The problem is, “blackface” is not actually another word for “skin darkening agents and ethnic costumes”. The term “blackface” refers to a very specific type of entertainment aimed at negatively stereotyping black people; ANTM’s photo shoot, as anyone would know who bothered to watch the episode, had absolutely nothing to do with blackface. In fact, even comparing the two indicates a serious lack of understanding on the part of all of these writers of the real issues behind why blackface was cruel and insensitive.

The idea of “blackface” that (rightfully) elicits negative reactions dates back to American minstrel acts of the 19th century in which white comedians would darken their faces (using burnt cork, greasepaint, or shoe polish), exaggerate the size of their lips, put on woolly wigs, and perform as clowns; the clownishness, the humor, of their acts derived from the caricatured features and the portrayal of negative character stereotypes (laziness, dishonesty, cowardice, etc.). So, too, did the racism. The issue, in hindsight, was that the blackface comedians were saying, essentially, “all black people are laughable because they look, talk, think, and act in this ridiculous way,” a way that was negative and demeaning. The central problem of blackface, in other words, is in the representation of negative stereotypes for mockery and comedic purposes.

Tyra Banks’ photo shoot had nothing to do with this. Did it portray stereotypes? Sure. The models wore colorful “traditional” outfits “inspired” by the clothing of the cultures they portrayed. But Tyra told the viewers and the models that “every outfit is not necessarily what people of that culture are wearing now… it might not even be a necessary exact [replica] of what they’ve worn, even in the past… it’s a fashion interpretation of it.” And, as fashion interpretations, the clothes were glamorous and beautiful. Did the models know anything about the cultures they were representing? Not really. (Erin, the contestant assigned a role as part-Tibetan said that all she knew about Tibet was that “it needs to be freed.”) Did the models act in a ridiculous way? No more than they normally do to complete their photo shoots. Did they portray negative character traits in order to mock the cultures they were portraying? Not at all. There is no real reason why this photo shoot should at all be associated with the negative connotations surrounding the term “blackface” — not unless those writing about it are looking for something to label as racism.

Enjoy more of my brilliance at http://witdw/blogspot.com

Where I DO wanna come down on Tyra thinking that this episode is compelling enough to actually move me and affect me; that’s (and honestly her whole show) is laughable.

I’d say that it was as effective when gorgeous female broadcasters/actress/model who have been given too many advantages on their looks decide to put on a fat suit and are suddenly aware of how people poorly treat those who are obese. Seriously Tyra, this is just a different way to do those body paint outfits Sports Illustrated does with their Swimsuit Editions.

Someone throw Tyra in a pool full of Dolphins and let’s be done with her already.

You’re plenty current & timely — this same topic is currently a feature story on the AOL homepage:

http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2009/10/29/blackface-on-americas-next-top-model/

But you do have some good points about the target audience and the attitude that you can just paint culture on like an accessory.

Things like “I don’t know anything about Tibet except that it wants to be freed” are HILARIOUS. But like you said, ignorance on the part of the girls was to be expected.

I think what was potentially more bothersome was Tyra and Jay directing the girls on how to be more ethnic. “Well these indigenous people are very in tune with music, they always have music in them” and such. (Although this particular bit of direction did inspired and saved my girl, lazy eyed crasian Jennifer!)

I think part of the reason I personally wasn’t as offended as I was because the cultures involved — Greek? Russian? Madagascar? — were ones I didn’t have much affinity toward or interest in.