Until recently, Justin Trudeau’s name could be found in mostly positive headlines. He has remained popular among Canadians for some time, and has remained the envy of liberal Americans in Trump’s America. But in September 2019, now-infamous photos surfaced of the Canadian prime minister in racially insensitive clothing. The first of the photos was taken from a private school’s yearbook, where Trudeau was teaching at the time, depicting Trudeau in brownface for an Arabian Nights staff costume party. In his public apology following the incident, Trudeau admitted to another instance of using blackface in high school while performing in a talent show. Later that week, a video was discovered showing Trudeau in blackface in the early 1990s, totaling three separate and confirmed instances of the prime minister in black or brownface.
Discovering offensive photos of those in the public eye is not all that unusual in today’s internet age, and for many Americans, these images have become extremely desensitized. Culturally insensitive behavior and remarks have been dredged up on a plethora of politicians: all the way from city councilors to the president.
The internet always responds with its characteristically swift and definite condemnation. However, in the constant turnover of scandals, most incidents are forgotten within a few days. Despite this pattern, Trudeau’s scandal is vastly more complicated for many citizens. The darling of progressive politics, Justin Trudeau was a point of pride for many Canadians for his continued support of marginalized groups and causes: under his leadership, Canada welcomed more refugees than any other country, had a cabinet that was equally split between men and women, and even legalized marijuana. As such, it was difficult for many to condemn the actions of one of the Western world’s favorite politicians. For example, the New York Times published an opinion letter written to the editor, excusing Trudeau’s actions (read the full letter here):
“So now it seems that a man’s entire life, his principles and his politics are to be judged solely on his actions in his teens and 20s. A maturing life be damned! The pranks and bad behavior of your youth shall follow you the rest of your days!” the letter stated.
While many are struggling with how to deal with this scandal, it is important to ask whether this case should be any different from the rest. Putting the issues of “cancel culture” aside, the public has had no problems bringing other politicians to justice in the past. Previously, when others have argued similarly to the New York Times op-ed, it was clear to many that people can and should be held accountable for their past actions. Just because Justin Trudeau has built up a reputation as a humanitarian over the years, it does not mean his actions shouldn’t be held to the same standards.
If anything, this incident should come off as even more alarming than any other politician’s sketchy yearbook photo because it is a reminder of the systemic racism that lies latent in even the most progressive of institutions. The brownface photo in question was taken in 2001, only 18 years ago. It is undeniably recent, and there are politicians, who have been in office far longer than Trudeau, that can easily claim a blackface-free record.
So the question remains, what now? The champion of Canada’s liberal party has been found guilty of a racist practice most thought was reserved for only the most conservative, and the world is reeling. In the aftermath, Joshua Sealy-Harrington points out in his Newsweek article that society should “care more about structural anti-racist policy, than individual (albeit repeated) racist practices,” an important reminder that the greatest contributor to systemic racism is ingrained within policies rather than the actions of individuals. And when considering Trudeau’s history of progressive policies, and the growing lack of such policies in other countries, it might be a mistake to completely eliminate him from the global stage.
But at the end of the day, Trudeau’s ultimate redemption or condemnation lies in the hands of those who his actions affected most: Canadian people of color. It remains up to them to decide whether they feel comfortable having someone dismantle systemic racism who is guilty of racially insensitive behavior themselves. The results of that decision will no doubt be carried out in the next election. For everyone else, this incident is a harrowing reminder that the bulk of advancements in human rights are fairly recent, and that constant re-examination of our society is more necessary than ever.
Update: As of October 22, Trudeau won a second term as prime minister after Canada’s federal elections.