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. . Blackface . .
Even if "yellowface" doesn't, the term "blackface" probably rings a bell for most Americans. The tradition
of white actors painting their faces in grotesque caricature of African American features, portraying "lazy, superstitious
black characters who were cowardly and lascivious, lusted after white women, who stole, lied pathologically and slaughtered
the English language," is one of the grossest examples of racism in American theatrical history. From the 1830s to the
1930s, the practice essentially popularized the "darky" or "coon" racist image of African Americans.
Many people will recall early classic films that include blackface: for example, "The Birth of a Nation" (1915)
and "The Jazz Singer" (1927; Al Jolson's Jakie Robinowitz in blackface pictured left, movie poster pictured right).
However, people may have more difficulty naming films that feature yellowface, even though the numerous examples include
films recognized as classics.
Blackface information and photo taken from:
Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia
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. . Yellowface . .
"Yellowface" refers to the practice of white actors and actresses playing the parts of Asian or Asian American characters.
More specifically, it refers to the use of makeup and sometimes even prosthetics to give an actor/actress a "more Oriental"
appearance, and may also include the use of poor English speaking skills and a heavy "Oriental" accent.
Unfortunately, and perhaps even surprisingly, yellowface was completely commonplace in early Hollywood cinema. In fact, most
Asian and Asian American characters--or at least those with leading roles--were played by white actors.
Numerous famous actors and actresses have appeared in yellowface, including Mickey Rooney, John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn,
Shirley MacLaine, Myrna Loy, Marlon Brando, Luise Rainer, Sean Connery, Fred Astaire, Boris Karloff, and more. Actor Warner
Oland is infamous for his repeated offenses as a yellowface actor.
The practice of yellowface in American cinema and theatre has continued longer than one might expect: in the 1990s, the musical
"Miss Saigon" caused a great deal of controversy when it cast English actor Jonathon Pryce--rather than someone
of Asian descent--as the "Eurasian" pimp.
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