There's no question that here in the US, blackface was used to ridicule Black people in a very denigrating way. Wearing blackface here is now completely unacceptable.

When Americans see blackface Morris dancers, they read racism - whether or not racism is intended. And I think we're at a point where many people in the UK read racism in blackface, whether or not that is the intent. Changing to other colors seems to be a good compromise.

Here in the US, there are people who think that every song sung by blackface minstrels must be suppressed. I read a long diatribe against "I've Been Working on the Railroad," and I just can't buy it. I still sing "Old Black Joe" and see nothing wrong with it, but that's another song that is under attack. These are hard decisions to make. I got my head chewed off by somebody who was offended that I read the lyrics of a "John Chinaman" song to demonstrate the racism of such songs. I think if I don't give graphic examples, people don't understand that even "cute" songs can be racist.

So, I guess that even if you don't mean it, wearing blackface sends hurtful, racist messages to at least some people.

-Joe-