Part 6/13:
Drawing parallels with actual blackface history, some noted that blackface and minstrel shows were rooted in offensive stereotypes designed to dehumanize Black Americans. By contrast, Drewuski’s whiteface—though controversial—was likened to other comedic instances like Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal in Tropic Thunder, which also involved makeup-based satire of race. Notably, Downey Jr.'s performance was largely uncriticized when the film was released, arguably because it was framed as satire and the actor was widely beloved.