By Steffani Carrera ’14

Rapper and television persona Nick Cannon recently released a series of promotional videos for his upcoming album “White People Party Music” in which he shocked fans and critics alike by donning a “whiteface” to represent his Caucasian persona. Referred to as Connor Smallnut, this imaginary character of Cannon’s has received a serious amount of attention since Cannon painted his face to appear white. The action so closely resembles the overwhelmingly offensive blackface act that was popular in a segregated America, that it spread like wildfire. Mainly during the 20s, white actors would cover their faces in dark paint to resemble their black counterparts and behave ignorantly as part of a live comedic show; this action was known as blackface and has since been banned from television. While some found Cannon’s videos amusing and comical, others were seriously offended (and rightfully so) by this tasteless artistic expression.

Cannon took to Twitter after receiving backlash where he posted “”Duuuude everybody Chil-lax!!!!” ~ Connor Smallnut’.” Though he may have intended to make a lighthearted joke in the name of comedy, Cannon crossed a line. Dressing up as an individual from another race and exhibiting stereotypical behavior is insulting, unacceptable and plain ignorant. Nothing is okay about his actions, even if it was all just a joke.