Ted Danson’s Controversial Blackface Roast of Whoopi Goldberg: A Time Capsule Revisited

Virginia has been embroiled in a governance crisis for over a week now, stemming from Democratic Governor Ralph Northam's admission of appearing in blackface in a 1980s yearbook photo.

The situation escalated further when it was revealed that the state's Attorney General, Mark Herring, had also worn blackface at a costume party in the 1980s.

In addition, two women have come forward accusing the lieutenant governor of s**ual assault.

Blackface, a deeply racist practice, has a long history in American entertainment.

Notable figures such as Ted Danson, Fred Astaire, and Bing Crosby, among many others, have used blackface in their performances.

However, one particular incident involving Ted Danson stands out as a messy scandal that remains relevant today while also feeling like a relic of the past.

In October 1993, Danson appeared at a Friars Club roast of his then-girlfriend, Whoopi Goldberg, with his face painted dark brown and a white stripe around his mouth.

During his routine, he used racial slurs, discussed explicit details about their s** life, made jokes about racial stereotypes, and even ended the set by eating watermelon.

The performance was met with decreasing laughter from the audience, including notable figures like Halle Berry and Vanessa Williams.

Talk show host Montel Williams stormed off the stage and later resigned from the club.

New York Mayor David Dinkins criticized the jokes as going “way over the line.”

The aftermath of the performance became even messier.

The Friars Club initially issued an apology for the racial remarks but then reversed it, claiming that the backlash was undeserved.

Goldberg held a press conference defending Danson, accusing critics of not understanding comedy.

The scandal dominated headlines, overshadowing significant events like the battle in Mogadishu.

Despite the controversy, Goldberg stood by Danson, claiming she had written much of his material.

At the time, the coverage of the Friars Club scandal seemed simplistic, driven by anxieties about political correctness.

Opinions on the routine's offensiveness varied, with some arguing that comedy should prioritize humor over being politically correct, while others emphasized the painful history of racism and the need for restraint.

The debate surrounding the incident lacked nuance and depth.

Contrastingly, the recent discussions surrounding the crisis in Virginia display a more sophisticated understanding of racism and its historical context.

Analysis has delved into the history of racism in Virginia, the evolution of blackface from public performance to private edginess, and the distinction between individual acts of prejudice and systemic racism.

Unlike in 1993, where white voices dominated the conversation, today's discourse benefits from the perspectives of black culture critics, podcasters, and academics who offer incisive critiques.

The difference between the two eras is stark.

While both incidents involve prominent figures and blackface, the current debate in Virginia is characterized by moral clarity and nuanced analysis.

The cultural criticism of today grapples with complex questions, recognizing the importance of understanding context and dismantling systemic racism.

In contrast, the coverage of Danson's blackface performance was framed as a simplistic choice between being funny and being politically correct.

As we revisit the scandalous events of the past, it serves as a reminder of how far we have come in our understanding and examination of race and racism.

While there is still much work to be done, the sophistication of our current conversations is a testament to the progress made in confronting these sensitive issues.