who say that “reverse racism” is wrong. The absence of power and history is what makes them not the same or equal to actual racism and blackface.
Liv, blackface is racist because of its historical significance (which is not particularly nice) and because within American society there there is still an incredible power imbalance favoeing the white male. It isn’t thr makeup that makes blackface racist, its the US’s history of racial oppression. So whiteface isn’t the same as blackface, its just a guy in crappy makeup.
it’s hard to reconcile double standards, but I don’t think they are the same thing. There is no history of truly degrading racism behind white face. Context matters.
Eta, I see I am the fourth or fifth person to comment. Should have refreshed the page before replying. 🙂 not trying to pile on you, Liv.
white face is not always racist but that doesn’t excuse it . if julianne hough can’t get a pass for her ignorance, why is nick cannon getting a pass? it could be offensive to someone who is white. no it doesn’t have the same connotations but respect should go both ways. no blackface, no whiteface. why the need to pretend to be another race at all?
@msw Haha, I read the comments below and knew you would coming at me! 😉
I don’t know. I’m aware of the fact, that blackface has a horrible history and reminds many people of terrible times. I never wore blackface and I don’t think I ever will, but I don’t see the problem either, especially in Europe. I mean how long are we supposed to carry the double standards (which were kind of understandable 20-100 years ago)? 100 years? 500 years? Forever? I think it’s impossible to communicate that logic to people in general. Same goes for the n-word. Either nobody should say it or everybody. I get the point that it’s more horrible when white people are saying it, but you can’t blame Gwyneth for example for quoting a song text of black men who named their song after the word. That’s ridiculous.
I’d say it’s all about the context. When little kids dress up for carnival I think it’s fine to paint one’s face – when someone uses black or whiteface to mock people with that skin color it’s clearly not.
If dressing in a poncho, sombrero and curly moustache for Halloween is considered inappropriate (according to the poster campaign) then shouldn’t this be also? It doesn’t have to have the racially charged history of blackface to be considered inappropriate.
@greenieween, what is he doing that’s NOT demeaning? I understand blackface is especially offensive because of history of oppression. But it does not give you a free pass to be an ass and demean others, even if some will not say anything. it’s still racist, even if it’s not s seriously offensive as blackface. watch white chicks. Their white makeup is on and they transform into these vapid, painfully stupid women who dwell on petty issues. In their opinion, totally acting white. Completely offensive, because obviously not every white woman is like that. Sorry, but it is offensive. just because you’ve been mistreated, you don’t get a free pass to mistreat because of it.
I’m with those who agree it’s not the same.
-white girl
I think it depends entirely on the balance of power, and while exceptions are plentiful in both directions, GENERALLY speaking, white people still have the advantage in America. same reason it’s more socially acceptable to make jokes about “skinny bitches” or rich people. yeah, sniff, it hurts, but you get to cry about it by your pool, so suck it up and accept your burdens in life
that said… Nick Cannon sings?
In that first pic, I thought he looked like Kenneth the Page, on his day off.
I think the top pic looks like the lead singer from Fun.
He also looks like the Flying tomatoe Shaun White.
He pretty much just looks like an albino.
I’m going with option No. 4: He looks stupid.
He forgot to make the classic stupid vapid Bieber face though. That would have been hilarious! The face he makes with the microphone looks similar though 🙂
I’m not offended, but I’m more worried about seeing that in my dreams. Dear lord that’s freaky.
As I said on my Facebook, I think we can all agree the most offensive part is Nick Cannon still attempting a music career.
This is gonna be such a messy thread, I’m prepared for the inevitable reverse racism argument.
I’ll grab the popcorn while everyone else grabs a soapbox
No soap boxes yet. Almost said boxers. I love boxer briefs on a man, wait..where am I?
LMAO @ Bettyrose – you are too funny!!
BettyRose
You are in a much better place than the rest of us it sounds like.
FLORC, I got the kook-aid and I’m bringing nachos with extra beef. Hope you’re not a vegetarian
I’m not going to lie, I didn’t find it funny. I know Black people who dress in Whiteface gets a pass because it’s not associcated with past racism when they do it. White people usually don’t get a pass becasue of past racism and the Minstrel shows. Charles Mathews and others made a mockery of slavery and Blacks. Because most of us know the history it still strikes a chord with us when we see White people in Blackface.
But I can understand how people of today can find this offensive and scream double standards. I can play devils advocate but I won’t at this point. I will just say this. The Wayans brothers wore make-up to play White girls in White Chick and Robert Downey Jr wore make-up to play a Black man in Tropic Thunder. Hardly anyone was offended because they knew it wasn’t meant to demean. It was what the character in those films were called on to do.
Tropic Thunder had some funny moments…when Downey’s character says “what the hell you mean ‘you people’?”
and Alpa Chino says “what they hell YOU mean ‘you people’?”
Kirk Lazarus: I know who I am. I’m the dude playin’ the dude, disguised as another dude!
I still hear peope saying this. That was one of the most memorable quotes from that movie.
“Kirk Lazarus: Alpa and I are already wearin’ Earth Mamma’s natural night camo.”
Alpa Chino: Cool it, Benson!
Downey made that movie and he and Brandon T. Johnson had some of the best moments together. I might have to watch it tonight.
I wouldn’t have found it offensive if the white face wasn’t followed with the name of his album and the stupid hash tags of what white people like. Taken together it’s so stereotypical and mocking. I just don’t know why no one pulled him aside and told him this is a bad idea. Since the album drops on April 1st, I’m going to assume it was meant to be a joke.
Sensible answer. I don’t care if it’s white face or black face really. I agree with Nick – humour changes the debate. I think it’s a funny promotion for his album.
I’m of mixed ethnicity, so I don’t find it offensive at all. There is no historical degradation associated with white face. I’ve always found “white people cant’ dance” jokes to be hilarious, i’m not sure why, but making fun of the uptight and white is just in the realm of hilarious. An entirely historically entitled genre of people should certainly be able to handle a joke, “white people party music”, that is some funny stuff for me personally. If it’s not funny to you, then don’t go there. Simple.
there is no “reverse racism” there is only racism.
He’s married to a woman who is half Caucasian and his kids are part Caucasian, so maybe he thought no one would dare call him racist? I don’t know. These types of posts are exhausting and we could talk about racism for days on end. What one person finds insulting, another doesn’t…so there is no win in these types of discussions.
I don’t know Nick Cannon, and can’t guess his intentions, but I doubt his children being 1/4 Caucasian played a part. In the US, being 1/4 Caucasian and 3/4 Black, is usually considered 100% Black. Probably the remains from the time of the one drop rule.
We need to stop with “reverse racism”. Racism is racism.
I absolutely HATE it when people say “reverse racism”! “Reverse racism” is not a thing! It’s not a valid or legitimate term!
Rant over.
It’s like saying “reverse domestic violence”…ummm no domestic violence IS domestic violence. Women have been oppressed by men for hundreds of years but when a man is attacked by his wife, no one says “reverse domestic violence”. Racism is racism. Do I think Nick is racist? NO. I do think his actions are insulting. This is 2104 Nick, bad judgement. But then again, he used to date Kim Kardashian so that tells you a bit about his judgement…
“reverse domestic violence” LOL!!
Exactly, racism is racism. The term “reverse racism” is just stupid.
ITA @idk
Yuppers. Can I get an “ugh”?
Looks like Shaun White. Nah, not offensive, but that clip wasn’t all that funny, either.
No one will ever top Eddie Murphy going “undercover” on SNL.
Yes, that is what I thought too that is Shaun White. I just feel bad for Nick being married and having children with that monster diva brat wife. If course he must have known what he was getting in too but the same sympathy I have for Katie Holmes mistakes I have for him.
Spot on about the Tom Katie Nick mariah parallels. Tom and Mariah do seem similar. I just hope Tom never ever puts out a Christmas album.
lmao…that was one of the FUNNIEST SNL skits ever.
and he’s the only person I’ve ever seen that was a “believable” white person. the wayans bros in that dumb movie also looked freaky (like Cannon does above).
That’s a horrible wig!! Seriously, it’s really fake.. They did a great job with his hands, but they should have changed the shape of his nose. He looks more like an albino than a white guy because of it, IMO.
Eddie Murphy did a good job playing white characters in “Coming to America”. The hair and make up was better and they used prosthetics to alter the contours of his face.
Coming to America is one of the best movies ever.
“what do you know from funny, ya bastard?”
Sexual Chocolate!!!
*drops microphone, exits stage left*
“you ain’t never met Martin Luther the King!”
*just let your sooouulll gloooww, just let it shines through*. Coming to America is one of my favorite movies ever.
My name is Peaches and I’m the best!
“When you think of garbage, think of Akeem.”
Saul: Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait, stop right there. Listen. Stop right there a minute. A man goes into a restaurant. You listenin’? A man goes into a restaurant. He sits down, he’s havin’ a bowl of soup. He says to the waiter; “Waiter, come taste the soup.” Waiter says; “Is there something wrong with the soup?” He says; “Taste the soup.” He says; “Is there something wrong with the soup? Is the soup too hot?” He says; “Will you taste the soup?”, “What’s wrong is the soup to cold?”, “Will you just taste the soup?”, “All right, I’ll taste the soup. Where’s the spoon?”, “Ah-ha!”
Saul: “Ah-ha!”
[he laughs, but no one else does]
Saul: What do you know from funny, ya bastard?
I only got that joke after seeing it a second time. It went over a lot of people’s head.
AND written by a white man.
Offensive. I’m sorry.
When a white person (Julianne Hough) did this for Halloween, she had to issue a statement and we all thought she was insensitive. This is the same thing. I want a statement. So sick of double standards.
@ Nicole, I agree 100 % This actually BS in my opinion
Oh here go hell come.
LOL!
I completely agree.
Generally subjugated other races has been carried out by “white” people and when “white” people dress up as Asians, black, indian people, it brings forward negative and dark history.
To me it’s not the same because we have no history of black people systematically oppressing and enslaving white people.
Thats not entirely true…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/white_slaves_01.shtml
Obviously the slave trade in America was far larger, but saying that there was no white slavery is untrue. Telling people what race issues they can be offended by and which they cant is also very ironic. No one should be able to tell a black person what they can be offended by, equally no one should be able to tell a white/hispanic/asian etc what they can be offended by. Thats only fair and equal.
Spainards were the ones that traveled to Africa first and began the slave trade. Then America got involved. Prior to that countries enslaved their own people. No race has not been the property of another at some point in time.
Not a double standard. “White Face” was never used to belittle or demean white folks.
Exactly. Please learn your history. We find blackface offensive because of the historical connotations. Keep wanting that statement as long as you like.
Vangroovey thanks for pointing this out and saving the rest of us the trouble. But I’ll add that this is satire. The whole point is to turn the tables and make you think about what this feels like. He’s not not trying to demean and belittle white people. Or own their history and experience.
This is comedy/satire not an insensitive misappropriation of another’s cultural identity. Not to mention a rat bastard reminder of a brutally painful not too distant past. I think anyone who cries double standard or reverse racism about whiteface at this point are desperate for a platform and can not possibly believe it.
So if it wasn’t used ‘historically’, it’s ok to use ‘presently’ to belittle and demean people? I’m not arguing and not really sure of my stance – I’m asking a genuine question to understand why people are for it in present context.
So belittling in the present is ok…?
You call it belittling but it is just comic. That doesn’t make it classy or artistic but it isn’t the same as racist mockery. There is an obvious difference.
I agree with most others here. I’m waiting for a comment on “The Plight of the White Man” – they’re such a tragic people.
I don’t know if we have any South African posters, but I wonder if the white people there complain about “reverse racism” post-Apartheid.
mayamae – Yep, some of them do. And here in the good ole U.S. plenty of men complain of reverse sexism. Funny, but any time someone qualifies one of these isms as “reverse” they generally aren’t too concerned about prejudice that impacts anyone but them. Meanwhile, I think the vast majority of people on this site, regardless of ethnicity or gender, are generally sensitive to discrimination as a concept beyond when it impacts them personally. That’s one thing I like about this site.
@bettyrose – me too.
I don’t find this to be offensive. I also don’t find it funny.
As for the argument at hand: There was no time in history where “whiteface” was used to mock and demean white people. Period. Double standard? Yea, right. Because white people have dealt with soooo much oppression because of the color of their skin.
I agree with you! Maybe this will make white people realize how demeaning blackface is. There is no double standard here at all. White people have never had to deal with oppression.
maybe people just shouldn’t dress up as other races? i get that blackface has stronger ties to oppression but is oppression the standard used to determine how offensive something is? i understand how offensive blackface is, i would never do it. but i do remember thinking when white chicks came out, it was funny that there was no uproar about them dressing as white people but if it had been white people dressing up as black people, there would have been a major uproar. and i doubt julianne knew the offensiveness of blackface, yet she was crucified for her mistake. no one is saying the two are equal, but just don’t dress up as another race. it might be offensive to someone and that’s what matters. im not offended by what nick cannon did, it was obviously a joke. but innocent intentions didn’t save julianne so why should he get a pass? i think that’s what people mean by equal treatment. they’re not saying it’s as offensive. but people should have respect for all races/cultures.
@snowflake. These are pretty much my thoughts, I’m not here for race-bending, whitewashing, black-facing, or whitefacing. How about we all just sit down and stop.
The way to deal with past oppression isnt to then so exactly the same in the present, but call it ‘satire’. Wasnt that what blackface was in the first place? That will fix nothing. And to say that white skinned humans have never faced any kind of oppression is untrue. Every race has faced oppression, we need to work together and no fight about ‘how had it worse’. Thats not going to move anything forward, just create more tension.
Arch
Blackface was never intended as a satirical commentary on black people according to the modern understanding of the word satire. It was a farcical theatrical bastardization of the features/affect/speech/mannerisms of another culture meant to lampoon, denigrate and subjugate it to those of whites. I refuse to believe you can’t understand this.
meh. I thought it was funny…
But I’m indifferent to any race dressing up as another and playing on what we all know are ridiculous stereotypes in the name of comedy.
Lol. How anybody would be offended by this is just beyond me.
exactly! julianne hough didn’t mean it in an offensive way, but she didn’t get a pass.
Demanding an apologetic statement is offensive…c’mon!
And she dressed up FOR HALLOWEEN!!! She wasn’t trying to make money by mocking another race. HELLO!!!
Here’s my entire issue with this argument: White people that make this argument are offended by the EXCLUSION not by the act itself. Same goes with the use of the n-word. Do I agree with Nick’s actions? No. But white people don’t see “racism” they see exclusion. And that’s the real issue. White people feel discriminated against. And guess what? Welcome to the party. Once again, I don’t agree with Nick’s actions, but it’ll be a cold day in hell before I feel bad for a White person because they can’t dress up in Blackface, say the N-word, etc.
That sounded very harsh, and I have no issues with White people, but the “reverse racism” argument bothers me to no end. First off, it’s not real. And two, it’s just ignorant. But people have just latched on to it and are holding on for dear life.
Its no big deal, But I have to say that Its not in good taste at all, I mean I am Not white , But I just don’t find it amusing, plus! He Looks Asian …. not White.
Exactly what I was about to say, he looks Asian. I don’t know this guy, never heard of him. Maybe he really is part Asian.
I don’t think whiteface is the same thing as blackface. It doesn’t have the same painful history or any history that I know of. I actually think the concept of music white people like is funny, though I haven’t heard any of it. But I still don’t think you should do it, because, you watch, dozens of people will say, “no fair! If they can do it why can’t we? Double standard! Reverse discrimination! Why is it only racism when white people do it?” And other people will take time and great pains to explain the difference, and why blackface is hurtful, but they’ll come back with some response like, “right, only white people are prejudiced.” And it’s exhausting and gets everyone upset and brings out the worst in people. So thanks a lot, Nick.
“like”
I agree, it’s a totally different matter without the history of oppression and racism. But that being said, with all the attention blackface has received lately (Julianne Hough, etc), it seems wiser to avoid this all together.
Exactly everything you said. It’s why I didn’t write a comment. Because I just can’t with some people.
THIS. But like I said upthread, those comments are inevitable.
I hear what you’re saying but in this instance it doesn’t bother me. Maybe I’m naive in thinking people will see it for the humor and not get caught up in playing the race card. Because, like you said, whiteface is most definitely not the same as blackface.
Thanks GoodNames for expressing this so perfectly.
And wasn’t blackface so terrible because it was reducing those with dark skin to charactures out of hate and ignorance?
I just can’t see how this is really offensive since it was done without hate. But I also though JH’s “crazy eyes” costume wasn’t offensive either. She didn’t create the character. Just dressed up like a popular character from a popular show for halloween
@Florc…I agree with you 100%…Most young people today don’t have a clue about the history of blackface…JH’s crazy eyes costume was just her dressing up as a pop culture figure for Halloween…I truly don’t think she meant anything offensive although I understand the controversy…I’m white and my sons hero’s are Michael Jordan, Muhammed Ali, Tupac, and Eminem (I know Eminem isn’t black) I’m just so happy that his heros are both black and white…I really pray that we are getting to the point where, we just see people…I truly believe that the younger generation is getting closer and closer to this place…
x1000
Agree MrsBPitt
Once race doesn’t matter progress is made. That this is an issue that is comparable (imo) to gay celebs coming out. Why does it matter?
As long as someone’s motives aren’t hate driven no one should be raising any issues with it.
People just hear “insert color”face and freak out for the sake of freaking out.
Agreed – in no way comparable to blackface, but if I were in his position, I don’t think I’d choose to do it.
I do have to give credit to the makeup artist, though he looks creepy, the makeup is well done.
+ 1 million. It’s not funny but it’s not the equivalent of blackface either. I’m not even american and I know why it’s different.
I don’t care about the “whiteface”, but if a white person came out with an album titled party music for black folks then yea everyone would be up in arms calling that person a racist, which isn’t right. Nick Cannon might not be doing something completely racist, but it’s in very poor taste. A famous white person could never get away with making an album mocking another race and yes Nick Cannon is mocking a race and just because whites don’t have a history of being oppressed doesn’t make it ok to do so.
White people get away with a lot of things that black and PoC don’t.
Why would I be offended. I am admiring the make-up work.
Its better than the Wayans brothers (2nd Gen) in White Chicks…which still gives me night terrors.
That was the worst! horrifying!
Dressing up as another race is always a bad idea – but who are these people saying whiteface is comparable to blackface?!?
Racists.
Yes! They are not comparable in any way. White people have never been oppressed.
No white people have not been oppressed in the US, but that is not a factual comment. There is a world outside of the US you know.
Please don’t say that white people have never been oppressed. It’s not factual.
That being said, blackface is never OK. The history behind blackface was to mock, belittle, demean. People who engaged in blackface often depicted the black man or woman as “less than.”
White face is just silly. Yes, it can be used to mock, but not in the same cruel standard that blackface has been.
“like”
No one is really comparing just saying why do people rip into the woman for going blackface for halloween but when Nick Cannon goes white face, it’s super duper hilarious and any one who complains is an uptight white person who needs to check their privilege. The white face doesn’t bother me but just because someone complains it’s doesn’t mean they’re saying white people are being oppressed it’s just people jumping to conclusions.
it’s a similar situation to when every jumped down Chelsea Handlers throat for her jokes but no one does the same when a black comedian rips on other races. Or when Spike Lee went on his racist rant, no one said anything but if it was Clint Eastwood he’d have to give back his oscar and he’d be called a crusty old man.
Ricky Gervais:
“Just because you’re offended, doesn’t mean you’re right…”
So right northernGirl_20. People dont realise that this may offend people outside of the US. White people have been oppressed in other areas of the world and this is offensive in those situations. Its not just the US where this applies. Making sweeping statements about an entire race is a race issue, and wrong to do. Isnt it this attitude that began all this in the first place? If you cant dress up as one race, you shouldnt dress up as any. There is no privilege to be had here, just equality. Unless you want to be hypocritical.
Also, its very unfunny.
@ParanormalGirl, I agree with what you’re saying. The US does have a shameful history with the way it treated Irish immigrants. The difference is, as abysmally as the Irish (and other immigrants) were treated, they were at least considered sentient humans, unlike the slaves.
You win the nets today for encapsulating it all so well.
It’s neither offensive or funny. He’s much better looking as a black man, I’ll say that much.
Sadly, contrary to his hopes, he is neither offensive nor funny. Freaky looking though. I can’t figure why he looks so different with a different skin color…..
Meh, not offensive.
Not offensive to me, I think it’s pretty funny. He pretty much skewers my 20-something nephews.
Although I’d have to correct him on one thing — people who like beer pong are probably not the same types who are spending their time at farmers’ markets, lol.
Agreed. This white girl loves farmers’ markets but has NO idea what beer pong even is…
I am! I like beer pong and farmers markets. 🙂
I’m not offended by this, but I won’t dismiss anyone else’s feelings if they are.
try again Nick
Dave Chappelle did it better Nick and was fall out of your seat funny. Better luck next time.
Is he doing whiteface to be funny, or to legitimately promote an album that he hopes people will buy?
Either way, I think the whole whiteface/blackface thing that celebrities do nowadays has officially gotten old and they all need to stop. It just seems like a ridiculous cry for attention at this point in time.
Whats wrong with farmers markets? We have tons of them and they really are the best place to get you fruits, veggies and even meats. We have a lot of Amish stands at them and you cant beat their freshness and prices, stuff is like 1/2 the price that you would pay in a regular market.
That said, I think this is soo tacky, I doubt many will even make a stink about it b/c he just looks and sounds lame. I would never have known that was him if his name wasnt in the article.
Hahaha…that’s the only thing I took an “issue” with (not really) : farmers markets??!
Yeah, who wants fresh, locally grown produce anyway??! I want my veggies shipped in from South America!!!! Take that, hard working farmers!!!
Do you ever watch Portlandia? This is the same kind of parody, imo. I love farmer’s markets too but they have become part of a stereotype, like it or not, that tends to skew white.
Ha.
Other races appreciate farmers markets, unfortunately they’re just not as widely available in urban neighborhoods due to food deserts (google it) and other forms of systematic racism/oppression in certain neighborhoods.
It’s far cheaper to put liquor stores and cheap 7/11-type stores on every corner of an inner city than to install a nice supermarket or farmers market. And big business owners don’t want to take on the financial risk of trying something new and different even though studies have shown that the very few farmers markets available in inner cities have been overwhelmingly successful on many levels.
Place matters and race is a definite factor in where we live and what we have access to.
Yeah…I didn’t bring “race” into this lighthearted (?) discussion about FARMERS MARKETS. Just saying I love them. End of discussion.
This post is entirely about race so my comment is relevant.
Relax. Jay-sus.
They’re boring?
So the supermarket is exciting?
1) Makeup artist did a pretty good job, really. I didn’t recognize him at all at first.
2) Nick Canon is on the music scene?
3) I agree with the sentiment of it being a terrible idea, but not anywhere near the same as blackface. It’s a bad idea because it’s going to get people fighting, and also because he wasn’t super funny.
It may not have the same history as blackface but the intention is the same. To laugh at the idea of someone becoming or mimicing something they are not. Im not personally offended by this concept and the pictures made me laugh but its a bit of a double standard.
I agree – the intention is the same to laugh at someone mimicking something they are not. Comedians do it through accents, religion, wealth – a wide array of things. Either way I don’t find it offensive, the world is just too hung up on what is “right”. For those who claim white people were never oppressed maybe take a look at world history – white people have been enslaved too. It’s in every cultures history – we should all learn from it and rise above and move on.
@Nikki I know that White people have been oppressed. This is what I said I wasn’t going to get into up thread but oh well.
I think people have forgotten or probably don’t remember that Jewish and Italians were not considered pure White at one time and were treated just as bad as Black people around the 1890’s in NYC. If you don’t believe me read Jacob Riis’s “How The Other Half Lived.” In it he talks about the tenements and the different classes of people. So yes, I know that there were Whites who were oppressed. I also believe that White people don’t hold the monopoly over racism, they just happen to be on a much larger scale.
I also know that Black Africans had Black African slaves. Some would argue that that’s where White people actually got the idea of slavery from.
There was also “Irish and dogs need not apply” in NYC.
I mentioned world history – NOT just NYC and America. I am well versed in world history and as such am more than aware of many cases on large scales where whites were oppressed/enslaved. I understand that most people here solely concentrate on American history and for that reason there are many uninformed comments and that is a shame. BUT everyone is entitled to feel how they do. A great American said “I am prejudice against all races” meh who I am to argue, I feel how I feel – just like everyone else.
A shame that he is not funny in the slightest.
“It may not have the same history as blackface but the intention is the same. To laugh at the idea of someone becoming or mimicing something they are not.”
But the minstrel shows were to demean Blacks and showcase how unattractive, stupid and ignorant White people thought Black people were. Nick is not trying to demean anyone.
I don’t recall which talk show it was but this Black man went undercover as a White man and noticed the different treatment he received when people thought he was White. That just goes to show that racist actions may have been outlawed in America but prejudice is alive and well.
Nick is trying to make fun of white people, and that’s 100% OK with me.
Was it the Tyra Banks Show? I think he had some real issues with being a black male and desperately wanted to become white so they “made him up” for the day.
@Lindy, I don’t think Nick’s trying to make fun of white people. I’m seeing this a lot differently than most here. I think Nick is making fun of the middle class white boys (who are the main consumers of hip hop) who try to dress *ghetto and act like hard asses, and who seem to think they share in the oppressed experience and resulting anger. I know I make fun of them.
*I realize “ghetto” is an offensive term, but I think that’s how these guys interpret it.
of course it’s not as bad as blackface done in the old days, but equal standards should apply. if you’re gonna get mad b/c julianne hough dresses in blackface ( i doubt she would have done it if she had known how offensive it was) than you should have a problem with whiteface.
+ 100
But how dense do you have to be to not know how offensive black face is? “it happened in the old days and I wasn’t aware” is not a valid excuse.
I love love love comedians who make fun of everyone’s stereotypes (Dave Chapelle!!). It’s when someone does it to be racist that it should be considered offensive (Hough did it for??? Offensive). I’m Mexican, and I embrace comedic humor and punches at our stereotypes. It’s funny. Make it outside of a humorous context and it’s racist. Julianne Hough did blackface to be relevant (siiiiiigh that one…), not as a comedy skit, and that is offensive. Thoughts?
I don’t know. What hough did was a mess but I really don’t think she intended to offend. Whereas so many comedians purposely try and get a rise out of people. The whole subject is messy. My favourite school lesson is that there is no race we are all just human.
Come on, I agree with Mouse; Hough didn’t do it to be offensive. Not everything a White person do or say is becasue they are racist.
yeah, hough didn’t do it intenionally to be racist, you really think she’s that stupid? she was dressing up as a character in a tv show
I never said anything about “everything a White person do or say is becasue they are racist.” All I said things that are meant for comedic context are going to be funny to some, and to others, not so much. Some people prefer SNL comedy, others prefer more raw styles. There is not very much subtext in my intention there.
I bet I could dress like Bey, make my hair big and flowy like Bey, and people would say, “Oh, shelled, sequined, and cinched in leotard, complete with some character heels, three sets of nylons, hair made for a wind machine to make love to and a surfboard coffee mug? How Beyonce of you, Daaahling, but let the Queen B handle that on her own, m’kay?” I wouldn’t need to paint my face to get that point across. Back to Nick: He is making fun of a White stereotype. He probably could (should) have gone without the paint, but no one stopped him, right? Someone stopped Julianne! LMAO
He doesn’t look white, he just looks a lighter shade of black. Like that Nigerian woman who promotes her own bleaching skin-cream. To be offended by Nick Cannon I would first need to care about Nick Cannon, so meh.
he Forgot #yogapants #pumpkinSpicedLate But since he is all not that funny I understand the oversight… This is not so much funny as it is creepy?
I’m not white and I luuurve pumpkin spice lattes…I’m offended! Ha ha ha 🙂
God, I love my yoga pants and hate pumpkin spiced Latte
White face is NOT the same as black face. I am not offended, he’s just a giant cornball and looks stupid/creepy
You summed it up perfectly! Wish I had been this succinct with my comment lol
……
no it’s not, but it’s stupid. and in these days of delicate race relations, maybe people should rethink dressing up as a different race.
+ 1
plus he looks like carrot top and when is that ever ok?
I just don’t think it is a very good makeup job. Seen better makeup on Rupaul’s drag race. That aside I wonder as a black man how Nick feels about “blackface”? Also wonder how Mariah feels about it? She has spoken in the past about growing up biracial and the ignorant comments.
Racism is a serious topic that needs to be discussed and yes some people may think joking about words etc… takes the sting out of hurtful comments or actions. But does any of that mean anything to a child who gets called names in the schoolyard? Words still hurt
It’s just a weird thing to do. I’m not offended but I don’t see the point.
Agreed. I don’t find this racially offensive (I’m white), but for the record I find it tacky as hell and in poor judgment when one race dresses up or goes as another race. It seems obvious he’s on the prowl for attention and thought being “controversial” would be a great marketing ploy.
With so many other marketing options and access to some of the best people in the business, I just find it bizarre that this was marketing plan they selected.
That being said: I do enjoy my excellent credit and farmer’s markets (the one I used to go to had the BEST ice cream bars and these crazy food trucks).
Farmer’s markets are where it’s at 🙂
I’ve seen many different cultures shopping at Farmer’s Markets, it’s not just a “white” thing.
I don’t know why he said things like good credit and Farmer’s markets. Many White Americans have bad credit and don’t have access to Farmer’s markets or go there if they do. Just like plenty of Black Americans have good credit and go to Farmer’s markets. Maybe he doesn’t spend enough time with middle class Whites.
@TC – who knows why he picked things like Farmers Markets and credit scores. It’s an odd, varied list. It sounds like it came straight from the website “stuff white people like”. Again, I’m more surprised that he used tactic to market his new album.
@IDK – I don’t think white people have the corner market on anything he mentioned / hashtagged. If he really wanted to bring out the big guns he would have mentioned #yogapants, #starbucks, #bangs, #orangetans
I agree with “orange tans” but I have seen women of almost all cultures wear yoga pants, drink starbucks, and rock bangs.
I agree that women of all cultures do these things (including the orange tans) – these are just generalizations that tend to get cast on white women (especially college aged / 20’s something white women). It doesn’t mean that only white women do these things, just that they’ve been grouped together as doing so.
I know plenty of women who are great at math, but who has the reputation for being good at math – men. It doesn’t mean that women aren’t good at math, just that men have been generalized at being good in math.
I can’t say I’m ‘offended’, but you’d think with the very strict ‘no white person pretending to be black’ that they would just dismiss the idea of dressing as a white person out of respect for what they expect from white people when it comes to dressing up as a different race.
“see, we’re not dressing up as other races, don’t dress us as a black person”
hypocritical more than offensive in my opinion.
i also don’t think it’s that funny. i think a black comedian talking about ‘white people stuff’ is pretty funny, but do you have to dress up to do that?
There was actually one case in which I found the make-up justified, since it fit into the video – for those who understand french (or can find the translation into english), it’s the song “J’suis blanc” by Kamini. He uses it to talk about the difference in treatment black and white people get in France.
exactly!!
offencive and racist. Douchebag
First of all, I don’t think the make-up job was that great. He stills looks like Nick Cannon to me.
Is it white face racist?Yes, depending on what the intent is. No there might not be the history like there is with black face. But it’s racist no matter what if you’re doing it to make fun of another person’s race/culture.
I agree…It’s flaunting/taunting that I can do it but you can’t. It’s disrespectful & in extremely poor taste. You are supposed to treat others how you want to be treated.
@ cecilia yes!!!!! this is what i am trying to say!!!!!! no its not equal! but still, treat others as you want to be treated!
Agreed…
There is no such thing as “reverse racism”.
There is only racism.
American racism isn’t the only racism that exists. I’d love black people to explain to me how this isn’t offensive to, say, South Afrikaners who are routinely murdered by the black majority for no reason other than being white?
Look, it’s actually been labeled a genocide by experts who know more about genocide than you ever will: http://www.genocidewatch.org/southafrica.html
But, “Oh no!” you will say. “That didn’t happen heeerreeee! Minstrel shows! Slavery! ”
So what? South Africans did worse things to their black majority and now their innocent descendants are being murdered as old people laying in their beds. But I bet you think that’s okay. Because “reverse racism” doesn’t exist. They deserve it, right?
They are still humans. Enough of this “reverse racism” bull$#!t. It’s just racism.
YES
Ireland is another country that had racism for many years.
I think most people on this site are well aware that racism exist outside of America; I know I do. I tend to disagree with people who say it’s ok for Blacks to use the N word because they are taking back the power that word use to have. Or, they use it as a term of endearment. Most of the time when I hear Blacks using the Nword it is out of anger, how is that taking back power.
Black Africans had other Black Africans as slaves. I’m fully aware of that. I’m not fond of the argument that Black’s can’t be racist becasue they lack the power that comes with racism. Yes, Blacks can be racist and as I already said White people do not own the monopoly on racism. There are Black people with power and have used that power to discriminate against their own race as well as other races. Whites just have a higher percentage of power when you look at it on a broader scale.
I’m Black and when I defended Brandi saying that she wasn’t racist, just stupid people on this site were offended. We need to stop trying to call a White person racist because of offensive stupid comments they make when Blacks are allowed to do the same thing. Brandi is not racist and neither is Hough. Stupidty does not equal racism.
If you check back, I want you to know that I love your posts here. Actually, I look forward to all your posts because they are so thoughtful. You keep on keeping on, I’ll bet many lurkers feel like I do about such concise, thoughtful posting.
I haven’t posted lately due to an unavoidable mass of personal issue but I still lurk. I hope soon to be able to contribute. In the meantime, keep up the good work 🙂
Yes yes yes .. Awesome +100
Is what you describe racism or revenge for past oppression? There is a difference.
Are you kidding? Do black people today in the US “take revenge” on any random white person because of what happened two hundred years ago? Blaming all people of one race for actions in the past is not right. My family is relatively new to this country and while I feel horrible for what early white settlers did to the Native Americans, any hate toward me just because I am white is entirely unfounded.
you cant criticize other people for doing the same thing you do. so this is not helping because he will be used as an example when someone does blackface. i dont know how people can really say white people have never been opressed. in american history maybe not but there is a whole planet out there.
people who care about peaceful race relationships wont like what Nick Cannon did.
i dont know how people can really say white people have never been opressed. in american history maybe not but there is a whole planet out there.
Yes even in the good old USA White people have been oppressed. It’s just not discussed as much as oppression that took place with Blacks. I would go as far as saying that perhaps the older white generation in America doesn’t want to be reminded of how they treated people with their same skin color. Maybe that’s why it’s not taught in most schools. That’s why I have always been a fan of progressive learning. You learn by doing, you learn by going out and researching things for yourself. You don’t just stick to the traditional curriculum that has been handed down year after year with the same old material where you only learn what they want you to know.
@V4real- Loving all of your comments on this.
Nick Cannon isn’t funny. Full stop. Blackface isn’t funny. Whiteface isn’t funny. So called comedians do this when they run out of ideas. He needs to go back to his crazy wife and his kids.
I totally agree with Michael K:
“And now thanks to Nick Cannon’s dumb stunt, Fox News will present a 10-part series on REVERSE RACISM!!! Thanks, Nick Cannon.”
Hahaha
I don’t care about the whiteface or blackface for that matter. Stupid is stupid and he looks plain stupid.
Is Nick Cannon actually considered funny? Other than that show on MTV he did years ago, which really struggled to be funny, in my opinion, I have never known him to be exactly a terribly funny guy.
He needs to atep up his wig game though. Maybe he could ask Mimi for an increase in his weekly allowance.
I have to agree that the lesson from this particular instance is “treat others how you want to be treated.” The point is not to sit here and pick apart what is more offensive than another thing, because perception is reality. I understand that there is a painful and oppressive history behind blackface, and in no way am I advocating for it, or for anyone dressing up as another race as a way of mocking stereotypes. But everything will offend someone, it’s a personal perspective. The point is that you cannot demand a certain respect from a group of people and then turn around and do exactly what you ask them not to do because that action offends you. As was said up thread, not racist, but extremely hypocrital, and it opens doors that should just be closed once and for all. As far as “white people have never been oppressed,” you cannot generalize any entire group of people. All groups of humans have been oppressed in some way, shape or from at some time in history, whether it was on a racial basis or not. We are all humans here. And if the goal is equality, should we not all be held to the same standards of decency and respect?
wonderful, empathetic post! thank you.
+10,000
” And if the goal is equality, should we not all be held to the same standards of decency and respect?”
Yes, this, very much. Thank you.
I couldn’t agree more! My brother in law ( who is black and went through hell to be with my sister, yet now are happily married with two kids) said it best when he said ” I am tired of people making racism relevant. It happened long ago and in order to grow and mature as people we need to put old feelings aside and accept people for who they are, not what color. There deeds are should what they should be judged for not their color. “. I adore my BIL and was always his biggest supporter.
Your BIL sounds very nice, but racism did not “happen long ago.” It’s still happening, and I think it’s unreasonable to ask black people to get over blackface when people are STILL doing it.
I am unable to understand why white people can’t simply acknowledge that the black experience in the United States has been different than the white experience, generally speaking, and that blackface was aimed at black people, and white people do not have a similar history with it. Why does it turn into a competition? Why can’t we just admit that this is an act that was committed against black people, and it was mean and wrong? Why does it have to about ,”well, people were mean to white people, too, sometimes?” Yes they were. What does that have to do with blackface? Is it asking so much that we acknowledge the cruelty of it and stop doing it?
Terrific statement by your BIL!! Totally agree with him!! He sounds like a real wonderful human being!! We need more like him in this crazy world!!
Thank-you, Goodnames. I don’t understand it either– I mean, really. I think his costume is lame and attention-seeking, I think 30 Rock did this better and I think Nick looks ashy as all get out (as opposed to white) and I’m well aware of the discrimination that whites have experienced (you know, because of those eleven ‘White History Months’ incorporated into Canadian/American school curricula), but if the people who think it’s the same could switch places for a day I guarantee they would be crumpled by the weight of their previous naivety. A stupid costume, no doubt and I don’t know why an allegedly grown man would engage in this kind of juvenile and well-trod silliness, but it’s reverse nothing. Some things are what they are and trying to qualify them with ‘yeah, but’ is inappropriate. Acknowledging that doesn’t mean that black people are trying to start some kind of race war or claim that oppression is a uniquely black experience, it means that people don’t want their experience diminished by having some benevolent force ‘teach’ us why we’re wrong about our own narrative. And let’s not pretend that blacks (who are definitely better of today than 200 years ago) and say, the Irish, who definitely have been royally screwed over (literally and figuratively) for centuries are at this moment on an even ground with blacks in North America today. We can have mutual compassion without writing fiction.
I’m white and this doesn’t offend me one bit.
Its not offensive to me the same way black face is not offensive to me– but, if one is wrong, the other is also wrong. If a black person whines about it, how dare a black person wear white face! In THAT sense, it is highly offensive because its a deliberate poke at a sensitive issue and its playing the card that “people wont mind” although its blatantly biased. No double standards in my book, so -1 for the ignorance, -1 for the intentional controversy, -1 for the insensitivity, -1 for assuming the white public is lazy, and +1 to the makeup artist.
I don’t mind blackface / whiteface / asianface / etc if it’s not meant to make fun of a culture, like white men playing Othello or Halle Berry in Cloud Atlas, etc. Otherwize I’m not offended, but find it really tacky and not funny.
if you find it tacky, then you are offended
I don’t think it means the same thing, I’m french so I’m not sure. I found it classless, but I don’t really care about it either.
Just like the yellowface in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, still believe the original novel is better (without the hollywood ending), the movie has it charms, but the Mickey Rooney part was so unnecessary and dumb, I can get over it, but this just come out as cheap humor.
OMG!!! I had no idea that was Nick Cannon in that pic. If it’s Nick Cannon, I doubt he’s being offensive in his skit. I do have to say that I’m black and I love a Farmer’s Market but I hardly ever see any other black people there shopping so that was funny.
Nick Cannon is the first person to call out someone for racism. He called out Chelsea Handler, Eminem, and even Google (during Black History month). Were his complaints warranted? I don’t know…but now he goes and does this? I am sure this will offend some people. If you’re truly “against racism”, you should be against all forms of it, not just when it’s against your own ethnicity. I know with regarding “black face” you can’t compare it to “white face” but still, who are we to judge what will offend someone else? This is just a cheap way to get his new album some pr. What if it was “Chinese face” or “Mexican face” or “Indian face”…would people have a problem with it then?
Stupid definitely, offensive, I think it depends on the person.
Also nick Cannon should not be in the same paragraph as Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy (in his heyday, not Daddy Day Care Murphy).
@Snowflake honestly, I’m not comfortable with any person of one race dressing up as someone of another.
WHY? People have been pretending to be somebody else for centuries. If you have such a big issue with that, you might wanna ask yourself – why?
@ almond joy — hope you don’t think i was attacking you. i’m glad you feel that way. i agree, i think it’s offensive on either side.
I don’t get it. These are just pictures of Macklemore.
LOL ! But honestly, not all “white” people look like that, dress like that, or listen to that type of music. He is stereotyping and he’s a bit of a hypocrite if you know a bit about his twitter rant history. I’m not Caucasian, but I can see why some people would think this is kind of insulting.
What are his twitter rants? I see one that says we’re all racist, which I don’t agree with… But I don’t think this is insulting or racist.
Agreed – what twitter rants? I know almost nothing about Nick Cannon.
Also, excellent points – he is stereotyping and it is dumb (IMO). He probably thought this would be the most effective way to get the public talking about his new album. I mean think about it – well known artists don’t have to pull these kinds of stunts to get people talking. Beyonce, Taylor, Rihanna – people anticipate their album releases. Nick Cannon – I’m thinking not so much.
Blackface or Whiteface. It is the same. Racist.
WHY is “whiteface” okay, but “blackface” is not?! I’m so tired of the double standard. If one is considered racist, so should the other.
that’s the problem – NONE of this should be considered racist. It’s not unless someone is MAKING it racist and Nick isn’t . Neither did Ted Danson when he did his blackface while dating Whoopie Goldberg, who also thought it was funny.
I guess you are unaware of the huge backlash that Danson garnered.
His hashtags are ridiculous. Many people enjoy eating cream cheese and lots of people have good credit. What does ethnicity have to do with that?
It’s racist. Just because there isn’t a history of black oppression of white people in the U.S.A. doesn’t mean it’s not racist. There seems to be this perception that racism can only exist where there has previously been a power imbalance. This may serve to heighten sensitivity to racism but it is not the sole qualifying factor.
Pssst. I’ve got a secret. There are other countries outside of the U.S.A. Pass it on.
I don’t think he intended to offend anyone but I know that there would be hell to pay if it was the other way round.
What I do find sad is that racism still happens today. I think we’re all in agreement that nobody should be defined by their skin colour. This is why I don’t get it when some people say for example “white people____” or “Black people__”
It’s up to us to learn from the past but also move on and unite as one.
That’s what I think anyway
Eminem did a lot to break barriers in music (in my opinion, being played on BET and such) crossing music genre lines and not having to stoop this low, and stayed true to himself, just making good music… This just mocks all of that, I find no humor in it, just a gimmick that is trying to get people talking about his album. Would Eminem need to title an album “black people party music” no, and if He did, he would have been a horrible racist to everyone, so why is this even allowed?!
I’m white and this doesn’t offend me one bit.
What I see here happing though is a confirmation of the sad fact that black people still feel and regard themselves as a minority. “It’s official, I’m white!” – as if being white were the ultimate dream come true.
LOL. Nobody gives a shit if white people are offended.
Oh Lisa, I give a shit & from numerous comments on this thread, many others do as well.
Reminded me of that skit Eddie Murphy did on SNL years ago in whiteface. Darn funny.
World War 2. Hitler exterminated how many Jews? What was the color of their skin?
best Twitter comment:
Kyle @DJKENGLE
I don’t think Nick Cannon wearing white face is offensive, I just think Nick Cannon being a celebrity is
If the intent of the civil rights movement over the last 50 years was to establish equality, then the spirit of many of these comments indicates failure. What has been established instead of equality is a double standard for the races: Blacks are excused for inappropriate behaviour, while whites are excoriated for identical behaviour. Lauding one race over the other does not constitute equality in any way, shape, or form.
Lest I be accused of racial insensitivity, allow me to bring up the fact that women’s poor behaviour is not excused on the basis of tens of thousands of years of women having been treated as chattel. Women are expected to move on from that history, while blacks are expected to embrace theirs and remain fixated on it.
What on Earth has happened to critical thinking skills in this country?
I’m so glad all of the white people here aren’t offended. It’s hard enough with all of the systematic oppression they face.
“systematic oppression they face” – and you do?
Are you bad at detecting sarcasm?
what “systematic oppression” do you face on daily basis that makes you special unlike “white” people that are supposedly have it all?
Actually, Lisa, I think you’re bad at conveying sarcasm.
Are you saying white people aren’t allowed to be offended by things?
EDIT: If their defense to offense is to cry reverse racism, or racism? Then yeah.
Ehhh different people are offended by different things. I think this is a lame PR move to get people talking about his album. I think Nick picked a white persona because he knew it would A. get people talking and B. because he knew he would get a pass for “white face” that he wouldn’t get with going as another race.
Personally, I’m not offended. This is all a stunt and it was dumb of him to stereotype. But I think it’s a leap to tell other people what they are and are not allowed to be offended by.
Hey, if I want to be offended by bunnies in my backyard, that’s my prerogative. People are allowed to be offended by pretty much anything. I happen to be one of those people not offended by much. I just consider the source and move on.
It’s up to an individual to feel “insulted” or feel as if someone is being racist. Who are we to say otherwise? I do find it odd however, that those people who thought the news guy from KTLA was racist because he got Samuel L. Jackson confused with Laurence Fishburne, and those that found the comedian in Vienna was racist for dressing up as Kanye West, are now supporting Nick Cannon and find nothing wrong in his actions/words. These are the same folks that called Julianne Hough racist as well.
Personally, I feel Nick has become desperate. Without this “white face” antic, no one would know he had an album coming out. Let’s stop all this “white music” or “black music” crap. People can listen to whatever music they want without it being labelled as one or the other…who cares.
IM black and this racist!!! its not cool when a
white person does it and not cool when this moron does it!!!!
I’m white and I think it could be funny. I don’t know exactly what he’s doing but I thought the movie “white chicks” was very funny.
I think we all take things too personally. (and I guess it depends how someone is doing something like this.)
Wayan bros, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy all did “white face” without any issues, why should this be any more offensive? Now, C.Thomas Howell in Soulman, that’s another story.
I’ve never found him to be interesting or funny.
The “Stuff White People Like” book by Christian Lander is a funny read. It’s got over a 100 short chapters such as Coffee, Farm Markets & Traveling Abroad. When I googled the book just now it turns out he has a blog by the same name & a sequel book out! Which I’m going to buy now on Amazon!
Why don’t people aspire to act BETTER than their oppressors instead of acting just like them?
Be white and try this shit.
I’m not going to pretend it’s the same as blackface…it’s not. It has completely different implications. That all said…it’s sort of a pathetic ploy for attention I’m reluctant to give.
This is not racist it just stupid.
Personally I think their is a right way and a wrong way to “dressing up” as another race.Robert Downey Jr.’s performance in Tropic Thunder and Eddie Murphy in Coming to America are examples of the right way, both were smart are were not done to demean the other group, even White chicks was not done to demean white girls and for the most part none of these caused controversial.
Agree about Eddie and RDJ. Both were wonderful performances made with humor. Neither were demeaning.
I have never seen white chicks.
I’m a little offended at how boring he is; it’s hard to get worked up over Nick Cannon one way or the other.
Whilst I understand how some may call this racist and talk about how if it was a white person doing “black-face” that everyone would be up in arms and “think of the inequality!” and so on … the truth is that it is different when you are in the minority. It is very easy for the majority or the powerful to make light of the disenfranchised, without wanting to give offense, but they do so.
I think he’s trifling…just like his wife’s continued and desperate efforts to remain relevant.
Stupid chimp, white people don’t flash gang signs.
I think it’s Fricking funny and I’m white. You have to realize that he’s doing it for laughs. I honestly don’t think you can “offend” a white person anyway in regards to their race, we aren’t sensitive to it because WE are not the ones who have been victims of racial abuse over the years. But anyway, I digress. Just remember it’s supposed to be funny and have a laugh. Any white people that are offended by this need to get a sense of humor. LOL!
This is offensive. I don’t understand how people think this is okay. But if a white person dresses up as a black person all he’ll breaks lose.
People need to stop with the whole “blacks were treated badly in the past” YES THE PAST! we are in 2014 blacks and whites are equal now. This is wrong just as it was when Julianna hough did black face. Basically the same concept
People always say, ‘White people can’t comment on whether or not this is offensive because they’re white’ (case in point, discussions on Johnny Depp’s Tonto costume and what’shername’s blackface). So I say that only whites can decide whether or not this is offensive to us.