Unprovoked Attacks
When slavery was abolished in 1865 the world became an even more dangerous for African Americans. Released into a land filled with contempt for the mere existence, African Americans were faced with violence, fires, and bombings by neighbors, random strangers, and groups like the KKK. A Black person could just be walking and attacked by a white person, and the act and thought process is still occurring to this day.
While making the rounds of his press tour for his new film, the actor revealed to the world that he once harbored thoughts of killing a Black man, and actually roamed the streets, armed with a club with the intentions of doing so. This occurred after learning that a good friend of his was attacked and raped by a stranger who happened to be black. According to Neeson, learning of this was enough to trigger the actor to go out for a week patrolling the streets with hopes of encountering a “black bastard” who would randomly start trouble with him (because that’s what Black men do) so he could kill him. Naturally, following the public backlash, the actor began his apology tour, where he reinforced his previous comments while also assuring that he was cured of such thoughts after seeking therapy and using power walking as an outlet.
Regardless of how one chooses to label Neeson’s comments, rather they are racist or not, what cannot be misconstrued is the fact for many African American’s skin color alone is enough to prompt a random, racist attack. Ironically Neeson’s comments come a little after a week following singer and actor Jussie Smollett allegedly attacked by a group of white men. Funny enough, however, Smollett’s encounter was met with criticism from some who questioned the authenticity of an unprovoked racial attack. For any who may believe that the idea of white men targeting and leading an unprovoked attack is too unrealistic for today’s society, refer to Liam Neeson.
Black Face Mockery
It’s Black History Month 2019 and there are still people in the world who are still refusing to acknowledge the racist history and imagery of blackface. Minstrel shows date back to before slavery was abolished, and used to insult African Americans and portraying the group as lazy buffoons. While the racist act normally doesn’t have to be addressed until Halloween the conversation has trickled over into the New Year with yet another international fashion brand invoking blackface imagery for the sake of sales.
Gucci set social media ablaze when images of a black face inspired sweater appeared on the company’s website. After the fashion brand was swiftly called out for the racist imagery the sweater was immediately removed from the website, followed by the usual generic apology. This comes only a few months after Prada faced backlash for using similar imagery for a product. If the sweater wasn’t enough of a fashion insult, Katy Perry released a new shoe that has many calling out its racist imagery. This item was also removed from the host website, but there hasn’t been any official word from Katy Perry yet.
Colorism is the discrimination of one based on skin tone. In Black and Latino communities, it’s a belief that fairer or lighter skinned individuals are better and more desirable than other members of ethnic communities. It’s a practice found predominately in areas that were colonized. It grew from slavery and plantations to extend to Greek organization on college campuses and is still used as a marketing strategy for companies. As damaging as colorism is for people of color we’re seeing proof that the mindset will be carried into the next generation.
NFL player Jahleel Addae and his Caucasian wife are receiving backlash after the couple uploaded a video of themselves and friends toasting to having more light-skinned children in the future. As swiftly as the video was uploaded, Addae made his Instagram private to protect himself against was sure to be great ridicule from members of various ethnic groups. Even if the player does speak out and apologize it won’t change anything, we know how he feels now about himself and his race.
Hopefully, the second half of the month will be more uplifting for African Americans.
Hopefully, the second half of the month will be more uplifting for African Americans.
