Quote:
Originally posted by sigmagrrl
The racist, insensitive behavior occurs when the black face is put on.
DOESN'T ANYONE HERE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HISTORY??????????
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It's pretty obvious that the answer to your question is that some people do and some don't.
I think that the seemingly naive question, "Does it mean something?" says the same thing. A lot of people simply don't understand the history of the use of blackface.
The thing that troubles me in your post is the use of the term "racist." While it is entirely possible that these idiots meant some amount of disrespect, it is just as possible that they didn't. It's likely, I think, that they didn't understand that their actions were offensive.
If the latter is the case, calling them racist is pretty harsh. Stupid works. So does insensitive -- your other word. I don't even object to calling them morons, which someone else did, I think.
But, with any due respect to any "stupid, insensitive morons," I do find it terribly unfortunate, with all of the recent negative press about blackface, that these incidents continue. Of course, there is some amount of insulation from reality in the college atmosphere -- but this should be pretty hard to miss.
Now, just a quick comment on Robert E. Lee. My earliest study of Civil War confirms what Tom Earp mentioned above. While slavery was the catalist, the real issue was states rights. To put it simply, the South didn't want Washington telling them how to run their affairs -- economic and other. All of my readings about General Lee indicate that his decision to fight for the Confederacy was an agonizing one, and, as a West Point graduate, he nearly chose to stay in the Union Army.
In those days, however, loyalty to your state was more important in many cases than to the country. Obviously, that's changed over the years since -- but it's the way it was back then.
I believe that there was a huge amount of mutual respect, which was confirmed by the civility with which General Grant received Lee's surrender -- allowing the defeated army to retain their sidearms and keep their horses for the return home.
OK, just another DeltAlum digression. I'm finished.