Final answer:
Minstrel shows in the 19th and early 20th centuries reinforced racial stereotypes and contributed to the dehumanization of African Americans. They perpetuated racial prejudices and appropriated African American culture for entertainment purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Minstrel shows were popular entertainment in the 19th and early 20th centuries that featured white performers in blackface caricaturing African Americans. These shows often portrayed African Americans as lazy, ignorant, and comical, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
In relation to cotton culture, minstrel shows further reinforced the racial hierarchy and the idea that African Americans were inferior. They contributed to the dehumanization and objectification of African Americans, aligning with the attitudes prevalent during the time of slavery and reinforcing racial prejudices. Additionally, minstrel shows often incorporated songs and dances inspired by African American culture, further exploiting and appropriating their traditions for entertainment purposes.