A Black Comedian Became a Shockingly Realistic White Man for a Viral Skit. Here's How He Did It.

"The skit, parodying " that guy who is just proud to be AMERICAN," has gone megaviral for Druski's depiction of a white Southern man having the time of his life at a NASCAR race. It's notable for not only the access required to film next to a race, but also for the complete transformation involved: Druski, a Black man, appears as a white man, complete with a farmer's sunburn, mullet, and a swath of patriotic tattoos."

"The makeup job is shockingly realistic, to the point where the vast majority of people who come across this video with no knowledge of who Druski is would likely assume that he is your friendly neighborhood white NASCAR fanatic. The "whiteface," as the look is being referred to, has even instigated a whole debate about "whiteface" versus "Blackface" within the culture wars."

Druski is an internet comedian known for satirical skits that lampoon niche, recognizable groups within and around the Black community. He produced a megaviral skit parodying an overzealous American NASCAR fan by fully transforming into a white Southern man with realistic makeup, a mullet, farmer's sunburn, and patriotic tattoos. The performance required on-site access at a race and convinced many viewers unfamiliar with him that the persona was an actual white NASCAR fanatic. The portrayal has reignited debates over "whiteface" versus "Blackface," raised questions about boundaries in satire, and prompted reactions from other entertainers. Druski has 10.6 million Instagram followers and a history of similar cultural sketches.

Read at Slate Magazine