Nazi salutes, blackface: Is racist behavior becoming normal in Wisconsin?
Nazi salutes, blackface: Is racist behavior becoming normal in Wisconsin?
A group of high school students in Baraboo came under fire earlier this month for displaying a Nazi salute in a prom photo.
Just weeks before, two men in Wausau stirred controversy by wearing blackface and shouting racial slurs during a Halloween party.
Hatred toward minorities is nothing new in the United States. But observers say people have become emboldened to express those views publicly since President Donald Trump’s campaign and election.
Trump has faced criticism for making racially-charged statements both as a candidate and also after the election, such as calling Mexicans rapists. Critics argue such statements play a role in normalizing what had become socially unacceptable speech and actions, and tacitly signal support for extremist groups.