Is it racist for a white person to go to a fancy dress party as a black celebrity?

[Wimbledonwomble]

For example - Michael Jackson, Prince, Tina Turner, Scary Spice? Fab costumes for most of these are widely available on line so clearly popular. I have to admit it didn't even cross my mind when discussing possible costumes with a friend, I just thought they were good costumes, but she thinks it could be seen as racist and inappropriate. I'm really not sure tbh!

A little off topic, but when I was about 15/16, the fashion was for girls to wear foundation about 6 shades darker than their natural skin colour. Some went orange, some went a very dark brown. I wonder where that would stand on the issue of ‘blacking up’
Were they trying to impersonate a black person?

Yes they shoulden't it is distasteful to impersonate anybodies race actually, why should it be different for a black person.
If white people are ever systematically oppressed by black people, this will become a valid question.

No Ghana more olive actually!

You’re racially white though, which is the point Ghanagirl was trying to make. Unless you think Greek people aren’t white either

Nobody ACTUALLY has white skin. It describes a race or ethnicity. Not a skin colour.

So is it racist if non white people wear fancy dress based on other races,e.g, an Indian person dressing as Nelson Mandela or only inappropriate if a white person does it?
So confusing!

I’m not stupid, nor was I trying to be offensive. If, for example, one of those girls decided that Michelle Obama was a good idea for fancy dress, and then put on her makeup as usual, giving her a very dark brown face (or body in the case of spray tans), would you accuse said person of ‘blacking up’

In that instance, yes, Tigger. What part of “if you’re white don’t darken your damn skin” is difficult to understand exactly?

I can understand the issue in the US regarding Native American headdresses, because of the history in the US. Would it be an issue in the UK though?

Yes. If you’re not Native American you don’t get to wear a war bonnet. Period. It’s not a fashion accessory for people to play dress up with.

Can someone please explain to me why ‘blacking or whiting up’ is racist?

Can someone please explain to me why ‘blacking or whiting up’ is racist?

It's been explained several times on this thread and I imagine you also have google, so do you mean this to be an assertion that you don't think it's racist to black up?

MaryJenson

Can someone please explain to me why ‘blacking or whiting up’ is racist?

You could always try a quick google

My point is, in that situation, it would be inadvertent racism, surely? I was never one for it, could never be bothered taking the time with make up.

Would inadvertent racism, still in fact be racism? Considering that there’s no malice there?

If you’re not Native American you don’t get to wear a war bonnet. Period. It’s not a fashion accessory for people to play dress up with.

Just as you wouldn't dress up in a hijab for fancy dress, you don't get to dress up in someone else's religious dress (and yes, this includes nuns/priests, that is also offensive. Just because people do something more doesn't make it less offensive).

Ok. I will google.

Please note I said ’black or white up’

Mary could you tell me of an occasion you recall someone WHITING UP?? Is this something you actually see ever?

My point is, in that situation, it would be inadvertent racism, surely? I was never one for it, could never be bothered taking the time with make up.

Would inadvertent racism, still in fact be racism? Considering that there’s no malice there?
It would probably be racially insensitive still, but the person doing it wouldn't necessarily be racist. I've inadvertently used language that was (and is still) acceptable where I grew up but, because of the history of its use, is considered racist where I live now and drew a gasp when I used it. Obviously I haven't repeated it.

It's still considered racist language and is offensive here, but I don't think unwittingly using it made me a racist.

That said, people really should know better regarding blackface by now. At best, someone in blackface will look ignorant.

And people do occasionally white up but context is crucial. In most (all?) countries, there is no history of systematic racism and oppression by black people against white people, nor is there a history of black people dehumanizing white people by using white face (or using black performers in white face instead of hiring white performers).

As Ghanagirl said, it's a bit like the N-word. The history of its use informs who can use it, without automatically causing offence , today.

Paint yourself blue and go as a Smurf. I think dressing up as Michael Jackson is a bad idea all round.

Mary could you tell me of an occasion you recall someone WHITING UP?? Is this something you actually see ever?

This made me LOL.

To clarify my last post it's bc you're being so patient with these dense people.

Does this offend anyone?

Anyone?

Genuine question here

I'm not a patient person

Hi Naice you offended by that?