What did you think about Harry Connick Jr's response to blackface?
Harry Connick, Jr. was both shocked and amazed at an act that was impersonating Michael Jackson and his brothers, as he acted as guest judge on the show, Hey Hey It's Saturday, an Australian show. Connick gave the group a "0" score for the performance. Later, Connick gave a race-related speech explaining why black-face is a bad thing. "If I knew that was going to be a part of the show, I definitely wouldn't have done it.'
My question to you: What do you think about Harry Connick, Jr.'s response? What does this incident say about racism in Australia?
[via]
My question to you: What do you think about Harry Connick, Jr.'s response? What does this incident say about racism in Australia?
[via]
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Annie on -
That was just in poor taste. I have a new found respect for Harry Connick Jr.
You go Harry!!
-
Permalink Reply by Doctolero on -
Harry is right. This kinda thing isn't right and it's equally wrong if it was vice versa. A good example would be 'White Chicks', all done with tongue and cheek but politically incorrect.
Harry was later quoted to have said "I just want to say, on behalf of my country, I know it was done humorously, but we've spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons, that when we see something like that we take it really to heart."
And I totally agree with that. However, there is a difference between humourous actions and malicious actions and really, we should be able to tell the difference. While the act was meant to be a tribute to the Jackson 5, it was done in poor taste. It deserved a zero. But I wouldn't go so far as to call them racist.
-
Permalink Reply by JP Slater on -
Whoa; we're taking this WAY too seriously, in my opinion only..
The South Pacific is destroyed and millions are without food or shelter tonight, along with India,Taiwan, et al.
Thousands are being slaughtered , raped or starved in Africa...I don't want to take away anyone elses feelings, but there are MUCH bigger problems we should be concerned about.
I fully expect to get lambasted for saying the above,but, Gosh guys,, I just feel so sorry for all those poor souls.
JPs [OAP]
-
Permalink Reply by Johnny Blue on -
For real. Props to Harry for speaking up!
-
Permalink Reply by Keith L Spurgeon on -
I agree with Harry, but I will still not give him any respect. I still remembering the chilling day that I was forced to watch Hope Floats.
-
Permalink Reply by Derrick on
-
This issue seem to have sparked a major controversy between Australia and America. I understand that Americans have been outraged by the skit, given the history of Blackface entertainment. While the skit we did (I am Australian if you have not guessed by now) was in poor taste, it was never meant to be racist in its nature, therefore it should not be taken as such. It was meant for local audiences, most of whom have no idea what Blackface meant (myself included until after this controversy-thank you wikipedia). I blame the media for the sensationalism of this issue. The skit happened, once mistake was realised and apology given, it should have ended there.
While I give credit to Harry for speaking up, I would expect no less from a celebrity from my own country should he/she come across an injustice, it is interesting no one has picked up what he said and turned it into a media circus. He said "I know it was done humorously, but we've spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons". That can be taken completely the wrong way, if you think about it. Also he should realise that Australia is not America, seeing as we are completely different countries, and do not share the same history and culture, he should have guessed that most Australians in general would have not idea the connotations of painting a face black and dancing around like a 'buffoon'.
The US media may also have their facts wrong, there was only one performer who was of Anglo descent, the others were of other cultural descent (unless this info has since been rectified by the US media, I am not sure).
I agree with JP Slater, there are bigger issues that require more attention. However, out of curiosity, I wonder, seeing as this issue affects the people of African American descent, has anyone really stop to ask their opinion, or is this mostly just other people jumping the gun and telling how everyone should think because this is what they think? Isn't this the other end of racism stick?
I know that this is my first post and it seems a fairly lengthy sobering post at that. Thank you for reading. If you disagree, that is great. Diversity is reality. Acceptance and understanding of this diversity is hard to come by, but essential.
-
Permalink Reply by rp {|} // .MrPresident___++ on -
Good.. I think we all know people in Australia & South Africa are still pretty racially insensitive... I would have walked off the show though..
© 2009 Created by alice
