about the mistrel shows

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[maptchil]

Hey guys i don’t know if any of u all have ever heard about the minstrel shows that started in the U S in 1840 and ended in 1920. It was a theatrical and musical art that was suppose to be degrading to black people. As a black person this is way over my head. I don't really see what is soo degrading about it. If any of you guys know more about this let me know what you think. And please explain how it was suppose to offend us. I know that today it would never be allowed and people who try it are probably going to get killed. But please guys help me out with this issue. I saw a clip on Youtube and to me it was great musical talent and the whites were disguised as blacks to do it. Isn’t it a way of showing how they appreciate the styles that we helped create like jazz and blues. I really need guidance on this cause some times i feel different, thinking that i don’t get offended when i should. But i also think some people just get offended just to be offended.

[sistahvee]

Bless Up maptchil

With AGE comes WISDOM.  In another twenty years it won't be so cute to see WHITES dressed up and painted in TAR BLACK, with HUGE BOTTOMS and EXTRA LARGE LIPS strutting about and pretending to be representing BLACKS in comical and degrading scenes, regardless of how talented they appear to be.  May InI suggest the I start collecting some real BLACK conscious literature and study a bit harder. 

Charles Mattews was the first 'whit' performer to put on a black face in 1882.  T.D. Rice was the first big success.  There's a book by Robert C. Toll, 'Blacking Up' that has a fairly good history of these shows and the views behind them.

 Here is a list of suggestions to help your Rasta studies...
*The Rastafari by Leonard E. Barret
*Rastafarian Journey by Clyde Brodber
*Rasta and Resistance by Horace Cambell
*Testimony of H.I.M., Emperor Haile Salassie I:  Defender of the Faith by Karl Naphtali Phillpotts
*Rastafari: For the Healing of the Nation by Dr. Dennis Forsythe

To name a few that comes to mind that may assist the I on this journey of discovery.

Nuff Guidance

Sistah Vee