An 1899 newspaper references a Negro newspaper saying, "There is nothing elevating or ennobling about 'coon songs' and 'rag-time music' and the walk is decidedly degrading". This criticism is interesting because it is not only aimed at African Americans, but it despises them. While it's strange to say, one might understand where some of Cakewalk's critics are coming from if they keep an open mind. Another black critic from 1897 shared his feelings about a walk in a newspaper that said, “He thinks the exhibition is vulgar and degrading to its participants.” and “All the characteristic charm of the old Negro who did these things for their own good is lost by these people who do them as a matter of show. Their self-consciousness ruins their naturalness.” Critics' accusations that the dancers perform only to put on a show and not "with the aim of keeping alive a characteristic black costume" are understandable. While it is certain that some dancers performed honorably, the critic seems to have been justified in believing that dancing without any meaningful purpose is quite shameful. White critics had similar things to say about Cakewalk, and another way whites degraded African Americans was through sheet music covers filled with stereotypes and