In this past class, we discussed the Minstrel show, and it’s influence on popular culture in the early 20th century. Although this is a horrible but interesting topic, I would like to explore the idea that the image of the minstrel show hasn’t died out, it has just switched the way it is presented. In class, Professor O’Malley brought up the issue that black face is still alive and well, we just don’t realize it. Many modern artists try to put out a “tough” persona, seemingly how a black person would act. Not all black people act like this, and this type of thinking creates a hurtful stereotype. Media likes to portray black people as thuggish, rough, and almost animalistic, which is not true. I believe that our Professor used the example of 50 cent. He seems so rough and tough, but he usually cleans up and wears a suit, not a dirty old t shirt. This is considered black face because he is putting on a persona. It is not truly how he is, but it is how people think he should be. This is similar to the old show of black face; you dress up in a stereotypical outfit to portray a specific race.

Another issue that could be considered modern day black face is the issue of some white rappers and stealing their culture. Some rappers dress up to act rough and tough, but they can just stop that persona at the end of the day. They take from black culture and use slang that they do not know to perpetuate a stereotype. It’s very weird, and also racist.