This week’s blog focuses on a race incident that occurred between Candler School of Theology students at a recent Halloween house party. The students involved have addressed letters to the Candler community about the disconnection between the ideal and reality of race relations on campus.
On Black (brown) Face…
By Ashon
The Offense…
“I don't have a racist bone in my body…”
“I asked my black friends if dressing like Lil John would be offensive and they all said no…”
The Response…
“You should say something; I’m offended…”
“I didn’t know what to do…”
A school colleague of mine dressed as Lil John for Halloween, complete with “rasta locs,” an iced grill and baggy clothing. He donned brown face makeup to complete the look, to make his representation of the artist more authentic. Yet, I wonder what his brown (black) face intimates.
In a racially charged society, it is very difficult to dismiss race as a category for analysis of sameness and difference. I go to a seminary with a lot of white people. Blackness is often seen as an afterthought or as integral to dispelling white guilt of historical racism, classism and sexism, which are all invariably linked. Within a US context, categorical whiteness was created in opposition to and in power over blackness.
As such, seeing a colleague with brown (black)face makeup as a means to complete his voyeuristic journey into blackness, I was offended. I was offended because of his ahistorical analysis of how brown makeup on a white face functioned historically. I was even more offended by how I was dismissed, my words taken as illegitimate.
“I don’t have a racist bone in my body,” implies that racism is specifically something that is enacted on an individual level between two parties. This being the case, if one has no “racist bone” (though I’ve not met the person who claims to have one), then it follows that they could not possibly perform racist ideology. This assessment does not take into account the ways in which racism has functioned historically and institutionally.
“I asked my black friends...” demonstrates that those whom were offended, and there were at least 8 of us that I recall, were either 1) not black, 2) not his friends, 3) too sensitive or 4) some combination of the three. I replied that we are colleagues who have known each other for over a year and that I was offended. Should my offense be taken into account or categorically dismissed?
Blackface has historical roots that dismissed black bodies as demonic. Further, these black bodies should be both produced as caricatures and vilified through hyperbolic behaviors. Blackface was not utilized to demonstrate appreciation for blackness as a phenotype or as a cultural expression. Rather, it was utilized to dehumanize blacks. Claiming Lil John’s body utilizes a black body for hilarity and popularity within the Halloween context.
I was likewise disturbed by the non-black response both in the party and afterwards. Many quietly whispered to me that they agreed with my assessment, that I should say something; others emailed me to say that they wish they could have said or done more. I challenge the non-black allies to be more vigilant in their liberal positions. To affirm racial equality and justice via email and in safe spaces of classroom and in hallways is one thing; to affirm these qualities in the midst of adversity demonstrates dedication to a cause. I was let down by many of my non-black allies in the struggle for racial equality and justice. If they were offended, they lacked the ability to speak forth because either they didn’t want to upset the party (any further than I already had) or they didn’t necessarily think it was such a big deal. Paralysis is not an excuse and I don’t wish to make anyone comfortable or comforted.
Only when we can honestly and thoughtfully look at issues of power within the dynamics of race and literally speak truth to power in all situations will we be able to alleviate oppressive and institutional and individual racist ideology.
A Sincere Apology…..
Anonymous
Let me first again apologize to those I may have offended. For that was not what I wanted to do in the least bit. The thought of offending anyone quickly ended my night and caused a stressful weekend to follow. It was if I could not think of anything else. The worst part was thinking that I would be considered a racist. I believe that I, unknowingly, let down some of my African American peers and white peers and their views of who I am. This is in part my ignorance and in part of my experience.
I shared with some close African American friends my idea for the costume, and they loved it. But as we know some others did not. I guess I could give you the normal spill about how I have black friends, how my old room mate was black and all the things of that sort, but I believe that to be played out. So let me just say that my experience as a white male growing up with black children from the time I was in school and running about the community has led me to feel comfortable around African Americans. Maybe my experience has led me to feel too comfortable around people who are different from me, whether it is social class or skin color. All I can honestly say is that I felt comfortable because of my past experiences and relationships I have with my black friends back home and here at school.
Still I feel as if I have let you down and the community of African Americans as well as many of the white students at Candler, or at least some of them, for I do not want to speak for everyone at Candler. Please understand where I am coming from and how sorry I am for the uneasy feelings I have given you and the community. I would love your insight and help in making this right or at least in reconciling the situation.
CONCLUSION
By Wanda
In light of the recent incident, many of you might ask “what’s the big deal?” ( In my opinion the bigger issue should be that a person like Lil John even exists.. but that’s for another blog) “A white guy painted his face brown to imitate the famous rapper, Lil John. He didn’t mean anything by it, it was a classic case of ignorance.” I agree. But, the bigger issue is that this act of ignorance opened up a larger issue in regard to race relations on campus. As a seminary, we should reflect a community reconciled with God working together to overcome barriers; however, when blacks who have experienced a momentary case of amnesia about their history, or when non-blacks who were able to address a minor issue remained silent and even after the opportunity to admit guilt and move forward, it is apparent that we have a long way to go. The enemies of true race reconciliation are paternalism, avoidance, and the ever popular “color-blindness” which only perpetuates the race divide. Unfortunately Candler, like most seminaries, is representative of the church-at-large. And we all know that the most segregated communities in America are our local congregations.
Those of us who confess to be members of the beloved community at Candler, should take formal action against the state of our school. Leaders of Candler student organizations and government should mobilize their members to engage in healthy dialogue in an organized forum. We have to move beyond the ideology of the popular TV philosopher, Archie Bunker “ Keep the sames with the sames, and the differents with the differents” and build race relations the only real way… one person, one relationship over an extended period of time. And upon entering those collective, community conversations, for Pete’s sake, leave the diplomacy, political correctness at the door and openly discuss ways in which we can truly mend our humanness. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and reconcilation is a process that we all must be willing to endure. For many of us, seminary is not merely a career decision, it is a vocation and the onus is on us.
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