Howard Stern’s Blackface Video: A Painful Reminder and an Opportunity for Growth

A video resurfaced recently featuring renowned radio host Howard Stern in blackface and using racist language.

The clip, believed to be from a 1993 New Year's Eve pay-per-view special, is difficult to watch but serves as a crucial lesson as America confronts its own history of racism.

In the video, Stern is joined by Sherman Hemsley as they parody Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg's controversial performance from 1993, where Danson also wore blackface.

Stern's skit satirically references the Danson/Goldberg performance, but the most shocking aspect is Stern's use of blackface and repeated racist and offensive language.

The video gained traction online after activist filmmaker Tariq Rasheed shared it on social media.

It quickly spread among right-leaning Twitter users, including Donald Trump Jr., the President's son.

This attention from the political right is not surprising, considering Stern's recent criticism of President Trump and his policies, which has drawn the ire of many Trump supporters.

Additionally, Stern is being accused of hypocrisy because the circulating clip contrasts the 1993 skit with his more recent appearance on the popular TV show The View.

During his visit, Stern claimed that he did not use racist language when he interviewed a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

In his early days, Howard Stern was known as a provocative “shock jock” who blended outrageous commentary with substantive conversations.

His programming often pushed boundaries, leading to a well-publicized battle with the FCC.

In many ways, Stern foreshadowed the current entertainment landscape, where the lines between entertainment and news commentary are blurred.

Late-night talk shows like The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Real Time With Bill Maher, and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert attract political figures and celebrities, making them popular platforms for political discussions.

Similarly, podcasters like Joe Rogan have gained a significant following by hosting guests who engage in entertaining yet unproven conspiracy theories on various current events.

However, this approach comes with risks.

Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC's The Tonight Show, faced backlash for an incident from 2000 when he wore blackface while impersonating Chris Rock on Saturday Night Live.

Fallon had to apologize for his lack of judgment and expressed remorse through social media.

Fallon's case is not unique.

Even before the recent focus on racial issues following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, comedians and entertainers frequently crossed the line when attempting to humorously tackle race-related topics.

In today's hyper-connected world driven by social media, these incidents quickly gain attention and widespread condemnation.

That's why Stern's old video is relevant news.

He remains a prominent figure with countless fans, thanks to his SiriusXM talk show.

Beyond his present popularity, many view him as an entertainment legend who revolutionized talk radio and interview-based entertainment.

Stern's recent political commentary has brought him further into the spotlight, with left-leaning activists elevating him as a champion for voting President Trump out of office.

All of this makes Stern's past actions significant, and his subsequent steps crucial.

It is undeniable that Stern must offer a sincere and complete apology for the skit and any other similar incidents that may arise.

However, he should also use his influence and privilege to set an example by explaining why his actions were wrong and using them as teachable moments for emerging entertainers, comedians, and podcasters.

Perhaps Stern could leverage his connections and wealth to invest in programs that provide sensitivity training for public figures whose words possess the power to both entertain and offend.

Wearing blackface and using racist language is inexcusable, and Howard Stern should not attempt to justify it.

Instead, he should embrace the painful lessons from his past and apply them to the present and future.

Stern has a history of learning from his outrageous mistakes, and now is an opportunity for him to continue that growth.

But first, he must do the least surprising thing of all – take responsibility.