New York Congressman Apologizes for Wearing Blackface in 2005 Photo
Republican New York Congressmember Mike Lawler has issued a public apology after a 2005 photo surfaced showing him wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume.
Background on Blackface
Blackface is dark makeup or burnt cork or shoe polish worn to look like or mock Black people, usually as a costume and often reinforcing racist stereotypes. The practice of wearing blackface comes from New York minstrel shows in the 1800s.
New York’s Approach to Blackface
New York does not specifically outlaw blackface, but current hate crime measures and human rights laws aimed at discrimination can apply if it’s used to harass or intimidate. In 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation declaring racism a public health crisis, aiming to address hate and bias.
Other Blackface Incidents in New York
Several other blackface incidents have taken place in New York. For example, in 2013, Democratic Assemblymember Dov Hikind initially defended wearing blackface and an Afro wig as part of his basketball player costume for a Purim party. Eventually, he issued a public apology. And in 2018, a Metro-North supervisor named Richard Ranallo faced public scrutiny over a similar 2013 Halloween costume.
Controversies in Media and Entertainment
Jimmy Kimmel apologized in 2020 for “embarrassing” blackface impressions of NBA star Karl Malone on “The Man Show.” Jimmy Fallon had a similar controversy over a Chris Rock impersonation on Saturday Night Live. Fred Armisen said he wore “honey color” makeup to portray Pres. Barrack Obama in 2008. Joy Behar admitted to wearing “makeup that was a little darker than my skin” to a Halloween party for her “beautiful African woman” costume in around 1971.
Other Notable Blackface Performers
Al Jolson, a famed vaudevillian from the early 1900s, could be the most notable blackface performer of all time. He started performing in blackface in Brooklyn in 1904, and he wears it throughout the 1927 film “The Jazz Singer.”
Recent Incident at SUNY Plattsburgh
In 2018, a Snapchat video of a SUNY Plattsburgh student in blackface circulated. The university addressed the issue publicly and opened a campus-wide dialogue about racial sensitivity.
Conclusion
Blackface is a harmful and offensive practice that has a long history of perpetuating racist stereotypes. While some may argue that it’s a harmless costume or a form of flattery, it’s essential to recognize the harm it causes and the impact it has on marginalized communities. Rep. Lawler’s apology is a step in the right direction, but it’s crucial that we continue to have open and honest conversations about racism and discrimination.
FAQs
Q: Is blackface illegal in New York?
A: No, blackface is not specifically outlawed in New York, but current hate crime measures and human rights laws aimed at discrimination can apply if it’s used to harass or intimidate.
Q: What is the significance of the 1800s in the history of blackface?
A: The 1800s saw the rise of minstrel shows in New York, which featured white performers wearing blackface and perpetuating racist stereotypes.
Q: Who is Al Jolson, and why is he notable in the context of blackface?
A: Al Jolson was a famed vaudevillian from the early 1900s who performed in blackface throughout his career, including in the 1927 film “The Jazz Singer.”
Q: What is the significance of the 2021 legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul?
A: The legislation declared racism a public health crisis, aiming to address hate and bias in New York.
