Plantationland

The early 1900s marked a troubling era in entertainment history with the widespread practice of blackface and minstrel shows. Rooted in racism and perpetuating harmful stereotypes, these forms of entertainment had a lasting impact on society. In this exploration, we delve into the history of blackface and minstrelsy during the 1900s, shedding light on their detrimental effects. The Rise of Blackface: Blackface minstrelsy emerged in the 19th century but gained significant popularity in the early 1900s. White performers would darken their faces using burnt cork or shoe polish, exaggerate stereotypical features, and portray African American characters in a demeaning manner. The performances often featured offensive dialects and reinforced racist ideologies prevalent at the time. Impact on African American Communities: Blackface performances perpetuated harmful stereotypes, portraying African Americans as lazy, ignorant, and subservient. These caricatures not only influenced public percept...