The phenomenon of "blackface" is probably known to many. This is historically the name for theatrical makeup, which American actors covered themselves with to portray dark-skinned characters.
In such theatrical productions, African Americans were depicted in emphasized caricatures - as irrational human beings. This genre has existed for over a century and has significantly shaped stereotypes about dark-skinned people.
Similar racial discrimination in American cinema has also impacted Asians. The so-called "yellowface" was perpetuated in early Hollywood history, casting white performers in Asian roles (most often Chinese or Japanese).
Why was it like this?
The main reason is the policy of racial segregation, which operated in the United States until the 1970s. You've probably heard of the catastrophic discrimination of African Americans, especially if you've watched the Oscar-winning "Green Book".
However, the situation for Asians in the US wasn't any better. Thus, in 1905, California enacted a law that banned mixed marriages. In 1924, the "Law on the Exclusion of Asians" was issued, which resulted in the impossibility of American Japanese to obtain citizenship.
But let's get back to "yellowface". For decades in Hollywood, the practice of embodying Asians by white actors was widespread. How did they do it? Let's look at some examples:
In 1915, the silent film "Madame Butterfly" about an American lieutenant in love with a young geisha Chio Chio San was released. The Japanese heroine is played by the American superstar Mary Pickford.
In 1919, in the film "Broken Shoots" (based on Thomas Bjork's novel "The Chink and the Child"), the Chinese character is played by American actor Richard Barthelmess.
Despite positive depictions of the Asian hero, the portrayal reproduces rather offensive stereotypes, which is historically not surprising; at that time, Asian xenophobia was ubiquitous in the "white" world because of the so-called "yellow threat" - the racist theory that the peoples of the "yellow" Mongoloid race are an existential threat to the "white" Caucasian race.
Until now, films in which Asian characters were played by white actors and actresses have continued to be widely released. For example, the films "Doctor Strange" (2016) and "Ghost in Armor" (2017) with Tilda Swinton and Scarlett Johansson, respectively, raised controversy.
Perhaps, some will remember the recent release of "The Little Mermaid", where Ariel is played by the dark-skinned actress Holly Bailey. A couple of outraged commentators even called it "whiteface", talking about reverse racism.
For decades, it was extremely difficult for non-white actors and actresses to break into blockbuster hits. In Russia, this problem has continued to bloom, as almost all federal films are about Slavs.
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