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[frankie_baby]

It's racist but I would give her a pass if she honestly didn't know that blackface is offensive as fuck.

Guys, you don't have to change your skin colour to look like your favourite fictional character. Just look at the majority of black cosplayers. They don't have much to work on compared to everyone else but they make the best of what they have without slapping flour in their face.

No you don't have to, you just make a better job of looking like the character if you do

 

[BattleMonkey]

This is clearly blackface.

It clearly isn't with how divergent the opinions are all over the place and from so many ethnic backgrounds

 

[Tawpgun]

I don't think she should be labeled as racist since her intentions were never racist. Blackface as a negative thing stemmed from white people using it to make fun of the way black people look.

However its a touchy subject now. I think she could have just gone as a white michonne but whatever. Curious what the majority of black people think about these types of cosplays.

 

[Zen_Arcade]

If you read on, you'll have your answer.

No they won't. They'll just have more of you dodging the question.

 

[cyberheater]

You can't see the inherent problem with treating race as a costume?

That's a cop out. You are saying that anyone who cosplays another individual from a different race is automatically racist irrespective of intent. That's clearly rubbish.

 

[Mikeside]

If all blackface is racially insensitive because of historical stigma, does that mean getting a tattoo is automatically anti-semitic because of identification tattoos in concentration camps?

 

[『Inaba Resident』]

Hyperbole. This is clearly blackface. The question is if its racist.

But it clearly isn't based off the link you posted.

"Used to de-humanize, belittle and make fun of those that are “Less than”

Originally done by white people for white people

Originally done by white people in white only establishments

Originally a degrading visual joke (Ha! Ha! Look at me, I’m one of THEM! Yuck!)

By design, was to not only laugh at but show what niggers were REALLY like
http://www.blackculturalstudies.org/...blackface.html

Caused (and continues to cause) pain to Black people

Made black people into caricatures (not human, a symbol to belittle)"

 

[SmokyDave]

Hyperbole. This is clearly blackface. The question is if its racist.

Is there any way for a white person to darken their skin for a costume that doesn't class as blackface?

 

[Syntsui]

I sincerely don't understand why this could be interpreted as racist at all. Geez...

 

[Draft]

Blackface in America in 2014 is unacceptable. The historical connotations are too fresh. Maybe in 100 years. White cosplayers, stick to character's signature clothing and hairstyles. I think wigs, even if the look is very ethnic, are still OK.

 

[TatteredHat]

Nah. It's still her responsibility. You don't get a pass for not knowing better.

Is it her responsibility to avoid offending people living on the other side of the world, then? I disagree with that notion.

 

[Malyse]

Is there any way for a white person to darken their skin for a costume that doesn't class as blackface?

Nope. So don't do it.

 

[onken]

Regardless of the intent of this particular cosplay, the social context makes it undoable. Pretty good likeness, but sorry, no.

You can do that without the makeup and noone would blink though.

.

That hair is kinda racist imo...

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

If all blackface is racially insensitive because of historical stigma, does that mean getting a tattoo is automatically anti-semitic because of identification tattoos in concentration camps?

Only in Pungent Analogy Land

 

[Jburton]

It doesn't have to offend or have malice to be racist.

Is it not supposed to have intent?

Is not supposed to be a negative action or insinuation against a racial group.


Merely portraying a person as an act of homage, without hate or intention to cause would be hard pressed to be immediately labelled racist.

 

[Cuphead]

Are you kidding me? Why the hell do you think this thread is even a thing if people *don't* have a problem with it?

.

Fair enough, I am not sensitive enough for these types of arguments.

 

[Malyse]

That's a cop out. You are saying that anyone who cosplays another individual from a different race is automatically racist irrespective of intent. That's clearly rubbish.

Nope. Be Tiana. be Mulan. Just don't darken your skin.

 

[PhoenixDark]

You seriously think you have to intend to be racist? 😓

No, however the very nature of blackface is based on the intention to stereotype black people with ugly caricatures. Considering that's not the case here - she isn't depicting racist or stereotypical traits - it should be clear that this is not "blackface."

 

[kehs]

Is there any way for a white person to darken their skin for a costume that doesn't class as blackface?

A mask.

 

[cyberheater]

On the subject; Did people/anyone find this racist in Tropic Thunder? Never heard any controversy or blackface comments regarding it.

No cause he's a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude.

 

[Parallax]

Is there any way for a white person to darken their skin for a costume that doesn't class as blackface?

I dont understand what scenarios would call for it. If your costume is already on point, what would darkening your skin do?

 

[Alligatorjandro]

You don't have to try as hard as she did to cosplay as her. I think the person above did an awesome job despite not being the same skin tone.

Oh look. You can dress up as a character without darkening your skin.

 

[tkscz]

Nope. Be Tiana. be Mulan. Just don't darken your skin.

I disagree, I say darken your skin, but do it in a tasteful manner that shows you want to be this character, not make fun of them.

 

[Pand]

If all blackface is racially insensitive because of historical stigma, does that mean getting a tattoo is automatically anti-semitic because of identification tattoos in concentration camps?

These comparisons are fucking ridiculous and add nothing to the discussion.

 

[Oppo]

If it hasn't been linked already...

Eddie Murphy = Mr. White. 1984 SNL sketch.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=37b_1257286049

This cosplay is simply not racist.

Tanning enthusiasts would be called racist by some in this thread.

 

[SmokyDave]

Nope. So don't do it.

Damn, I was just about to finish up my Trevor McDonald halloween costume.

I just wanted to know if blackface was one of those terms that used to have a specific meaning (the one that many people in this thread seem to be going on, the caricature style makeup), but has now grown in to a far larger and more generalised term (any skin colour alteration whatsoever). Apparently that is the case.

 

[Summer Haze]

Oh look. You can dress up as a character without darkening your skin.

Sure, if you don't care about accurately portraying that character.

 

[The Elite]

Oh look. You can dress up as a character without darkening your skin.

Without the two people cosplaying as zombies I'm not sure I would immediately know what she is from.

 

[Arjen]

That hair is kinda racist imo...

Wait what? Are you for real?

 

[cyberheater]

Nope. Be Tiana. be Mulan. Just don't darken your skin.

You don't understand what being a racist means do you?

 

[captainpat]

Without the two people cosplaying as zombies I'm not sure I would immediately know what she is from.

The dreads, the bandanna, and the sword aren't a dead giveaway?

 

[Malyse]

No, however the very nature of blackface is based on the intention to stereotype black people with ugly caricatures. Considering that's not the case here - she isn't depicting racist or stereotypical traits - it should be clear that this is not "blackface."

People are still hurt by blackface regardless of intent. How fucked up do you have to be to give someone PTSD* simply because you want to cosplay?

*studies show that racism behavior can cause PTSD in black people.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...1305/can-racism-cause-ptsd-implications-dsm-5

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

Sure, if you don't care about accurately portraying that character.

Wait a minute

Do you think people have to alter their skin color to cosplay a character of a different race well?

 

[Alligatorjandro]

Sure, if you don't care about accurately portraying that character.

Should a black person paint their skin white if they dress up as batman for example?

 

[BeatResetsTheWorld]

Regardless of the intent of this particular cosplay, the social context makes it undoable. Pretty good likeness, but sorry, no.

That hair is kinda racist imo...

Is this serious? Are white people not allowed to cosplay as black characters?!

 

[jasonng]

Without the two people cosplaying as zombies I'm not sure I would immediately know what she is from.

You're just proving his point though. There exist a possibility to cosplay the character without darkening your skin.

 

[Halvie]

Oh look. You can dress up as a character without darkening your skin.

Why aren't the fake dreads considered offensive if the face paint is?

 

[Sai-kun]

Sure, if you don't care about accurately portraying that character.

Lmao black cosplayers have done great for themselves without lightening their skin.

 

[kamorra]

Damn, I was just about to finish up my Trevor McDonald halloween costume.

I just wanted to know if blackface was one of those terms that used to have a specific meaning (the one that many people in this thread seem to be going on, the caricature style makeup), but has now grown in to a far larger and more generalised term (any skin colour alteration whatsoever). Apparently that is the case.

No more sunbed for you!

 

[J10]

Is it her responsibility to avoid offending people living on the other side of the world, then? I disagree with that notion.

You know for a fact that no one near her is offended? She's German, so maybe she might know that Nazi propaganda included depictions of black face caricatures. It's not a uniquely American thing.

It's her responsibility to acknowledge it and understand why it's offensive. She can opt to apologize or not. She can opt to keep doing it or not. She is definitely responsible. Everyone is.

 

[The Elite]

The dreads, the bandanna, and the sword aren't a dead giveaway?

I see dreads and a bandanna on the way to work. I didn't notice the sword but I do think it would take a moment to click. Either way, it's not a very good cosplay of the character.

 

[BattleMonkey]

People are still hurt by blackface regardless of intent. How fucked up do you have to be to give someone PTSD* simply because you want to cosplay?

*studies show that racism behavior can cause PTSD in black people.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...1305/can-racism-cause-ptsd-implications-dsm-5

So this cosplayer is giving people PTSD. You seriously are stretching to silly levels now

 

[Zen_Arcade]

Should a black person paint their skin white if they dress up as batman for example?

To be fair, I'm sure no one would care if they did.

 

[Malyse]

I disagree, I say darken your skin, but do it in a tasteful manner that shows you want to be this character, not make fun of them.

You can't tastefully darken your skin anymore than you can gentlely beat someone to death. And if you do it, you're going to get called out. So just don't.

 

[SmokyDave]

No more sunbed for you!

I always take the chart in with me and monitor the situation closely. Soon as I hit 24 I'm outta there.

 

[dem]

Id swear people arent actually offended by this..
just collecting those PC points.. makes them feel like they are doing something.


Big difference between this and blackface.
Not racist.. at all.

 

[Malyse]

You don't understand what being a racist means do you?

More than you, apparently.

 

[flkraven]

Alright, I guess it's time to leave this thread. Entered with an opinion and questions, leave with no answers and opinion the same. Slot me in with the group that feels this isn't blackface therefore not racist, and feels validated in that since no one has really articulated why this is blackface or why this specifically is offensive. I don't need anymore links on the definitions or history of blackface, nor do I need to read that 'you just don't do it'. It was nice learning about blackface in further detail and I understand that people should avoid doing certain things to avoid controversy, but we still haven't answered the question: How is this blackface or why is this specifically offensive to some people?

Have fun talking at each other.

bwt: On an unrelated note. I've seen plenty of white women in my area get even darker than that from hitting the tanning bed hard. Some people are nuts!

 

[Alucrid]

Id swear people arent actually offended by this..
just collecting those PC points.. makes them feel like they are doing something.

you forgot to add the "social justice warrior" and "kids these days" bullet points to your argument

 

[cyberheater]

You can't tastefully darken your skin anymore than you can gentlely beat someone to death.

What the fuck are you on about.