Macy's Dirty Past

This photo was sent to my mother "back in the day" along with a message from R.H. Macy saying "We hope you enjoy this radio feature presented Thursday Night at 9:45". The first thought to come to mind was "I really don't like Macy's beginnings". After that I thought "Why are they in full minstrel make-up for a radio show? Did they think it would help them to sound more "black"? I am so sure they sounded exactly like condescending white males poking fun at a race/culture that they were afraid of and didn't understand. I was actually looking for a vintage fashion shot when I found this, but since Macy's is a vendor in the fashion industry, I thought it was appropriate to show just how unfashionable their roots are.