This is an NPR piece from June 2004 done for the Travis Smiley Show. It focuses on African American artists dealing with the legacy of blackface in our modern culture and , in the process, briefly covers its history. It pertains to the readings because it discusses how whites of the minstrel-era found solace in minstrelsy. The shows were a way to explore their own inner workings and dealing with racial tensions caused by slavery and abolitionist movements. It also discusses why African Americans often joined whites as patrons of the show.
Discussion Question: The thing that intrigued me about minstrel shows was how they were presented. Although they absolutely were racists and derogatory, they packaged this message in a fun, exciting way. Minstrel shows had many elements of a successful show including expressive language, songs, dance and stories. Do you think the message and stereotypes of Africa Americans would have been taken so far if it was not presented in a such a way?
1 comment:
Thanks for posting this link. Note that Scripps Professor Mark Golub is one of the people consulted on the story.
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