Lingo
black
face
a form of theatrical makeup used to portray offensive and racist caricatures of black people, which has a history of causing harm and perpetuating negative stereotypes
Blackface is a practice in which non-Black performers use makeup to darken their skin to caricature or portray Black people. It originated in the 19th century in minstrel shows, where white actors would exaggerate stereotypes of Black people for entertainment, often portraying them in a demeaning and racist manner. Blackface has a long history of being used to spread harmful stereotypes and reinforce racial discrimination. Today, it is widely condemned as offensive and inappropriate, recognizing the deeply hurtful impact it has had on Black communities and its role in continuing racism.
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