It doesn’t work like that. “You guys say it so I can say it,” isn’t sound logic. Given the history of the word and how it is employed by African-Americans as a means of deflating the word’s power over them I’d hope people would understand why this logic isn’t sound, but apparently we have a ways to go yet.

Not every black person takes that word positively either. It’s a mistake to assume so.

and the irish lived in the ghettos of new york, made nothing, and worked hard labor for many years before being recognized. I cant say it’s anything at all like the african slavery which occured, but isnt it time to grow up and move on? the more we look at the past, the longer it will take to fix our present.

lets just all be people.

Anyway I didn’t think his performance was that great. That song had a lot of L’s and R’s in it and his Japanese accent was showing through a lot. Nice try though I guess.

It would only be offensive if this was performed by White Europeans/Americans.”

I personally have no history of oppressing or enslaving anyone. Neither does my family for many many generations. Beyond that, I’m not sure. Being white and living in America, would I be considered racist for apply black make-up to do a very thorough impression of a famous black singer?

I know blackface has become very tainted. In the 20’s and 30’s it’s use in entertainment was obviously insulting to the black community. It was meant to portray black people as stupid, ugly, awkward, etc. The painted faces were only part of the act, though. The actors would change the way they walk into an over-done strut of discomposure, they would speak in a way that made them sound stupid and act in a way that made them look like idiots.

In this case we have someone who is singing a very famous song by a very famous black musician. He has obviously practiced a lot to mimmick Louis Armstrong’s voice and singing quirks. His facial expressions are done to impersonate the same facial expressions that Louis Armstrong did characteristically. He even comes out dressed very nicely in a tuxedo.

How can any of you find insult in this?

He off course impersonated many Japanese, too.
Masayoshi Yamazaki: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsysDDTjn8I
Blue Hearts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBiTTOtD6FM

It is at least clear that he had no intention to mock paticular race (unlike Yajima Beauty Salon). He was just impersonating famous artists.

Having said it, though, I do think he could use more subtle make-ups for Louis.

If a white guy pretended to be Bruce Lee there might be a riot.

That means oh so much coming from Jack Handy himself…

Haha, and “white liberals.” That’s a substantial amount of people you are addressing. Breathtakingly simple thoughts.

White people, man.. I tell ya.

I think not.

This is just a guy who is imitating. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I thought this guy did an amazing job.

Oh yeah, and if you think he is lip syncing, check out how he pronounces “world” VERY Japanese!

You seem to not find it offensive because the Japanese did not have a history of black slavery, but do they have no history of racial discrimination? I’m pretty sure they were and are discriminatory.

By the way, I’m Australian, we didn’t have any slavery but we killed a lot of Aboriginals. So if I do a blackface sketch about African Americans it should be okay, but not a blackface sketch about Aboriginals.

My point is, no one should do this, ever again, for any race about any other race.

-An Asian man

Oh shut up and get off your high horses. Do you get so mad when a black comedian does a white impersonation, or did you get offended when Dave Chappelle put on make up to appear white and make fun of white mannerisms/stereotypes? No, you didn’t; do you know why? Because you’re a hypocrite. Calm down and laugh at a joke, or just shut up if you’re too foolish to get it.

-A black man who is grounded in reality

Are you really that ignorant? There are very racist connotations associated with White people performing a routine with “blackface” – try checking up on the history of it.

The Japanese have no history of such thing, therefore it is not offensive to me.

For all of you defending this, do you get upset when white people paint their faces yellow and play Asian characters in movies?
Think about it.

It would only be offensive if this was performed by White Europeans/Americans.

I’m black and personally, I don’t really find anything offensive about it. I thought it was a rather odd-looking monomane, but otherwise a pretty fun video to watch.

I don’t think his movements were impersonating any racial stereotype of black people. Just Louis Armstrong’s.

Here is a Japanese comedian impersonating kitajima
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=yqnBJ18Zh1E

The impersonator is exaggerating some of Armstrong’s actual mannerisms but that is typically done in impersonations.

But they are way more subtle with the makeup to just give a suggestion of resemblance.

I guess this person is going in some ways for a more realistic resemblance, but the makeup is horrible close up.

I think whether an impersonation is insensitive would come giving him a stereotypical look or mannerisms that the person they are trying to imitate did not actually have personally.

It’s not clear to me whether they did that.

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=xQJtpCpuiG8

Pot, kettle, black.

Whoops! Was that racist?

This is so unfortunate. I mean, obviously the guy at least has -some- respect for Armstrong because he put so much effort into being able to sing his song so… well. He wasn’t terrible. The crowd appreciated it…

But why doesn’t he realize that performing in black face is insulting to black people everywhere?! Why does this continue?!!?

Ridiculous.

- Harvey

The main problem? Should he be bareface?

Is Mercury with hairy chest ok or not for some `racial` reason?

Isn`t disguise a point of such show ?

What about all drag queens?

It was just a parody show …. They also did it to Abba ,Mercury and Wado and others …