PROVO, Utah (ABC 4 News) – A video is sparking major controversy in Provo. Some say a local comedian went way too far when trying to test students about black history.
The comedian became a character that has a history of being offensive to many. He went in what's called "black face" using makeup that created a caricature of a black person.
ABC 4 went to the BYU campus to share the video with students.
“Do you know one when you see one,” Comedian Dave Ackerman said in the video.
He asked university students what they know about black history month. In the video many students don’t know much about black culture.
“Blackface originated in the 19th century among whites. They would often paint their face with burnt corks and then perform exaggerated stereotypes of blackness or black characters,” said Kristen Matthews, Associate Professor of English at Brigham Young University.
“When he asked whose been influential? It was all rap singers. That's kind of sad,” said Nicole Evansen, a BYU student.
The video made one black student uncomfortable. “It did. It was funny that everyone referred to the exact same things over and over again,” said Wilfried Eyi.
Others found this entertaining. “I think it has a powerful meaning to prove people are ignorant,” commented Andrew Hoffman.
Ackerman said he was looking for the shock factor. “I wanted to raise awareness in an interesting way and get a conversation started,” he commented.
His actions stirred many emotions.
“Here I am a white guy with my face painted black and every person said yes, and nobody even said anything,” he pointed out.
A BYU spokesperson said the school has planned several events for black history month to embrace African American culture. Ackerman said comedians are known to push the limit and this won't be the first time.
