' Those children, and their teachers, could have learned a very valuable lesson, and they have been denied that.'

You are forgetting that this was an open day, not a controlled lesson. This is crucial to the dabate - the whole matter turns on whether you can set a context or not. In situations where people may jump to conclusions and cannot be advised otherwise, and where there is no opportunity for debate, then activities which may 'confuse' (teacher's word), are best avoided.

I couldn't follow your other points.

I would like to know how many who defend black make-up here wear it themselves.

Tom