2 Marines Investigated Over Blackface Video Circulating On Social Media

Two Marines from the Third Marine Aircraft Wing at the Miramar Air Station in San Diego, California, were under investigation after they posed in blackface while in their uniform. Their post was shared on Snapchat recently and was spreading on social media since.

The post showed two marines in their uniforms and one of them said the word “blackface” before using a racist term. They then put their caps on and salute. The video was initially posted by one of the marines on Snapchat and was then shared on Twitter, where it gained popularity. People demanded the marines be disciplined and discharged from the Corps.

One of them, Zach Highfield, was identified because of his Snapchat name but the other man was yet to be identified. When Highfield was contacted by local broadcasting service KPBS, he said the blackface was made of charcoal masks that were used to clean pores.

“It looks a lot worse than it is. It was a bad mistake. We had no intention to offend,” Highfield said. He also said he didn’t mean to post the images and took full responsibility for it.

A spokesman for the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, Major Josef Patterson, issued a written statement that said, “We are aware of the post. An investigation has been initiated to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the content. Our leaders are committed to maintaining an environment of professionalism, dignity and respect. 3rd MAW takes all allegations of discriminatory behaviour very seriously as they stand in stark contrast of our core values of honor, courage, and commitment and do not reflect the discipline and professionalism of the Marines and the Sailors of 3rd MAW.”

Highfield was contacted by his superiors regarding the post. The Third Marine Aircraft Wing didn't release further information including the stationing of the two marines, stating it was an ongoing investigation.

In another incident, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on Monday demanded action regarding a blackface incident involving students from Simsbury High School, Connecticut. The incident came to light earlier this month and involved two female students donning a “blackface.”

According to the principal of Simsbury High School, Andrew O’Brien, two girls were playing with makeup with two boys until their faces were covered in a layer of dark makeup. The students made a video with the makeup and posted it online. Once the video was online, they received negative feedback for the "blackface." The girls consulted a parent and took the video down. They issued an apology for their actions and were disciplined by the school authorities.

In a similar incident earlier this month, fashion brand Gucci faced severe criticism after shoppers complained that a particular sweater for women looked like blackface. The brand was heavily condemned for their “balaclava jumper” that had a cut-out at the mouth of the sweater and was outlined in red. The sweater was later removed from the stores and the website.

In a statement, the spokesperson for Gucci said the company considers diversity as a fundamental value that is to be upheld fully and respected. “We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organisation and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond,” the spokesperson added.