Blackface row reignites racism debate in Singapore, stirring outcry for action
Activists warn that recurring blackface controversies threaten Singapore’s multicultural fabric, calling for accountability and education
The latest incident involved JDM Automobile Carros Centre, which came under fire after posting a video featuring a salesman with dark face paint promoting a Toyota Noah Hybrid. The now-deleted two-minute clip included images of African people accompanied by a laugh track, stirring outrage online. Screenshots shared on Reddit drew accusations of racism from users.
“Even if this [is] meant to be for humour, I didn’t find it funny,” wrote one user. “You can create funny content without having to paint a blackface,” another remarked.
It follows an earlier incident in which a student from the prestigious Raffles Institution dressed as a dark-skinned delivery rider on Racial Harmony Day – observed each year in the city state on July 21 – leading the school to discipline and counsel those involved.
These cases have sparked calls for greater education on racial sensitivities and a closer examination of blackface’s history.