Certain contemporary behaviors can unintentionally echo painful chapters of the past. One reoccurring trend that has recently resurfaced involves individuals painting their faces black or a dark shade, turning off the lights, and attempting to scare someone entering the room. While this may appear harmless on the surface as a prank, painting one’s face black carries a long and deeply troubling history as a racist practice called blackface.

Blackface is not simply makeup or a joke — it is a symbol rooted in caricature, exclusion, and dehumanization. For generations, it was used to mock and distort the identities of people with dark complexions. Even when used without malicious intent or in seemingly unrelated contexts, actions that resemble blackface can reopen old wounds, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and minimize the lived experiences of those who have been marginalized simply because of their skin color.

Whether intentional or not, using blackface or makeup that approximates blackface to scare someone trivializes the struggles of an entire community. This profoundly disrespectful act perpetuates harmful stereotypes and invalidates the experiences of people who have been, and continue to be, marginalized and discriminated against because of their skin color. It treats a serious and painful historical reality as a punchline or a simple costume.

It is crucial to be mindful of the impact of one's actions, regardless of intent. What feels like a prank to some can be profoundly hurtful to others. These moments reveal how easily historical context can be overlooked, and how quickly impact can diverge from intent. When we fail to recognize the deeper meanings attached to certain actions, we risk repeating patterns that have caused harm for centuries.

The Cultural Awareness Project was developed in response to the casual dismissal of culturally sensitive issues, particularly those involving race, representation, and historical trauma. This disconnect, the gap between what people think they are doing and what their actions may actually communicate, is meant to be bridged by the participant researching the information topics. Through learning and reflection, this project invites participants to look beyond the surface and consider the broader cultural, historical, and social contexts that shape our shared experiences and present-day-interactions.