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Blackface vs. Black Faces: It's the claim of authenticity that's truly offensive

By Conseula Francis

Charleston City Paper | August 20, 2008

It isn't the act of painting the hands and face black that's offensive and harmful. It's the claim of authenticity that goes along with that act, the assumption that something real and true is being represented when someone darkens his face, paints on a huge red mouth, and shucks and jives on a stage. So Al Jolson in The Jazz Singer is offensive, as is C. Thomas Howell in Soul Man. But so is Samuel L. Jackson in Black Snake Moan, Terence Howard in Hustle & Flow, and 50 Cent on any given day.

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Tags: Ben Stiller, Tropic Thunder

Charleston City Paper

Founded in 1997, the locally owned and operated City Paper is Charleston's only weekly alternative newspaper and the second-largest publication in the metro Charleston area. Reaching a strong mix of active, affluent locals and tourists, the City Paper has thrived...

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Market Served: Metropolitan Area
Address: 1316 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 577-5304

www.charlestoncitypaper.com

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