These are photos of Macklemore performing in Seattle (his hometown) a few nights ago. Yes, he dressed up “in costume” with a wig, beard and a fake nose. As you can imagine, it took approximately two seconds after the photos came out for everyone to ask: “For the love of God, is Macklemore dressed up as a Jewish caricature?” Twitter blew up. Seth Rogen was disgusted. It was a mess. First, Macklemore tweeted: “A fake witches nose, wig, and beard = random costume. Not my idea of a stereotype of anybody.” Then he released a longer statement:
“Family, friends and fans alike who know me well, know that I’m absolutely not the person described in certain headlines today. There is no worse feeling than being misunderstood, especially when people are hurt or offended… I thought it would be fun to dress up in a disguise and go incognito to the event, so that I could walk around unnoticed and surprise the crowd with a short performance. I picked up a bunch of fake mustaches and beards and grabbed a left over wig from our recent trip to Japan… As it turns out the fake noses they sell at the costume store are usually big (my nose didn’t fit most of them). So I ended up with a big witch nose. I went with a black beard, because that’s the furthest color from my natural hair. Disguise was the intention. I personally thought I looked very ambiguous in terms of any “type” of person. Some people there thought I looked like Ringo, some Abe Lincoln. If anything I thought I looked like Humpty Hump with a bowl cut.”
“I’ve always loved dressing up and have been doing so my entire career. The character I dressed up as on Friday had no intended cultural identity or background. I wasn’t attempting to mimic any culture, nor resemble one. A ‘Jewish stereotype’ never crossed my mind… it was surprising and disappointing that the images of a disguise were sensationalized leading to the immediate assertion that my costume was anti-Semetic. I acknowledge how the costume could, within a context of stereotyping, be ascribed to a Jewish caricature. I am here to say that it was absolutely not my intention, and unfortunately at the time I did not foresee the costume to be viewed in such regard. I’m saddened that this story, or any of my choices, would lead to any form of negativity.”
“I will let my body of work and the causes for which I’ve supported speak for themselves. I hope that anyone who may question my intent take a few moments to discover the human and artist that I strive to be. I respect all cultures and all people. I would never intentionally put down anybody for the fabric that makes them who they are. I love human beings, love originality, and… happen to love a weird outfit from time to time. I truly apologize to anybody that I may have offended. I hope this better explains the situation and my point of view.”
[From Macklemore’s website, via Us Weekly]
Do you believe him? Do you believe that people can unintentionally offend people by unknowingly dressing up as long-established offensive caricatures? Eh. I don’t know where to come down on this because I actually think Macklemore’s statement is one of the best ones I’ve read in the wake of some kind of offensive cultural appropriation/racism outbreak. But even though it was a good statement, I still think he’s an idiot for dressing up like this in the first place.
Photos courtesy of Getty.
Anybody that knows anything about Macklemore knows he did not intend to offend.
I agree. But I also think SOMEONE in his camp should have pointed out the fact that some people may be offended by his costume.
Mmmm-hmmm. Yup.
EXACTLY.
No. The fact that ANY of these people saw his getup, and immediately thought “Jewish caricature” says waaaaay more about them than it does Macklemore.
Allie, ITA.
Allie, my thoughts exactly.
But yet, people were just slamming JLaw for her comment and we know she didn’t intend to offend either.
That’s because people love to love Macklemore and love to hate JLaw.
Yes, but did Jennifer Lawrence issue a long, heartfelt explanation about her comment apologizing and explaining what her intentions were? If she did, I missed that.
Then again, really how does one explain making rape into a punch line?
How does one “accidentally” joke about rape, exactly?
You either understand that some topics are simply not funny and should be off-limits or you don’t–rape, molestation, pedophilia, domestic violence, racism–never wise to joke about it.
I get that J Law’s young (I said many a dumb shit at her age) and I don’t think she should be burned at the stake by any means, but it wouldn’t hurt for her to issue a brief apology. Or not…. but people will remember what she said, you know?
Oh I think what both camps did we’re awful, but I find it weird that she says one sentence and people hate her guts to the core, but he can dress up like that in front of the world but get by because his intentions weren’t to offend, which I believe but his action took A LOT of thought. He planned to dress up like that. I don’t think J-Law planned to use that sentence for weeks, I think it just slipped out.
I think “hate her guts to the core” is a little reaching. No one on that thread is saying that. Yes there are some people who strongly dislike her but most are just saying it was a stupid comment and she should know better.
I can’t help but feel like her fans are a little overly sensitive about her.
@Lindy79 “I can’t help but feel like her fans are a little overly sensitive about her.”
Yes. As a fan of Jennifer’s who used to be that way on this site occasionally, I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Haha ok I was a little far out with the ‘hate her guts to the core’ comment…I’m on headache meds and bitchy today lol. Oh well, ultimately I think he was pretty dumb for not once looking at himself and thinking ‘maybe this isn’t a good idea’. Either way I’ll still listen to his music, and will still watch JLaw movies even though she needs to think a little more before speaking 🙂
Yeah, like when a man I don’t like gives me shoulder rub, I call it “raping my shoulders”, and it’s not like I’m belittling rape victims.
@homegrrrl – I don’t if that was sarcasm, but in the event that it’s not, then you’re missing the point. Making jokes about rape is not only about belittling the victims but also desensitizing people to the seriousness of rape itself. Rape should not be used as a casual term or in any sort of joking, casual context. PERIOD. FULL STOP.
“Sorry you were offended.”
agreed. think it says more about what people took it as than what it says about him…it was people’s interpretation. I get the ‘misunderstanding’ but honestly, who comes up with this stuff?? if he had curls coming down the sideburns like a hesidic jew, then maybe I’d get the reaction. but not this. people need to find a better outlet for their time than getting all worked up about something like this. his hit song was all about tolerance and love for crying out loud!!
I think I believe him. He didn’t try to dress up as a Jewish stereotype. Not intentionally, at least.
I think it’s way inappropriate. It’s along the same lines as that Julianne girl, who dressed up as Crazy Eyes during Halloween.
It’s a no brainer. Stop dressing up as racist stereotypes. It’s gross, offensive and wrong.
I disagree. Clearly the costume was offensive towards Jewish people. It caused a reaction. It was a bad idea. Do I think he’s a racist? No. His record shows that he isn’t . But for anybody to dress up as something that can be construed as offensive should have enough sense and know that they shouldn’t do it.
@K, the Jewish people have always been characterized as ‘different’ than their european counterparts in Europe historically. Hence why they employed these gross and offensive caricatures (big nose, black beard, menancing look). In the height of anti-semitism, Jews were pretty much an ethnicity and a religion. Personally I think it is up to them to self-define what they are, and not up to us.
@K, you are arguing over semantics.
Following the UN definition of racial discrimination;
‘the term “racial discrimination” shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.’
http://www.hri.org/docs/ICERD66.html
In this respect, jews fall under the racial discrimination category (and not solely under ‘discrimination’, as there is a fundemental difference between ‘religious discrimination’ and ‘racial discrimination’)
Technically, we are all part of the ‘human race’. There are many definitions of race, anthropologically, scientifically, biologically, legally, etc.
BTW, each state has its own legal defintiion of racial group. In British law, a racial group is defined as “any group of people who are defined by reference to their race, colour, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origin.’
Scientifically there is one biological race in humans. Race used in this way (to differentiate types of people) is a social construct, not a scientific one.
@K, you are. I just showed you examples of how your term ‘racism’ is contested. Scientifically or ethnographic division, sure you are right. Legally, you are not correct.
Race is a very nuanced term, and as Samtha said, is a social construct. This conversation is completely irrelevant if we are talking about biologically since all humans come from the same origin, hence ‘one race’.
I am not sure about US legality, BUT if Mackelmore pulled this stunt in the UK, you can ‘legally’ define it as ‘racist’, according to British law.
@Leen
I agree about self defining.
I worked at a Jewish Country Club as a teenager and believe me, a lot of older Jewish people do not consider themselves white.
There was a huge wedding being held at the club and the chatter was about how it was a “mixed marriage”. I thought they meant he was a Christian and the bride was Jewish. Oh no, an older club member told me, “Not only is he a Christian, he is white.”
@K
You my used the etnographic division list but most of the world does not.
@K, the Jewish identity is both a religious and an ethnic one. Judaism is a religion; Jewish is a (traditionally) matrilineal ethnic group. (With the caveat that there is some complexity in how that is applied.) The argument that Jews aren’t their own ethnic group is an old one and in a lot of cases one that’s used to further antisemitism.
@K, the jewish identity is a lot more complex than simply a religion. My friend for instance is Muslim, BUT both her grandmothers were Jewish, one was an Ashkenazi jew, and the other was a Persian jew. She still identifies as Arab with jewish heritage. It’s not up to me to say that nope, she isn’t part ethnically Jewish.
My other friend’s grandmother was an Ashkenazi Jewish holocaust survivor, and although she is an atheist who was raised in a Muslim household, she feels very strongly about her part Jewish identity, because of what her grandmother went through.
And believe when I say this, even jews differentiate within themselves. I’ve seen inter-racism in Israel a lot between Mizrahi/Sephardic jews and Ashkenazi jews, a long with Ethiopian jews.
it’s a long asked question and not quite so cut and dry. here’s an example:
http://forward.com/articles/155742/jews-are-a-race-genes-reveal/?p=all
I believe him.
I grew up in an area that didn’t have a strong Jewish presence, and I didn’t really hear jokes about their community either. It wasn’t until college, when someone explained it to me, that I found out what “Drewish Princess” was in Space Balls (I still don’t fully get it, tbh). My brain didn’t see “stereotype” when I saw this costume, because that isn’t a place my brain usually goes. People don’t all have the same familiarity with all stereotypes.
@K – You are totally arguing semantics and drawing a definitive conclusion that is at odds with conventional wisdom on the subject.
Wiki: As Jews are an ethnoreligious group, antisemitism is generally considered a form of racism.
Merriam-Webster: hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.
Concise Encyclopedia: Hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious group or “race.”
He has enough goodwill and consistency of not being a jerk that I believe it was an innocent idiotic oversight–we’ve all had them.
Not a single person backstage said anything to him? I find this to be a little ignornate, especially in this day and age. Sorry.
IKR? My jaw dropped after seeing these photos.
I wondered that too.
But then I wondered if someone DID notice and was afraid THEY weould seem anti-semitic if they pointed it out? It is a huge stretch—but I’m thinking if someone arrived in my office for Halloween dressed like that…and I knew tem well enough to know that there was NO way in hell they were being anti-semitic and it was clearly just an idiotic coincidence.
Well I might feel funny saying “Hey Stew—wearing a beard with that big nose makes it look like you are making fun of Jews.” For fear he’d look at me and think “what makes YOU say that?”
Though Stew isn’t a star that is about to have the WORLD see him dressed that way–and if he were, I suppose it might be more imperative that I tell him regardless of whether it made ME uncoimfortable to say it.
Perhaps someone could have also pointed out that if you are going to dress up as a Jewish caricature, it’s probably best to choose a song other than “Thrift Shop” to sing while wearing said costume.
I believe him.
I also believe that his music is incredibly overhyped and there are way WAY more talented rappers out there right now.
*runs and hides*
+ 1, I’m right there with you
Agreed. I was so mad during the Grammys because there are many much better than him…even though ‘Ceiling can’t hold us’ is my jam lol
I’m not a Shark Face Gang stan either but speaking as a former Seattleite, the guy is hardworking, humble, all about his fans, does tons of charity work, et al. He made a poor choice and an eloquent apology. I’m so f-cking sick of ripping everyone to shreds for every. single. manuever (of which I’m equally guilty of).
*runs and hides (the vodka)*
ITA about your analysis of Macklemore.
And get back here with my vodka!!!
RE: people overanalyzing every single thing a celeb does—I’m torn on this.
I find it incredibly exhausting and over-the-top pearl-clutchy at times but I also see the value in becoming more sensitive and aware of things that upset or offend others.
I don’t know…I’m split on this…
Let’s drink vodka and mull it over…..
Can we switch to French 75’s? It’s hot as Kanye’s leather balls here.
And I was just having a (hungover) moment, I agree that there is insight to be found even on a gossip site. Back to our regularly scheduled ripping to shreds….
I agree with you all around TOK.
I think that he is probably sincere.
I think he is overrated (commerical appeal has more value than quality in music culture, sadly).
I get exhausted by the overanalyzing of every little thing, yet see how our society could benefit from greater awareness of the challenges that “others” face, whoever “other” may be.
And vodka is always a good idea. 🙂
@TheOriginalKitten
Don’t run and hide, it is the TRUTH.
Macklamore must be truly dense and his handlers dumb as a dirt fences not to have known that this particular “costume” was an offensive stereotype. He is young but damn, read a fucking history book.
I don’t believe him. He knew what he was doing but the joke fell flat and offended people so he’s now apologizing. Idiotic asshole, that’s what he is.
I really cannot wait for his 15 minutes to be up.
At least he’s owning it and not doing the usual “I’m sorry you got offended” bullshit you normally get.
I agree a real heart felt apology shows true character. It also shows his good moral fiber and, that he truly didn’t mean to harm anyone. I think Macklemore is a good guy, who got caught up in his own folly. Do I think he had an inkling that what he was doing was possibly offensive? Maybe. I just hate it when folks do offensive things , and then they behave like the people they knowingly provoke to anger or offense has a case of ” having sensitive skin.” Like what Julianne Hough did. Annoyed the hell out of me. Would have more than likely been a fan of hers if she had not done that, now not so much.
Doesn’t this say more about the people who were offended, than him. Especially given the explanation that it was a combination of several costume pieces. Honestly, if the headline wasn’t what it was, I never would have looked at the picture and thought “Jewish caricature”. I would have thought, “What kind of costume is that and why is he wearing it?”
Did you say the same thing about Julianne Hough’s black face?
“if the headline wasn’t what it was, I never would have looked at the picture and thought “Jewish caricature”.
I agree, Luciana.
Samtha, I know your comment wasn’t directed to me, but I had way different feelings about Julianne’s costume because it was a much different costume. She painted her skin. Also, I am more familiar AA stereotypes than Jewish, so perspective probably plays a large part in that.
This particular caricature of Jews has been used in propaganda to justify and support pogroms for hundreds of years now. Google “Der Stürmer Jewish caricatures,” or “jewish caricature propaganda pogroms.” It’s no less harmful or hateful than black face. And it’s a little sad if people aren’t being taught enough history to recognize stereotypes that have been around since the Crusades.
A lot of people said that “ignorance isn’t an excuse” about Julianne, and it seems hypocritical to let Macklemore slide with “well, he didn’t know.”
It is also used in some of the virulently antisemitic political cartoons in the Middle East.
Samtha, I think there is a difference between knowing a caricature exists and thinking that anything with any similarities is a version of that caricature.
I know that people of the jewish faith have been the victims of propaganda campaigns, of course I have been taught about that. At the same time, they aren’t cemented in my mind as being the only group to have large noses, etc. Logically, my mind rejects the premise of the caricature. So when I see a large nose, I don’t automatically assume that it is nod to that caricature. If there had been other aspects of the stereotype that was included, I might have more reason to believe this was intentional.
I did, and I’m not Jewish, I’m black. It’s called being insensitive when you try to get a laugh or garner attention at someone else’s expense. Although, I truly believe that Macklemore didn’t dress up in costume with hateful motives.
Sorry but I think it says something about your lack of education Luciana if you can not see what he was dressing up as almost immediately. That caricature is a commonly used one for Jewish people. I am shaking my head honestly at the amount of people not familiar with that anti-Semitic image and how it was used throughout Europe for Centuries and is now being used in much the same way in the Middle East currently.
Also, he kind of highlighted the Jewish caricature by immediately starting to sing “Thrift Shop.” Yeah. That happened. And some of you still don’t see the caricature? Really? Did he need to come out and recite Shylock’s soliloquy for you to see it?
Besides Robin Thicke, in my opinion, this fool is a desperate, needy attention whore who should know better but assumes people are too dumb or wrapped up in his “good deeds” to pay attention to this.
He is such a tool and have not liked him since his attention needy Tweet after the Grammy’s (?) saying he shouldn’t have won the award and it should have gone to someone else.
I know everyo e loves him but I do not buy what he is selling. He got caught and is now doing the celebrity back peddle.
This. You said it better than I could, so I’ll just nod and agree with you.
Thanks. 🙂
I don’t know what to think of this. I guess he could have not realized what he was putting out there visually. All I know is Seth Rogen’s tweet was the most awesomest burn. “First you tricked people into thinking you are a rapper….” LOL. Preach it, Seth!
I didn’t realize Seth Rogen was so insecure.
I agree, Courtney. Something about Rogen has always rubbed me the wrong way, not least of which is that ever-present and undeserved arrogance and apparent insecurity in doing things like this.
So since he found this offensive he’s insecure? I am deeply offended by blackface,am I insecure too? Stop making excuses for this fool.
That wig reminds me more of a medieval friar or monk costume than anything.. I totally buy his explanation. I’m as liberal as they come, but I feel like people are so freaking sensitive. Sometimes people just do things and it has nothing to do with you or anyone else. Relax.
Yeahh… it was a pretty crappy bowl cut wig, from what I could tell. I buy his apology. I think it was sincere.
As if it matters, I am Jewish. I tend to wary of the pleading “ignorance” excuse. That being said however I believe Macklomore’s custome was unintentionally offensive and was idiotic mistake. At least one of his people could of told him that this custome could be offensive. Still I have trouble believing he was that ignorant of this particular Jewish stereotype. It is well known…
You missed the part when he tweeted in response to someone asking if he’s Jew that he has “hella good Jewish friends”.
Funny how when black people said that he is exploitative,that he had ripped of a black queer rapper(LE1F) nobody cared but suddenly this makes the headlines.
I believe him. People are looking to start $hit.
whatever his intent was, the effect was a racist caricature. is he that oblivious? or doesn’t have people who look out for him? ugh.
AG – exactly. How could anyone be THAT tone deaf? Especially someone in the public eye? No one pushed him up on stage with a totally offensive bizarre appearance.
I just HATE the excuse “I didn’t mean to.” I dropped your favorite dish and broke it but I didn’t mean to. I stayed at the bar and forgot to call but I didn’t mean to. I totaled your car but I didn’t mean to. Take responsibility! If you’d been more careful/mature it would not have happened.
yes, take responsibility AND stop being an insensitive, entitled a-hole. not only him – celebrities (people?) in general. it’s like this guy, kim k talking about never having to think about race, alec baldwin spewing gay slurs etc etc etc. how big of a freaking bubble do you live in to think that nothing in the actual world affects you and you can do whatever the hell you want? or, if you don’t care, are you just a sociopath? (i’m not equating kim’s clueless statements to alec bladwin’s, not at all. their detachment from the real world and “life in a bubble made of money” seems to be similar, though.)
+1
i believe him. why? why would he do this on purpose? everyone knows that it would lead to immense consequences and loss of sales. why do it when you know you wont get anything positive out of it, only negative?
so why would he do it if he knew? nothing speaks for that. plus he isnt known to provoke with racial or ethnic stuff.
i dont know why people always assume the worst of other people.
Most people assume the best, until that person makes a racist comment or wears a costume like this. Everyone thinks we’re living in a post-racial world, when that was never, and should never be the goal.
This whole controversy is ridiculous.
People want to see racism and stereotypes everywhere!!!
Yes! And when people intentionally portray stereotypes, like Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat, everyone laughs and there’s no controversy.
I second both your comments. All this fake outrage is tiring. Careful, or we’ll all have to reach for those BP meds…
He does look like Humpty Hump with a bad bowl cut.
I want to say he’s so unimportant that this hardly warrants a response, but racism is still racism. Why are people defending this? Not trendy enough for you?
I don’t buy it. He tried to make a joke and it flopped. He’s mr PC anti hate. How could both he and everyone around him not notice that this was a classic antisemetic get-up?
I guess he didn’t apologize because so many are willing to believe them because they are convinced he must be pure of heart because he’s a gay ally. Smh.
He put this costume on specifically to sing “Thrift Shop.” He knew exactly what he was doing. It not only flopped as a joke, but offended people. I agree that people generally get offended too easily, everything is offensive these days, but I think people have a right to question his motives. He’s either dumb, in which case he should not be allowed to make these sorts of decisions, or else he’s doing this on purpose, in which case he absolutely should explain why he thought a guy singing about how cheap he is should dress exactly like a well known Jewish caricature.
Well said. Now he gets to learn why it was NOT okay. It’s the duty of people of conscience to speak out against hateful, damaging stereotypes.
Honestly I don’t know what to think about this — but Daily Beast does
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/20/macklemore-the-grammy-winning-rapper-is-a-9-11-truther-who-likes-to-play-anti-semitic-dress-up.html
Damn.
They make a good case.
Also, 9/11 “Truthers” are insane.
I don’t know what to really think anymore either, but it was interesting to see Rogen’s tweet. To me it seemed like he was making a joke, not being offended. Unless there were other tweets I missed.
The coo-coo truther thing aside, I’m leaning toward him simply being that ignorant, but as other commenters said upthread, someone among his handlers should have pointed it out to the guy
First off, the Macklemore tweet the author used is from an Immortal Technique song, ft. Eminem, Krs-One, Mos Def. Immortal is the baddest lyricist on the block, trust.
While I think the author had some very obvious valid points, it’s poor journalism to basically infer he’s kooky because he’s not buying what the government is selling, especially when you’re trying to illustrate someone’s alleged discrimination. It’s a fairly broad stroke that doesn’t allow for any discussion, and it soured the article for me.
@Esmom, I thought Seth’s tweet was funny too. I mean when Rogen doesn’t like you, he really doesn’t f-cking like you (Beiber).
The comments on that article are worth reading as well.
I’m an observant Jew, love Macklemore and think it was stupid but unintentionally offensive. I don’t think the word “Jew” crossed his mind. It’s our cultural interpretation of the big nose as a Jewish stereotype that caused the uproar. It’s not like when Prince Harry wore a nazi costume where there was absolutely no doubt at what he was posing as or the complete offensiveness it caused and deserved to cause.
Do you think it makes a difference that he was singing a song highlighting how cheap he is? Do you honestly think he said, oh, “Thrift Shop,” it’s a song about how I hate spending money and I’m a big ol’ cheapskate. What should I wear… Oh, I know, a huge schnoz and bushy black beard! Doesn’t seem quite so innocent then, does it?
This reminded me of Prince Harry’s “costume,” too. Whether the motivation was innocent or not, these public figures should experience the consequences if their actions. Those who are offended should speak out, or it continues.
Why in the hell is a grown man dressing up in costumes anyway???
Ask Lady Gaga
ROTFL!! Zing!
I’m gonna pull the “I was a fan before he was famous” card and say that this is sort of his schtick. He has been dressing up in odd costumes for his entire career so this latest disguise is not really any different than what he has done in the past. That said, I think SOMEONE in his camp should have given this outfit a little forethought. I think his apology is well worded and intelligent and far better than the “apologies” we generally see from celebrities these days.
Whaaaat. I wouldn’t look at him in that costume and think Jew. What in the what?! Sit down internet, you’re becoming way too much like JLaw on coke.
Same here. I genuinely didn’t think, “Oh, Jewish stereotype!” when I saw him in that costume. I just wondered why he was in a costume in the first place (I don’t follow his career, didn’t know this was a schtick of his).
“Sit down internet, you’re becoming way too much like JLaw on coke. ”
LOL
Just because you don’t doesn’t mean this isn’t a well known stereotype for many people that has been used throughout history and is still used in certain countries. Its incredible that people are so uneducated about racial stereotypes.
i hate all this “should have known someone would be offended” crap. i swear the hyper sensitivity of all people these days is getting really out of control. i’m over it. if i’m not doing it on purpose, its not my fault that you’re offended. that’s between you and yourself. everyone’s walking around on egg shells saying the right words, omitting others, watching what the wear or where they go on the off chance that someone might be mildly offended. get the f*ck over yourselves.
+ 1 billion
Right. Let’s toss hundreds of years of history right out the window because you’re “over it.” I’m not jewish myself, but did you know jews were restricted in some places right through the 90s?
deal with the here and now. i refuse to define myself by my past and especially the wrongs done to me. there is no point holding on to old history except to learn from it and move on.
agreed
In other words: I’m going to be ignorant and do dumb stuff and it’s up to you to deal with it because I sure as hell won’t bother trying to learn from it and better myself. Got it.
Ange, when you are able to figure out how to proceed in life doing your own thing and being yourself and never offending anyone, let me know!
Not even close to what I said. Everyone does dumb things. Not learning from the dumb things we or others do is continuing to be wilfully ignorant and shouldn’t be applauded.
So much butthurt!
The guy was trying to have some fun, be a little silly, so he put on some random costume pieces. What’s next? Are pagans/wiccans going to get their panties in a twist because he called the big ugly fake nose “a witches nose”?
I’m all for being respectful, but this political correctness on steroids is nonsense.
1+ I agree
We live in the touchiest society. People need to relax and stop looking to be offended every time someone does anything.
People are comparing this to Julianne Hough, but in her case she actually DID intend to dress up in blackface which has its historical feet in racism.
This was just Macklemore being a fool. He could have chosen a blonde wig and the reaction would have been different (and for the purposes of not offending blowhards like Seth Rogen, whose very platform is being a comedian and making jokes- some of which ARE racist- maybe he should have done that). But to interpret this as Macklemore dressing up as a Jewish caricature for the purposes of offending anyone is ridiculous and just shows how politically correct our society is right now. It’s maddening and I think it speaks way more about the people being offended than Macklemore.
So when he is about to sing a song about how he’s super cheap and won’t spend money on clothes and dresses like a cheapskate grandpa, and decides to dress as a Jewish caricature to really drive that song and its meaning home, you buy that he didn’t know EXACTLY what he was doing?
No. Enny, what I actually said was that he might have known what he was doing but that he was being a fool and didn’t intend it to be malicious. I don’t think he did it for the purposes of offending. I think it was in poor taste and not thought through by him or, remarkably, anyone on his team. People are not often as thoughtful or self-aware as we would all love for them to be. He will learn from this and be more careful until the next time he steps on another group’s toes.
I am just saying we are all hyper-sensitive about being offended every time someone purposely or unwittingly does something that wrinkles our sensibilities. And as a black/Hispanic woman I have spent a lot of time thinking about what it means for something to wrinkle my sensibilities versus offending me enough for me to react. I can’t expect to never be offended but I can cut naive fools some slack.
This was an interesting thread..lots of well-stated comments.
This is one where I remain undecided.
*throws vodka at Kitten*
I agree. As a Jew, omg-dude! I absolutely cringed when I saw him. That said-I like the guy and want to give him the benefit of the doubt.
@ OKitten:
I visited his instagram page and you’ll definitely have a different stance on anything this guy does once you’ve seen it yourself. He is vile. It was stomach churning seeing him playing with animal carcasses (stuffed animals), jocking that he gave actual dead animals to his friends (because apparently that makes him a badass) and wearing an unimaginable amount of fur (that’d give him rappers cred, perhaps?).
He’s disgusting. And that apology is a lie. He had to know what he was doing when he dressed like that. Someone downthread mentioned that was a part where he was singing a song about “saving money”. You get the picture.
God, I hate this idiot.
People get offended over anything these days. It’s so pathetic. Political Correctness has ruined a lot.
i know, it’s terrible. one can no longer be offensive without other people feeling free to call one out on that shit. what is this world coming to. *eyeroll*
I know! It is really inconsiderate for people to point out when someone is being a racist jerk. It makes the jerk feel all persecuted. Its awful.
@ Ag:
The nerve of some people, right? How dare they be offended by something CLEARLY offensive.
i just saw on dlisted that he was apparently rapping a song about saving money while dressed like this. well, this puts another wrinkle in the entire “i didn’t know i was dressed as a racist caricature” defense.
I think it would be better if he dressed up as Celine Dion and performed a concert in Vegas.
It’s hard to believe he and his people didn’t realize what he looked like — esp. singing “Thrift Shop” — but if they didn’t it’s because younger people are shockingly ignorant of history [as well as lacking English skills and other education].
They’re focused on themselves and their interests and don’t understand the world they live in, except for personal technology
They do usually have wisdom when it comes to issues like gay rights and racism.
But they don’t know a lot. Maybe he’s that dumb too.
I realize my comment will be misconstrued. .but I find it slightly disheartening that when people dress up like other races/ethnic groups(whether it be religious or not) everyone’s outraged. However, if they dress up like a vapid blonde or any other white stereotype no one cares. Its wrong period, so why is that okay?
LMAO at all the people using the stereotype of a jew liking a good deal to show exactly how offensive macklemore is.
I absolutely 100 percent believe him. Not even a doubt.
I think Macklemore was wrong, but he’s not a hate filled person and he did apologize. Lessons learned. I have to say that Seth Rogen needs to learn some humility, because he is starting to seem like a bully. He acts like his sh!t pile doesn’t stink….That comment about Macklemore dressing up like a rapper…was beyond the pale. At least, one of the men is a big enough man to apologize instead of making excuses like “I think that at the time I was offended about it, but since then… I mean, you do so much press that, odds are, you’re going to say something f*cking stupid every once in a while. Of the million things I say every day, 400 of them are stupid as hell [laughs]. “…. Katherine Heigl instance. (perez) I think Rogen is a jerk.
+1 on your Seth Rogen assessment. I couldn’t figure out how to articulate it!
It’s funny how a person’s willingness to forgive, dismiss or rationalize someone’s bad behavior is directly proportionate to how much they like or agree with the person. I can think of dozens of people who, if they had pulled the same stunt, would NOT have been given the benefit of the doubt.
You know I think for most younger people the first thing that would spring to mind when seeing that is “Arab stereotype”. I’m sorry but he does look like the stereotypical Arab and of course Jewish. But he looks more Arab than Jewish when you take in the clothes and everything. To be absolutely honest I think this is what he was going for and when he was accused of anti-Semitism he couldn’t very well say “Nah I was going for the Arab look” could he?
Who gives a shit? I will never, ever in a billion years understand why dressing up as anyone or anything offends people. We have holidays in this country where dressing up as someone or something else, (even peoples and cultures and races), is a rite. If this costume offends you, I wonder how you would feel not being able to put food in your kid’s mouths. Or what you would think watching an innocent person be gang raped. THERE ARE MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO BECOME OFFENDED ABOUT.
I’m offended by all of those things and don’t see them as necessarily equal, but I won’t hesitate to speak out on any of them.
I once went to a theme party that was “Douchebag” themed. (Haha, I know. It was funny thoug.) My girlfriend and I covered ourselves in too-dark foundation and wore bleach blonde wigs. It was supposed to look like an orange spray tan.
In retrospect, could it have looked like dark face to someone who didn’t know the context? Sure. Sure it could have. What it was wasn’t offensive – we were white girls playing white girls with orange-y fake tans – but out of context? Who knows.
I’m Jewish. The pics of this startled me. But… I believe him. No love lost. I think he’s got a good heart.