It's pretty clear to me that there is at least some minstrel influence, even if this tied into a pre-existing tradition of disguise.

Frankly it's cringe-worthy that people still think it is fine to black-up.

Every time a story like this blows up, it does enormous damage to the public perception of Morris, and folk traditions in general.

Border Morris was revived in the early 70s anyway- so stop pretending you are part of some unchangeable tradition- it's pathetic!