Research Paper on:
American Blackface and its Origins

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
a rich one filled with notable actors and performances. Likewise, blackface has been regarded as some of the most racist entertainment of all times. Indeed, the depictions of  black Americans were often less-than-flattering. Blackface captivated many people and recruited some of the most notable performers of the time to its ranks. It is indeed eye-opening  to consider the list of notable actors who performed in such roles. Furthermore, many blacks themselves took to blackface and would depict the stereotypical roles of blacks. Blackface has  certainly left its mark on the entertainment industry. This form of entertainment enjoyed a long history although it was unable to continue to flourish due to the notable civil  rights movement after World War II. Some actually credit blackface with opening doors for blacks and allowing white Americans to sample the culture, music and life of blacks despite  how stereotypical the portrayal may have been. Furthermore, many believe that blackface allowed blacks to slowly infiltrate the entertainment industry - something which may not otherwise have happened.  The History of Blackface Minstrelsy, or blackface, can best be described as "white Americas imitation of black Americans" (History of Blackface, 2002).  It has been said that blackface was some of the most bold, blatant and extreme stereotyping in American history (History of Blackface, 2002). One such example would be  that most often, it was black slaves who were depicted (History of Blackface, 2002). The white performer would wear blackface make-up and would "outline his lips with white face  paint to exaggerate their size" (History of Blackface, 2002). "Blackface minstrelsy was known not only for its lively songs and