A Brief History of The Minstrel Show

Minstrel Shows were a form of entertainment that included white actors in "blackface". These actors were portraying African-Americans and used stereotypes to label them as unintelligent and not to be taken seriously.
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To learn more about The Minstrel Shows, please check out the links below:
The Minstrel Show, or Burnt Cork Comicalities: A Collection of Comic Songs, Jokes, Stump Speeches, Monologues, Interludes, and Afterpieces for Minstrel Entertainments (Classic Reprint) : amzn.to/2DLNbDr
Al Jolson Blackface Minstrel Show: • Al Jolson Blackface Mi...
The Black & White Minstrel Show 1978: • The Black & White Mins...
Minstrel shows from Ken Burns' Jazz: • Video
Blackface: The Birth of An American Stereotype: s.si.edu/2E0bks1

[@eric_brooks]

ffwd 100 years i can imagine we will be having the same conversation about todays (black) entertainment, and the effect it has on society.

[@s-He-SpeaksRadio]

Just had this conversation today!

[@IMHobby121]

Forget about entertainment, let's all get jobs, get along, and contribute to society. How can looking 100 years into the future so negatively help us now.

[@crackerscheese33]

It would seem society hasn't learned a thing. Here's something the BBC are passing off as new 'entertainment'. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJOYg5qun6qDacU Strange that there isn't a storm over this. Seems as though social media is a one-way traffic. Can you imagine race-swapping scenes like these with their stereotype dialogue?!

[@sarahshanahan2222]

I would almost argue that the video game grand theft auto plays upon different racial stereotypes

[@naodenissecm]

Yup

[@monicawood9942]

My grandmother was born in 1919 and performed in minstrel shows when she was in high school I n the mid-1930s. I was born in 1962 and my mother had always taught me Blacks and Whites were equal, so when I found out about grandma's participation, I was amazed that she didn't think anything was wrong about these shows or her participation. Made me really understand why there was a civil rights movement.

[@nellyblackpower]

Yea that’s why we say white ppl are racist Unconsciously individual racism we could care less about what hits black ppl the hardest is the unconscious racism being perpetrated systematically. Hopefully in the future when black people are telling you it’s wrong and racist maybe start listening because the biggest problem we’ve have with addressing racism is the denial of the truth and injustices therefore it’s never address because ppl like your mom tells you one thing black and whites are equal but the actions of white ppl didn’t show that white ppl say one thing and do another and this is what black ppl have been saying for decades but white ppl will swear up and down that it’s no racism that they don’t see color it’s just an excuse not to address the problem for example in the 1960s Black in America ppl: you guys are discriminating against us and killing us because of our skin this is racist and we are suppose to be equal we were declared equal by law White ppl in America: it’s no discrimination and we are not racist and we are not killing you off of race or throwing you in jail over race. These are their words so this tells me white ppl are blind to the racism they do and white ppl never admit it in the time it is accused they deny until 10-20 years go by to say oh yea that was racist but they never have checked their selves in real time without the activism of the black community we have to fight for the government that’s ours that we pay into that we built up that we made into a real Democracy, we have to fight for them to protect black ppl. People l that have been through hell, while white ppl r just protected off back and get to live on the wealth my ancestors built it’s disgusting. But not much has changed a lot white ppl not all but a lot still can’t admit it’s systematic racism and that’s said because that’s been racist white ppl talking point for about 100 years. I hate when ppl say it’s gone when it hasn’t been one year that majority white ppl can say yea the system is racist, which is understandable because that’s what their white ancestor told them even tho it was very much racist so this lie is passed down, therefore systematic racism is never really addressed and fixed because it’s always a big chunk of white ppl denying the truth can’t fix the problem if you say the problem isn’t a problem to begin with and thats what America did/still do is deny deny deny so it didn’t get fixed and when we did make strides it wasn’t because White ppl seen the racism and it’s evils and finally got a heart especially the ones in power at the time it was because of black ppl Activism white ppl wanted to deny but our hearts mind body Nd soul was to powerful to hold down we fought and accomplished it anyway despite being told in the moment of victory white ppl would say in that same moment that we didn’t deserve it. The disgusting words of white ppl after the liberations of black ppl was astounding you had kids and their parents spit and yell at little black kids being the first to integrate so when we bring up obstacles black ppl deal with we ain’t just talk about slavery or slave owner these were and still are Regular so called god fearing ppl and this is what they did with the body god blessed them with they decided to treat his children like animals but the beautiful peaceful loving real god fearing black ppl that we are just sat their and took it all, say like Jesus black ppl are the closest thing to Jesus we get crucified everyday and we just take it

[@cory8837]

​@@nellyblackpowertldr

[@nellyblackpower]

@@cory8837 lol why r u here then? byeee

[@MegaMRTRICKSHOT]

There’s something so creepy and unsettling about these old photos of white men in blackface

[@David.lovesU]

It's was a form of entertainment kinda like a Scary movie people are drawn to the dark side of entertainment

[@AlexiaVon]

Social acceptance was just different back then

[@yell50]

@@AlexiaVon I am a black british guy here is my irony my mother used to like to watch the black and white minstrels when I was growing up in the 60's simply because back in those days it was rare to see black people on TV so seeing fake black face was better than seeing none at all it's kinda funny recalling those times now.

[@crackerscheese33]

@@yell50 Give your mother some credit, fella, surely she was tuning in more to hear the songs and music and to watch the dance acts to go with them, than just seeing a skin colour on screen.

[@yell50]

@@crackerscheese33 I think I know my mother more than you do. Back in those days my mum used to shout to our dad look their is a black person on tv it was rare to see a black person on tv unless they were acting as servants or entertainers today things have improved considerably and rightly too. Unless you are black my memories would just fly over the top of your head. I say this not to belittle you but enlighten you to an experience you have never lived. Racism exist however it gearing towards white men I find this equally abhorrent this kind of thinking is inflamed by BLM And the radical feminist movement. Martain luther king said judge a person by their content of character and not by the colour of their skin. I live my life by these wise words. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. racism

[@snorgonofborkkad]

I'm grateful for your objective and balanced presentation of this sensitive topic. It actually makes me interested in learning more. You're a good teacher.

[@ellabetful]

3:52 that image is just plain creepy :O

[@niyjanai1322]

Elísabet B sad*

[@Ooochild]

Came here from the Aunt Jemima syrup issue. Good info, sir!

[@yonataverse8071]

Same

[@orlandosaenz1553]

Thank you Doc, I'm a foreigner living in the U.S. and this has cleared all my questions I had about this topic.

[@rongallaghercollection8993]

For a far more comprehensive history where you will also read about black folks themselves as minstrels, try: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minstrel_show

[@Z_Victory_Z]

It hasn't answered anything. You have been indoctrinated with revisionist propaganda.

[@varimarc1]

NS OMG 😂. What’s the problem?? He’s telling the truth. I’m so glad we live in a time where the truth can no longer be suppressed by people like you. People who don’t want to hear about the past, UNLESS it puts them in a good light or in someway beneficial.

[@freegame8628]

@@rongallaghercollection8993 6

[@drizz7830]

Monkey propaganda

[@ihno45]

I'm from Germany and have learned about "blackface" some years ago, when I was watching some documentary about the history of movies. There was a clip about the first important film with sound "the jazz singer", where the actor is in blackface and I thought: "WTF is that?" Then I youtubed some old clips, even "Mickey Mouse in blackface". It is extremely creepy and I can only imagine what black people thought about it back in the time.

[@bernhardstramann6618]

Ich komme auch aus Deutschland. Die meisten Schwarzen waren damals große Fans von Jolson.

[@margaretthomas8899]

Check out why Negroes loved Al Jolson and The Jazz Singer.

[@Sophie-nf4ub]

Thanks you for taking the time and effort to put this video and on a whole your channel together, very educational and important work you are sharing with the world, and next generations growing up From Australia

[@ikachina]

I think you left out some important information that would help people make the connection between minstrel shows and how blacks were treated. Many Americans in the 19th and 20th Centuries had no experience with black people and so their perceptions of blacks were almost entirely based on the mocking caricatures and stereotypes that were created for minstrel shows and that appeared again and again in advertising, vaudeville, movies, radio and TV.

[@MaryamAmanda]

Like bugs bunny

[@hahshdrshrjidif5713]

Where did you get this information from

[@khall187]

If most never had contact then why are white people constantly branded "racist" from every media publication and left wing news article out there? **Edit** just found the answer to my question: lies.

[@ikachina]

@@khall187 -- "If most never had contact" I didn't say "most" I said many, and I was talking about historically, not currently. "why are white people constantly branded "racist" from every media publication and left wing news article out there" Would that be ALL white people or just the folks who think as you do? Would that be "every" media publication and left wing news article out there, or only in your fevered imagination? Experience has shown that white folks who whine that "every" white person is being accused of racism by all "left wing" media in "every" article actually are racists who simply object to be called out for their racism. "just found the answer to my question: lies." Oh, the irony!

[@blueanon8021]

@@MaryamAmanda bugs bunny? Enlighten me please

[@septbelleza1935]

“Clean, Wholesome entertainment” LOL WAHT

[@elmerkilred159]

No tits & ass, curse words, or complex concepts for the children. Your alternative was a traveling circus of scantily clad women, and lewd acts by barkers, or vaudevillian performers. Or... the other kind of circus "Western show" that featured guns, horses, and mock battles between cowboys and indians.

[@elmerkilred159]

@Jared Jams Barkers are usually the guys announcing events and enticing people to come into carnival tents, steam ships, rail cars, or wagons.

[@lukecya6207]

I can’t believe people did this, it doesn’t matter what colour you are.

[@RJEwing85]

Thank you for bringing this to attention. Somehow I have never knew what a minstrel show was as this has never been discussed during my education

[@David.lovesU]

We must stop bringing up the past and just forget so we don't keep opening up old wounds ✊🏿 like the n word if my ignorant brotha and sistas would stop using it we would all forget the N wurd✊🏿🤷🏿‍♂️

[@TF2SlyGuySaysHi]

@@David.lovesU thats just about the dumbest things ive ever heard

[@TF2SlyGuySaysHi]

@@David.lovesU should we forget nazis? The kkk? Only for them to arise again? Food for thought for you. Discussion of these topics is crucial. Uncomfortable but crucial.

[@SashaClaude]

Im black myself and Ive NEVER heard of this either... thats crayy

[@elderbob100]

Well done sir! Excellent presentation and production values. I am a 68 year old white guy and never understood what "Jim Crow" was all about until today. You know the song "Who do you love?" It was written by Bo Diddley and it borrows some lines from Jim Crow. One is "I've got a cobra snake for a necktie." One of my favorite songs. Bo was a genius and many of his songs were big hits for white performers.

[@lleehome]

I wish you had been my history teacher. I’ll be coming back for more.

[@studmalexy]

whats wrong with mocking black people?...are black people "above" mockery and criticism?

[@SUPSTERV]

Mr Hole Pay attention to the video to understand why it’s rude and offensive.

[@antmantheeaglesfan]

@@studmalexy dont you know that white people are the only race allowed to be made a mockery of and other races are taboo? lol

[@midorisentai6223]

@@studmalexy Peter Griffin sums up who you people really are

[@jayrose6312]

@@studmalexy human beings are “above” systemic mockery and distasteful criticism.

[@jakesanchez6621]

not-so-fun fact: Blackface is still a thing in Cuba. I often see people at the markets selling mammy dolls and stationary with clowns in blackface on them.

[@jakesanchez6621]

@Cian MacGana Who says I didn't? I talked with one of the sellers and they were surprisingly understanding of my view of it. Still didn't give them business tho. Sure, I may not have ended racism, but changes like this happen slowly.

[@jakesanchez6621]

@Cian MacGana oh ok

[@andieshetheypatterson7831]

Thank you so much for this video. I teach about minstrel theatre in my drama classes every year and it is so helpful to have resources like this to share.

[@hahshdrshrjidif5713]

What exactly do you teach

[@derekdrever3470]

Good lord. I honestly had no idea. I checked this video out at the request of my (black) brother-in-law on the heels of the announcement to rebrand Aunt Jemina Syrup and Uncle Ben’s Rice. In all my life, I never connected these products with racism or stereotypes, but after watching this video, I’m going to pay much closer attention to what I buy and support. Seriously, we have to do so much better than we have in the past. I think learning about these Minstrel Shows is double edged sword. On one hand, it’s important to know what has happened in the past so we don’t make the same mistakes again, but on the other hand these shows and their imagery continue to marginalize people in a most ridiculous way. Thanks for the video.

[@koniroyval7467]

Nor did I. Some of my grand children are half black and I worry especially about the eldest a 26 year old in the Navy. My beautiful boy--I know young man. I have not stopped missing him since he left 2 years ago for one moment. Guess he is safer aboard ship than here at home. What a sad way to view life.

[@mr.bobdabbalina1246]

As soon as you said"im not going to lead you, i will let you think for yourself." I immediately subscribed.

[@kittyyourock]

Thank you so much! As a minor in history student, this was pretty informative. I'd like to see more about these shows if there is more information, definitely going to research more!

[@btetschner]

I lived in Columbia, Missouri for almost two years. Thank you for the excellent presentation, I feel I learned a lot there.

[@diegovargas7572]

Thx for this, i've been making some research and this helps me a lot to understand it better :)

[@mysisterisafoodie]

Minstrel shows happened all over the world. I appreciate African American history because we can draw parallels with the black experience in apartheid South Africa, through similar discriminatory practices that happened a continent apart but with the same hatred in the oppressors hearts.

[@charlesbenedetti8607]

In Mt. Vernon, Ohio in 1950 the parish choir of St. Vincent church staged a minstrel show, and I was one of the singers in the chorus. At that time I was a senior in the high school. There were 2 other seniors with me - - - Dan Kelly and Ned Kilkenny- - - . Ned was dressed as one of the "end men" and sang "Swanee" in the style of the famous Al Jolson. At that time we felt no animosity, nor hatred, nor degrading attitude toward black folks, but simply participated in a delightful musical performance that the whole town enjoyed. I didn't know any black folks in town at that time, and I would think if they saw the show they would not feel offended, but would join in the laughter of the jokes and tap their feet with the songs. We were all faithful Catholics and educated in church to "love they neighbor", and never to degrade another person simply because of the color of his skin. I think it's important for people to realize that 1950 was a different era than today and it's not helpful to judge the mentality of people 70 years ago with the mentality of today. I'm not condoning racist behavior of white folks, but simply drawing attention to the different feelings and thinking of people living at a different time in our nation's history . To accuse us of racial hatred, therefore, would be an incorrect assessment of the situation.

[@margaretthomas8899]

Very reasonable perspective!

[@bobfixit9380]

Great video! This is eye opening for me. It would be a tragedy to forget that minstrel shows happened.

[@TimrodRa]

They are still happening

[@mrdanforth3744]

You must remember that in those days there were no movies, TV, radio or records. If you heard music, it was being played live and if you saw a performance it was performed live. If one performer had a hit song or a smash act he or she would quickly have imitators, and those imitators would have imitators. In this way one popular performer could spawn hundreds of imitations, and imitations of imitations. There actually was a black comedian with the stage name Jim Crow. He was a big star in England in the 1840s and was widely imitated. White performers who wanted to perform as blacks naturally had to wear black makeup. These minstrel show jokes were based on stereotypes but then, so were every other type of humor. There were not only black comedians but German, Scotch, Greek, English, Yankee, Southern, and many others all playing off various stereotypes. One example you can still find on KZbin is the Marx Brothers who portray typical Jewish, Italian, and Irish comic characters.

[@margaretthomas8899]

Spot on!

[@kevinburnes3216]

I so appreciate your intelligent presentation!

[@studmalexy]

I think hes dumb

[@TheeNucas]

Mr Hole stfu

[@mortsey]

Thank you for posting this video. It is well researched and fairly presented. This is a abominable piece of history that should never have been allowed to be forgotten about.

[@infinitecanadian]

It's hilarious.

[@ahmedjebali7065]

you will not believe this, i came here from the *why do disney caracters wear gloves* very good explaining, deserves more views and keep it up ! new sub !

[@MrDoBerek]

Very enlightning, especially for Europeans, wasn't aware that there was kind of industry behind this, holy smokes... And now I understand better why blackfacing is so offensive, thanks for the info.

[@drizz7830]

“Offensive” lmao

[@AxelXJimenez]

Currently taking an american pop culture class and we’ve been learning about this in depth and the history is so crazy. I would definitely check out With Amusement For All: A History of American Popular Culture since 1830, it’s goes into sooo much more detail about what the minstrel shows we’re doing to people’s perception of black folks, both good and bad. It also gives the perspectives and the point of views of marginalized/minority groups in America during the rise of each new form of entertainment. It’s crazy interesting, check it out

[@francesmechelle2206]

Thank you for this. I just watched it with my 13 y/o daughter. I’m bi-racial and she’s black but we were both just educated on the history of the minstrel show. 🖤

[@unioncrossed7384]

you’re a good mama❤️

[@ipelengthobejane3375]

You should listen to an album by the name of "The Minstrel Show" by Little Brother. It depicts all these themes so well throughout the album. And lyrically/production wise it's so crisp.

[@HEMZbEATS]

Great album One of my top 10 hip hop gems

[@robbiekipping1124]

I am so glad history is being taught rather than avoided. We learn from history not to repeat the same mistakes. In 1960 I lived in vicksburg Mississippi. This was in the middle of segregation. So I have rather lived through this. Reason, logic, kindness and patience will always accomplish more in the end. Do remember 1948 was only a short time after the civil war. People were very much alive who remembered. Their fathers and grandfathers remembered the most traumatic war in this countries history. WW 2 was extreamly fresh. Of course all lives matter. Teacher, I subscribed. Look forward to more and I have lived it. Dr. K

[@joefish6091]

A mere 80 years, a relative few live past 70. esp back then. Demographic pyramids, a very interesting anthropological, political, and economics tool.

[@dm7626]

I really enjoyed this video, I especially liked how you brought in a lot of primary resources as a form of evidence and then expanded on them with contextual information. I remember when I was younger (early 2000s) listening to Vaudeville on records. I didn’t realise until I went back to those records how common blackface was. Basically everyone did it. The most famous example is probably Al Jolson and it’s interesting to note that even though he would be regarded as quite progressive and helped black artists by today’s standards he’s only really remembered for blackface. It’s hard to know to what extent we should condemn that when we consider historical context and the social sensibilities of the time but it makes me glad that society has moved far enough that even seeing a photo of blackface gives me the most awful and repulsed feeling (same as for almost everyone). It’s also really interesting how Vaudeville offered immigrants (especially Irish and Jewish immigrants) the opportunity to parody themselves as a form of entertainment and create a platform for themselves in a society that discriminated against them but that this didn’t extend to black artists, who were instead parodied crudely by these other artists and not given a platform. I’m not sure what I’m saying exactly but I think it shows exactly how American society had so little regard for black people in the past, even more so than any other group. Really sad tbh. This video answered a lot of questions I, as a non American, had on this topic so thank you !

[@samuelreaves1372]

The Oscars. Will and Chris... Modern day minstrel show

[@jimmystallcup4931]

WOW. Great presentation. If you are not a college professor, you should be. Great research, great content.

[@jimmystallcup4931]

Also, I'm a middle aged white male, raised in a 99% white populated town with a long history of white elitism. Racial discrimination has robbed our citizens of the basic premise of freedom and equality. Prejudice is a terrible and lasting cancer in our great nation. Harmony between races would make our country unable to fail. God bless the USA

[@MrRand0mGamer]

Al Jolson was a hero in the way he used black face for activism for black people. To respectfully introduce white mainstream audiences to black music and culture and to open doors for them at a time where black people weren't allowed on broadway or the big screen. Would you say he was more of an exception to the rule? How much of it was intended for mockery vs more out of a fascination of black people when white people were often seen as boring and also a way to explore black music like jazz, rag time and southern black singing styles?

[@auraaurayoga]

Because white people stole that credit. And white people to the day act black…or stereotypically speaking…to get attention on platforms. You don’t have to act like another race or steal music and ideas to be interesting. Your argument to justify it is that it’s opening doors to black people culture…but those are just stereotypes and fuled bad treatment to black people

[@MrRand0mGamer]

@@auraaurayoga black people steal more culture from white people than the reverse. They have white people to thank for automobiles, electricity, suits and ties, the internet, computers, their smartphone and much of what they take for granted. In any case you can't really look at the past with the same lens you would today. Drags shows are the modern day equivalent to blackface minstrel shows of the past. A man dressing and acting out as a very hyper exaggerated caricature of a woman for comedic purposes versus doing the same but for black people. In the future drag might become taboo and people will look at it the same way they did blackface and if you ever went to one of those shows and your grandchildren find out, they will regard you as forever a bigot and disgrace. I am talking about the historical context at the time and you are talking about justification for mistreatment of black people which is not what I am doing.

[@JoshuaB573]

I stumbled on this while giving someone some background of minstrel shows. I once lived in Sikeston, MO. Sad world

[@dawnmechelle5]

Thank you. It’s tragic that I’m just now learning about this piece of American history. I honestly did not even know until yesterday that Jim Crow was not a real human person. But that he is in-fact a persona of some very terrible laws that were meant to keep black people oppressed. It honestly sickens me. I will not stop listening and learning and sharing my new found knowledge until all humans are seen as equal. I though I was in the clear of bigotry and racism simply because I have and embrace my lovely gay son. Nope. I am not. I have a lot to learn. Like so many white people my white fragility, white supremacy, white privilege, and the environment of systemic racism that I was raised in are evidence that I am not clear just because I am open minded. So thank you again. I’ll be subscribing so that I can learn more.

[@PurpleHelicopter]

Hi! Just thought I'd let you know that "Jim Crow" though not a real person, was in fact a character said to be based off of a slave. Jim Crow was introduced in the song and dance "Jump Jim Crow" before it became a set of laws. The Jim Crow laws were actually named after this character. Thought you may appreciate a bit more background information on it!

[@PurpleHelicopter]

Although that is one of many theories!

[@Isabella-mr2vq]

Amazing video, I had no idea about this. Thank you!

[@bi0lizard1]

I’m really fascinated with the history Minstrel shows. Lately I’ve become engrossed in reading all about American history from the time period of around 1870-1950s. It’s enlightening to learn how ignorant I am of that time period. I don’t think the woke crowd striking fear into people hearts with threats of ‘canceling’ them is the best way to combat racism … I feel better education is the true antidote to this poison! Please do like I am currently doing, pick up the history books and read all about these time periods. Only then, will you truly start to gain a better appreciation and understanding of what what real racism looks like and the struggle that fellow black Americans have unjustly endured for many decades.

[@valerierose817]

This ^^^^^^

[@jackdeath]

Yes, from 1830 to 1899, the Minstrel Show was the most popular form of Entertainment in America, with a 25 year resurgence after the rise of the second Klu Klux Klan in 1920. While it's almost completely disappeared by the 21 century, there are still pockets of cultural around the world that practices these shows, such as (to name a few) French Canada, and parts of Australia. Almost all of America's early folk songs were from the mistral shows. One of the best known song writers of these shows was Stephen Foster, known as "the father of American music" With over 200 songs to his repertoire, he was one of the most influential figures in American cultural identity, including songs such as "Oh! Susanna", "Hard Times Come Again No More", "Camptown Races", "Old Folks at Home" ("Swanee River"), "My Old Kentucky Home", "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair", "Old Black Joe", and "Beautiful Dreamer." Many of Stephen Foster songs were re-written (as were other minstrel songs by other authors) for the modern era to remove racists and bigoted language and sentiments. While some songs were completely re-written and became other songs, such as _Turkey in the Straw,_ whose melody was originally for _Jump'n Jim Crow._ And they have become American nursery songs sung to children, albeit with much cleaner lyrics.

[@grahamherbert3612]

I regularly perform 'black face' (Mr. Tambo), with my local company, The Somalian Serenaders. We entertain mostly black oldtimers, both at old folks homes, and a hospice. There is no mean or racist intent, we make it our mission to carry out fundraising for many local charities. Last year, supporting the hospice, to the tune of $22,000.

[@nunyab1836]

Thank you so much.... Pieces of History that you don't learn in school, it's like putting a puzzle together.

[@trle964]

okay but the thumbnail genuinely scared me i nearly jumped.

[@user-mm1ku4my1c]

I've been doing a lot of research this is very informative

[@MayaDTV]

Awesome Video! Thank you!

[@michellearkham-deputycmbel411]

Thank you for this. I'm using it in my English 12 class to give context for Ch. 4 of The New Jim Crow.

Mickey Mouse's design is inspired by these shows

[@shawnbender3520]

🤧

[@minchul80]

In the UK, there was the hugely popular Black & White Minstrel Show, which was on TV from the 1950s to 1978. The men were blacked up, though oddly the women always remained white. It featured singing, dancing, and humor and was allegedly inspired by the minstrel shows in the US - however, it was essentially a variety show, involving the singing of Gilbert & Sullivan and other show tunes in blackface. There were no Jim Crow or Mammy characters, use of ebonics, or mockery - in fact, there was no reference to race at all. Were any of the minstrel shows in the US like this - particularly in the more recent past?

[@Scott-up3bq]

Correct it was great

[@caraivens2331]

Okay but why they paint their face black tho

[@donatella000]

Thank you for the video. I am studying some American history, and I found your presentation very helpful and interesting. I didn't know anything about these shows (I am not American). Could someone please tell me what the significance of "Mana out of Heaven" is? I have not heard the expression before.

[@avagaribay9343]

It refers to a Bible verse from the book of Exodus. When the Israelites were in the wilderness after they escaped Egypt, God sent down manna which is like an unleavened bread from the heavens for them to eat.

[@jayrose6312]

It’s equating a profound sense of goodness and miraculous taste with something that is far from wholesome. It goes to show not only the level of ignorance, but the fact that those who put in a claim to be ‘religious’ are not immune from prejudice and systemic hate, something that anyone with a semblance of truth in their learning would understand that a ‘loving God’ would never condone. After all, we are all crafted in the image of God as he didn’t selectivity choose which races would be a projection of him.

[@landminegrrl]

Thank you for this video, you talk in such a nice way for understanding! I'm from Brazil and I had no idea where some of this stereotypes came from. I can identify some of this in Brazilian culture as well, anyways, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@sashaalvarez5455]

Great Video! Where did you find the Newspaper sources?

[@adrianaslund8605]

Ofcourse we could take into account that segregationists hated it because it portrayed runaway slaves sympathetically. Doesn't make it less racist and painful.

[@RBM23]

Thank you for shedding light on this terrible practice. I've heard of minstrel shows but never knew much about it. Trying to educate myself.

[@myriam-catharinaweyen5840]

Thank u! This is so important🙏

[@ARKenMan]

Thanks...I learned a lot. Hard to believe this stuff went on back then.

[@damiana00]

This is a great explanation & introduction to that period of time and what it beget which was the legacy of blackface. I’m going to post it on my Instagram if that’s ok. I’ve known about it since the 80’s but it’s good to bring out this aspect because many people don’t understand why blackface is not appropriate. This helps! Kudos. 👏

[@apocolex93]

Extremely sad and distressing part of history. Given what’s been going on in the world I’ve been doing lots of research in this particular subject matter. Learnt a lot so thank you. Will carry on learning. Will also sub! Cheers man

[@unidentifiedbeing8149]

There should be a black history all year around. I never learned about this when I attend school.

[@billyb6001]

The books and knowledge or available year-round

[@flameex1708]

@@billyb6001 lmao you hit it spot on. Imagine if we had to learn about God all year long. Do that shit on your own time.

[@MADDLION247]

Do you think Black History is only in February??!! 😂😂

[@takiffanywilliams210]

This is amazing information, thank you.

[@PabloSIII]

Dr.Burt(hope I got the last name right) I'm 55yr old African American and I just want to say thank you for opening my eyes to this because I was thinking something totally different. I will research it more again thank you.

[@SeanWells365]

I’d love for you to have a discussion on this topic with Thaddeus Russell, he has a great book called Renegade History of The United States that touches on this.

[@mgd8saunders]

Came after watching Dees episode of Lovecraft Country. ”Stop that knocking” playing in my head.

[@FBAest1995]

Same love craft led me here

[@LurkingCrassZero]

They still had a Black & White Minstrel Show well into the latter half of the 70's on UK telly, and stage shows well into the late 80's .

[@mrs.queenchiyasouto-hines781]

Thank you for this video. Much appreciated.

[@studmalexy]

whats wrong with mocking black people?...are black people "above" mockery and criticism?

@@studmalexy Let's commence with "Self Mockery" of your own individuality, Family and generational past. Once this is approved by yourself - (and it could never be, by any soul of sanity), only then would the repercussions of this Psychological insanity be understood !!

[@keelyeyal7098]

Very Nice. Thank You!

[@ritagonzalez8869]

Thank you so much information loved it..

[@yell50]

Absolutely unbelievable horrific racism which was just normal everyday entertainment back then

[@johnhackett6332]

Thank you, Dr. Byrd - you opened my eyes to an integrally significant truth(s); this reveals an embarrassing & oppressive principality hidden beneath the surface of our history. *To establish a pattern of repetitive oppression and hate is NOT an attribute of this culture, it's a principle* - it is not attributes that establishes a country...principles are what establishes a principality. I am trying to say, that this video radically reveals of how racism, oppression and 'supremacist ideation'(elitism) is inherently built INTO the U.S., and to this day reigns over people.

[@valerierose817]

I just got a yearbook from 1919. An All girls Highschool in Reading, Pennsylvania did a Minstrel show and even had a picture of it in their yearbook

[@michaelkennedy6415]

It would be interesting to get your opinion about a blackface picture from my own 1980’s yearbook. For Halloween, 4 white kids dressed up as our 4 sports coaches. One of our coaches was black, so the white kid was in blackface complete with an afro wig. The coach was visibly honored that someone wanted to be EXACTLY like him that day. Do you consider this to be wrong?

[@valerierose817]

@@michaelkennedy6415 if the coach was honored. I would say. That’s okay. But it would have been even better if the coach did white face too. That would be comical

[@michaelkennedy6415]

@@valerierose817 I have always been a fan of “whiteface” very since I saw Eddie Murphy’s SNL skit where he walked @ NYC as a white man. I would pay money to see Steve Harvey go whiteface. It would be freakin’ hilarious. 😆

[@dasdaslayer8310]

I am making a paper on vaudeville and you are my favorite one of the only people who were able to help

[@ethankiter9323]

I also read that early country musicians were blackface veterans such as Bob Wills and Jimmie Rodgers

[@yaboi-km2qn]

so apparently al jolson was a campaigner for equal rights mean while doing his best to make fun of black people. I'm very confused.

[@QueenFan12]

To tar one of the seminal figures in American entertainment with that brush is a display of gross ignorance. Jolson was the premier figure on Broadway, on records and eventually pioneered the era of sound movies with "The Jazz Singer." Far from being a racist, he befriended black entertainers and promoted their careers. No one considered him a racist.

[@yessir2u]

Thanks for the enlightenment. I just discovered this music genre on KZbin. Never really thought about it (even though my predecessors were into it). I'm 73, caucasian, and needed this.

[@Tdisputations]

Look into Al Jolson. He was the most famous person to do black face and minstrel shows, and he used that to advance African Americans. Look up Al Jolson and Cab Calloway, for example. They actually did a show together while Al Jolson was in black face. It just wasn’t seen as necessary racist back then.

[@Kelly-it5bl]

I found this very informative! I wish you were my history teacher back when I was in HS.

[@bosiedouglas4475]

I'm wondering if you would recommend any literature on this topic?

[@IMHobby121]

How about a Bible?

[@rebekah1362]

The lyrics to "Jump Jim Crow" was perfectly used to stress the pains of racism in "Roots: The Next Generation" by Debbie Morgan (character named "Elizabeth Moore"). She's accusing her father (aptly named Tom) of being an Uncle Tom by jumping to the tune of the white folks in the town. First episode of the movie - do check it out! What she does in that scene burned it in to mind forever. I'll never hear Jim Crow referenced without thinking of it.

[@brittybee6615]

I was just on a newspaper archive site and found an article from The Sanfransico Call April 29, 1900 about the origins of minstrelsy. Interestingly it says Stephen Foster overheard a black man singing the song Jim Crow and thought it was very catchy, took him to a theater to teach it someone who was already ‘burlesqueing Scotch and Irish characters.’

[@broye_art45]

in the Netherlands they have a tradition called sinterklaas where white people used to dress up has black people known has zwarte Piet. luckily two or three years ago they decided it was racist and now they don't do that anymore.

[@melanietoth1376]

Excellent video

[@tomanderson4131]

Thank you. This video is the first stop on my rabbit hole about the disturbing and racist history of minstrel shows. This really explains a lot to me, and I didn't understand the link between black face and minstrel shows specifically. I guess I'd heard of minstrel shows but didn't really know what they were.

[@MsBoo667]

thank you so much for putting this information out. i knew of this, but did not completely understand it, and truly value accurate American history and agree we need to discuss this ugliness and get to the bottom of it, so history does not repeat itself. it is our obligation to humanity that we get past wanting to harm those that are different from us

[@rutha4859]

Very interesting video but I have a question: You said the Minstrel shows are from the 1830 but then you said the TV shows are form the 1950's. I don't understand...they had 120 years of success?

[@steviefiddleboy]

Popularity started to ebb by the end of the late 1800s. Burlesque and Vaudville took over in popularity, and motion pictures took over those. It didn't go away altogether but hung on, similar to a grasp as nostalgia. As more and more saw it as culturally unacceptable, the minstrel show all but disappeared.

[@SUPSTERV]

I was sent here by my teacher for an assignment

[@IDontKnowLuis]

Angry Pent ?

[@edwinacaparelli9911]

Thank you for this.

[@michelangelocarrieri4784]

Hi, I recently saw the "Dear White People Volume 4" tv show on Netflix and they talked about Minstrel Shows and so here I am. Watching the episodes they explained something about the "cakewalk" and how it evolved to Minstrel Shows. One of the things that intrigued me more is a sort of parallel between two famous pictures. The first one of the actor Bert Williams and the second one of Michael Jackson a second before moonwalking for the first time. Both with hat and white glove. Now I would like to find more information about these things to understand better the "now". Are there some references about these topics?

[@aww2historian]

Whats the date of this newspaper?

[@MJ-kx7nm]

The minstrel show is such a good album

[@craigthompson3739]

Wasn't the minstrel show created in the North? Also, lots of Minstral performers were black. I know it's difficult to talk about it, but the minstrel show influence all American music so if you want to understand American music, you almost have to talk about it. It was a phenomenon comparable to jazz, rock, and hip-hop. It was popular entertainment for the entire country for several decades. There were tours in Europe also.

[@margaretthomas8899]

Very considerate!

[@adalieswietonsakurafox]

The show is very entertaining I can’t lie about that but it just amazes me that people didn’t really talk about the fact that it was racist and just plan out rude!

[@craigthompson3739]

How do you feel about white kids performing hip-hop?

[@adalieswietonsakurafox]

@@craigthompson3739 I think it’s great!

[@craigthompson3739]

@@adalieswietonsakurafox You don't think hip-hop is racist and rude?

[@adalieswietonsakurafox]

@@craigthompson3739 I mean it depends what the singer is singing about. Any type of music can be racist if the lyrics are

[@unclelouie3828]

I know. I know but- a show like Amos & Andy was wonderful. They were just 'lovable' characters.

[@panthr3037]

I will be 55 years old this month. I always had hoped that we would turn the page, understand how damaging racism (both explicit or implicit) it is and eventually will put the ignorance aside and go on together. Unfortunately I have to say that we have not progressed in fact in the past 8 or more years has regressed by decades in racism. I hope that I am wrong but honestly I have pretty much given up hope. Racism is a cancer that is eating away at this country and instead of trying to heal it, the rich and powerful are trying to spread it in other areas such as misogyny and bigotry of religion, language, and the disabled. Its not being healed. Instead it is spreading. Thank God I never had kids.

[@kenj280]

Thanks for dropping knowledge. It's rare on american tv to see a predominately Black drama. Still not seen as serious folk. Minstrels seem like the forefathers of Stepin fetchit, JJ and Urkel!

[@rollendollar3428]

thanks man 🖤

[@AnytimeAssemblypros]

I have never seen any person in real life that looked like those images. People conduct their own minstel shows today, sometimes without the song and dance.

[@rashadwilson6542]

Cuz they dead killing off we look different according to everything from dna down to foods and habits we entertain

[@adelaideviolet2385]

Where?

[@InfamousKalen]

Most depictions of black and dark skin people back in those times were incredibly over exaggerated in an attempt to offend. Many racist artists and people viewed darker skin people as "hideous" and "disgusting" from their skin to facial features, hair, etc. And so they'd make vulgar artwork depicting of what they view black and dark people. It's pretty fked up. Golliwog dolls are a prime example of royally racist depictions.

[@CakefaceSmut]

I just learned about these today. I’m 32 and never learned about this.

[@David.lovesU]

Excellent example of why we need to stop bringing up the past, if we just left this alone like the N word we could progress to a world of pure bliss

[@uniondude2]

Thanks .