Blackface

Artist: Jared Williams

Description:
As a Black artist I am compelled to consider racial identity and perception. Now more than ever, it is necessary to reflect on our own lives and understand what conditions have shaped who we are. I am interested in W.E.B. Dubois' double consciousness. Navigating the void between the n***** and myself, how people see me versus how I see myself. I use the term n***** only as a means of describing the problematic portrayal of the African American that is created by our society. Through the careful examination of the alienation and conditioning of the Black community, I hope to create a personalized response communicating my distain for the continuing oppression of Black people.

Credits:
Video and Narration: Jared Williams
Music: Strange Fruit (c) Billie Holiday


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Part of the Play Gallery, a collaborative in experimental time-based arts by the University of Michigan School of Art & Design and Michigan Public Media.

For more information:
http://www.playgallery.org

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Racism
• black
• blackface
• negro
• performance
• art
• playgallery
• university
• of
• michigan
• ann
• arbor

[lilmizslani]

im speechless. impressive.

[OverXposedKC91]

you can not compare Jews to African Americans. and you can't say that all jews aren't ignorant, self hating, self pitying people. you dont know all jews and you are ignorant.

[SleeperInTheShadow]

I'm sorry man, but your blackface was kinda off, you forgot the white outline of the mouth.

[aceyriot]

@swazia73 how on earth do you come to a generalization like that and not assume you are perpetuatinga kind of ignorance that this video isnt even referring to? how does this video not apply to everyone? its taking the view of the concept of monetizing bafoonery not saying one race thinks another race is lesser. i will grant you that white people have not had a consistent record of treating other races respectfully. but its not as simple as white folk think all black folk are "ghetto" its absurd

[pinworms70]

Gary Coleman never wore blackface makeup.

[blackberryjuice1]

This isn't deep. This is white people clowning. Feed into what white people want in the system of white supremacy in order to get ahead. The only way up is to continue to degrade black people. Whether "ironically", "critically" or without pretense.

[thundertower]

you look white with the black face on

[tvpirate05]

Deep. Good stuff!

[terry513]

this is a sweet video

[dunte86]

Powerful stuff sir.

[rthornsberry16]

I hope lots of people see this, it was very powerful. You words were beautiful and they had a great purpose.