The extremely controversial conversation surrounding blackface has created tension, backlash and dialogue throughout the African-American community.
Now the tables have turned with the ‘whiteface’ controversy and surprisingly, Nick Cannon is at the center of it all.
Cannon has received lots of criticism for creating a white alter ego to promote his upcoming album White People Party Music. Cannon’s contentious alter ego Conner sports a super white face with red hair, and fans are not happy about it.
Nick hit up Good Morning America to defend his alter ego, saying that his character is not the same as blackface.
“They’re using this term ‘whiteface,’ like I don’t even know what that is. I know ‘blackface’ was a term that was created in 1869 to describe offensive minstrel shows. ‘Whiteface,’ if you look it up and Google it, it’s a ski slope in upstate New York. I was doing a character impression. Blackface is about oppression.”
The actor/comedian continued to repeat some of the statements he’s made on Twitter and Instagram defending his decision to portray such a character.
He said:
“The mission was to have fun, and yes, put it out there that we have issues with race in this country and in this world, but it doesn’t have to be with hatred.”
Check out the interview below:
Tell us, do you think Nick Cannon’s character is as offensive as blackface?
SOURCE: ABC | PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter
