In response to widespread backlash, administration has decided to retract their no-blackface policy. Recently banned due to its negative racial connotations, the spirit week tradition of painting one’s entire face black was passionately defended by students and parents alike.
“I know it’s true that blackface was used by white actors to perpetuate racial stereotypes. And that it was first intended to desensitize Americans to the realities of chattel slavery. And that it carries quite a charged history to be commonly accepted in a high school that prides itself on its diversity. But I don’t think racism is even a relevant issue anymore,” comments one Westford mom, whose firm devotion may partially be explained by the fact that she dropped $20 on face paint for her child, and that she “didn’t plan to waste her hard-earned money over those […] administrators.”
“Racism used to be a problem, but we live in the United States. There’s no racism here,” states a WA senior. “Seriously, we even have a black president! One black president among the 43 other, white presidents of America. So we pretty much have racial equality across all socioeconomic spheres and demographics.”
When our interviewer brought up recent events and statistics indicative of racial profiling, the student became slightly agitated. “I don’t understand. Are you saying I’m a racist? Because I’m not. I love black people! I have four African friends. I mean, India’s in Africa, right?”
“The debate itself is absolutely unfounded,” another student insists. “I can see that blackface has a bit of a troubled past, but that’s not why we’re doing it! Black is the school color for all WA seniors, and that’s that. We didn’t mean to offend anyone, so why should anyone be offended?”
No black individuals were available for comment.
