I see it as handing to a racist symbolism that can be used as a weapon. Hardly anyone here even heard this term blackface. I am a great believer in reclaiming steroetypes so we do not need all this religous sermonising about tabboos for ever and a day. Reminds a little of fascism when extreme right and left seem to merge.

There was a horrid quote in an American show about aboriginals and we never jumped all over the US about it. In fact channel nine wore responsbility for airing it rather than the US for making it. US media had the choice to show it or not. They chose more to take a moral highground over another country as they have an industry that churns out offensive material called Hollywood. Even UNICEF has used blackface in a campaign with non racist intent. Also not sure anyone asked Africans. Seems different response from Europeans people of African descent. US issue and I agree it can be called cultural imperialism on the part of the US.

Australians are great at seeing things in context and detecting intent. Not sure we should change from that. One of our better traits imo.

CJ, I have never denied, that odd racist incidents take place
everywhere. But I have the intelligence to stand back and look
at the big picture and note that it that sense, its not a problem.

Besides, the world is full of self promoting types like yourself,
who are trying to score a few personal brownie points out of this
issue, by screaming hysterically.

Meantime your lack of tolerance is noted, which makes you much
the same as your average racist, even if you refuse to admit it.

So keep peddling your wares, but I certainly won't be taking
you seriously, for your hypocrisy is well and truly noted.

Yabby: << CJ, I have never denied, that odd racist incidents take place everywhere >>

Yes, but you do seem blissfully ignorant of some apparently quite serious acts of racism that occur in your own backyard today. Actually, from what you've written here I think you've redefined racism for yourself to the point that you don't actually know what it is.

Here's a clue: it means attributing entire groups of people innate traits (usually negative), which are typically signified by the colour of those people's skin. 'Blackface' is intrinsically racist because it typically involves people who are not "black" colouring their skins to lampoon or otherwise put down "black" people.

As I've said, while the unfortunate Hey Hey skit is therefore also intrinsically racist, it wasn't in my view a particularly egregious example of overt racism. Rather, it was more the kind of dumb racism that is expressed unintentionally.

I think that the consequent debate has served a useful dual purpose: on the one hand demonstrating that such offensive crap is no longer acceptable in polite society, and on the other clearly showing that our society still has a long way to go in ridding ourselves of racist ideas and behaviour.

I find Yabby's snarky insinuations that my resistance to racism at OLO is driven somehow by "self promotion" or "aggrandisement" quite amusing, really - since all it does is cause me grief. However, racism can only persist where good people don't speak out against it wherever it raises its ugly head.

That's how we've made the progress we have, but evidently we still have some way to go.

*you do seem blissfully ignorant of some apparently quite serious acts of racism that occur in your own backyard today*

CJ, you don't have the foggiest clue, as to what I am aware of
or not aware of, for I have never detailed it, preferring to
look at the big picture, rather then get bogged down in detail.

Quite frankly, you have no idea what happens in this part of the
world, so quit the grandstanding.

Racism is a part of intolerance and we know all about your record
on that one. If I have become one thing, it is intolerant of
the intolerant, like yourself.

*since all it does is cause me grief.*

Quit the bulldust CJ. You love all that virtuous preaching.

In fact, now that the truth is out, you remind me of one of those
born again tv envangelists, who tries to gain respect and
adulation with his sermons, next thing we find out he's been
screwing the maid out the back :)

Oh heavens. There was no racism. From our cultural perspective there is nothing to connect a bit of make-up to re-inforcing a negative racial stereotype. That is really stretching the imagination. It does however offend the capitalist bully. Rich people get all tut tut whenever there is anything that may impede some trade deal or a new bank scam. Nobody gave a dam for eg when SlumDog millionaire was pulling in all those awards at the Oscars. Meanwhile the subjects of the movie were rioting, only slightly offended they were called dogs!

Not racist, cultural differences always make the capitalist pig sit uncomfortable with the person they may actually hate but would never offend in case it causes a loss of income. Trade is a great way to remove racism however at great expense to culture and many basic humans rights, you know like being able to think for oneself.

PLease read.
http://www.uark.edu/depts/comminfo/cambridge/apology.html

Harry has exploited our generosity to improve his image.

The real crime that night was not throwing him onto the street, for assuming Aussies are as stupid as his bible bashing countrymen/women.

The USA has excelled itself in putting to bed any hint of racism. It was $381 [in 1809 prices] to buy a slave. Today, 2 centuries later, it's a mere $300 [in todays prices]. The USA has made humans cheaper, more available and forced the trade underground.

Now they have a Black President. Forget that the Supremacist killing at the Holocaust museum is justified by his election. Best we just ignore the reality that he's labelled a "Visual aid for white supremacist recruiting".

In fact, Change has been imminent - more whites purchased firearms with the express aim of "protecting my family from non-whites and fagg's", than since pre-CRM. White Supremecy web sites crashed, and crashed, and crashed again following the election result. My - surely there was some viral marketing trick at play, or these horrid "racist" black hating White Supremacists had run an underground conspiracy campaign, luring people with fear and ignorance??

Um, no. It was the calm, calculated and "free speech" loving whites who decided if a black was President, a race war was needed. Their motivation? "Something must have gone wrong".

But, Harry's from the South - and whites down there are oh so clever and progressive. Fortunately concepts such as the "hanging tree" are almost as distant a memory as the final lynchings that Harry's folks - if not a young Harry himself went to for entertainment - 1970.

On September 21st, 2007, white students in Jena Louisiana had enough of these "ex-slaves" sitting on their school lawn under their 'white man' tree. So, nooses and Confederate flags appeared on the tree in question. The principle supported this action.

At the time observers noted Louisiana was overdue for a civil rights movement.

I guess we'd best not mention it's uneducated blacks stopping bullets in the M. East so Harry can continue his plastic lifestyle.

Harry - piss off.

http://www.wtnrradio.com/story.php?story=253