True or False: In most performances of early minstrel shows, the performers were exclusively white.

The correct response is that it is false that performances of early minstrel shows were exclusively white. While early minstrel shows originated and were popularized by white performers who adopted blackface to caricature African Americans, there were instances where Black performers participated in these shows, particularly as the genre evolved. The early minstrel tradition often perpetuated racial stereotypes and was rooted in a complex interplay of race and performance that allowed for varying degrees of Black involvement, especially as the shows progressed into more variety-based formats. This highlights the racially charged nature of the performances and underscores the cultural dynamics in American entertainment. Thus, stating that performers were exclusively white does not capture the full historical context, making the assertion incorrect.