Title
Darkest America: Black Minstrelsy from Slavery to HipHop,New
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An exploration and celebration of a controversial tradition that, contrary to popular opinion, is alive and active after more than 150 years. Yuval Taylor and Jake Austen investigate the complex history of black minstrelsy, adopted in the midnineteenth century by African American performers who played the grinning blackface fool to entertain black and white audiences. We now consider minstrelsy an embarrassing relic, but once blacks and whites alike saw it as a black art formand embraced it as such. And, as the authors reveal, black minstrelsy remains deeply relevant to popular black entertainment, particularly in the work of contemporary artists like Dave Chappelle, Flavor Flav, Spike Lee, and Lil Wayne. Darkest America explores the origins, heyday, and presentday manifestations of this tradition, exploding the myth that it was a form of entertainment that whites foisted on blacks, and shining a suretobe controversial light on how these incendiary performances can be not only demeaning but also, paradoxically, liberating. 12 illustrations
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Darkest America: Black Minstrelsy from Slavery to Hip-Hop'? A: The book explores the complex history of black minstrelsy, emphasizing its survival and relevance in contemporary culture, while challenging the perception of minstrelsy as solely a negative tradition.
- Q: Who are the authors of this book? A: The book is authored by Yuval Taylor and Jake Austen.
- Q: How many pages does 'Darkest America' have? A: The book contains 368 pages.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'Darkest America'? A: The book was published on August 27, 2012.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: Are there any illustrations in 'Darkest America'? A: Yes, the book includes 12 illustrations.
- Q: What does the book reveal about the impact of black minstrelsy on contemporary artists? A: The authors highlight how black minstrelsy influences the work of contemporary artists such as Dave Chappelle and Lil Wayne, showcasing its ongoing relevance in popular culture.
- Q: Is 'Darkest America' suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book provides a detailed examination of a significant cultural tradition, making it suitable for academic study in fields such as history, cultural studies, and performance studies.
- Q: Does the book provide a balanced view of minstrelsy? A: Yes, it explores both the demeaning aspects and the liberating potential of black minstrelsy, offering a nuanced perspective.
- Q: Can this book be a resource for understanding racial dynamics in entertainment? A: Absolutely, 'Darkest America' serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical and ongoing complexities of racial dynamics in entertainment.