Poor Harry Connick, Jr. After performing on a live reunion special for the long-running Australian TV show Hey Hey It’s Saturday last night, the cro0ner (and former frequent guest) politely agreed to judge the show’s goofy talent competition, Red Faces. Too bad no one told him that one of the acts would be the “Jackson Jive”—six dancing men in blackface that were apparently quite popular on the show 20 years ago. Understandably, Connick was less than amused, giving them a zero out of ten and noting that the show would be yanked from the air in America. Really, we’d like to think it wouldn’t have made the air in 1989 either.
Host Daryl Somers apologized later in the show, noting “I know that to your countrymen, that’s an insult to have a blackface routine like that on the show.” Connick responded, “I just wanted to say on behalf of my country, I know it was done humorously, but we’ve spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons, that when we see something like that, we take it really to heart. I know it was in good fun, and the last thing I want to do is take this show to a down level—because you know how much I love this show and this country—but I feel like I’m at home here, and if I knew that was going to be part of the show, I probably—I definitely wouldn’t have done it.”
Sadly, it looks like Australian viewers don’t get what the fuss was about, with blog commenters and twitterers debating whether Connick was “too politically correct.” Watch the clip after the jump, if you can stomach it.
Seriously, this happened in October of 2009. Yesterday. Thanks for speaking up, Harry.
[Photos: Getty Images/Daily Telegraph]
Comments
77 Responses to “Harry Connick Jr. Shocked By Blackface Skit On Live Australian TV”
Hmmm…Mel Gibson is Australian, as well, isn’t he? Must be something in the country’s dna never fixed from it’s days as a leper colony. But hey, I bet Yahoo Serious thought it was a riot…
For %)+~!++^$#`&&$^! s sake. I’m going to buy every Harry Connick album available.
Rosa Parks, careful where you sit in Australia. %)+~!++^$#`&&$^! ing Hell. Disgraceful that this is regarded as OK . I’m more or less speechless…
I am proud of Harry Connick, Jr. Thank you for speaking up and noticing this backward behviour towards people of color. Amen brother!
I’m glad that Harry spoke up and was rightly offended! That clip is in complete bad taste!
Thank you for speaking up Harry. However , conservatives will make a fuzz about what you did and say that you’re being too politically correct, and that’s NO BIG DEAL, etc. Again, thank you.
thank You Harry. As a black female thank you
Thanks Harry!!!! I’m from New Orleans and Thanks for speaking up for us. You made Orleanians proud.
It’s interesting, but having experience living abroad, outside of the US and Canada, people have no common sense understanding of political correctness, especially the Brits and Australians. They accuse Americans of being too sensitive and not having a sense of humor, but I still think it’s bad taste – oh well knows.
your all making too much of this really. who care’s and i was funny alway’s.if some one’s feeling’s got a little hurt over it then oh well grow up not everything in this world is right some thing’s are wrong and yet funny get over it go on
As an Australian I’d like to defend our nation here. We definitely have a racist streak, but I don’t think it’s any worse than the USA.
I personally didn’t think the act was particularly great, and my jaw certainly dropped when they come on stage. I knew some people would be offended by it. But the thing is, putting make-up on one’s face is not, in and of itself, an offensive act. There are two things that make it offensive to many people. 1) The intent. If the intent is to belittle a group of people, IMO it is completely wrong. I don’t believe that was the case here. 2) The history of it. Blackface routines have a long history (esp. in the USA) from a time when it *was* meant in a belittling way. Many people remember that, and still feel attacked by it. But I don’t think that Australia has as much of a history of it being performed here. That’s, in part, why Australians don’t tend to find it as offensive as Statesiders do.
Three out of the six guys who performed are from racial minorities themselves. There is a brief interview with the guy that played Michael Jackson here:
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26181298-5006301,00.html
To my knowledge the average Australian has never had a problem with African-Americans, even back when Aboriginal Australians were denied citizenship in their own country. I saw a documentary once about the American soldiers who were stationed here in Australia during WW2. The units were segregated and while the white soldiers were granted permission to go a party with the locals, the black soldiers were restricted to the barracks. Some of the black soldiers snuck out and into town. When the white soldiers found them, they beat them and even shot one or two of them. The local white people (civilians and soldiers alike) were shocked. To the Aussies, these were not black soldiers, they were American soldiers, which was something to be admired for. I know this doesn’t necessarily mean anything over half a century later, but I think that it probably still applies to Australians’ view of African-Americans today, that they are Americans first (or better yet, humans first). I really think it was meant in a good-spirited way, as the guy in the interview said, as a tribute to the Jacksons. Should they have put it on the air? Probably not. The producers probably should have realised it was not a good idea. As someone who didn’t find it offensive per se but sympathise with those who did, I am glad that Harry spoke his mind about something he clearly felt strongly about.
Oh and H-, on a side note, Mel Gibson is American. He was born in NY and spent his childhood in the USA. His family then moved to Australia when he was 12. He moved back to the USA when he was a (young?) adult. Also we weren’t a “leper colony” (and leper is now considered to be pejorative, so your comment could be viewed by some as just as offensive as a blackface routine – leprosy is now called Hansen’s disease) we were a penal colony, where the British sent many of their criminals as punishment for crimes ranging from murder to stealing a loaf of bread for survival to advocating Irish home rule. North American was originally used for the same purpose.
WHITE SUITS! THEY LOOK LIKE KLANSMEN! KKK! THIS IS DISGUSTING AND HURTFUL! AL JOLSON SANG MINSTRELS IN VAUDEVILLE IN THE 1920S AS SEEN IN SOME OF THE TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES. JOLSEN WORE THE BLACK ON HIS FACE TO HONOR BLACK SINGERS AND THEIR MUSIC LIKE JELLY ROLL MARTIN AND OTHERS WHOM WERE NOT ALLOWED TO PERFORM ON STAGE BECAUSE THEY WERE BLACK! THATS WHY WE HAD THE COTTON CLUB AND THE CHITTERLING ROUTE TO SHOW OFF BLACK PEOPLES AMAZING TALENT! BLACK PEOPLE HAD TO ENTER AND EXIT KITCHEN DOORS OF LARGE HOTELS EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE FAMOUS MOVIE STARS AND SINGERS! I SEEN THIS AS A LITTLE WHITE GIRL IN THE 50S AND 60S. WE HONOR ALL PEOPLE IN THE US. BLACK PEOPLE HAVE PAID THEIR DUES! NOW WE KNOW HOW AUSTRALIA TREAT THEIR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE -THE ABORRIGENIES!
Yeah SCOTT– all fun and games unitl someone does something you don’t like, right, then I bet you want to tear the world down.
You have no right to tell people what should or should not offend them….
I never knew about the history of African-American Soldier ,in Australia. Thanks for that, Aussie..
I think its important to not chase negative energy with more hatred, y’all.
I am a black man, and i deal with a great many issues living in the south, but what matters most is the intent. I can’t tell you how often i hear the “N-word” because some white guy loves to quote his hip hop. I could take issue with that guy, but what would that prove? My issue is the African American brother who makes a quick buck with his art, instead of lifting the world up.
MY point is: don’t respond to disrespect by showing that we have as little class as they. What may be “obvious” to us may mean something else to them.
as a black man,that wasn’t funny at all. none whatsoever. way 2 go harry. you get much props.
As someone who is pretty much open to any and all jokes, even some racial jokes. This was out of line, the fact that Australian viewers believe it to be acceptable just goes to show how much further African Americans have to go to be treated with respect in the media in other countries as well.
As an Australian who’s lived in the US for 8 years I’d just like to point out that most Australians are not aware of the history behind blackface routines. Watching the clip I was embarrassed for us, and I’m certainly glad that Harry did some educating later in the show, but you really have to look at it in the context of the society in which it was aired. Don’t label an entire country of people just because you are offended by a uninformed routine. Even people that would have found that funny there aren’t neccessarily racist, the racial debate is framed completely differently there, most Aussies are very open and loving people. Furthermore, half of the performers were not white, all of them are doctors, and they had discussed the impact of the routine before performing it, but wanted to do it as a loving tribute to MJ. Once again, you have to understand the context…
well said AussieDingo1983….
it is a slimy situation…and those with deep feelings about racism and being ridiculed because of the color of their skin, are likely to find this kind of “comedy” to be offensive…I don’t see the humor in it, myself…why even put on the makeup? what is the point of it?
u have ^)%$!~!)$~&^%#! holes everywhere i c…thanks 4 speakin up,we need more people like urself!
Kudos to you Mr. Connick, he did the right thing, this is so sad people still think this crap is funny. Mr. Connick keep on keeping on!! To those who feel that society should ease up from this, lets see what would you do when it happen to you. Remember what goes around comes around.
Harry go home. Didnt robert downy junior get nominated for an oscar for playing a black man>> Oh its only ok when jewish movie studios run their own type of skits. Go home yank. We love americans we just dont like you m8.
Thank you Harry Connick Jr. When faced with doing what is right and one does it, brings us closer to our reality as human beings.
What about the movie “TROPIC THUNDER”. Didn’t Robert Downey Jr put on “BLACKFACE” make up and play a Black man in the spirit of comedy? Hollywood nominated him for an Academy Award. Give us a break !! We just want to laugh a little over here in Australia. Political correctness has become OPPRESSIVE on comedy, can’t even laugh these days without fear of upsetting someone.
Seems that no one noticed the guy in “white face” ……seems your thin skins don’t see that color. Racism works both ways people. I’d say you all need to grow up quite a bit. Harry C said the USA has been working for a long time to not make black people appear to be buffoons. Judging by the ease at which they take offence,al that work was for nothing. Isn’t ending racism about not noticing color. Well, you noticed… racists see the difference. Says a lot about the complainers here doesn’t it.
To respond to ALS’s comment that the Brits and the Aussies don’t get political correctness, I %(#^&#@`#*`)+&* ure you that here in the UK this would receive exactly the same reaction as it would in the USA, it’s amazing to me that it’s deemed acceptable in Australia.
It’s all very well for defenders to say it’s a “bit of fun”, but this is a race of people who still get beaten up by their own police force. You can have your bit of fun when that kind of thing stops being a “bit of trouble”.
To all the people saying “Its’ just a joke” your ignorant to the fact that in history blackface was a demeaning display towards black people in general and our culture. Even though it’s allowable to perform, act out, view, laugh at such behavior does not make it right. I am a proud, American, Black female and I would never make fun of anyones’ ethnicity or culture.
It’s interesting to see Americans accusing the UK and australians for being Racist when you look at the way they treat people from the Middle East. Americans are so one-sided and live in the fantasy world that their beliefs are gospel and politically correct.
You have gone to war to “defend your freedom” and tear countires and regions apart because of your dislike of anyhting non-christian.
This skit was a Jackson impersonation, by a group of mulitcultural Doctors. It was NOt an isult or attack on any black person. As mentioned numerous times – what about Robert Downy Jnr and his black face in Tropics Thunder? And this was funny? What about you other movies protraying Arab states as Terrorist nations. Double Standards.
As a black Australian I laughed at these guys making fools of themselves on a talent show. There was no harm in it, and there was no insult to Blacks. Maybe the Americans need to start doing what they preach – pull that stick out of your @$$ and lighten up…
The world is a better place without you pushing your opinions, rules and political correctness on the rest of the world.
From a country that allows the KKK and Nazi Skin heads to run riot, I hardly think this skit is so much of a fuss!!! Please check your own back yard before condemning a country that unfortunately for us, supports your military in your race to destroy every country with more and more firepower!!! We welcome Harry Konnick here anytime, he is a great entertainer, but please don’t get all high and mighty when the problems of race in the US is rife. After all, Aussies didn’t have the slavery issue. So if it makes u feel good to ridicule every other country to make yourselves feel better, go right ahead. Oh and your Rap artists? Don’t they teach race hate etc??? All you knockers, come and visit Down under and see what we are really like!!! Don’t just listen to media hype and over paid radio hosts etc.
Do you know why they call Australia the Lucky Country? cause we are pretty lucky that we don’t care what rednecks think about us!!! And we can laugh at ourselves, we take the Piss out of our own way of life, we can laugh at jokes, we can hang #~*#_+*^$%*($%#@ on our mates, we get #~*#_+*^$%*($%#@ hung on us, we are laid back, we don’t give two hoots what a bunch of whinging yanks think about us!!! Oh, and Our economy is way way much better than yours!!!!
Typical American with their overboard PC opions and self righteous rubbush inflicted on the world.
The lead guy in the sketch was Indian and the rest of the cast were mixed race. Unlike America – Australia doesn’t have a history of selling people into slavery and still burdon a huge chip on their shoulder for their guilt.
Pretty rich of Harry considering he did a ‘blackface’ skit http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/10/1996-harry-connick-on-mad-tv.html
This is out of control. Australian’s have a quirky sense of humour and Harry’s thinking they are like Americans. They are not. Speaking of Americns, how about Eddy Murphy acting as white/Jewish etc in his skits/movies. No-one complains about him. How many overseas people make fun of Aussies with cork hats, safari suits and boomerangs dangling off them. How come actors in America usually dress up in tight clothes and fat suits to portray African Americans, jangeling with gold jewellery. I think that is more insulting to African Americans than Aussies with black make-up on. Would it be different if they had black masks instead. I admire Harry for standing up for his beliefs. Australians are now up to speed as to performance not to’s. But really there are worse things going on in the world.
Did Harry forget about this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooKaCbMvaZ0
If only the whole world could be American!!!!!! Us Americans do no wrong!!!!! We are a peacefull and lovable bunch!!! Come on everyone…… be just like us!!!!!!!!
ps. I have just smashed all my HCJ cds, didn’t like that stupid southern fool anyway!!!
The color on my television was playing up, can someone tell me what all the fuss is about. When I watch programs of a night it is all BLACK and WHITE to me. Get over yourselves you pathetic YANKS!
It is extremely sad that Australians think it is funny, when white men paint their face black and dance around like idots. I always wanted to visit Australia but now I know that I am not welcome. Harry Connick, Jr. was not being too political, he just wanted to give Australians a wake call. This type of entertainment is from the dark ages. Sadly, there are still many Americans who would love this type of entertainment because they also do not believe we are all God’s Children.
http://video.google.com.au/videosearch?hl=en&source=hp&q=MadTV+Harry+Connick+Jnr,+preacher+skit+on+YouTube&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=rEDNSuraF4rGsQO80q3GDg&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1#
What a bloody hyprocrite!
Just think if it were your family, you just lost a loved one, I dont think you would think it was funny at all, no matter what color you are. Thanks Harry, it was distastful.
Obviously, the skit to American viewers has far different connotations given that the US fought civil wars to free African slaves, has had race riots etc to give African Americans equal rights etc. Connick Jrs reaction is understadable being from the deep south and so are the reactions of many Americans as is evidenced by the blogs as the symbolism depicted in the skit clearly hits a very raw nerve with Americans. However Americans seem very quick to judge other nationalities by American standards but seem indifferent when the shoe is on the other foot so to speak. Abu Graheb ring any bells? The skit was not intended to offend nor was it intended to be racist, many of the performers were not white themselves. The skit should be viewed in the context it was meant to be portrayed. Was it in poor taste, perhaps it was. Are Australians therefore racist or is it simply a case of not identifying with the symbolism portrayed in the skit the same way as Americans do becausen of cultural and hostirical differences?
So where was the racist uproar when TROPIC THUNDER came out with Robert Downey Jr. in Black Face??? Oh thats right he got nominated for an Academy Award.
So the whole of Australia is racist now Harry? Then why the hell have you come down, 6 times to advertise your cr*p CDs in Australia on Hey Hey its Saturday? On your bike Harry, you have a great talent of offending an Australian fan with your arrogant and opportunistic grandstanding.
We need more folks like Harry denouncing racist foolishness when it rears its ugly head.
what you need to understand is that racisim for african americans came from america not australia, its not how we were raised or to ever think. i have friends from many different nationalites. stop finding reasons to feel sorry for yourself and grow up move on with your life. australia is a good country, and its sad that you could be so closed minded. where you go in the world there are racist people, but there is good in everyone of them too.
Wait a sec …. we did white chicks … but we didn’t say a thing about that. Double standards? I think you’ll find THAT is racism. Blacks can point fun of whites but some face paint and we get all angry? Did any of you know that these guys were also ethnic? Indians and Lebanese? Quick to point a finger before we think aren’t we.
Racism in the US, India, China, Africa, ~))_^##$~#*(~#_ an, and yes Australia is still racism. Don’t perpetuate racist foolishness against black, white, yellow, or brown. Enough of the excuses!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPAsLMqRcqs HARRY THE HYPOCRITE!!!!!!!!!!!!
AMERICANS ARE A STUPID BUNCH (TROPIC THUNDER ROBERT DOWNEY JNR) RING ANY BELLS??????
So if they were Black people and they wanted to play one of the many white boy bands and painted there faces white would anybody care NO! they would not and if they did then they are bloomin idiots!
The fact is they wanted to copy the Jackson 5 and the Jackson 5 are black skined people!
The could hardly play them with white skin! No one would of understood what the were taking off! Aussie’s are friendly mostly non racist people. America is the violent racist country thats why Harry over reactted like he did. Even though Harry said he wants to come back and knows the skit was done with good intent. The Jackson Jive donated the money the recieved to charity!
hey connicks a sheila take him home to momy and send our troops home you poof
I dont get it we are in the 21st century! I should not offend because it was not being done to poke fun at black people. It was done just to demostrate that the were the Jackson 5!
Personally i couldnt care if i was Black, Asian or anyother race. We are all people and generally the same. Its time to think of us as the people of the world not the different races of the continents!
The part I find funny is that at least one of the participants is referred to by himself and others as being incapable of being racist because he is of Indian origin. That means, I +(^!&_+%^%@`+#* ume, that Indians, Africans, or any other one group of people, is incapable of racism? That in itself is racism .. the meaning of which is that an +(^!&_+%^%@`+#* umption is made that because of the colour of someone’s skin, or their ancestry, they are automatically all the same (usually bad). Of course Indian doctors could be racists – whether or not they meant to be years ago, I’d have thought they’d have learned something since “Hey hey” used to be on. Although given the low intelligence level of anyone who puts up with Somers, I suppose you can understand why they may not have learned anything.