Current Events > Blackface was viewed as a sign of support and acceptance back then.

(+) Yeah! (+)

This guy is the father of blackface and a performer that was largely known for his portrayal of Black people.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jolson

"at a time when black people were banned from starring on the Broadway stage,"he promoted the play by black playwright Garland Anderson,which became the first production with an all-black cast ever produced on Broadway;
he brought an all-black dance team from San Francisco that he tried to feature in his Broadway show;
he demanded equal treatment for Cab Calloway, with whom he performed a number of duets in his movie The Singing Kid;
he was "the only white man allowed into an all black nightclub in Harlem".

I will link his performance here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIaj7FNHnjQ" data-time="

In short Jazz/Blues/Ragtime/etc. was considered an inferior music due to its associating images with Black people, Black wasn't allowed to perform but he made their music popular to the white mass, dude was also extremely popular with Black people.

Fast forward a few decades later and if you try showing them Al Jolson people would accuse you of being Racist.

Not sure linking to a blackface video is a great idea
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even if that was the case with Al Jolson, it was still almost exclusively used in a mocking and demeaning manner
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https://imgur.com/BZtUHM7
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WHOOOOOOOOSH!

You need more learning, TC.
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Jim Crow existed before Al was born, and was not seen as support and acceptance.
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boxington posted...

even if that was the case with Al Jolson, it was still almost exclusively used in a mocking and demeaning manner

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

There's another quote that goes something like "it is not up to the white man to decide the timeframe at which he will give stop his oppression" or something, but I'm kinda butchering it.

Point being, sure this guy might have been a good guy as far as the times were concerned, but that doesn't mean we can look back fondly on blackface and defend it in a modern context. Him being a stand up dude while at the same time contributing to the systemic mockery of black people is an unfortunate by-product of the time.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_naH7NRueY" data-time="
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It's not surprising at all. You have to wonder when you look at history if it's often entertainers, especially the most controversial ones that push the boundries towards equality and make the public realize how foolish their attitudes can be.

Just like Wrestling Legend Sputnik Monroe who firmly believed in equality during a time of strict segregation in Tennessee during the 1950s. And was furious at the notion of only allowing black patrons into one small segregated part of the arena known as the "Crow's Nest"



Spudnik man made headlines worldwide after being arrested and forced to pay an enormous fine for "drinking in the black cafes with several black friends." as a violation of segregation. And then shocked the world again by being one of the first white men in America to ever be represented in court by a black lawyer. And the absolute first in Tennessee

After this every show he ever attended in the south, there were thousands of Black, Asian and Hispanic fans at the gates wanting to see Spudnik, who where literally being turned away at the door because "The Crow's Nest is full" despite half the arena seating being empty. Until Spudnik straight up refused to compete at any arena unless the crowd was desegregated and all fans, regardless of race or gender where allowed to sit together.



And at the time, the establishment and authority hated him and vilified him for his dangerous subvesive attitudes but he maintained that he had the kids on his side and the minority fans on his side. And that's all he needed.

In fact if you look back at the high school years books of the American south during the 1950s and 60s you will see a Smrgsbord of young men and women who have a blond streak in their hair identical to their hero Spudnik Monroe (A blond streak was incredibly controversial in those days)



But despite the hostility of people at the time, Monroe ended up being one of the most important bringers of equality in all of the Southern United states. As his immense popularity turned the wrestling businsess and sports in general on their head.

Small towns that used to average 300-500 fans a show now had turnaway crowds of 7,000 packed to the rafters. He set an indoor attendance record in Memphis of nearly 14,000 men and women that not even Elvis could out do that stood for over 30 years and was only beaten when much larger arenas were built.

So many fans flocked to the shows that no promoter on Earth was stupid enough to turn down their money. The problem was the fans were black, white, Asian, Hispanics, probably a few aliens in there for all we know. Everyone just wanted to see Spudnik. So the entire segregated "Crow's Nest" seats for black fans vanished close to literally overnight.

And once those segregated seats were gone for wrestling events, and black/white fans sat together in harmony and no riots. It became impossible for the bigoted politicans and social bemoaners to claim that Football or Baseball or Athletics or Boxing or any sporting event required segregation.

So it wasn't long at all after that that no Arenas in the South were racially segregated anymore. There was no excuses left. Leading to a boom in southern sports, people meeting new friends, huge strides for equality.

Due to this Spudnik retroactively a considered a hero despite all the abuse he endured at the time.
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WWEPropaganda posted...

It's not surprising at all. You have to wonder when you look at history if it's often entertainers, especially the most controversial ones that push the boundries towards equality and make the public realize how foolish their attitudes can be.

Just like Wrestling Legend Sputnik Monroe who firmly believed in equality during a time of strict segregation in Tennessee during the 1950s. And was furious at the notion of only allowing black patrons into one small segregated part of the arena known as the "Crow's Nest"



Spudnik man made headlines worldwide after being arrested and forced to pay an enormous fine for "drinking in the black cafes with several black friends." as a violation of segregation. And then shocked the world again by being one of the first white men in America to ever be represented in court by a black lawyer. And the absolute first in Tennessee

After this every show he ever attended in the south, there were thousands of Black, Asian and Hispanic fans at the gates wanting to see Spudnik, who where literally being turned away at the door because "The Crow's Nest is full" despite half the arena seating being empty. Until Spudnik straight up refused to compete at any arena unless the crowd was desegregated and all fans, regardless of race or gender where allowed to sit together.



And at the time, the establishment and authority hated him and vilified him for his dangerous subvesive attitudes but he maintained that he had the kids on his side and the minority fans on his side. And that's all he needed.

In fact if you look back at the high school years books of the American south during the 1950s and 60s you will see a Smrgsbord of young men and women who have a blond streak in their hair identical to their hero Spudnik Monroe (A blond streak was incredibly controversial in those days)



But despite the hostility of people at the time, Monroe ended up being one of the most important bringers of equality in all of the Southern United states. As his immense popularity turned the wrestling businsess and sports in general on their head.

Small towns that used to average 300-500 fans a show now had turnaway crowds of 7,000 packed to the rafters. He set an indoor attendance record in Memphis of nearly 14,000 men and women that not even Elvis could out do that stood for over 30 years and was only beaten when much larger arenas were built.

So many fans flocked to the shows that no promoter on Earth was stupid enough to turn down their money. The problem was the fans were black, white, Asian, Hispanics, probably a few aliens in there for all we know. Everyone just wanted to see Spudnik. So the entire segregated "Crow's Nest" seats for black fans vanished close to literally overnight.

And once those segregated seats were gone for wrestling events, and black/white fans sat together in harmony and no riots. It became impossible for the bigoted politicans and social bemoaners to claim that Football or Baseball or Athletics or Boxing or any sporting event required segregation.

So it wasn't long at all after that that no Arenas in the South were racially segregated anymore. There was no excuses left. Leading to a boom in southern sports, people meeting new friends, huge strides for equality.

Due to this Spudnik retroactively a considered a hero despite all the abuse he endured at the time.

Wat

He's back baby!

Those who have a higher social standing, due to bigotry and racism, have a social responsibility towards those who were born into unwarranted discrimination to create a place for them among the "normal" people.
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WWEPropaganda, where did you go? Never leave again
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TC is getting a suspension. Showing blackface in any form regardless of any context will you get you one unless the rules have changed.

At least some Sputnik Monroe knowledge was dropped in this topic.
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This topic is saved
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I genuinely believe that you stood over and took a shit on your keyboard and this topic was a result of that.
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Conflict posted...

Conflict posted...

Time for people to pretend to be thoroughly entertained by WWEPropaganda's stale gimmick

I'm just amazed at how much work goes into each post. There's so many gimmick trolls who's thing is "liberals are snowflakes" or "women are whores" and they just lowball each time in an utterly humourless way.

And then you have this guy, who writes a goddamn thesis about WWE history and loosely ties it into whatever random point has been made in the topic.

Remember that scene in HIMYM where they're on the road trip and they're only able to play that one song over and over, and they go through waves of hating it and loving it? This is like that.
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Conflict posted...

Conflict posted...

Time for people to pretend to be thoroughly entertained by WWEPropaganda's stale gimmick

Speak for yourself, I love his gimmick!
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I don't even like wrestling and I enjoy reading his posts. They're thoughtful and interesting.
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That was in Japan, not America.
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WWEPropaganda posted...

It's not surprising at all. You have to wonder when you look at history if it's often entertainers, especially the most controversial ones that push the boundries towards equality and make the public realize how foolish their attitudes can be.

Just like Wrestling Legend Sputnik Monroe who firmly believed in equality during a time of strict segregation in Tennessee during the 1950s. And was furious at the notion of only allowing black patrons into one small segregated part of the arena known as the "Crow's Nest"



Spudnik man made headlines worldwide after being arrested and forced to pay an enormous fine for "drinking in the black cafes with several black friends." as a violation of segregation. And then shocked the world again by being one of the first white men in America to ever be represented in court by a black lawyer. And the absolute first in Tennessee

After this every show he ever attended in the south, there were thousands of Black, Asian and Hispanic fans at the gates wanting to see Spudnik, who where literally being turned away at the door because "The Crow's Nest is full" despite half the arena seating being empty. Until Spudnik straight up refused to compete at any arena unless the crowd was desegregated and all fans, regardless of race or gender where allowed to sit together.



And at the time, the establishment and authority hated him and vilified him for his dangerous subvesive attitudes but he maintained that he had the kids on his side and the minority fans on his side. And that's all he needed.

In fact if you look back at the high school years books of the American south during the 1950s and 60s you will see a Smrgsbord of young men and women who have a blond streak in their hair identical to their hero Spudnik Monroe (A blond streak was incredibly controversial in those days)



But despite the hostility of people at the time, Monroe ended up being one of the most important bringers of equality in all of the Southern United states. As his immense popularity turned the wrestling businsess and sports in general on their head.

Small towns that used to average 300-500 fans a show now had turnaway crowds of 7,000 packed to the rafters. He set an indoor attendance record in Memphis of nearly 14,000 men and women that not even Elvis could out do that stood for over 30 years and was only beaten when much larger arenas were built.

So many fans flocked to the shows that no promoter on Earth was stupid enough to turn down their money. The problem was the fans were black, white, Asian, Hispanics, probably a few aliens in there for all we know. Everyone just wanted to see Spudnik. So the entire segregated "Crow's Nest" seats for black fans vanished close to literally overnight.

And once those segregated seats were gone for wrestling events, and black/white fans sat together in harmony and no riots. It became impossible for the bigoted politicans and social bemoaners to claim that Football or Baseball or Athletics or Boxing or any sporting event required segregation.

So it wasn't long at all after that that no Arenas in the South were racially segregated anymore. There was no excuses left. Leading to a boom in southern sports, people meeting new friends, huge strides for equality.

Due to this Spudnik retroactively a considered a hero despite all the abuse he endured at the time.

One of the best gimmicks on this board

boxington posted...

even if that was the case with Al Jolson, it was still almost exclusively used in a mocking and demeaning manner

Kinda like how older shows that had over the top cliche gay characters were progressive when they came out but are problematic now?

Jolson was anti-racist himself, and a lot of early black actors got their start in minstrel doing blackface,but that's not an absolution of minstrel in general.
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WWEPropaganda posted...

It's not surprising at all. You have to wonder when you look at history if it's often entertainers, especially the most controversial ones that push the boundries towards equality and make the public realize how foolish their attitudes can be.

Just like Wrestling Legend Sputnik Monroe who firmly believed in equality during a time of strict segregation in Tennessee during the 1950s. And was furious at the notion of only allowing black patrons into one small segregated part of the arena known as the "Crow's Nest"



Spudnik man made headlines worldwide after being arrested and forced to pay an enormous fine for "drinking in the black cafes with several black friends." as a violation of segregation. And then shocked the world again by being one of the first white men in America to ever be represented in court by a black lawyer. And the absolute first in Tennessee

After this every show he ever attended in the south, there were thousands of Black, Asian and Hispanic fans at the gates wanting to see Spudnik, who where literally being turned away at the door because "The Crow's Nest is full" despite half the arena seating being empty. Until Spudnik straight up refused to compete at any arena unless the crowd was desegregated and all fans, regardless of race or gender where allowed to sit together.



And at the time, the establishment and authority hated him and vilified him for his dangerous subvesive attitudes but he maintained that he had the kids on his side and the minority fans on his side. And that's all he needed.

In fact if you look back at the high school years books of the American south during the 1950s and 60s you will see a Smrgsbord of young men and women who have a blond streak in their hair identical to their hero Spudnik Monroe (A blond streak was incredibly controversial in those days)



But despite the hostility of people at the time, Monroe ended up being one of the most important bringers of equality in all of the Southern United states. As his immense popularity turned the wrestling businsess and sports in general on their head.

Small towns that used to average 300-500 fans a show now had turnaway crowds of 7,000 packed to the rafters. He set an indoor attendance record in Memphis of nearly 14,000 men and women that not even Elvis could out do that stood for over 30 years and was only beaten when much larger arenas were built.

So many fans flocked to the shows that no promoter on Earth was stupid enough to turn down their money. The problem was the fans were black, white, Asian, Hispanics, probably a few aliens in there for all we know. Everyone just wanted to see Spudnik. So the entire segregated "Crow's Nest" seats for black fans vanished close to literally overnight.

And once those segregated seats were gone for wrestling events, and black/white fans sat together in harmony and no riots. It became impossible for the bigoted politicans and social bemoaners to claim that Football or Baseball or Athletics or Boxing or any sporting event required segregation.

So it wasn't long at all after that that no Arenas in the South were racially segregated anymore. There was no excuses left. Leading to a boom in southern sports, people meeting new friends, huge strides for equality.

Due to this Spudnik retroactively a considered a hero despite all the abuse he endured at the time.

oh damn
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WWEPropaganda posted...

Thank you so much for being a part of this board for so long. Your posts are always the best.
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Thank you WWEPropaganda. I hope you keep a record of all your posts because they deserve to be saved.
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At least something good came of this topic with WWEPropagandas awesome post
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WWEPropaganda posted...

It's not surprising at all. You have to wonder when you look at history if it's often entertainers, especially the most controversial ones that push the boundries towards equality and make the public realize how foolish their attitudes can be.

Bless your soul WWEP.
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A local theater showed Trading Places. My first time seeing the movie. I was pretty damn surprised that Dan Aykroyd played a scene in blackface.

<_<

TheMikh posted...

WWEPropaganda posted...

Thank you so much for being a part of this board for so long. Your posts are always the best.

This they are a truly awesome.
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Damn, I was expecting a shitty bait topic of "no, blackface wasn't racist at all!" and I got a WWE Propaganda post. Surprisingly good thread