"If blacking-up was presented as one among many inversion rituals and practices, I believe it would suitable to present graphic and video evidence of the practice."

Good point Mike. But we are not. "Darkie Days" are and have been a very public event as is the Oss. Many of us have travelled many miles to see these events. They are nationally and probably internationally known and reported.

We all seem to accept that the origins of blacking up have roots in English history and Minstrelsy. You have pointed out that Minstrelsy contributed much to American Culture, so it did. Black People have contributed so much that almost no area of 19 - 20C music would be possible with out that contribution. During that period Black People were and continue to be exploited and to have been the victims of racial discrimination. But I guess we all agree about this?

So, where are we know? A living tradition exists in Cornwall. It has evolved over hundreds of years. Its practitioners, have responded to a greater understanding, have decided to stop wearing "Afro" wigs and calling the Event "Darkie Days" even though they believe they have innocent historic reasons for using that name.

What ever discussion went on within the "Darkie Days" community that resulted in the loss of wigs and change of name would not that discussion explore and reject blacking up for the same reasons that they rejected wigs and Darkie Days?

Look, you seem to have conceded the point about offence.