For those here who may be interested, here's a link to a post on my pancocojams blog entitled "Deconstructing The Caricature of Zip Coon & Other Minstrel Black Dandies"

http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/10/deconstructing-caricature-of-zip-coon.html

In that post I present my opinions about the reasons for the creation & the performances of the minstrel caricature Zip Coon and other Black dandies caricatures.

I also present my theory about the meaning of the name "Zip" in the name "Zip Coon". Briefly, I believe that name is from the Hebrew male name "Zippor". Based on the meaning and Biblical associations of that name, I believe that "Zip" in "Zip Coon" was in & of itself a put-down of urban, free Black men.

If you visit that blog, your comments are welcome.

Azizi Powell