White actor in blackface
Blackface was theatrical makeup used in the 19th century by white actors who would paint their faces and mimic stereotypes amongst black people in America. Blackface was very popular in minstrel shows. Minstrel shows made a mockery of black people's lives. On a positive note, minstrel shows also translated the ideas and messages of various operas into terms that general audience could understand. After the civil rights movement, minstrels were put to an end.
The problem with minstrels was that it was simply racist and it was also inaccurate. Minstrel shows depicted this impression of a happy slave. Black people are not always these happy go lucky type of people but that was the only parts of their lives depicted on stage. The fact that black actors were not allowed to perform at this time made the performances unjust and uncalled for in my opinion.
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