And bugger the origins - which are always spurious fakelore anyway.

Followed by

the true origin of any Folk Custom is only the last time it was performed

Do you not see those two statements as contrary, Jack? While I agree that a lot of the explanations of 'traditions' are fake - I made a few up myself. Blind Willy Higginthorpe the Lancashire clog dancing blues singer for instance :-) - But I cannot agree that they are 'always spurious fakelore'. I think, at best, if we apply the bit about 'lost in the mists of time', the best we can say is we don't know. We do not know, therefore, whether the original versions were at all racist in their origins. I cannot see, for instance, that the black masks worn in some ancient theatres were worn for racist purposes.

What I do agree with is that "No one blacking up in today's cultural climate can do so entirely innocent of the racist implications". However, just because some can take it as being racist does not mean it is so. I see no reason why people cannot black up and why, provided it known not be be the same as minstrelry, anyone should take offense.

Cheers

DtG