brownface

Brownface is a form of theatrical makeup in which a person with light skin tones applies dark makeup to their face and body to imitate a person of color. It is often used by actors to portray characters of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, particularly those of South Asian, Middle Eastern, or Black descent. The practice has a long history in various forms of performance, including minstrel shows and early cinema.

Brownface is widely considered to be a form of racist caricature and cultural appropriation. Critics argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes, reduces complex identities to simplistic and often offensive depictions, and allows performers to profit from or mock the experiences of marginalized groups without facing the discrimination those groups endure. The use of brownface is often seen as particularly offensive because it can evoke the history of blackface minstrelsy, a practice deeply rooted in the dehumanization of Black people.

While some may argue that brownface is used for artistic purposes or to explore diverse characters, the overwhelming consensus among anti-racism advocates and many communities of color is that the practice is inherently problematic and contributes to racial insensitivity. In contemporary media and theater, there is a strong movement towards color-conscious casting, where actors are cast as characters of their own racial or ethnic background, promoting authenticity and avoiding the pitfalls associated with brownface.