I've been telling Peruvians that theirs is just about the most racist country I ever visited. They still don't believe.
This morning I went to a cultural event at an institution whose name I will not mention at this time, in order to protect the guilty.
After about 5 or 6 performances, this group lined up on the stage. It struck me that the figure on the right, from the perspective of the audience, stood motionless, was a white man wearing "black face," and while the other stood proud, he lowered his head, playing the shameful, shameless Uncle Tom.
And, as the crowded hall laughed and cheered, as he shuffled in his dance, head still held downward, I left in disgust.
Because I voiced the view that I was insulted, several students engaged me in conversation at the gate, but it was impossible to explain why it was insulting.
I've read and heard about racism in the USA since I was a boy, but this is the very first time I ever saw Al Jolson reincarnated.
--Photographs and article produced by Patrick B. Barr (Barrybar on flickr)
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