Blackface
noun
A type of makeup used mainly by non-black performers to resemble a black person.
The use of blackface in modern performances is widely considered offensive and racist.
Often appears as...
- wear blackface
- blackface minstrelsy
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A black-faced breed of sheep.
Blackface sheep are known for their ability to survive in harsh environments.
Often appears as...
- scottish blackface
- blackface ewe
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A type of makeup used mainly by non-black performers to resemble a black person.
The use of blackface in modern performances is widely considered offensive and racist.
Often appears as...
- wear blackface
- blackface minstrelsy
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A black-faced breed of sheep.
Blackface sheep are known for their ability to survive in harsh environments.
Often appears as...
- scottish blackface
- blackface ewe
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Insensitivity
Blackface is seen as disrespectful and perpetuates racial stereotypes.
Using blackface in a skit can cause public outrage.
Pro Tip 2/3Historic Racism
Originated in the 19th century, it was part of performances mocking African-Americans.
Blackface has a history in minstrel shows that were demeaning to Black people.
Pro Tip 3/3Modern Offense
Its use in modern media is controversial and can invoke severe backlash.
A celebrity apologised for an old photograph where they wore blackface.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Insensitivity
Blackface is seen as disrespectful and perpetuates racial stereotypes.
Using blackface in a skit can cause public outrage.
Pro Tip 2/3Historic Racism
Originated in the 19th century, it was part of performances mocking African-Americans.
Blackface has a history in minstrel shows that were demeaning to Black people.
Pro Tip 3/3Modern Offense
Its use in modern media is controversial and can invoke severe backlash.
A celebrity apologised for an old photograph where they wore blackface.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Insensitivity
Blackface is seen as disrespectful and perpetuates racial stereotypes.
Using blackface in a skit can cause public outrage.
Pro Tip 2/3Historic Racism
Originated in the 19th century, it was part of performances mocking African-Americans.
Blackface has a history in minstrel shows that were demeaning to Black people.
Pro Tip 3/3Modern Offense
Its use in modern media is controversial and can invoke severe backlash.
A celebrity apologised for an old photograph where they wore blackface.
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Video examples
Candis Watts Smith: 3...
to look for things that were obviously racist, fewer people were looking into the current-day policy stances of legislators who probably did blackface but didn't get caught. So, how many of us might have supported a candidate
Video examples
Candis Watts Smith: 3...
to look for things that were obviously racist, fewer people were looking into the current-day policy stances of legislators who probably did blackface but didn't get caught. So, how many of us might have supported a candidate
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
David Henry Hwang
American Playwright
There was all this talk when Obama got elected about how we were living in a postracial world. But we're not. Until we get to the point where James Earl Jones can play, say, George Washington, race matters. You wouldn't put a white actor in blackface to play Othello. You shouldn't have a white actor in what amounts to yellowface to play Asian.
Quote examples
Wayne Messam
American Athlete
Not that long ago - in my parents' lives, in fact - actors in minstrel shows wore blackface to mimic and mock African Americans. These performances were based in contempt and gave people an opportunity to act out their prejudices.
Quote examples
Bela Fleck
American Musician
I think it is very ironic that most people think that the banjo is a southern white instrument. It came from Africa and even for the first years that white people played banjo they would put on blackface.
Quote examples
Kerry Washington
American Actress
I've had friends of mine say, like, they're tired of 'gayface,' and I was like, 'What's gayface?' They were like, 'It's the gay version of blackface: like, come in and be more effeminate.
Quote examples
Tess Holliday
American Model
I've seen a lot of Black content creators calling for white folks to stop using the voices of Black folks to make TikToks because it's like digital blackface. That's valid.
Quote examples
Rachel Dolezal
American Activist
I certainly don't stay out of the sun, and I also don't, as some of my critics have said, put on blackface as a performance.
Quote examples
Sean Waltman
American Wrestler
Actually, the only thing that I can honestly say I really regret now is the blackface thing. I did not understand.
Quote examples
Allison Anders
American Director
This practice of skinny actresses donning fat suits is essentially the new and acceptable blackface in Hollywood.
Quote examples
Chris Lilley
Australian Comedian
Like, Australians definitely don't walk around dressed up in blackface going, 'Ha-ha.
Quote examples
Michael J. Knowles
American Author
No one actually cares about blackface.
Quote examples
David Henry Hwang
American Playwright
There was all this talk when Obama got elected about how we were living in a postracial world. But we're not. Until we get to the point where James Earl Jones can play, say, George Washington, race matters. You wouldn't put a white actor in blackface to play Othello. You shouldn't have a white actor in what amounts to yellowface to play Asian.
Quote examples
Wayne Messam
American Athlete
Not that long ago - in my parents' lives, in fact - actors in minstrel shows wore blackface to mimic and mock African Americans. These performances were based in contempt and gave people an opportunity to act out their prejudices.
Quote examples
Bela Fleck
American Musician
I think it is very ironic that most people think that the banjo is a southern white instrument. It came from Africa and even for the first years that white people played banjo they would put on blackface.
Quote examples
Kerry Washington
American Actress
I've had friends of mine say, like, they're tired of 'gayface,' and I was like, 'What's gayface?' They were like, 'It's the gay version of blackface: like, come in and be more effeminate.
Quote examples
Tess Holliday
American Model
I've seen a lot of Black content creators calling for white folks to stop using the voices of Black folks to make TikToks because it's like digital blackface. That's valid.
Quote examples
Rachel Dolezal
American Activist
I certainly don't stay out of the sun, and I also don't, as some of my critics have said, put on blackface as a performance.
Quote examples
Sean Waltman
American Wrestler
Actually, the only thing that I can honestly say I really regret now is the blackface thing. I did not understand.
Quote examples
Allison Anders
American Director
This practice of skinny actresses donning fat suits is essentially the new and acceptable blackface in Hollywood.
Quote examples
Chris Lilley
Australian Comedian
Like, Australians definitely don't walk around dressed up in blackface going, 'Ha-ha.
Quote examples
Michael J. Knowles
American Author
No one actually cares about blackface.
Example 1 of 10
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