“Digital Blackface”

I recently joined a group on Facebook, I was going through their rules and was very intrigued to find this one. “As we strive to be a more inclusive community, we ask that non-BIPOC members refrain from using any GIFs or Memes that include Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color”- they referred to this as “Digital Blackface”.

As a white person, I have never considered how using a GIF or meme with a BIPOC in it could be hurtful. I’m absolutely willing to be more mindful about my GIF/meme usage, but I’d like to hear what other people- especial BIPOC have to say about it.

What are your thoughts?