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Blackface to support BLM?

wipedmag

Updated: Jun 22, 2020

Influencers have come under fire for using makeup to resemble a black person in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Via Instagram @souhilaofficial

In recent weeks, influencers have uploaded pictures of themselves with parts of their face darkened black as a token of empathy.  


Blackface dates back to the 19th Century when white actors called minstrel performers, darkened their faces, drew on brightly exaggerated red lips and sometimes wore woolly wigs.

Via Instagram @sainthoax

The shows were intended to create humour for white audiences, however to black people, the performances were seen as nothing but a mockery with efforts to cause further racial divides.


The act was best known for creating negative connotations and stereotypes towards black people, portraying them as inferior.


The controversial and highly offensive trend has seen influencers attempt to "stand united" in a strange and inconsiderate way.


Algerian singer, Souhila Ben, has since removed her Instagram post after being slammed online for her blackface picture, which followed by an apology stating her picture was uploaded with "good intentions" with the hopes of "bringing people together".

Via Instagram @souhilaofficial

However, not everyone has admittted an issue with their posts.


Influencer, Tania Saleh, has photoshopped her face onto a photo montage of a black woman, with the caption “I wish I was black, today more than ever.”

Via Instagram @taniasaleh

In contrast to this news, TV services have pulled the plug on shows that feature actors using blackface.


Both Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas, have been removed from Netflix, BBC iPlayer and BritBox.


In a poll conducted last week, 100% of our readers said influencers using blackface is unacceptable.


Darkening a section of skin as a token of understanding and supporting the BLM movement can be seen as ironic, due to this same act around 200 years ago being set out to laugh at the black communities expense.


Tell us your thoughts at @wipedmagazine on Instagram.

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