Sanborn North Dakota Guys Clowning Around 1910 Real Photo Postcard

Blackface minstrelsy was a popular, albeit deeply racist, form of entertainment in the United States and other Western countries from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century. Performers, predominantly white men, would darken their skin with shoe polish or greasepaint to portray caricatured stereotypes of Black people. These shows often involved singing, dancing, comedic skits, and parodies, presenting highly offensive and dehumanizing portrayals that reinforced racial prejudice.

This postcard likely captures a local or amateur minstrel troupe, reflecting the widespread appeal of such performances during the period. Blackface minstrelsy played a significant role in shaping racial attitudes and popular culture, contributing to harmful stereotypes that persisted for decades. While its popularity waned by the mid-20th century, its legacy remains a stark reminder of America's history of racial discrimination in entertainment.