Blackface Controversy

Blackface pertaining to racism is a hot topic in the news this week in Canada as we head into the 2019 Fall election.

Michael Adamson, a Vancouver business man, provided a photograph of our current prime minister Justin Trudeau, dressed up as Aladdin, complete with Blackface, for an Arabian Nights themed costume party eighteen years ago, to Time Magazine.

Time Magazine published the picture of Justin Trudeau in an article that came out on September 18, 2019.

Why do we continue to allow ourselves to be triggered by perceived slights and intellectual indignities regarding the color of our skin? There is no intent to trivialize the years of ignorance perpetuated on humans that weren't born white in my query. I am genuinely curious about this.

Is it possible Trudeau was honoring persons of color when he dressed up as Aladdin back in his university days?

After all, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." - Oscar Wilde

I personally don't believe Justin Trudeau's dress-up costume was racially motivated. It looks to me like he was enjoying being Aladdin.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with how Prime Minister Trudeau governs our beautiful Canada, it is a stretch to believe he is a racist. The numbers of refugees accepted into Canada since he became prime minister in 2015, over 60,000, should annihilate that thought in the average intelligent Canadian.

So, what I am asking, is for you to give serious thought to people donning black, brown, red, or if you are already one of those colors, whiteface when they are playing dress-up. Does it, should it, automatically be seen as depicting racism? Perhaps we could look at the individual circumstances for each instance and concede that maybe admiration, respect or just plain fun could be attributed to the painted face?

If a human paints themselves red and goes trick or treating dressed up as the Devil should they be ostracized for depicting evil?

It is a valid question.

My query and subject content may be wildly unpopular to the general masses and may be negatively received.

I apologize for that in advance.

I simply want to generate healthy awareness and positive communication around a very controversial subject.

Make it a great day!