In what way do the Virginia Minstrels convey the theme of racism in the novel, James?

The Virginia Minstrels have coopted the songs and dances of the Black tradition, and they use them to mock Black people. They wear racially insensitive costumes and makeup in order to perform a bastardized version of Blackness. In these ways, the group is a microcosm of the racism and exploitation embedded into American history and culture.