Today I read a news story about Harry Connick Jr. and his participation as a judge on a TV show that airs in Australia. Here’s an excerpt from the Reuters news piece,
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE5973P520091008
“The comedy troupe, who called themselves “Jackson Jive,” painted their faces black and donned black afro wigs in the skit broadcast on Wednesday evening, prompting talent judge Connick to protest and ‘speak up as an American’… Another dressed as Jackson himself, with white face paint… ‘If I knew that was going to be part of the show I definitely wouldn’t have done it,’ Connick said after calling a halt to the skit and awarding the six performing members with a zero rating.”
THIS is what it means to be an ally in the struggle against racism. This is an example of what being American is all about! Harry Connick Jr. in the face of being met with a racist portrayal of African Americans, halted the action, and then backed it up with a potentially unpopular response by giving them a zero rating. And, my friends, this is a white man! He didn’t step aside to just say “hey some people could be insulted.” He said (I’m paraphrasing of course,) “oh no I am insulted, and I am not Black, and I’m still not having it!” Racist humor that night stopped with him. The article goes on to say that the “humor” of the skit was widely support by audience in attendance but who cares it did not disrupt Connick’s fervent belief in what was right and wrong. He thought it was wrong and he used his power to call it out and even put an end to it on the show.
Most of us don’t have the power to give someone a zero score or especially be in the position of being a “judge.” But what was most special about what Harry Connick Jr. did was make his feelings known about how wrong racist humor is. The comedy troupe’s attempt at humor wasn’t funny, appropriate, or within his scope of good taste and Harry Connick said so.
Well done, Harry Connick Jr!!! I think I’m going to hit I-tunes up and download some of your music now. I am so proud to have allies like him roaming the world! And umm, reader, you can do it too. [Scratching head… how did I not ever realize how sexy this guy is…]
Tags: white ally