#1: It is awfully offensive, simply because it arose from racist stereotypes during minstrel shows in the 1800s

Minstrel shows included skits, dancing, and music as a form of entertainment during the early 19th century. Some of these skits included performers who practiced Blackface to mock slaves, such as Cotton Watts and Chick.

#2: Being black is treated as a costume

Blackface has become a trend in the makeup world, and rather than models of color being chosen for photo shoots, non-black models have been seen with a darker skin shade. These models would sometimes even sport an afro. Folks are beginning to think that this is art, and that it is okay to justify Blackface and consider it a tribute, or a compliment.

#3: It’s cultural appropriation, not a fashion statement

If you notice Jeffree Star’s name at the top left of the photo above, you’ll know why this one is degrading already. Jeffree Star is widely known in the makeup world for his products, tutorials, etc. He’s also known for his outright racism. So he goes from saying he would throw acid on a Black woman to lighten her skin so that it will match her foundation, to using blackface on a half Latina/half Asian model? Great.

#4: Privilege is the key word

People literally choose to be black one day, and the next day choose to be white. How does that work? I wonder if people actually wake up like, “*Yawns* Ah, I think I’m gonna be black today.” Being black is amazing, but society doesn’t want us to appreciate who we are. Every day because of this same skin we lose our brothers and sisters, we fight for change to be able to walk around freely in this same skin, and this same skin determines whether we are guaranteed a proper future or not. The same skin that is worn for fun as a game of dress up.

#5: People of color always mention how uncomfortable it is

It's almost impossible for blacks to feel flattered when discriminated for the same color that is being praised on others who aren't of the same race. Dark skin, big lips and big noses have always been a part of Black stereotypes that blacks are put down for, yet lip injections are becoming a huge thing and all of a sudden these features are being praised? Yeah okay. Which one is it? Are we loved or hated?

Blackface performers are, "...the filthy scum of white society, who have stolen from us a complexion denied them by nature, in which to make money, and pander to the corrupt taste of their white fellow citizens." -- Frederick Douglass