Blackface selfie student says sorry after racist Snapchat picture went viral
- Published
An American university student has apologised after a Snapchat picture of her with a black face mask went viral.
Paige Shoemaker had also written: "Feels good to finally be a [n-word]" as the caption on the photograph.
Another student at Kansas State University, Desmund Weathers, re-posted the picture and it's caused campus wide outrage.
Paige has said sorry insisting the photo wasn't "blackface", and that it was meant to be a joke.
Historically blackface referred to the make-up worn by non-black performers to represent a black person. They would paint their face black using shoe polish and act in TV shows.
The practice largely ended in America in the 1960s with the Civil Rights Movement but continued in well known programmes in the UK until the 1970s.
Kansas State students had demanded that the university do something about the picture and Paige's comments.
Student JustDesmond tweeted: "Welcome to Kansas State University. Where breakfast in the morning is some K-State Family with a side of Racism."
Shoemaker told local news KSNT:, external "I mean, not that this is a good thing. That word just happens in our friend group because we know everyone is like calm. We're a big family,"
"That word doesn't offend anyone in our group. And when I sent it out to my friends, I knew that it wouldn't offend anyone."
Paige has now posted a public apology on her Facebook page.
"We clearly understand that what was said and done was completely disrespectful, "she wrote, "we never intended for the picture to offend anyone.
"We had only meant for it to be taken in a funny way, but we clearly understand that what we said should never be joked around about.
"Ask anyone who knows us, we are the most accepting and least racist people."
Kansas State University have said in a statement, external that Paige is not currently enrolled there.
Spokesperson Dr Zelia Wiley said: "This racially offensive photo with a derogatory message has upset the K-State family and is not in concert with our principles of community. Such messages on social media are harmful to all."
Newsbeat have contacted Paige Shoemaker for comment but she has yet to respond.
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