RACISM
Why Some White People Celebrate Halloween By Wearing Blackface
They claim it’s just a costume, but it has historical significance
“Blackness is not a costume” is an assertion numerous Black people have made. And yet, some White people have worn blackface despite its offense. Minstrel shows, which began in the 1830s, featured White actors who blackened their faces, typically using shoe polish and burnt cork to mock the physical characteristics and mannerisms of Black people. These performances rose in popularity after the Civil War. According to the Smithsonian, “these performances characterized blacks as lazy, ignorant, superstitious, hypersexual, and prone to thievery and cowardice.” They sought to codify the racial concept of whiteness by portraying Blackness “as its antithesis.” By portraying Black characters in a negative light, these shows offered a justification for their subjugation in American society.
While most now consider blackface a shameful pastime confined to the realm of Jim Crow, there are some examples of White people continuing this practice in the modern era. For instance, blackfishing refers to someone who portrays themselves as Black by changing their appearance or speech patterns. Like minstrel show actors, these performers darken their skin, typically with make-up and…
