Video After The Jump
"Blackface is more than just burnt cork applied as makeup. It is a style of entertainment based on racist Black stereotypes that began in minstrel shows and continues to this day." Black-Face.com
Blackface has long been condemned as racist. Typically done on the late 1800's when white actors would darken their skin, then proceed to "shuck and jive" pretending to be African American, much to the amusement of white audiences.
But is it the same if a black person does it?
French fashion magazine L'Officiel Paris chose Beyonce as the cover girl for it's 90th anniversary edition.
The singer/actress appears in dark skinned makeup. And that upset who think it's too much like blackface.
L'Officiel Paris has issued a statement assuring the makeup was worn voluntarily by Beyonce.
"Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce [Beyonce's alter-ego], the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designers' clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. A return to her African roots, as you can see in the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened. All the pictures will be available in the collector edition, on sale at the end of this month."
Beyonce is said to have been inspired to use to the dark makeup as a tribute to Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti.
B's husband Jay-Z co-produced the broadway musical 'Fela!' about Kuti, along with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
Is this a big deal about nothing or very offensive to you? Sound off in the comment section and vote.
Beyonce Commercial For L'Officiel Paris
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