New York, NY -- Comedy spoofs like "White Chicks" where African-Americans try to pass as caucasians may seem to be the new form of blackface, but one expert sees it as just a fleeting trend.

Eddie Murphy did it on" Saturday Night Live," Whoopi Goldberg did it in "The Associate," and O.J. Simpson has filmed a stunt as a white man in a yet-to-be-released practical joke show called "Juiced."

But African-American author and public speaker Dr. Boyce Watkins can see the funny side of "White Chicks" because it's an opportunity to view cultural differences.

For instance, he says whites would observe that blacks value family and God, while blacks can learn about wealth, building and creating from whites.

Watkins views this type of movie as proof that blacks and whites are "paying attention to each other."

But as far as trying to pass as one another, Watkins says "When you're the underdog you can make fun of the ones on top." On the other hand, if white people put black makeup on, in his words, "all hell would break loose."

Solve puzzles and create your dream aquarium! Search through a dazzling trip down memory lane.

More Weird News From 2004-06-24 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • Around The Weird: Bizarre News Briefs • Flash Lites: Rip 'N' Read Pop Culture Recap • Awards Ceremony Peeks Behind The Curtains Of Hollywood Dressing Rooms • Robert Townsend Shuffling For Talent • Improv Comics Do Bidding As Auctioneers • College Cheaters Cut Off With 'Plagiarism-Finder' Software • Internet Dating Streaks Through Beauty Salons • Skin Expert Gives Skinny On Summer Blockbuster Stars • 'Bridezilla' Strikes Again • Business Bubbling For Counterfeit Clinton • 'White Chicks' The New White Wave?   « Current Weird News Stories