There are a number of ways to become an international ambassador. You
can take those crazy exams and slug your way up the ladder at the State
Department, or get really politically active and win a nomination by a
candidate you help become president. Harry Connick, Jr. took his own
route to ambassadordom: he got really famous and went on a crazy Aussie
game show.
In response to a misguided parody routine of the Jackson 5 in
blackface, guest judge Connick, Jr. rated the performance a zero and
went on to explain to a dumbfounded Australian audience that he would
not have appeared on the show knowing that this act would be part of
the line up.
It was, of course, the right thing to do, though the really laudable
act was his ability to maintain his composure in a tense moment and
clearly explain the problem with the skit.
"I just want to say, on behalf of my country,” the singer began, “I
know it was done humorously, but we’ve spent so much time trying to not
make black people look like buffoons, that when we see something like
that we take it really to heart."
Ambassadors often take issue with perceived violations, but Harry
Connick, Jr.’s actions were particularly notable, both for their
spontaneity and the nod of appreciation they gave to the recent
advances in American race relations.
10 out of 10 demolished stereotypes.
-Paula O’Sullivan
CampusProgress.org