What’s so wrong about a white person painting their face black to entertain a crowd? Well, it helps to understand the history of blackface in America to understand its harmful legacy. 

Bob and Tyrone Howard trace how 19th-century minstrel shows dehumanized Black Americans, reinforced racist stereotypes, and shaped American culture, politics, and entertainment for generations. They also explore why it's important to learn about the history of slavery, even if it makes you feel guilty or uncomfortable. 

If you’ve ever wondered why blackface is offensive, this episode will provide some answers. 

GUEST: Tyrone Howard, professor of education in the School of Education and Information Studies at UCLA.

Michelle Harris-Perry’s book is Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America

What&rsquo;s so wrong about a white person painting their face black to entertain a crowd? Well, it helps to understand the history of blackface in America to understand its harmful legacy.&nbsp;
Bob and Tyrone Howard trace how 19th-century minstrel shows dehumanized Black Americans, reinforced racist stereotypes, and shaped American culture, politics, and entertainment for generations. They also explore why it's important to learn about the history of slavery, even if it makes you feel guilty or uncomfortable.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered why blackface is offensive, this episode will provide some answers.&nbsp;
GUEST: <a href="https://seis.ucla.edu/faculty/tyrone-howard/">Tyrone Howard, professor of education in the School of Education and Information Studies at UCLA.</a>
Michelle Harris-Perry&rsquo;s book is&nbsp;<a href="https://a.co/d/2RcQvzp">Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America</a>

Bob Crawford searches for the best historians and experts to answer listener questions about American history — from the Revolutionary War to rock & roll feuds. Got a question? Send it to AmericanHistoryHotline@gmail.com.

Bob Crawford searches for the best historians and experts to answer listener questions about American history &mdash; from the Revolutionary War to rock &amp; roll feuds. Got a question? Send it to AmericanHistoryHotline@gmail.com.

American History Hotline

American History Hotline with Bob Crawford

What's Wrong with Blackface?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/442e1102-87c8-4508-a587-b367014ec11e/transcript