One big controversy don erupt over photo of New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler wey show am in blackface. Dis photo, which dey from 2006, show Lawler dressed as Michael Jackson for Halloween party when he dey college.
Lawler, wey be first-term Republican, say he admire Michael Jackson greatly and dat de costume be ‘de sincerest form of flattery.’ He claim say he no intend to cause harm or offend anybody, but he understand why people dey upset about de photo[5>.
Lawler apologize publicly for de photo, saying, ‘I can’t change what happen 18 years ago, but I certainly with wisdom and age understand dat dat is not something I would do today.’ He also add say he sorry for anyone wey take offense to de photo[5>.
Dis issue come up as Lawler dey in tight race for re-election in New York’s Hudson Valley. He dey contest against Democrat Mondaire Jones, and dis photo fit become big campaign issue. Several Republican lawmakers, including Lawler, dey defend their seats as Democrats try to take back control of de House[5>.
Blackface, which have its roots in minstrelsy from de 1830s, dey widely acknowledge as dehumanizing and offensive. Lawler say he be student of history and he appreciate people’s grace along de way[5>.
