Blackface performance

Blackface performance involves non-Black performers darkening their skin with makeup to portray Black characters, often reinforcing harmful stereotypes rooted in racism. Originating in 19th-century entertainment, it has a history of caricaturing and degrading Black people. Today, blackface is widely recognized as offensive and inappropriate because it perpetuates negative stereotypes and disrespects Black culture and identity. Understanding this context helps acknowledge why such performances are considered disrespectful and hurtful, emphasizing the importance of respectful representation and cultural sensitivity.