The photo (above) depicts [Canadian prime Minister] Trudeau at an “Arabian Nights”-themed gala event, clad in an elaborate turban and robe, his face, hands and neck covered in dark makeup – a breathtaking contradiction to the prime minister’s carefully cultivated image as a standard-bearer for Canadian diversity.
“It was a dumb thing to do,” he said during an emergency news conference on board the Liberal campaign plane before taking off for Winnipeg.
“I’m disappointed in myself, I’m pissed off at myself for having done it. I wish I hadn’t done it, but I did it, and I apologize for it.”
Asked whether it was the only instance of its kind, Trudeau admitted that during a high school talent show (top), he wore makeup while performing a version of Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song (Day-O),” although he didn’t explicitly say the makeup was dark.
Via The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI):
The advertisement featured a man dressed in black, with his face and hands painted in black. It starts with a man flicking his tongue at the camera before proceeding to explain what products are offered on sale by the advertisers. The video concludes with the man flicking his tongue again.
Complaint:
The complainant considered the advertisement was racist and that the advertisers was selling goods using racism.
Response:
They [Smyths Homevalue] said that the premise of the video was to celebrate Ireland’s very recent and historic win over the New Zealand rugby team, named the All Blacks, while also linking it to Black Friday. They said this was portrayed by the store owner dressing entirely in a New Zealand All Blacks playing kit and painting his body with black body paint. T
They said this was brought to life further by the store owner attempting one element of the renowned New Zealand ‘Haka’ ceremonial dance, namely the ‘whetero’ routine, which is where the participant exposes their tongue.
Conclusion:
Committee noted that the advertisers had not intended to impersonate nor insult anyone. They considered, however, that the application of face paint to completely change an individual’s complexion without context could give rise to concerns of racism. The Committee considered that the advertisement had not been responsive to the diversity in Irish society…
Spotted this yesterday in the Halloween shop in Dundrum [Co Dublin]. So to go along with all the sexist over sexualised costumes they are also promoting a bit of racism with their blackface product…
