It illustrated that African Americans could not cope with freedom and therefore did not belong in the North. Slaves were portrayed as happy and contented, whereas free blacks were caricatured either as strutting dandies or as helpless ignoramuses. Drawing its patrons from workers, Irish immigrants, and the poorer elements in society, minstrelsy assured these white champions of democracy that they remained superior.
Stephen Foster
They were slaves that played music for the kings and there familys: There were two types of Medieval Musicians - the Minstrels and the Troubadours. The Minstrels - A minstrel was a servant first employed as a castle or court musician. A Medieval Bard. The name 'minstrel' means a "little servant". The Minstrel was not as refined or poetic as the Troubadour. The role of the Minstrel often required many different skills including: Juggling Acrobatics Dancing Fire eating Conjuring Playing Musical Instruments Reciting poems Singing Buffoonery which led to roles as jesters Animal trainers - including animals such as dogs and monkeys in their shows
Another name for a minstrel is an "Uncertain Thread Picker."
Robin Hood had a minstrel player who played music on the minstrel, similar to the guitar, only a lot older musical instrument.
1900's
Movies with sound
Broadway became popular in 1750 when minstrel shows became popular in America. The first theater to open was the theater on Nassau Street which was opened in 1750 by Walter Murray and Thomas Kean.
Some historians claim that black-faced minstrel shows have roots going back to the Middle Ages. The American minstrel show that was popular before and after the American Civil War, however, is more directly traced to a performer named Thomas D. Rice. "Daddy" Rice began performing in black face and singing and dancing the "Jim Crow" in the 1830s.
Minstrel Shows
African Americans as happy but lazy slaves
African Americans as happy but lazy - apex
Wade Stratton has written: 'Memphis Mose of the A.E.F.' 'Fu'st aid to Cupid' 'A burnt cork barrage' -- subject(s): Minstrel shows 'Memphis Mose of the A.E.F.' 'Cash money' -- subject(s): Minstrel shows
African Americans as happy but lazy slaves
Because of the shows
Because ladies are vane.
Carlyle Brown has written: 'Buffalo hair' 'The Little Tommy Parker Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show' -- subject(s): Drama, African Americans, Minstrel shows
Robert Nowatzki has written: 'Representing African Americans in transatlantic abolitionism and blackface minstrelsy' -- subject(s): African Americans in popular culture, Antislavery movements, Minstrel shows, History