This wasn't started as a 'flamer' but out of concern that a part of the tradition of the UK was under investigation.
The Merrymakers removed all words such as n****r many years ago, they only black their faces or put St Pirans cross on. Curly wigs..maybe, but the red or blue ones they wear on May 1st. As for the songs, it has all been said by others, not a racialy motivated song amongst them. Darkie is a very old westcountry word meaning the dark times, roads and streets that have been here for centuries are called Darkie Lane. As others have, so rightly, said, some people have put their own interpretation on them and made it something it is not.
see you on May day.