So a black faced morris man playing the banjo is definately racist then?

Oh for goodness sake, the minstrel was, as has been pointed out, caricature of someone of African origin.

There is evidence of dancers blacking up prior to minstel shows appearing in this country. Why do you think it was necessary to introduce an act of parliament to prohibit the practice?? It is also blindingly obvious that the repeal of that act cleared the way for minstrel shows in this country, so common sense tells us that it is no suprise that there are more recorded instances of dancers blacking up after the repeal of the act as they were then able to revert to old practices. THERE IS NO OTHER CONNECTION!

A morris man in full kit is in no way demeaning to anyone of a different ethnic origin.