Jessica McElrath earned a B.A. in History at the University of California Berkeley, and a Juris Doctor Degree at Santa Clara University School of Law. She has written about African-American History for About.com since 2000.
By Jessica McElrath
“During the 19th century, it became a popular pastime to spend an evening at a minstrel theater. Minstrel entertainment was widespread in the Northern cities among immigrants, the unskilled, and it appealed to some in the middle and upper class. The early blackface minstrels were white performers who mimicked blacks. They colored their faces and used makeup to give the impression of big lips and large eyes. While it was entertainment, the main attraction for white audiences was that it was a declaration of white superiority.
“Emergence of Minstrelsy
The popularity of minstrel shows emerged just as social changes in Northern cities were occurring. Up until the early 19th century, it had been common for whites and African Americans to participate in celebrations together. The Pinkster celebrations of New Jersey and New York provided a forum for black performers, and whites were often present at these gatherings. Laws began to discourage biracial celebrations and blacks were driven from festivities. By the 1830s, common celebrations had been eliminated. It was just as African American performers and celebrations disappeared that blackface became a prevalent pastime.
“The popularity of blackface minstrel performance was partly due to the emergence of a class system. Minstrel entertainment was able to provide a common thread for the lower, middle, and upper class. All whites could feel superior and unified, while at the same time stereotyping African Americans.” Full Post
A Look Back at MinstrelsyBlackface Minstrels
African-American History
Racial Stereotyping
American Musicals
American History
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