"I remember my Mom & dad couldn't wait for the Black & White Minstrels to come on each Saturday when I was young. They loved it, but there was never a thought to it being rascist. I never ever dreamt that it could be that way"

I too used to watch this programme with my family and never saw any racist connotations. However today I would feel distinctly uncomfortable watching it, especially if I had my best friend (who is black) with me at the time.

After reading the above I cannot see any real evidence that blacking up is all that traditional and tend to agree with Les that it does without doubt offend some people. On that basis surely it is not beyond the pale to change the colour to blue (which after all the Ancient Brits used to use and so could be seen as being very trad!) or some other colour with no racial connotations.

I also would like to say that I do not believe members of the Morris
to be racist, but why continue doing something knowing it to be offensive?

Ged