I think Howard opened this thread partly in response to my reference to blacking up. I used the N word, in the thread concerning the survival or otherwise of Morris, to make a point about attitudes to what is traditional, what is revival and what is new.

Lots of people on that thread argued for the appropriateness of people creating sides and in some cases dances and costumes where none had previously existed. Howard made that point particularly well.

My point was that if Morris can evolve as it clearly has can it please evolve from blacking up to greening up or some other colour that does not have racist undertones (!).

Some people, black and white, are offended by white people blacking up. That's it really. It is no use saying they should not be offended, they simply are.

Now, what should be the Morris response? Do dances want to offend. I doubt that any Morris dancer ever meant to offend anyone. But they do. Do they offend many? Probably not. How many can be offended before it really counts?

Cheers

L in C