Joe Pags delivered a special Halloween message to millions of Americans this week, outlining the clear difference between the historical use of “black face” and wearing a holiday costume.
“There were famous singer in the 30s and 40s who put on ‘Black Face’ and put-on Minstrel Shows. They would take shoe polish and pretend to be a Black person. Many times, society would hire these people instead of Black musicians,” explained Pagliarulo.
“That’s horribly racist. That’s disgusting. It’s completely out of line. But let’s say my favorite actor is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson… Let’s say I want to dress as him for Halloween. That’s not the same thing,” he added.
“I’m just going as The Rock for Halloween. Today, that would be considered ‘Black Face’… But it’s not,” concluded Pags.
Watch Pags’ comments above.