VMAs!

Now I know what I want to be for Halloween! Nicki Minaj! I just need a pink wig, a bright unitard, and super duper padded panties to achieve the entire look. The VMAs this year were entirely lack luster. I feel as though we are starving for true artists who put talent before making a splash. For example, I love Lady Gaga! But I do believe that much of this persona is just an act to illicit attention and shock value. But she is an amazing talent. I would love to see that talent highlighted more than her image. And apparently, Nicki Minaj was a hardcore female rapper who actually had something to say at one point. But just like most artists, her true essence has been flipped and she has morphed into some barbie cartoonish character.

Now....on to WillIam. Apparently he dawned "blackface" in his performance with Nicki Minaj. This caused a lot of Twitter uproar. To understand the reasons behind this uproar, you must understand the history behind blackface. It began as a form of mocking african americans and portrayed us as "coons", ignorant, etc. White performers were the first to wear the disguise. However, in later minstrel shows, african americans themselves performed in blackface and some were not allowed to perform without it. It is a sensitive topic that elicits criticism from many. WillIam said that the naysayers should "let it go" and to leave the past in the past. But when I think of the historical connotations behind the practice, I understand how it is impossible for many to just let it go. The origin of blackface is intended to mock and make fun of african american culture. Granted, I am sure WillIam was doing it for fashion and he did not mean any harm. But he should have been more cognisant of the decision. As African Americans, we do and say so many things (like certain words) that may cause others to think that certain practices are socially acceptable for everyone. We have to be the example! While I wish WillIam had made a better decision, his actions have opened the doors for discussions about blackface to take place. Maybe learning about it will enlighten those that think it is ok.