The BBC tried to show people the prejudice British Muslims experience by making up and dressing up a white woman to appear to be a Pakistani Muslim.

A hypersensitive Muslim group claims there is something essentially wrong about such a disguise.

I see no validity in their argument; I think it was just fine to do this program.

The term “blackface” refers to a kind of entertainment that was common a hundred years ago, in which white performers wore nonrealistic stylized makeup that stood for “think of us as blacks” and then acted a stereotype of black culture and behavior patterns.

I can see how blacks would find that offensive. But that doesn't apply to cross-racial makeup as such.

I can understand the concerns of actors from minority groups if whites get the few parts for characters from their own groups.

On the other hand, maybe with a suitable makeup disguise they could apply for parts for white characters.

I just had a horrible idea.

If using makeup and clothing to appear black or Pakistani if you're not is despicable, what about using makeup and clothing to appear female if you're not? Is that despicable too?

Will this benighted identity campaign target transvestites next?