‘Digital Blackface’: When Is It OK For White People To Share Black Memes?

Source: Twitter/@Solo_Kalin / Twitter

As a society today, our lives are inarguably ruled by social media. No matter how much you think you’re exempt from the obsession, unfortunately, we’re all plugged into the Matrix whether we like it or not — search your name right now on Google and see!

One of the key factors that make social media so addictive is, quite frankly, the social aspect of it all. Never in history have we been so connected at such lightning speeds, with the internet giving us a way to talk with a family member, lover or pen pal at a moment’s notice from anywhere in the world. Well, anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection at least.

We share emails, business proposals, fan fiction, food reviews and pretty much everything else you can think to type in a search toolbar. However, one of our main shared pastimes on the Internet is exchanging hilarious photos and videos that we’ve come to know and love as memes.

Take a look at some of our favorite memes over the years below:

Source: Cardi B “My Momma Said” Meme / Twitter

Source: “It’s Above Me” Meme / Twitter

MORE: Understanding Racial Bias In Research On Teen Social Media Use

It goes without saying, but the majority of the memes that you’ll find circulating out there are either created by Black people or feature some aspect of our culture. From inside jokes to universally understood behavior within Black households, memes have become a way for us to bond on a different level as a community. However, it’s also very understood that we’re not out here alone, nor are we the only ones enjoying and/or partaking in the culture of “Black memes.”

There’s a new term circulating out there called “digital blackface,” brought to light recently thanks to a recent profile on CNN that describes it as “contemporary racism.” According to reporter John Blake, “Digital blackface is a practice where White people co-opt online expressions of Black imagery, slang, catchphrases or culture to convey comic relief or express emotions.”

Take a look below at why Blake says digital blackface is detrimental to our culture, via CNN:

“Some may say posting a video of Sweet Brown saying, ‘Oh Lord Jesus, it’s a fire’ is just for laughs. Why overthink it? Why give people yet another excuse for labeling White people racists for the most innocuous behaviors?

But critics say digital blackface is wrong because it’s a modern-day repackaging of minstrel shows, a racist form of entertainment popular in the 19th century. That’s when White actors, faces darkened with burnt cork, entertained audiences by playing Black characters as bumbling, happy-go-lucky simpletons. That practice continued in the 20th century on hit radio shows such as ‘Amos ‘n’ Andy.’

Put simply: digital blackface is 21st-century minstrelsy.”

On the other side of the debate, Antoine Dodson of “hide-yo-kids-hide-yo-wife” fame made the argument that it was actually support from the white community that paid him top dollar for appearances and made sure his travel accommodations were of the highest order. When it came to Black media, he says, “it’s a joke to them,” even stating that he “rarely goes to Black events” when selling products.

Hear his full statement below, via TMZ:

Many people on Twitter and other social platforms have even called out CNN, stating that “digital blackface” is more than just sharing pics and videos. According to a handful of users, the real offense arises when white social media users begin creating full online personas that would otherwise have you believe they’re Black as well.

It gets deep, y’all!

So, does Dodson have a point? Does the monetary support from white people give them a pass to play along in the world of Black meme culture? Is it even that big of a deal to begin with? See what others on social media are saying below.

‘Digital Blackface’: When Is It OK For White People To Share Black Memes?  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com