Christine Pelosi said, “Speak out, educate, do not be intimidated by the apologists, and do not let extreme racism be mainstreamed. Hopefully there will come a time when we don't need to tell our kids that Halloween is no excuse for hate, and that blackface has no place in a civilized society,” a statement that is a reflection upon American history which has been largely ignorant of the struggles and histories of ethnic minorities in the United States. This quote represents the power that goes into this piece; it is disgusting that blackface is still a common practice, whether it be during Halloween time at frat parties or dating back from films in the 1900s. Ethnic minorities have been subjected to mockery and cast aside; the act of blackfacing is indicative of the racist attitudes. Turning blacks into laughing stocks, our piece is meant to demonstrate how the practice took away blacks’ dignities and reduced them to clowns. Using digital art as a medium to spread awareness to this recurring issue, we addressed the lack of visibility of ethnic minorities and mixed race folks in media through quotes and the joker drawing. The drawing represents how we are using the carefully made, socially constructed caricature in which blackfacing was seen as “socially acceptable”, by no surprise melded by white perspectives, to call out the predominately white film industry which exploits people of color.
Interesting concept and card. Good job.
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