The 5 W's of Blackface Minstrelsy

Who?	African Americans, White Americans
What?	Minstrelsy is considered America’s first original form of music. Minstrel shows featured white Americans dressed to portray blacks in overly exaggerated stereotypical ways. Gradually African Americans became performers in the show. Performers would darken their skin using burnt skin. Emulated “stereotypical” expressions of black culture such as speech, dance, music, and cultural behavior
When?	Formed between 1820 and 1840 in the US. Minstrel shows became very popular between 1840 and 1880. They were especially popular after the Civil War. Remained popular until the end of the 19th century
Where?	Minstrel shows were performed throughout the United States. Some were performed in parts of Western Europe.
Why?	Culture affects Minstrelsy  v  Slavery: Masters viewed their slaves as inferior creatures. Never really knew what was going on in the slave culture, instead developed belief through a distorted lens. v  Post-Antebellum (Post Civil War): Whites needed a way to feel like they were superior to blacks since they had been freed. Continued the cycle of white superiority Minstrelsy affects culture v  Stereotypes turned into beliefs: Since whites did not have effective contact with the African American community, they actually began to believe the stereotypes, which thus made them think that their imitations were accurate depictions v  The world’s view of Blacks: minstrel shows traveled throughout Europe, thus promoting the ideas that blacks in American actually encompassed these stereotypical behaviors