Celebrity Justin Trudeau, also known as Canada’s Prime Minister, is not the only star to face backlash from appalling brownface and even more appalling blackface portrayals.  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has singled out Ben Kingsley for his academy award winning performance in the 1982 film, Gandhi.  Ben Kingsley’s use of brownface to portray India’s ultimate hero for independence from British rule has now caused much grief to society, strangely to mostly white millennials, 37 years later.

The 75 year old actor stated, “I am sorry for the transgression and for not calling on my fellow actors, directors, producers, and millions of viewers to condemn me in 1982.  However, you must not lose faith in humanity.  Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”  After a peaceful discussion with the Academy, only half of his award was revoked.  Mr. Kingsley calmly and patiently had explained that he is in fact half Indian, Gujarati actually, which is the same heritage as the great leader.  Though still discontent with losing half his award, Mr. Kingsley quietly and respectfully left the conversation, proceeding to his loom to spin cloth of beige color, to represent the true color of his skin, and then skipping afternoon tea to begin his silent protest fast.