Category talk:Blackface minstrel performers

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Categorization[edit]

I'm trying to figure out where to fit this category in on the categorization tree. The problem is that blackface minstrels did so much and that not everyone did the same things. My guess is that it should be made a subcategory of Category:Actors (most of these folks were on stage, but some may have been in films of television), Category:Comedians, Category:Dancers, and Category:Vocalists by style. The vast majority of minstrels acted, did comedy bits, sang, and danced, so this would fit. Individuals would have to be further categorized by musical instrument (most played one, but some may not have). This also leaves categorization by nationality undefined, though I wouldn't have a problem subcategorizing into Category:American blackface minstrel performers, Category:French blackface minstrel performers, and Category:British blackface minstrel performers (the only three nationalities represented at the moment). Any comments? — BrianSmithson 15:05, 8 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Black Minstrels not same as Blackface minstrels[edit]

A Black minstrel, such as Sam Lucas, Henry Hart, and many others, was an African-American minstrel, as distinquished from a white minstrel who blackened his/her face with burnt cork or other means. I suggest a separate category called Black Minstrels. (Also, isn't "Minstrel Performers" redundant? Was there a minstrel who wasn't a performer - and even if there was, shouldn't he or she be included in one of the two categories?) Clark Kimberling 16:04, 6 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Once there are enough articles on black minstrel performers, there might be justification for a separate category. I don't think we have enough articles to justify it at the moment, though. As for the title of this category, modern sources use several terms interchangeably: blackface performers, blackface minstrels, minstrels, blackface minstrel performers, etc. I don't think any one term is more appropriate than the other, and the current title is the least ambiguous to Wikipedia's larger audience in my opinion. Yes, you are right, someone who is in this category often belongs in other performance-related categories, such as Category:Banjoists or Category:Percussionists depending on their role in their minstrel ensemble. This category is part of Category:Stage actors, Category:Comedians, and Category:Singers, as it is assumed that nearly all minstrel performers did these activities. — Brian (talk) 22:49, 6 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]