ASU asks fans to not paint faces before 'blackout' game

Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Athletics posted a message Monday asking fans not to paint their faces at any sporting event, a notable request ahead of ASU Football’s annual “blackout” game this weekend.

ASU fans wear all black during the annual blackout game as a way to show team spirit for the players when they wear their all-black uniforms. This year's is against University of Colorado Boulder this Saturday, and they're promoting #BlackOutBuffs.

Last year, the game sparked controversy when a few fans wore black face paint to the game, which some said too closely echoed blackface, a form of theatrical makeup widely regarded as racist.

During the backlash in the weeks after that game, the African-American student coalition at ASU and other leaders called for a ban on all face paint. In the end, ASU asked fans not to paint their faces for any games but did not ban its use.

White actors created blackface in the 19th century by darkening their faces and painting their lips to circus-clown proportions. They played to racist stereotypes, not only with their exaggerated appearances but also by acting ignorant, blundering and lazy.

The new Sun Devil Athletics message, titled “Home-Field Message To Fans,” is a reminder of last year’s request.