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A discussion about when blacking up is acceptable in 2016. What a time to be alive.
I'll concede one point for the sake of this argument, and that's that I, nor the overwhelming majority of people on here, should probably not be deciding what is and isn't racist. More so me considering my background. I say this as I doubt many of us have experienced actual racism in any meaningful way. However, that shouldn't stop any of us from thinking twice before engaging in any sort of activity that might well be construed as offensive to people who have experienced racism in a meaningful way. Failure to do so might make you look like a bit of an entitled arse who's more interested in making a specious point than being an OK human being.
something to chew on.
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I actually take offence at your glibness. As part of a mixed race couple, I've experienced racism, xenophobia verbal and physical assaults and have been discriminated against because we're a mixed race couple, so has my wife and children.
Just because a person hasn't experienced something doesn't mean they can't have valid points. -
I don't know, you seem to be wilfully conflating 'blacking up' with 'putting black paint/soot/etc on one's face for a non-racist purpose'. Most people are debating whether the latter is problematic or not whereas you're saying it's all 'blacking up' regardless of purpose or historical precedent.
I would say it's a similar case to the word fag or faggot. Most people are capable of discerning the context before taking offence.
Interestingly, the Bonfire Boyes with blackened faces carry burning crosses (or faggots) on their parades, which must startle the odd American visitor.
user68370
Dramatic_Hammer
I do understand how blacking up is racist at times. But to generalise all blacking up as racist is a slippery slope to political correctness madness. Surely you're bright enough to understand not all blacking (or even 'whitening up') is racist, doesn't context have to be taken into consideration?
As an example, the blacked up chimney sweep attending weddings, do you consider that racist or a mock up of a fact that chimney sweeps get black faces?