New History of Belize Cover Draws Criticism Over Blackface Concerns

The cover of the newly released Sapphire Edition of A History of Belize in 13 Chapters has drawn criticism from members of the Belize Creole Kriol Cultural Heritage community over its portrayal of Afro-descendant figures.  Critics say the artwork resembles blackface caricatures historically used to mock and demean people of African descent. They have called on author Assad Shoman to explain where the image came from and why it was chosen for the cover.

The figures are linked to historical depictions of Belize’s early woodcutters, whose labour helped shape the colony and later the nation. But those raising concerns say the historical significance of an image must be considered alongside how it portrays the people represented and how their descendants view it today.  Shoman says the intention was to reflect Belize’s historical journey and honour the contributions of those who helped build the country.

Asaad Shoman, Author: “Well, I haven’t heard the criticism, so I don’t know. I mean, but the reason for it is to highlight the fact that this is what is colonialism, right? So as I said, we seem to have forgotten that the enemy of Belize was colonialism. People seem to think of independence as something that yes happened but why, what were we fighting against, right? So this is a way, putting this on the cover, is a way of confronting colonialism head on. Number two is to show that colonialism continues because if you look at the flag today it’s the same thing almost, right? They change a few things, they paint things differently, take out one or two others, the Union Jack is not there but the ship is there. The two men, I mean to represent slavery. The ship that represents slavery, that brought in the oppressors and that took out our natural resources, right? So it’s a cover that says, look this is the past, but it’s also the present. Because look at your flag, it’s almost the same, right? So at least to confront people with that idea and to get them thinking, well what has independence really brought? Has it ended colonialism or not? Then that’s the purpose.”

Members of the Kriol community say preserving historical imagery should also mean ensuring that the people whose labour helped build Belize are portrayed with dignity and respect.