Megyn Kelly's Blackface Comments: Racism, Ignorance, or Both?
Recently, questions and debates have arisen surrounding the comments made by news anchor Megyn Kelly regarding blackface and cultural appropriation. Some have described her statements as racist, while others view them as merely ignorant. This article delves into the nuances of these comments, exploring the roles of ignorance and racism, and the broader implications for public and private discourse.
The Context of Blackface
Blackface is a controversial and historically fraught practice in which individuals paint their skin black or use dark makeup to darken their skin, often to portray Black individuals in demeaning or stereotypical ways. The use of blackface has deep roots in racial caricatures and minstrel shows, and it has been used to perpetuate harmful and damaging stereotypes about Black people. Today, while there are fewer public displays of blackface, the practice continues to evoke strong emotions and reactions due to its inherent cultural insensitivity and historical context.
Ignorance vs. Racism
Racism is not inherently about malicious intent but rather about holding and acting on harmful beliefs and stereotypes. While ignorance can be a form of not understanding the full implications of one's actions, racism often involves a depth of ingrained prejudice and a failure to recognize the harm caused by these beliefs. Megyn Kelly's comments can be seen as both a product of ignorance and potentially a manifestation of deeper racist attitudes.
Kelly's Argument on Dressing Up
Kelly defended the practice of dressing up in a manner that mimics another race, such as a white woman dressing up as Diana Ross for Halloween. She argued that it is acceptable to portray a specific person from another race, even if it involves changing skin tone or race to do so. This rationale aligns with the root of blackface, which has historically been used to create and perpetuate negative stereotypes. The broader acceptance of such practices among celebrities and comedians in acting and performance further complicates the issue.
Industry Reactions and Consistency in Critique
When Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Robert Downey Jr. portrayed black characters on screen, there was no widespread condemnation. This inconsistency prompts questions about the standards and double standards that exist in society. If these portrayals are seen as acceptable, why are similar practices by journalists like Megyn Kelly met with such fierce criticism?
The Case of Tropic Thunder
A recent movie, Tropic Thunder, features an actor spending a significant portion of the film in blackface. According to Kelly's argument, this should not be considered offensive. Yet, the backlash against this portrayal is clear, showing how society views blackface as inherently problematic. If Kelly's argument holds, the film should be celebrated, not criticized, but the reality is that audiences and critics overwhelmingly disapprove.
These contradictions highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for clear standards in public discourse. While Kelly's comments indeed reflect a form of ignorance, questions remain about the extent to which they reflect deeper, more harmful racist attitudes.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly's comments on blackface and cultural appropriation touch on broader issues of ignorance, racism, and cultural sensitivity. While they may be viewed as simply ignorant, they cannot be dismissed as entirely harmless. Instead, they bring to light the need for a more nuanced and consistent critique of such practices in both entertainment and media. The public, and especially those in positions of influence, must be more careful and more aware of the historical and cultural significance of the practices they engage in or endorse.
Keywords
Megyn Kelly, blackface, ignorance, racism, Halloween costume