Brown Face

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, has apologized for a photo
of him in brown face. This is the wearing of face make-up to look like a
brown-skinned person. It used to be common in theatrical shows, but it is
racist, offensive and disrespectful. The photo of Mr. Trudeau wearing
brown face was given to Time magazine on Wednesday. It was taken when
he was a teacher in 2001. He was attending an end-of-year school gala
that had an Arabian Nights theme. Trudeau acknowledge he was in the
picture, he put on dark brown make-up to dress as a character from
Aladdin. He told reporters: “the fact of the matter is that I’ve always— and
you’ll know this—been more enthusiastic about costumes than is
sometimes appropriate. I shouldn't have done it. I should have known
better, but I didn't. and I'm really sorry."

The photo could mean trouble for Mr. Trudeau. He is running for re-election
as Canada's leader and is neck-and-neck in the polls. His biggest rival told
reporters: "Like all Canadians, I was extremely shocked and disappointed
when I learned of Justin Trudeau's actions. Wearing brown face is an act of
open mockery and racism. It was just as racist in 2001 as it is in the
present." He added: "What Canadians saw was someone with a complete
lack or judgement and integrity, and someone who's not fit to govern this
country." Another election hopeful, Jagmeet Singh, said "We see one Mr.
Trudeau in public, and I'll be honest with you, he seems really nice - very
friendly, very warm.... But behind closed doors, he seems like he's a
different Mr. Trudeau."
Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

      1 apologized a. To admit or accept that something is true or that a

. situation exists
      2 common b. Occurring, found, or done often.
.
      3 theatrical c. A person who shows or feels discrimination or
. prejudice against people of other races, or who
believes that a particular race is superior to another.
      4 racist d. Said you are sorry for doing something wrong.
.
      5 offensive e. Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment,
. interest, or approval.
      6 acknowledge f. Relating to acting, actors, or the theater.
.
      7 enthusiastic g. Causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or
. angry.

    Paragraph 2

      8. running h. A person competing with another for the same

thing.
      9. neck-and-neck i. A record of the number of votes by asking random
people.
      10 polls j. Remarks or behavior intended to make someone
. seem stupid, for example laughing at
them, copying them, or saying something that is
not kind.
      11 rival k. The action of taking part in an election to become
. leader.
      12 disappointed L. In the same position or level with each other in a
. race or competition.
      13 mockery m. The quality of being honest and strong about what
. you believe to be right.
      14 integrity n. Unhappy because something you hoped for did not
. happen, or because someone or something was not
as good as you.
Synonym Match: Match the following synonym from the article.

1. apologized a. bigoted
2. make-up b. truthful
3. racist c. party
4. gala d. level
5. character e. cosmetics
6. trouble f. friendly
7. neck-and-neck g. role
8. fit h. said sorry
9. honest i. suitable
10. warm j. concern

Discussion

1. What do you think of Justin Trudeau's actions?

2. Is it wrong to dress up as someone a different color at a party?
3. How racist do you think brownface and blackface are?
4. Should Justin Trudeau quit because of his actions?
5. Do you think Mr. Trudeau will get re-elected?
6. What do people of color think about the Trudeau photo?
7. Are all politicians two-faced?
8. What questions would you like to ask Justin Trudeau?