Last Thursday, Angel Blue, a renowned opera singer, withdrew from the production of La Traviata at Italy following the release of pictures detailing the use of black face in previous shows.
Black face’s history is deeply rooted in racism. It was used as a way to degrade and dehumanize African Americans, rationalizing the racist segregation and violence taken against them in the 19th century. It was used to stereotype African Americans as unintelligent and savages. Although being widely used in America, its beginnings date back to Shakespeare’s theatrical performance of Othello where black face is used to stereotype and dehumanize Black’s; portraying them as the devil while also pointing out the white superiority.
Black face’s history is deeply intertwined with racist and outdated views. The use of it in modern theatrical performances has negative implications by almost promoting bigoted beliefs. Ignoring the historically racist ties black face has is ignorant and offensive.
Many proponents of the use of black face have argued that it preserves theatrical traditions. These proponents of black face do not come from African descent and cannot fully understand the historically racist beliefs that come with its use.
The use of black face in any circumstance is extremely offensive and racist. In a statement released by Angel Blue she states, “Let me be perfectly clear: the use of blackface under any circumstances, artistic or otherwise, is a deeply misguided practice based on archaic theatrical traditions which have no place in modern society.” Black face’s use should be banned due to the heavy racist views it promotes.
Source:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1658071221266x297454756086492860/Angle%20Blue%20withdraws%20from%20performance%20because%20company%20used%20blackface%20-%20The%20Washington%20Post.pdf
Black face’s history is deeply rooted in racism. It was used as a way to degrade and dehumanize African Americans, rationalizing the racist segregation and violence taken against them in the 19th century. It was used to stereotype African Americans as unintelligent and savages. Although being widely used in America, its beginnings date back to Shakespeare’s theatrical performance of Othello where black face is used to stereotype and dehumanize Black’s; portraying them as the devil while also pointing out the white superiority.
Black face’s history is deeply intertwined with racist and outdated views. The use of it in modern theatrical performances has negative implications by almost promoting bigoted beliefs. Ignoring the historically racist ties black face has is ignorant and offensive.
Many proponents of the use of black face have argued that it preserves theatrical traditions. These proponents of black face do not come from African descent and cannot fully understand the historically racist beliefs that come with its use.
The use of black face in any circumstance is extremely offensive and racist. In a statement released by Angel Blue she states, “Let me be perfectly clear: the use of blackface under any circumstances, artistic or otherwise, is a deeply misguided practice based on archaic theatrical traditions which have no place in modern society.” Black face’s use should be banned due to the heavy racist views it promotes.
Source:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1658071221266x297454756086492860/Angle%20Blue%20withdraws%20from%20performance%20because%20company%20used%20blackface%20-%20The%20Washington%20Post.pdf