What, Me Racist?

Stereotypes in the media:

--What is a stereotype?

--a standardized mental picture that is held in common and not subjected to critical thought. It represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude or uncritical judgment.

l) Historical circumstances shape stereotypes

2) Stereotypes portray a political reality

Racial stereotyping in 2 forms: l) individual, and 2) collective (or institututional). Becomes embedded in national consciousness.

MINSTRELSY –

Most popular 19 th Century American vernacular entertainment

-- a satire of black music and humor, song and dance

1830’s-1860’s Whites in “blackface”

--T.D. Rice – “Father of Ethiopian Delineators”. He impersonated crippled, deformed stable hand man (“Jim Crow”) on stage.

--Used burnt cork to color his face. Created an icon for stage.

--Zip Coon was a character who represented the fast-talking, over-dressed black from the ‘street’

--Other characters that dominated Post-Civil War images: (Mammy, pickaninny, Sambo). Still seen in the media today.

--Instruments: banjo, tamborine, fiddle, bone castanets

--In 1865 – First black minstrel troupes (in “blackface)

Questions:

What are the legacies of minstrelsy? What can we learn from minstrelsy about racial dynamics and racial perceptions in American popular culture over the course of our history?

--Many performers such as W.C. Handy, “Father of the Blues”, got their start on the minstrel/vaudeville stage.

--Criticized as a caricature— a tribute to Black cultural practices--yet a twisted compliment. (part imitation, part caricature, but hardly flattering). Ironically opened the door for black performers in American entertainment. Have made significant contributions.

-- Brings up questions about the interface between white and black culture in America regarding:

--cultural appropriation; questions of representation and authenticity

Africa Page
African American Music Page
Native American Music: Plains and Prairies and Pow Wows
Study Guide Exam 1