This photograph of Justice Baus has so many layers, we just cannot

There is a Justice Bao in Kaifeng.

Jonathan Lim | February 09, 2017, 03:57 PM

This might just be the greatest cross-cultural photograph of 2017, or the worst depending on how much intellect you want to devote to this issue.

In what looks like a procession somewhere in Europe (the partial signage of Europe-based supermarket chain Lidl in the background suggests so), a man is seen to be dressed as Justice Bao.

Except Justice Bao is not played by a Chinese man this time.

16425994_1644391495575245_474140766661590643_n

Justice Bao or Bao Zheng was famed for being honest, incorruptible, and upright. He was also well-known for helping peasants overcome corruption. If you've religiously watched TV in the 1990s, you'd know the most iconic portrayals of Bao Zheng was played by Taiwanese Jin Chao-chun:

BJT

In the days before the Internet was a thing, Jin's Justice Bao wouldn't have rankled anyone online -- the man had put on quite a bit of black make-up for the role.

The many layers of this photograph

It went viral when shared by a Facebook page called "Well Played":

And one comment that was repeated several times in the comments was "racism".

Here's the question: Who is being racist, and who is being discriminated against?

The next question: Is this considered... erm... blackface?

Is it rude if people viewing the parade said, "那个...包青天非常高!" (pinyin: nèi gè bāo qīng tiān fēi cháng gāo. Translation: That Justice Bao is really tall!)

Is this considered cultural misappropriation? How would Matt Damon respond?

Why of all characters in Chinese history, the procession chose Justice Bao?

So many questions.

Articles you should also check out since you're here:

Not an art person? Here’s how you can still enjoy the Singapore Biennale.

6 times S’pore toyed with food and made a global impact

 

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.