American Minstrelsy was a popular form of entertainment in the 19th century that featured white performers in blackface, portraying caricatures of African Americans. This theatrical style included music, dance, and comedy, often reinforcing racial stereotypes and providing a distorted view of Black culture. The minstrel shows began in the 1830s and became a significant part of American entertainment, influencing later forms of performance, including vaudeville and musical theater. While it was widely accepted at the time, minstrelsy is now recognized for its racist implications and has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.