blackface (culture-related concepts, <culture and related concepts>, Associated Concepts (hierarchy name))
Note: Originally, make-up or costume intended to imitate the appearance of a black person, particularly as part of a performance. By extension, any practice of stereotyping dark-skinned people in an exaggerated fashion. Though not exclusive to the United States, blackface was associated with minstrel shows in the US from the 1830s until the mid-20th century; and is widely regarded now as an offensive example of racism. Blackface was adopted by some African American performers in minstrel shows from ca.1840 as a means to earn a living in venues that were otherwise denied them in mainstream show business.