Feb. 1 was not a good day for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. A college yearbook surfaced revealing Northam dressed in blackface alongside a person dressed as a Ku Klux Klan member. The photo is disturbing at best and leaves onlookers wondering why someone would choose such blatant racism as a choice for costume design.

Social media is slamming the photo as Democratic party leaders push for the governor’s resignation. Northam’s initial response was an admittance of his presence in the photo coupled with apologies for his unacceptable behavior. The next day he recanted his apology, stating after further speculation, he realized the picture was not of him. He admitted to using blackface in a dance contest depiction of Michael Jackson sometime later in Texas. 

Public opinion of Northam sank even further when his yearbook revealed a racially indicative nickname others used for him. Northam is refusing to comment on the name, while also refusing to step down from his post as governor. He wants the people of Virginia to forgive him and give him time so he can regain their trust.

In an even stranger twist of fate, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring admitted on Wednesday to also appearing in blackface. Then nineteen-year old Herring decided to dress as a rapper, using wigs and brown makeup for effect. Herring made a statement of admittance and apology today, citing ignorance as reason. Just days earlier, Herring called on Northam to step down as governor. Herring should have taken a good look at his own yearbook before putting forth resignation suggestions.

I see a pattern here; college parties, the eighties, so on and so forth. I was a young woman who grew up in the era when pop, hip-hop and rap artists were on the rise: Michael Jackson, Prince, LL Cool J, Run DMC and the Pointer Sisters.  “Thriller” and “Purple Rain” were serious album choices amongst my friends. As much as we loved them, never in my circle of friends, in my town or at any college parties did someone use blackface as a costume idea.

I realize the nature versus nurture conundrum plays a part in how one grows in thought and behavior. I have met and talked with various individuals about racial issues when I lived in the south. Many were as perplexed by my attitude as I was by theirs. One man finally confessed his racial viewpoints were a product of his upbringing. He could not understand why I vehemently disagreed with his viewpoints. I left mind boggled and frustrated.

This is where I falter in Northam and Herrings perception of right and wrong. How can they tell the world they did not know better? I did. My friends did. The guys at our local frat parties did, and we were your age then, Mr. Northam and Mr. Herring.

We as a body of Americans expect more of you. The civil rights movement was not hidden. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., the Thelma, Alabama march, the Civil Rights Act of 1964; all events happening in the public eye. History overshadows your apologies. If you were willing to resign your morals for a night of fun at the expense of people who gave their very lives for freedom, then you should be willing to resign in order to give us freedom from your willful ignorance.

Photo from VCU Capital News Service via Flickr