In today’s class the prominent topic was minstrel shows and blackface. Minstrel Shows created stereotypes or African Americans that still remain prevalent today. While these characters have changed the background remains the same. The Jezebel character is shown through the video vixen. Mammy can be seen through characters such as Madea. Minstrel Shows were the beginning of the career of African Americans. Until the early 20th century African Americans were portrayed on stage but they were not allowed on stage. While unfortunately they were derogatory and offensive roles, African Americans knew it was their way into the theatre. Without actors such as Willie Best and Bert Williams we would not have such as Lawrence Fishburne, Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier.