Final answer:
The minstrel show was a variety show featuring white performers in blackface that perpetuated racial stereotypes and supported white supremacy among audiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minstrel show was a variety show that featured white performers wearing blackface. Originating in the 19th century, this form of entertainment saw white actors apply makeup to darken their skin and perform stereotypical and often derogatory portrayals of African Americans. These minstrel shows were a part of a larger tradition of racist entertainment, which included exaggerated and buffoonish characters that mocked black people, contributing to racial stereotypes that have had long-lasting negative impacts.
Minstrelsy played a significant role in solidifying racial lines in America by conveying messages of supremacy among white audience members. Performances often included a group of white men with their faces blackened, acting in a foolish manner to the amusement of white audiences, who felt a sense of superiority and communal identity at the expense of African American culture. This tradition also underscored the Jim Crow era, which was characterized by segregation and discrimination against African Americans.