2017 children education gandhi pain teach

BlackFace 101

Tikeetha TMby
25 Comments on BlackFace 101

This is a detour from my normal posts, but I think it’s important that we have an open and honest conversation. I’m black. I’m a woman. I’ve made no secret of that. However, we can’t be afraid to talk about race.

I’ve been blessed to have friends of all nationalities and races. Let’s have a frank discussion about blackface. I’m entitling this BlackFace 101. I recently read an article about a white teen who dressed in blackface to ask a girl to prom. He believed he did nothing wrong.

If that is true, then his parents failed him. Why? Because as a parent, you have an obligation to teach not just tolerance, acceptance and empathy but history to your children. The school’s don’t do a good job of it anymore. They are literally omitting and changing history in the textbooks.  You need to fill in the blanks. Just like I have to do.

Our job as parents require us to encourage and educate our children every step of the way. If you are a parent in 2017, why would you think it is okay for your child to dress up in blackface? If you knew it was wrong and you don’t think it’s a big deal, then stop asking for forgiveness for your child’s ignorance. You failed them. Plain and simple.

I’m black, but I have to teach Munch about all cultures. Not just our own. Not the watered down versions that the schools are teaching now. It is my responsibility to make sure that he knows and respects everyone’s culture. That’s what we seem to be lacking…respect for other cultures.

If you don’t teach your children this, then you are ill preparing them for the real world. We are a melting pot of many cultures and nationalities and ignorance isn’t bliss. I don’t care what anyone says. Preparation for the future is key.

If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children. Mahatma Gandhi

The history of blackface is not something that is ever appropriate. In short, white America’s conception of black entertainers were overly exaggerated. They were mocking us as the socially and racially inferior race. It was pure ignorance.

The fact of the matter is that if you choose to wear blackface after knowing it’s offensive history, you’re in essence telling me that you don’t give a crap about my feelings as a black woman. I’m supposed to take it as a joke. The thing is though…you can’t forget history. I can’t wipe off what happened to my ancestors like you can your painted blackface. It isn’t acceptable and if you do it, at least be man or woman enough to not ask for forgiveness over your ignorance.

 

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25 comments

  1. I hate to say it but ever since Trump was elected it seems like more racism is happening. I’m not saying it wasn’t happening before but it seems like there’s more of it and it’s almost ok now. It’s not just Blacks that it’s happening to either.

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      1. Yep. I’m not blaming the President, I’m blaming his parents. It’s a parenting fail when you don’t educate your children and teach them cultural sensitivity.

        Liked by 2 people

      5. That’s what I said. It seems to be worse and accepted more now though. He puts it out there more so yes I do blame him in a way. He talks about Mexicans and Muslims negatively. Build that wall! Those are my people so yes I take offense to it. I’m proud to be Mexican American. Like this post says, it’s our job to teach our children to be tolerant of everyone.

        Liked by 2 people

  3. Bravo Bravo Double T! Last week when we were in some more culturally diverse areas other than Indiana Miss Madison and I had some serious talks with the kiddos about all the many different types of people we would see in the “big” city. It is our job as parents to make sure our kiddos know about all races. And who in the hell thinks wearing a black face is appropriate is damn idiot! On a personal note I just ran out of time when I was in the DC area last week :(, but I will be back to that area of Maryland sooner rather than later. I fell in love with the place!

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      1. Come hell or high water I’m moving to Annapolis or the somewhere near there :). I’ll be the one hooting and hollering at Munch’s graduation in the future :).

        Liked by 1 person

  4. I’m outraged every time I hear of something stupid like this. Education and example from home are essential. We need to keep speaking out with love and respect that things like this are unacceptable. Thank you for doing so and I’m sharing your post on StumbleUpon to spread the word!

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  6. Our world is broken and yes you are absolutely right. I strongly believe that what we see in our communities starts in homes. As parents we ought to teach our children to respect others regardless of their skin color. We are all precious, created in the image of God. My heart breaks for the continued pain we face because of what we look like on the outside. Thank you Tikeetha for sharing this Truth. It’s hard to talk about but facts are facts.🙏

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    1. Thank you. Yep, we all belong to God and we can’t grow up and be ignorant and then expect forgiveness. Knowledge is power and we have to be respectful and educated about the history and culture of this world.

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  7. I remember when Ted Danson showed up in black face while he was dating Whoopie Goldberg. And he thought it was what? Funny? I have never been able to watch anything he is in since then. I guess that makes me unforgiving but what he did was to me…unforgivable.

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  10. https://www.gofundme.com/4byghe0
    On Wed, Jun 14, 2017 at 3:02 AM A Thomas Point of View wrote:
    > Tikeetha T posted: “This is a detour from my normal posts, but I think > it’s important that we have an open and honest conversation. I’m black. I’m > a woman. I’ve made no secret of that. However, we can’t be afraid to talk > about race. I’ve been blessed to have friends of all ” >

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