Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., walks down the House steps after the final vote of the week in the Capitol on September 12, 2024. | Source: Bill Clark / Getty
Welp, it’s October, which means it’s Halloween season, or as I like to call it, “White People’s Caucasified Affinity For Blackface Awareness Month.” (I know it’s a bit wordy — might need to be workshopped a little.)
That’s right, every year around this time, we see headline after headline regarding some un-melanated person’s ill-advised attempt at portraying a Black person, which they seem to lack the imagination to do without plastering black or brown shoe polish, paint or makeup all over their faces, only to be dumbfounded about why they’re being called racist for doing so. Either that or it’s a story about some public figure receiving a visit from the Ghost of Blackface Halloween Past, causing them to have to issue a statement of contrition that usually goes something like: Oh, c’mon, I was young and dumb back then. Can’t we just let the past be the past?
MORE: The History Of Blackface And Native American Halloween Costumes
This brings us to GOP Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who, on Thursday, acknowledged that, as a college student, he darkened his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume he wore for Halloween. (I know what you’re thinking — I was thinking it too — but let’s not go there, OK?)
“Obviously I can’t change what happened 18 years ago,” Lawler, 38, said in a CNN interview, according to the Washington Post. “But I certainly, with wisdom and age, understand that this is not something that I would do today, and certainly understand why people would be upset or offended by it. And for that, I’m sorry.”
The Post reported that Lawler, a Republican freshman who is running for reelection in a tight race against Mondaire Jones, a Black Democrat and former congressman, has always been a huge fan of Jackson, and claims he wore the costume to pay tribute to the Pop icon.
So, yeah, come on, guys — let’s give the congressional incumbent a break. Certainly, he has learned his lesson. These days, Lawler is a different man who will always take a stand against racism. Just because he’s a Republican doesn’t mean he’s afraid to address racism, especially if he witnesses it in real time.
Hopefully, there haven’t been any recent events that disprove my assertions about Lawler, because that would be embarrassing.
Wait — no, don’t tell me. *sigh* Dammit!
From Politico:
Three weeks ago, at a forum on combating antisemitism held north of New York City, Lawler spoke almost immediately after a participant used a racial slur for Black people, but he did not address the man’s use of the epithet, according to audio reviewed by POLITICO.
Last week, the freshman Republican pivoted to a different topic when far-right talk radio host Sid Rosenberg told him in an interview that Islamophobia and white supremacy do not exist, but Black supremacy does.
While neither episode is an example of Lawler himself using racist rhetoric, each may shed light on how he reacts in environments where such language or sentiment may go unchallenged.
Oh well. At least he has learned his lesson about wearing blackface. Now, if he could just spread the word so we don’t have to do this again every year.
SEE ALSO:
Oklahoma Pastor Ousted From Church Organization For Wearing Blackface And Impersonating ‘Indian’
Rhode Island Democrat Apologizes For Wearing Blackface While Cosplaying James Brown
