In her new book, Darkology, historian Rhae Lynn Barnes uncovers the surprising history of amateur blackface performances in 19th- and 20th-century America. The term ‘amateur’ suggests a lack of professionalism or skill, but in this context it implies that these individuals were not paid performers, often participating for personal entertainment purposes only.
“As I see it, this historian is trying to make a point about how amateur blackface performances were just as harmful and problematic as professional ones. It’s like saying that just because someone isn’t getting paid for their racist antics doesn’t mean they’re any less dangerous or offensive. And honestly, who are we kidding? This was always about exploitation - exploiting people of color for the entertainment of white folks.”
