Lewis: Take a stand against “inexcusable” blackface
It is time that we realize the significance of our actions. It is time that every person becomes conscious of the affects their behavior has on an entire community of people. I am writing about the incessant and continuous racialized demonstrations of authority and dominance presented by the entire Northwestern community and our society at large.
The most recent incident, the cause for this letter, was on the night of October 31, 2009, Halloween, where certain white members of the Northwestern community dressed up as black people. One was dressed up as a black woman, which in their specific case, while demeaning, isn’t our entire focus at this point, but is still highly problematic. The other person, in an attempt to resemble a black person, painted their entire body black. If you do not know the history of these actions, all you need to know is one word to understand the disgusting behavior that this person embodied – that word is blackface. Blackface has, surprisingly enough, been on this campus before. Two years ago a very similar incident occurred pointing to the lack of insight of the people in the Northwestern community to make a conscious movement towards combating race problems and specific instances alone.
In our modern era, the history of blackface continuously goes unnoticed and unchallenged, and I am taking this opportunity to bring it to light. It extends back to the roots of slavery where white actors would paint their faces black and lips red or white during minstrel shows to mock how the physical appearance of African-Americans. The fact that blackface is still being used points to the lack of character of not only those that took part in the despicable behavior but points to those around these people with their lack of agency, individuality and character to stand up against this person and tell them to remove their black paint.
We as a community must take the responsibility to defy the oppressive nature of our past if we are ever to move past notions of race. This act not merely was an act of discrimination or even racism, it highlights the severe need of a society to face demons of their past and present to make a new journey. Images like these not only serve to dehumanize all members of the black community at Northwestern University and abroad, but also point to the lack of respect for one’s peers and illuminates the mind state held by a multitude of people at Northwestern. The humor attempted by the situation is merely a facetious attempt to mask the underlying notions of race, and packages the disgusting behavior in a loathing, satirical state of mind, exploiting the lack of a black student body on this campus while using the advantages privilege has given certain communities on campus. It shows that first, this person lacks the conviction and grounding to recognize that there are other people at this university, and also that they feel comfortable enough -– meaning more specifically that there would be no repercussions or consequences for their actions -– to walk around and mock an entire population of people within the very closed, ignorant, arrogant, privileged world that Northwestern seems to give to its community.
We must realize that everything we do is a statement. Everyone in this community must recognize the inexcusable actions of our peers. Everyone must realize that these acts cannot be dissociated from an oppressive, racist American past or from the seeming benign racial state we live in. It is all connected.
We shouldn’t forget that a student last academic year felt the effects of racial profiling by NUPD; more importantly, that was this year, the year 2009. We shouldn’t forget the fact that there have been many other unnoticed incidents of racial discrimination on this campus for not only black men, but also with black women, Hispanic, Asian, Jewish, and Muslim peoples as well.
Everyone must take a collective stand, as progressions can’t be made if we’re separate forever.
Peace and Love,
Kellyn Lewis
Weinberg sophomore
Graduate & Alumni Liaison, Political Action Committee Co-head, For Members Only
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Read another letter about racism in the Northwestern community. Or you can return home.
As an african american, I really don’t find this that offensive. Just because blackface was once demeaning to black people doesn’t necessarily mean that anyone who uses it (especially in context of halloween) is an insensitive racist. The bigger deal we make out of things like this, the more meaning they have. thus, the lesser the likelihood that we’ll ever move past anything.
friend
November 3, 2009 at 9:08 pm
honestly… I disagree with this.
it’s Halloween.
I seriously doubt that whoever dressed up in this manner meant to “mock an entire population of people”. I strongly disagree that “everything we do is a statement”. especially on HALLOWEEN. sometimes… it’s just Halloween. does that mean the people dressing up as Mario with huge bushy moustaches are making fun of Italians? no.
maybe in the context of the past, it’s different. but I seriously doubt anyone dressing as a person of a different race this Halloween was trying to mock that race, or thinking specifically of blackface. I think whoever did this was just trying to dress up as a celebrity or character of a different race, which can be hard to pull off if you are not of that race.
I’m all for speaking out against racism, but I disagree that this situation was meant as a racist attack against the black student body.
I can’t say for sure what happened because I wasn’t there and I didn’t see it, but from what I’m guessing, this was just a stupid attempt to make a costume look more accurate.
that’s just what Halloween is about: dressing up and being ridiculous for one night. I mean, people dressed up as zombie Michael Jackson, yet that doesn’t seem to offend anyone. not to mention all the drunk skanks in “slutty _____” costumes… that offends me, can we complain about that?
sorry...
November 3, 2009 at 9:10 pm
a collective stand? against what? paint?
confused
November 3, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Many unnoticed incidents? Presuming that you noticed them, please, name a few. One for each racial/religious category would be ideal.
You must realise that not everything everyone does is a statement. Sorry. It just isn’t.
eh.
November 3, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Kellyn – (I hope you receive this criticism in stride and do not take any of these comments to be either personal attacks or perpetuated racism.)
I think that a lot of people don’t realize the historical implications of blackface. Aside from its use in theatrical representations in centuries past, I admit that I don’t even know that much (and I’m a theatre major!).
My point: It’s possible that the person/s you saw was/were, in fact, NOT trying to be insulting. I assert that they might have made the honest mistake of thinking that it was okay to put on body paint to look like they were of Afro-Caribbean descent.
Also, what is “For Members Only?” Does not sound like a group that is going to build many bridges of understanding and support around this campus…
joe
November 3, 2009 at 9:59 pm
To echo Joe’s remarks, these comments are intended to serve as constructive criticism, not personal attacks.
“[E]xploiting the lack of a black student body on this campus while using the advantages privilege has given certain communities on campus.”
- Every white student at NU comes from a background of privilege and wealth? I think that’s a pretty unfair assumption.
“Also, what is ‘For Members Only?’ Does not sound like a group that is going to build many bridges of understanding and support around this campus…”
-Agreed.
A discussion about race-related issues on this campus is great — and necessary — but until minority-based student organizations are more vigilant about inviting non-minority students to participate, discussion is futile.
I think a lot of white students would love to help address race-related problems at NU. It’s difficult to become involved, though, when you feel like you’re not welcome to contribute to the conversation.
Exclusion only fans the flames of racism. Inclusion puts out the fire.
K
November 3, 2009 at 11:25 pm
fmo is the black student association on campus. it was founded in a time when black students were severely discriminated against in much less subtle ways than they are today and needed a supportive community. it is very interested in building bridges and facilitating discussions, which is exactly why the author of this letter wrote and published it. if you care, you should check out their website, read their missions statement and see who is involved. it’s a great organization. and before accusing them of not “building bridges”, think about when the last time was that you intentionally attempted to facilitate a discussion with african american students about race issues, or “build bridges” between the communities…
minority students are very vigilent about inviting non-minority students to firesides, townhalls and forums. honestly, though, the responses that the major racial events that have occurred in my time as a student here (the racial profiling incident and this one) have not given me the impression that the non-minority community at large is interested in honest, sympathetic discussion. after i read the comments on the version of this letter printed on the daily’s website i got the impression that the non-minority community, at least as represented by those who chose to comment, is primarily defensive, insensitive and hostile. many defended the actions of those who participated in the event instead of simply aknowledging the fact that some of their classmates felt hurt and offended by what happened, and maybe they, as non-minorities, were not in the best position to understand how the incident made others feel, and should offer support and empathy instead of accusations of blowing things out of proportion…
yeah, ok, so the guys who dressed up probably didn’t do it to offend anyone, and they might not even know what blackface is (which is disturbing, but possible)… still, they did something that, intentionally or not, targeted a segment of the northwestern community and made them feel devalued, and frustrated that things like this still happen in 2009 at a school like northwestern.
also, as a minority student here, cordially invite you all to the town hall happening thursday. it’s at 6 in the louis room at norris. please come and participate in the discussion. i agree that honest discussion is the only way these issues can be addressed. please, please, please feel free to contribute to the conversation.
CJ
November 4, 2009 at 2:02 am
A) he dressed up as BOB MARLEY: NOT A MINSTREL.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there have been many recorded incidences of whites dressing up as dead reggae singers in order to mock and demean black. Hell, its highly likely this dude even likes Bob Marley (hence the costume choice). Would a search warrant to try find the “One Love” album stashed in his dorm room help to clarify this mess?
B) I am also slightly puzzled at your concerns about equality, considering you belong to a “black organization” called “FOR MEMBERS ONLY”, thats slightly exclusive isn’t it my friend?
juan b.
November 4, 2009 at 10:28 am
I would like to take a second to point out a huge logical fallacy in the argument. You state that “In our modern era, the history of blackface continuously goes unnoticed and unchallenged, and I am taking this opportunity to bring it to light.” This is true, and an ethnic group should be mindful, if not proud of its heritage. However, you also state that “progressions can’t be made if we’re separate forever”. This implies that you would like to be included as part of a larger community, which is also viable. However, as it stands, the two cannot coexist. It is unfair to say, “I would like to be treated the same, but also different”. How does one process such a statement? Being mindful of a culture will immediately imply unequal treatment. However, you also wish to be included in a larger community, which will necessitate the abdication of some cultural heritage. As we homogenize, we lose a little bit of background to be part of a larger group. That puts the rest of us in a bind, you see. You don’t want to abdicate your cultural heritage, but you also want to be treated the same regardless of it. You can’t stand on your soapbox and yell at the rest of us without doing a little bit of the grunt work yourself.
perplexed
November 4, 2009 at 12:21 pm
This letter and all of these arguments accusing the young man who dressed up for Halloween to have a little fun would be applicable if the student did indeed emulate the original blackface. Many people, white, black, Asian, Middle Eastern, would most likely have agreed with the above letter if the man had bright red lips and a face painted black as night. They would have acknowledged that this man was gravely wrong and this was an act of racism. The need for a forum would have been necessary in that case, solely to address that mocking slavery isn’t the coolest thing to do, whether it’s Halloween or MLK’s birthday.
But alas, the student was not attempting to imitate a slave; he was not attempting to mock black people. He was dressed as Bob Marley, a talented and popular musician, who happens to be black. He put a little brown paint on his face to help people identify who he was, just like many of us do on Halloween. It’s a time for us to be someone we’re not. Is a girl putting on baggy shorts and a polo pretending to be a boy offensive to the male population? No. Is a guy dressing in drag going to upset the females at the school? No, they are going to think it’s funny and probably give him a high-five or two. Is a black girl putting on a blonde wig to be Britney Spears going to piss off the real blonde girls out there? Hell no. Because most people realize that wearing a costume is a way to be someone who’s anyone but yourself for a night.
I’m in no way trying to put down your beliefs, but I just don’t think this public outcry is necessary as a result of this so-called “incident.” I am a white person but two of my good friends are black and they think the effects of someone dressing as Bob Marley is ridiculous. On that note, the above commenter, CJ, seemed to think that white people don’t have the ability to empathize with minorities, to understand that they may have a hard time because of their ethnicity at times. Isn’t this statement further opening the “gap” between races though? I’m not arguing this letter because I’m not black, because I don’t understand, like you seem to think the majority of people commenting this letter fit the criteria of. I’m white and I can identify racism. I can understand when someone is upset because someone called him or her a derogatory name even if it wasn’t aimed towards me, whether it is “nigger,” “whore,” “fag”. There are minorities commenting the letters are both NBN and The Daily who agree that this letter is indeed, blowing things out of proportion. Because this may come as a surprise to you, but black people and white people are actually the same and I, unlike you, am acknowledging that. They may have a different history, but doesn’t everyone? The white person sitting next to you in class may have had a worse childhood than you did, he may be in poverty but rising above to have a future. I am aware that the black have been treated unfairly and wrongly in the past, as is everyone else as this school. This doesn’t give you license to attack a lighthearted costume intended to honor a probably favorite musician of the wearer as being racist though. I don’t see you writing letters when black people call each other “nigger.” When you hear a girl being called a whore, a gay guy being called a fag. It seems to me that these commonplace events are worthier of press than a trivial costume.
So again, I’m not trying to demean your views as we are all entitled to our own opinion. But maybe, just maybe, we have gotten to the point where we do realize that all races are equal and this discussion is extraneous.
equal
November 4, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Bravo to “Equal,” he/she said exactly what was on my mind…this is getting out of hand. Grow a sense of humor, people.
bravo to EQUAL
November 4, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Kellyn. Kellyn, Kellyn, Kellyn. Did you or did you not remember to watch America’s Next Top Model?
Tyra did it
November 4, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I think what the writers of this letter and the organizations they represent are entirely missing is the CONTEXT of what happened! Halloween is a silly holiday one day a year where people dress up as silly characters. I’ve seen guys dress up as rabbis, priests, women and homosexuals (ex: Bruno from the Ali G show). Are these costumes too offensive as well? What happened to freedom of expression? Clearly the purpose and intent of at least the person who dressed up as Bob Marley (I don’t know what the other person was) was not too show disrespect. He was Bob Marley (a symbol of peace and respect)! Not Hitler, a Nazi, or a KKK member! Had the student dressed up as just a black man emphasizing stereotypical characteristics then I could completely understand the reaction. Or had the person wore a swastika, where the symbol speaks for itself, then I could understand the reaction. Or had it been on any other day outside of Halloween then I could understand the reaction. But dressing up as Bob Marley on Halloween and painting your face black, to resemble Bob Marley’s character more, does not merit the reaction of the writers of this letter and the organizations they represent. I am not advocating that painting your face black is an appropriate Halloween choice, because clearly it has offended some people. However, the way in which the students offended handled this situation was very poor and I question their motives. Rather than confronting the “blackface” students and voicing their opinions and concerns, the offended students living in “the racist world of Northwestern” where there is “hunger, homelessness, sexism, and racism” wrote letters to the President of NU and to the daily calling for Town Hall meetings and a call to action. With all the other problems and places in the world where racism IS ACTUALLY an issue, these writers and organizations are blowing the whistle on something that IN CONTEXT was just a poor choice of costume. I encourage these whistle blowers to go find and fight real problems and real racism in our society. Handle the small stuff responsibly (which is what you haven’t done in this situation) and blow the whistle when you really need to. Otherwise, you simply lose credibility.
-A concerned NU student
P.S. I bet this “call to action against the injustices and racism on NU’s campus” is going to look really good on your resumes. I hope it was worth your credibility.
M
November 5, 2009 at 12:02 am
Well said “Equal.” You pretty much sum up what FMO needs to hear.
This incident should have been handled on a much smaller scale if people were offended. It did not warrant the attention that FMO brought to the situation. I suspect that they are trying to draw attention to their organization.
Amin H -Well Said Equal
November 5, 2009 at 12:34 am
Yes, very well said, Equal. Seriously. You articulated everything I wanted to say but wasn’t able to articulate, myself.
Kate
November 5, 2009 at 2:38 pm
OK Folks…I have a few questions.
If he had dressed as Obama would any one have cared? I saw the costume for sale at target.hmmm
How many times have men dressed in costume as women …do we claim they are discriminating ahgainst us?
grow the f up nobody who is black right now (alive today ) knows any body who was a slave who’s owner paraded as a black person …the only reason it is an issue is because blacks make it one. Personally it is a crime that these boys cannot paint their faces any color they want without being discriminasted against. This is America , remember!
Becky
November 5, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Furthermore, Do our young white men not have every right to dress up as bill cosby, bob marley, who ever they darn wekk please without black people automatically assuming we are personally attacking them ? I am frankly disturbed that I heard this ont he news this evening and that they even tried to make it sound like a bad thing.
btw….slavery eneded a Very long long time ago and IL was the first state to abolish it so wake up and appreciate your fellow human beings and americans no matter what color they are …you are all american..not black , white , yellow , etc!
BTW…I am white ……should I be worried about the news people catching up with me if I decide to dress as Oprah next year.
If I am skinny should I feel bad if I dress up fat……..c’mon people….brain power!
Becky
November 5, 2009 at 10:20 pm
This was a publicity stunt. The writers of this letter wanted attention, and went out looking for students in blackface on Halloween. Its safe to assume that anyNorthwestern undergraduate would be way too hungover to write this letter the day after Halloween or would have to much homework to deal with writing it. This leaves two conclusions, 1) Kellyn is a homo-sexual 2) She is one of the students that were born with a non-synthetic blackface.She is a a second class sentence; and should probably mean that she should spead more time applying for financial aid, and less time preaching about “slave power” or whatever the group of over-compensating lesbains belives is necessary
mike
November 8, 2009 at 6:00 am
Mike, Kellyn is a male student.
Um
November 8, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Still a lesbian
mike
November 8, 2009 at 3:39 pm
You’re an idiot.
Um
November 9, 2009 at 2:04 am
I am a balck student at Northwestern and I thought this was by far the most overdramatic thing I’ve ever seen. Most of the populatioin, including blacks, don’t even know what the significance of blackface (and neither do you for that matter because there is a lot more to it than what you described)is. Did you know that Aunt Jemima, like Jim Crow and Sambo, was a blackface act? That’s right the nice little black mami on your pancake mix was an offensive image of the docile house negro who was happy to whip up some pancakes for her white master. The guy behind Aunt Jemima pancakes needed a figure to represent his batter mix and saw an Aunt Jemima act and decided this picture of domesticity should be on a pancake box. If you’re offended by some guy throwing som paint on so he can look like Bob Marley for Halloween, then you shouldn’t buy Aunt Jemima pancake and waffle mix either because that is blackface.
The major problem with race today is oversensitivity. Anything that involves some mistreatment between different races, particularly whites and blacks (lets face it, no one cares when you make fun of Asians or Hispanics or there is wrongful treatment of Arabs), then there is obviously a race motive behind it. Blacks can be just as racist as whites, but no one ever wants to say anything about that. If we’re going to talk about racial sensitivity and equality on campus, then we need to discuss it across the board and not just sensitivity to the black population here at Northwestern.
thad
November 9, 2009 at 11:33 pm