Tropic Thunder and The History of Blackface

more about “Tropic Thunder and The History of Bla…“, posted with vodpod

 

Surprisingly, I have heard a lot about the word “retarded” used throughout Tropic Thunder, but haven’t heard hardly anything about Robert Downey Jr.’s character being in blackface. Regardless of what others may think, I will be in the theater right after work (what do you mean, “You people?” What do you mean “You people?” .

The history of actors in blackface is an interesting topic, but it doesn’t signify today what it did 70 years ago. This podcast provides a general overview of blackface’s history, but so much more substance could have been provided. Check it out, and in case you consider heading to Blockbuster to rent some of the mentioned films, I recommend only watching Birth of a Nation if you’re looking to critique ignorance.