Ethnically Speaking, May 23
by Larry Meeks
Dear Larry: I want to respond to the column about the white man who gave a fruit plate to his next-door neighbors, who happen to be black. The fruit plate had contained watermelon, which made him uneasy, so he removed all of it before he presented it.
The man wanted to know whether you thought giving watermelon to blacks is offensive. You stated that neither you nor any of your surveyed black friends would feel put upon if given watermelon. Thank you for your insight.
On the fro ...
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Posted by: Willie Clark
Comment: #1
Mon May 25, 2009 12:41 AM
Larry,
I'm on board when it comes to Al Jolson and him opening doors for minorities in entertainment. The reason i know you're telling the truth is because I run a website called "Mardi Gras Digest.Com". I had to do months of research to find out why the Zulu Social Aide & Pleasure Club here wears, "blackface", during Carnival in New Orleans.
However, In all my research and studies I can't recall one time that blacks mimicked whites by wearing "Whiteface in Carnival"
What are your sources and references, on this, so I get the whole story!
Thanks
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Posted by: Reg Reeve
Comment: #2
Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:17 AM
Dear Larry,
As an English fan of Al Jolson, I was heartened to read your comments.
A show about his fabled American entertainer, which ran in the UK earlier this year, attracted a lot of media attention because the producers elected not to allow the actor portraying Jolson to appear in blackface. Their intention was to avoid any criticism from the ill-informed, who look upon the use of blackface as derogatory. Ironically, the producers were castigated by many theatre critics for their pusillanimity in avoiding the issue! After reading so much adverse criticism of Jolson from people who know nothing of his efforts on behalf of black entertainers, it's nice to have an opposing point of view aired. America should be proud of this patriotic and talented immigrant, who brought so much pleasure to audiences during some very hard times.
More power to your elbow!
Gratefully, Reg Reeve
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