Dov Hikind: New York Democrat Defends ‘Blackface’ Purim Costume

New York Democrat Dov Hikind defended his decision to dress in “blackface,” and to wear an Afro wig to a party on the Jewish holiday of Purim. In a message posted on the veteran assemblyman’s blog, Hikind stated he does not understand why anyone would be offended by his costume choice.

The New York Democrat also blogged that he simply did not understand all of the controversy spewing around Albany about his costume. Dov Hikind reportedly hired a makeup artist to create his blackface. The politician also wore sunglasses and a basketball jersey. The party traditionally included guests wearing costumes, The Blaze reports.

Dov Hikind wrote this in his blog about the blackface and Afro wig costume:

“I am intrigued that anyone who understands Purim, or for that matter understands me, would have a problem with this. This is political correctness to the absurd. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body.”

Hikind’s son posted a photo of his parents in their costumes on Facebook. The caption beneath the image said, “How cool are my folks, lol,” the Huffington Post notes.

There has been no official statement from the New York Assembly’s Democratic majority about Hikind in blackface. The politician has reportedly been making the rounds on local media to discuss the blooming controversy. During an interview with WBS the Democratic lawmaker had this to say:

“It never crossed my mind for a second that the costume could be interpreted as offensive. If I was black, on Purim I would have made my face look like I was white.”

Dov Hikind explained that the idea of Purim is to look “out-of-character” during one of his media appearances. If he had it to do all over again, the New York Democrat stated he would wear the exact same costume.

Do you think Dov Hikind in blackface and an Afro wig was offensive or just keeping with the theme of the Purim holiday party?

[Featured Image Via: Shutterstock.com]

[Secondary Image Via: Facebook/Huffington Post]