Swing Time - Bojangles of Harlem

how is this racist? if anything, it's anti-racist. back then, African American people where not looked well upon in scociety, Fred Astaire was accknoleging him as a great dancer/preformer, and was if anything, viewing him as equal.

I think this discussion points out the complexity of racism. Blackface is a phenomenon that grew out of a deeply racist sentiment that was part of American culture at the time. Was every performer in blackface racist? Absolutely not. But we all recognize that blackface represents a darker aspect of our culture. I respect Fred Astaire as a dancer and find this performance great. But it is still difficult to watch because of the blackface.

so u honestly know how he felt about black ppl?

It is sickening that people say this great performer is being racist.

He is not.

This is a true and brilliant tribute to a great man.

Sorr if this response was already said:
How is this a racist act, if the performer did it as a tribute. Especially if the performer did it of his own acord, and not of a major production studio that owned him?
This does not seem like racism to me, this seems like a show of respect, that would not make sense in our time.

BRILLIANT! He is a true master

In response to everyone who thinks this act is racist, as a bi-racial female I find this a remarkable tribute to a very talented individual. What better flattery than to concentrate so much time and effort into portraying the exact dance steps of one man? Amazing!!!!

Isn't this a tribute to a great man by a great man in the way it could be made at the time?

no. it's black face.

Racism against blacks has been on it's way out for years and years and years now. A VERY small percentage of the population is like that anymore. People that committed slavery and the people that suffered though it have been dead and gone for YEARS now. I had no part in it. YOU had no part in it. So get the fuck OVER it. Get PAST it. And Fred didn't work his ASS off for hours and days and weeks on end in a tribute to Bojangles because he was racist. Knock it the FUCK off!!