Right there, that's a double standard, the idea that there are things we can do that are only alright depending on our race, ethnicity, beliefs, gender, age, etc. Double standards usually pass unnoticed in day to day life, but when we really look at them, we see that they fly in the face of many of the standards we're trying to reach as a human race. Double standards don't mesh well with things like gender equality, racism, and profiling. But the thing is, they exist, and often, their existence is somewhat justifiable, such as that example I used earlier. The reason why the n-word is so taboo is because it was historically used to devalue the lives of African Americans during the years of slavery. Naturally then, since the abolishment of that concept, any time a Caucasian person uses the word, it's deemed as offensive, wrong, and hateful. But, African Americans have also found a way to take all the power out of the word, by adopting it as a term for each other. Now, this creates a huge double standard, but I also thinks it represents a concept that we've moved forward a little bit in terms of ending, or at least minimizing racism, in North America.
So this roundly brings us to today's topical discussion. The Nick Cannon "whiteface," controversy. For anyone not in the know, a while ago Nick Cannon announced he would be releasing a new album, titled, "White People Party Music," (a name I somehow find racist but completely justified all at the same time, seeing as Caucasian music generally has a less soulful feel, but that's for another blog) and as a promotional stunt, he donned the outfit of a character he dubbed "Connor Smallnut," dressed in what he felt was a typical Caucasian outfit, donned a red wig, and put on what he began referring to as "whiteface."
Now, of course, this sparked public outcry, (would it be a publicity stunt if it didn't?) because naturally many white people did not care for the fact that their race was being made fun of at the expense of someone of another ethnicity who's doing better in life than they are.
As for an opinion, I take it for what it was: a publicity stunt. Cannon obviously knew his actions weren't going to be deemed by at least one person as grossly offensive, but that was the point. A debate is always good for album sales, whether the artist is coming off in an overall positive light, or a negative one. I think there's other ways to create album buzz, but on the face of it, I thought it was funny, or at least, the core concept was. I've seen enough stand up comedians to know that pointing out the societal differences between different races of people is not only funny, but it's also a little enlightening, as it causes you to look at both yourself, and other people, in a different light. I'm not offended, I'm not surprised, I'm just amused.
On to the questions!
1. Do you think this in fact a double standard and why?
I don't really think this is a double standard, because if I were to do what Cannon did, and walk into a public place, I'm absolutely certain the outcome would be the same. A great number of people would be offended by my actions, but there would be a select few prepared to laugh at the joke, because, depending on the intent of the perpetrator of course, that's all it is. A joke. But it can't be a double standard if both situations yield the same conclusion.
2. Do you think the controversy would be LESS or MORE if Nick Cannon was white and used "black face" to promote his album?
Of course it would be less. It wouldn't make sense if Cannon used blackface to promote the album. Mostly because of the album's naming, but also because instead of making a risky social statement, Cannon would seemingly be devaluing himself, which would be more puzzling than offensive.
3. What do you think Nick Cannon was intending to accomplish with this publicity stint? And do you think he accomplished it?
*stunt
I think Cannon was simply trying to create some buzz for his forthcoming album. For example, I had absolutely no clue he was even producing music until I heard about this whole spiel. I think he was also just trying to make some people laugh, because regardless of what some people may think, everyone needs a little ribbing now and again, and although it's a pretty brash thing to do, it's also effective.
4. Would this make you NOT want to buy his album? (If it were an album you'd be interested in, in the first place.)
Absolutely not, if anything, I'm a little more interested in hearing what it sounds like. Seeing the risks he's taking to try and make me buy it.
5. Are you offended by it?
Nope. Comedians all over the world have done elaborate impersonations of just about every race on this planet. This is only making such big news because it's a very popular and visible celebrity figure touching a nerve that's particularly sensitive in North America.
6. Do you think that putting on "white face" or "black face" is offensive at all? Does the intention behind the make up change your opinion?
I don't think the concept of "face," is offensive. But I do believe that, like any joke, or word, or image, it depends on the user's intent that makes it offensive. If Cannon was out to specifically devalue people and establish superiority, I'd be uncomfortable about it, but not because he's being racist, it'd be because he's being a jerk.
7. Infer as to whether or not "we" as a society are overly sensitive to racial issues.
I think as a whole, we're a little oversensitive, but maybe not in the way everyone thinks. Now a days, people seem to shrink in fear anytime someone uses a word like, black, or white in reference to a person. It seems that we're being pressured to fool ourselves into not seeing any sort of difference between the many many different people in this world. I think this is counterproductive. Of course we don't want to make negative connotations about other people, and of course we, deep down, are all people, but that doesn't mean that we aren't different. Of course we're different, and those differences are what makes the human race beautiful. Last time I checked, a Husky and a Poodle can be friendly, and I'm pretty sure they acknowledge they're not very much the same at all.
8. How would you feel if you were Julianne Hough?
If I were Julianne Hough I'd probably feel sad because so many people are directing hate in my direction. I'd also feel fairly silly for thinking that Halloween, a holiday associated with dressing up as something spooky, mythical, or supernatural, was a good time to put on blackface.
9. If you were reporting on these two stories, in which light would you present each? Be honest. Does your race influence your choice?
In the case of both stories, I would present them as impartially as I could. Honestly, I wouldn't want to put Cannon in a bad light, because I don't feel like what he did is necessarily right or wrong, despite what readers may think. Now I know a News Director may be unhappy with my stance here, but I really don't think either person should be deviated for their actions. Maybe it's why I don't want to work in news.
Track today is The Chain by Fleetwood Mac, mainly because it's one of my favorite songs by them, and because they recently announced their coming through Winnipeg as part of their new tour, featuring all the members from the Rumours album re-united in forever. But also, because media is a chain, everything is interconnected, and if one single link breaks, you can be sure it'll be felt the whole way through.
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