Jeri .... Exactly right. Those that seek to alibi their actions always start with "what if a black, Moslem, Pakistani, whatever" did this. Or they say, "I am not racist, it's all in good fun...." or some other such reasoning. Often these folks are sincere people of honorable intent, but more often they are just trying to justify their poor behavior/racist feelings.

Intent is not the key issue. Perception, or perception of intent, by the aggrieved individuals is. With respect to my dear friend Bert, of course you don't understand. Your people have not suffered centuries of slavery, cruel stereotypes, outright prejudice and lack of opportunity based on skin colour.

Someone above said it well. Blackface, to African descended people's, is a symbol of mockery and oppression. Singing a Blues song in dialect symbolizes respect and admiration of culture.

I would be right behind you, Jeri

Mick