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Minstrel show
01
a racist American stage show with performers in blackface mocking Black people
What is a "minstrel show"?
A minstrel show is a type of entertainment from the 19th and early 20th centuries that featured performers, often dressed in exaggerated costumes, presenting a variety of acts like music, comedy, and skits. These shows were known for their use of blackface makeup and racial stereotypes, which are now recognized as offensive. Although they were popular at the time, minstrel shows are now seen as a troubling part of entertainment history due to their racist portrayals.
Examples
He acted in a minstrel show in 1910.
Minstrel shows featured songs and racial jokes.
02
a troupe of performers in blackface typically giving a comic program of negro songs and jokes
