Blackface outrage

[ShiftingGears]

Surely you can't mean that?

Is it not a derogatory term?true.

No, it is not a derogatory term. It is a dumb play on words. I really would like to know how that is considered derogatory, at all.

[ShiftingGears]

I'm just trying to get a handle on why you guys seem to view it as a harmless joke.

Probably because many don't feel the need to relate it to blackface comedy that existed in the 1920's and any malice that it contained back then. I just take it at face value. To me, it is no different to a 70's tribute band donning fake moustaches.

[ShiftingGears]

Why? I think it is largely a good thing.

Sometimes it prevents people saying the blunt truth.

An example - some would argue that you can't call midgets midgets because its politically incorrect. Even though they clearly are.

[Daniel]

For what it's worth, I think those labelling Australia a racist country because of this are idiotic.

Well I think there's quite a bit of racism going on in Australia just as there is quite a bit of racism here in the UK which shows with the popularity of the BNP.

[Daniel]

Probably because many don't feel the need to relate it to blackface comedy that existed in the 1920's and any malice that it contained back then. I just take it at face value. To me, it is no different to a 70's tribute band donning fake moustaches.

Agreed. How is a white person with white skin meant to do a skit about being a black person without blacking up?

Outrage at non-events like this merely helps to lessen the outrage when something genuinely racist comes along.

[BeansBeansBeans]

Agreed. How is a white person with white skin meant to do a skit about being a black person without blacking up?

White people shouldn't be doing skits about being black.

I think they should release 'Mind Your Language' on DVD. There's obviously a market for that sort of thing down under.

[Daniel]

What's wrong with a skit about being black? As long as they don't make it negative or insulting I see no problem with it.

[BeansBeansBeans]

What's wrong with a skit about being black?

I agree with you that this forum needs a facepalm smiley.

[ShiftingGears]

What's wrong with a skit about being black? As long as they don't make it negative or insulting I see no problem with it.

I agree. People can impersonate whoever they want to.

[Daniel]

I agree. People can impersonate whoever they want to.

Yep. But it's OK for the Brits to have hugely insulting and unintelligent skits like Never met a nice South African