I know that many people say that intent doesn't matter. But I personally believe that intent
does matter, and I think most of America agrees with me. I've cited multiple real-life examples of non-black people putting on darker makeup to make themselves look like more like black people (e.g., Maya Rudolph and Frank Caliendo), and those examples did NOT generate widespread cries of racism. Why? Because it was obvious that those impressions were meant as a tribute, not meant to stereotype.
I have been pretty consistent in my belief that "wearing darker makeup" is not the same thing as "blackface". "Blackface" has been historically defined as a
caricature of black stereotypes -- super-dark skin, big red lips, white eyes, etc.. In my opinion, dark makeup does not necessarily make it a caricature -- although I suppose that there is a sliding scale involved and at some point even a heartfelt tribute is capable of crossing the line.
I think Megyn Kelly makes a good point about a white person being able to wear makeup to look like Diana Ross. But I think Megyn Kelly is the
wrong person to be leading that discussion. She has a history of being racially divisive, and so I don't trust her.
As for Patton Oswalt, I'd have to see his Nipsey Russell Halloween costume before passing judgment.