Le « blackface », une hypocrisie française

Early January, French internet users vehemently denounced a video posted on social networks that showed an African-themed party with a host in blackface and a guest dressed as a monkey, that involved employees of the French company Le Slip Francais. An analysis of the French media reaction to the multiplication of these digital controversies shows that journalists fail to understand and address the racist nature of these "performances" and always re-orientate the debate toward freedom of expression, responsibility of the companies, or the alleged ignorance of the protagonists. This lack of proper understanding often associated with a limited dialogue with communities of color prevents from going further the emotional response and resolve the issue on a long term perspective. 

Read more online from Jeune Afrique (in French) or click here for a PDF of the article