I found SeanN's statement way up above interesting :

"But I do see the argument that minstrel music should be performed by whites "because its a good tune" as being the rough equivalent of telling a racist joke, and then saying "I was only kidding, I didn't mean any harm by it"

In mulling it over, I know and will play some tunes as an instrumental - "Year of Jubilo" for instance (and yes, I relize it's not strictly a minstrel tune) - but wouldn't feel comfortable singing the words to a mixed race audience.

I generally think a tune and its associated words are two separate issues - melody being an emotional dimension, and words adding meaning. However, when you come to an extremely well known tune, like "Dixie," then you may be kicking another sleeping dog.

To some, apparently, just the melody of "Dixie" is so well known it instantly raises hackles on the backs of those who associate it with racism. I know a fiddler, raised in the south, but living here in the north for many years, who refuses to play it because of those feelings.

Anyone else have thoughts about this ?