Larry,
I'm on board when it comes to Al Jolson and him opening doors for minorities in entertainment. The reason i know you're telling the truth is because I run a website called "Mardi Gras Digest.Com". I had to do months of research to find out why the Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club here wears, "blackface", during Carnival in New Orleans.
However, In all my research and studies I can't recall one time that blacks mimicked whites by wearing "Whiteface in Carnival"
What are your sources and references, on this, so I get the whole story!
Thanks

Dear Larry,

As an English fan of Al Jolson, I was heartened to read your comments.
A show about his fabled American entertainer, which ran in the UK earlier this year, attracted a lot of media attention because the producers elected not to allow the actor portraying Jolson to appear in blackface. Their intention was to avoid any criticism from the ill-informed, who look upon the use of blackface as derogatory. Ironically, the producers were castigated by many theatre critics for their pusillanimity in avoiding the issue! After reading so much adverse criticism of Jolson from people who know nothing of his efforts on behalf of black entertainers, it's nice to have an opposing point of view aired. America should be proud of this patriotic and talented immigrant, who brought so much pleasure to audiences during some very hard times.
More power to your elbow!

Gratefully, Reg Reeve