Blackface apology: Dov Hikind apologizes on Twitter

A blackface apology has been made by Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind after he wore a blackface costume to a Purim celebration. On Feb. 26, the Wall Street Journal reported that Hikind took to his Twitter account as well as his blog to apologize after he dressed up like a basketball player -- and painted his face "black" -- for a masquerade party celebrating the Jewish holiday.

"Unintentional as they were, I recognize now that the connotations of my Purim costume were deeply offensive to many. I am sincerely sorry that I have hurt anyone. I apologize for the pain that I have caused anyone by this incident, and by any remarks that I have made in connection with it," Hikind tweeted.

The blackface apology seems to be getting positive reactions, some people even saying that the media blew this way out of proportion and that Dov Hikind shouldn't have had to apologize at all. However, whenever someone is offended by something that was unintentional, the best way to handle the situation is just to tell the truth and to apologize for the misinterpretation or misunderstanding.

Hikind explains his intentions Hikind explains his intentions

Most people do not believe that Hikind donned blackface to be hateful in any way. Naturally, coloring one's skin dark to look like a black person is considered racist by many people no matter what. Do you think Hikind was being racist?

Was Hikind's Blackface apology sincere?

© Effie Orfanides 2013