Harry Connick, Jr. denounces blackface skit in Australia
This week’s sign that we are living in a post-racial society:
An Australian variety show host has apologized for a skit in which singers parodying the Jackson Five performed in blackface.
via The Associated Press: Australian TV show apologizes for blackface skit.
Yes, you heard that correctly—blackface. In 2009 (almost 2010).
As it happened, Harry Connick, Jr. was on hand to represent America (actually he was one of the show’s judges); he rated the skit a big fat zero. His unease at the performance must have been obvious, because the host realized his offense and apologized to Connick at the conclusion of the act. In response, Connick roundly condemned the minstrel show.
Thank you, Harry Connick, Jr. You can see a clip of the skit and Connick’s response below:
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All six of those Australian performers are doctors (radiologist, cardiologist, etc.). They are highly-educated, and had performed the same skit some 20 years ago.
Never mind how appalling we Americans found the minstrel show to be. What about the many Aboriginals, like in the Redfern neighborhood, who saw their own countrymen display such arrogance and insensitivity?
I am disgusted with Australia, but I have been for a long while. Their flagrant racism is untenable.