Member-only story
I Was Invited to Wear “Blackface” for Mardi Gras
About a year ago, my boyfriend Chuck was commissioned to paint coconuts for Krewe of Zulu, the over-a-century-old New Orleans parade which is first to roll on Mardi Gras day. Hand decorated, Zulu coconuts are one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras “throws”; more coveted than beads by a long shot.
When Chuck met with his Zulu contact to hand over the coconuts, he was offered a rare invitation to ride along as a guest in this year’s Zulu Parade.
“Bring your girlfriend,” he was told.
Two things you should know:
1. Complexities of ethnic identity aside, I am a white woman who moved to New Orleans in 2015.
2. Wearing blackface-like makeup is mandatory for all Zulu riders, regardless of race and membership/guest status.
As someone who spends a lot of time reading and talking about racism and race relations, and someone new-ish to New Orleans Carnival, I had a mixed reaction to the invitation. I knew that Zulu was beloved, and that this invitation was an honor, but I was (I think understandably) hesitant.
I decided to dig a little deeper before making a decision.
Why do the citizens of a majority black city line the streets every year to watch Zulu and clamor for coconuts? How is it that…
