Rediscovering old memories

[Headbanger]

I've just dug out some old LPs which I haven't played for years and rediscovered some absolute treasures.bringing back some beautiful memories, including this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTuKDK9U0qg

[Ann]

I still have my wonderful LPs from the Black and White Minstrel Shows and play them regularly to remind of their great TV variety shows which are sadly missed by the older generation! Why on earth they attributed racism to these gentle shows with their spectacular costumes and excellent vocal numbers, I shall never know - and it makes me cross! I'm thankful that nobody can take my B&W Minstrels LPs away from me!

[Zacs-Master]

Ann
'Why on earth they attributed racism to these gentle shows'
Are you serious? White people blacking up and stereotyping black people as entertainment. You'll be saying alf garnet was politically correct next.

[Ann]

O Zacs - I see you are one of the people I can't understand! I don't mock coloured people, some of my greatest friends are West Indian, I believe all races are equal - I just loved the Al Jolson story, which was from years ago. Nobody thinks any less of black people for being in an entertainment variety show, partnered in the dancing with white females by the way!!! Have you EVER watched the show - I doubt it, you are probably too young and quick to judge.

[Zacs-Master]

Nobody thinks any less of black people for being in an entertainment variety show

Unbelievable. Then why did the BBC receive a petition in the late 60s to have it taken off the air? Lenny Henry was the first Black performer to go on the show and has publicly stated that he only did it as he was contractually obliged to and deeply regrets taking part.

[Ann]

Not worth arguing with you Zacs - I happen to love the black and white minstrel shows AND coloured people in general, I HATE political correctness from a certain band of people, which is taking over and spoiling our world. That's my last word on the subject - live and let live :)

[hc4361]

White people blacked up because in many states in the US black performers were banned.

[Zacs-Master]

That proves that it's roots were founded in discrimination.

[Ann]

Sorry headbanger for highjacking your thread! I have lots of LPs and play them regularly, country and western, jazz, Beatles, Mantovarni, James Last - must have 500!

[anneasquith]

ann, i can understand that you enjoyed the show, but i dont think it would be acceptable now.

[Headbanger]

Blimey Ann, that's another old memory revived.My parents used to watch the Black and White Minstrel show (not my cup of tea).I'm with you on the racism issue. Just part of our obsession with political correctness, like banning the sales of golliwogs. Oh no- thats another old memory- collecting the golliwogs on the marmalade jars.They would probably be worth a fortune now,but you would get locked up for owning one!

[Zacs-Master]

You two are unreal.

[hc4361]

Al Jolson blacked up because black people were not allowed to perform in Broadway theatres.
So, how is that not racist?

[Ann]

Actually headbanger I have a set of the Robertsons marmalade "golly" badges in my loft, they are collectables now and increasing in value. Hope the PC police don't come and arrest me!! My brother still has his lovely old "golliwog toy" like a Teddy Bear, he is shabby now but has been so well-loved. As a matter of fact I was amazed to see in an independent garden centre a few months ago, a whole shelf of traditional golliwogs, among the children's toys. My friend and I were delighted to see them and said well, that's a victory for tradition and nostalgia and boo to political correctness!

[DrFilth]

lots of golly badges sell on ebay, there are lot of collectors

http://www.google.co....QsAQ&biw=1270&bih=605

[Ann]

Headbanger - I have just dug this album out......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVBkaC6eZUE

[Zacs-Master]

We're not talking about political correctness. Were talking about the stereotyping of a whole race of people who were largely slaves I.e racism, pure and simple. How can you ignore the fact that it degraded and offended black people in the name of entertainment?

[boxtops]

Gollies are toys though ann, and I am glad to see them back - our black friends have no problem with them. The B&W minstrels were a different kettle of fish altogether though - they really were stereotyping - and these days I can't imagine a chorus of black guys singing those songs from the cotton fields, for entertainment. I'm not sorry - I'm pretty un-PC these days - but that really was a bit of a travesty, when black people weren't allowed to be entertainers.

[Headbanger]

I was amazed to find that some of my old LPs are collectables. I paid two pounds for them and they are on Amazon for up to £36! I won't tell anyone about your garden-centre- I can imagine the headline in the local paper.

[anotheoldgit]

Oh dear Anne, you have indeed opened a can of worms, then they say immigration hasn't changed Britain.

It's a god job they can't read minds, else the prisons would be overflowing.

Perhaps it would be acceptable to reintroduce The Black & White Minstrels Show with black singers & dancers?

[Headbanger]

Ann , The Beatles are next on my list after I've heard all my Elton John. Boxy, you've hit the nail on the head "our black friends have no problem with them" Most of this nonsense seems to come from people who think they know what offends other citizens.By the way ,about 50% of my record collection is blues music sung mainly by black Americans.