Letter to Douglass Week 9
Dear Frederick Douglass,
I am curious to what political advantages African Americans gain in this country from visual productions of "blackness" in any capacity. Extending the production of blackness beyond minstrelsy, are other performances of the African American race acceptable if they seem to pose some kind of advantage for the advancement of the race? The use of performance and blackface haven't seemed to pose any kind of advantages, but rather create and enforce negative stereotypes about African American which puts them in a more disadvantaged situation.
Although you didn't directly comment on white performers and their role, it seems that you are arguing that it if necessary, they could potentially be in this position that could potentially provide advantages. Although I cannot definitely say whether this would be cultural domination (in conjunction with appropriation but with far more negative impacts) or showcasing people's culture, I can say that the impacts have continually been in opposition to your argument of providing political advantages.
While I recognize your argument and see the importance of authentic portrayals of blackness and the potential benefits that they can achieve, I have to strongly disagree with the aspect of white performers taking this on. Putting it in the context of racial identity and the attitudes from opposing viewpoints, true authenticity can only be achieved by those with the lived experience of the culture. Although a white audience could enjoy these portrayals (as Mark Twain did), they won't be given any reason to change their initial way of thinking and will have a greater sense of superiority after seeing their fellow white counterparts imitate they version of "blackness." The outcomes are not in favor of the cultures being portrayed, they are simply being exploited and put at a greater disadvantage. The performance of race and culture steps in the wrong direction.
I am curious to what political advantages African Americans gain in this country from visual productions of "blackness" in any capacity. Extending the production of blackness beyond minstrelsy, are other performances of the African American race acceptable if they seem to pose some kind of advantage for the advancement of the race? The use of performance and blackface haven't seemed to pose any kind of advantages, but rather create and enforce negative stereotypes about African American which puts them in a more disadvantaged situation.
Although you didn't directly comment on white performers and their role, it seems that you are arguing that it if necessary, they could potentially be in this position that could potentially provide advantages. Although I cannot definitely say whether this would be cultural domination (in conjunction with appropriation but with far more negative impacts) or showcasing people's culture, I can say that the impacts have continually been in opposition to your argument of providing political advantages.
While I recognize your argument and see the importance of authentic portrayals of blackness and the potential benefits that they can achieve, I have to strongly disagree with the aspect of white performers taking this on. Putting it in the context of racial identity and the attitudes from opposing viewpoints, true authenticity can only be achieved by those with the lived experience of the culture. Although a white audience could enjoy these portrayals (as Mark Twain did), they won't be given any reason to change their initial way of thinking and will have a greater sense of superiority after seeing their fellow white counterparts imitate they version of "blackness." The outcomes are not in favor of the cultures being portrayed, they are simply being exploited and put at a greater disadvantage. The performance of race and culture steps in the wrong direction.
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