Lewes Forum thread

Go on, tell 'em what you think

Lewes Forum New message

Just interested.

On 26 Oct 2017 at 9:15am Genuine question wrote:

I asked this at the end of a different thread but there was no room left for an answer. Sad times.

Is there a reason why Borough members are so opposed to the idea of wearing their impressive and well loved Zulu costumes but just not putting on the makeup? Would it really make a huge difference to their lives to not black up?

It just all seems a bit silly to me, nobody objects to the costumes at all, it's just the face paint and not putting on the face paint wouldn't make a jot of difference to the person wearing it surely? If anything it must be a right pain getting it all off again at the end of the evening...

On 26 Oct 2017 at 9:16am Not sure wrote:

Does seem an easy option, but then would a white face be more offensive? Especially after the plight Zulus faced at the hands of the white man. Then again some people object to the whole lot.

On 26 Oct 2017 at 9:26am Genuine question wrote:

Doing it without make up wouldn't offend anyone at all surely? The whole reason the accusations of racism are there is because of the extremely negative connotations of blackface, how it was used historically. Someone knowing nothing about Bonfire will see that and assume you're a racist and for all the best intentions behind it, nobody will listen once you start telling them it's a sign of respect and a centuries old tradition.

Seriously it seems to me this whole thing has been a big misunderstanding over some makeup. Just stop wearing the facepaint and everyone can go back to not caring about Borough again

On 26 Oct 2017 at 9:39am Leave this to the grownups wrote:

No one cares about you or your opinions

On 26 Oct 2017 at 9:40am Genuine question wrote:

This is something I'm genuinely interested in. If as has been suggested Borough's zulus have actual real zulus with them and supporting their intent, does their lack of offence override the offence of those who disagree with them?

On 26 Oct 2017 at 10:32am Sensitive wrote:

Surely that would be worse as it would seem as though white people were appropriating Zulu traditions rather than respecting and honouring them

On 26 Oct 2017 at 10:35am Nothing to see here.... wrote:

No, it's the failed labour candidate and supporters opinions that really matter. You should know that!

On 26 Oct 2017 at 12:29pm Slarty wrote:

How can you try to look like a Zulu if you are caucasian? The costume is more than the feathers - it is the whole lot, including makeup. Wouldn't that just offend someone because it would be claimed that they were ignoring the colour of Zulus' skin (probably with a comment about them being racist for doing that).

On 26 Oct 2017 at 1:11pm Phantom wrote:

I hope the Zulus that are coming have ever worn any European clothing or make up. Wouldn�t want �racists� joining in with bonfire would we!

On 26 Oct 2017 at 11:03pm Noise maker wrote:

Just a thought..... as bonfire societies are for every race, colour or creed, what if a black man/woman were to dress as a zulu? Would they be frowned upon for being 'blacked up'?