Is Justin Trudeau Racist?

Recently, the Canadian President, Justin Trudeau apologized while speaking to reporters about an incident which took place a long time ago. What had compelled the leader to apologize? Well, TIME magazine had published a photograph which shows a 29-year-old young Trudeau dressed as Alladin, wearing a long robe and a turban and of course to look like the character, he wore brown make-up on his face. 

Where was the picture found?

The photograph with Mr Trudeau was taken for 2000-2001 yearbook of West Point Grey Academy, a private day school where Trudeau was a teacher. A businessman from Vancouver, Michael Adamson who also happened to be part of the school, had the Yearbook. The picture was taken during a party attended by the school faculty and the parents of the students studying in the school. When Mr Adamson came across the photograph, he made it 

Public.

Trudeau’s Response

Trudeau immediately accepted his mistake and apologized. While speaking to reporters he said, “I shouldn’t have done that. I should have known better and I didn’t. I’m really sorry.” When asked if he thought the photograph was racist, he said, “Yes it was. I didn’t consider it racist at the time, but now we know better.”

This was not the only instance when Trudeau had worn brown make-up. He himself revealed that he had worn blackface make-up and an African wig while performing a Jamaican folk song, “Day-O” which was originally sung by a civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte, who happened to of African-American origin. This took place when he was in high school and had taken part in a talent show.

Well, two instances are not enough, somehow another video emerged which shows a blackfaced Trudeau raising his hands. The media relations lead of the Liberal Party of Canada, Zita Astravas, confirmed that the pictures belonged to the Canadian Prime Minister.

While speaking to reporters in Winnipeg, Trudeau acknowledged he wore brown and black make-up, however, he does not remember how many times it was done. He said, “I am wary of being definitive about this because of the recent pictures that came out, I had not remembered.” he told reporters in Winnipeg. 

Reactions

A few joked about the whole issue.

The Daily Show host, Trevor Noah joked about the whole issue. He said, "So with the Canadian election just one month away, many are wondering if this blackface scandal is going to hurt Trudeau's chances of being re-elected." He added jokingly "To be honest, I'm just sad to see another black man being brought down."

There were a few who denounced the action. Elizabeth May, The leader of the Green Party, was "deeply shocked by the racism shown in the photograph." In her tweet, she said, “ I am deeply shocked by the racism shown in the photograph of Justin Trudeau. He must apologize for the harm done and commit to learning and appreciating the requirement to model social justice leadership at all levels of government. In this matter, he has failed.”

Andrew Scheer, the Conservative leader, who is also Trudeau’s main opponent did waste time to give his opinion and said he was “shocked and disappointed”.

Also, there were people who did not find anything wrong with it as it was something that took place when the person was young. For example, a Twitter user said, ‘There probably isn't any politician running who hasn't made a very inappropriate decision at some point in time. I am interested in who the person is now. Several people, I know who knew JT in Vancouver and 2 who taught with him at West Pt. Grey Academy do not believe he is racist.”

Mitzie Hunter, a black member of Ontario’s Liberal party, tweeted“This is a teachable moment for all of us. I accept his apology and I hope Canadians do too.”

Is it right to judge someone for what he has done in the past? Don’t time and experiences change a person? Trudeau will have to prove himself in the coming years. In the meantime, we have to wait and watch if this incident will hamper the elections which are supposed to be held in the month of October.