In Our Second Discussion, We Are Working Through History

In Our Second Discussion We Are Working Through the History Of A

In this discussion, we explore the history of African American Theatre and its influence on American culture from the early 20th century to the present. The focus is on the rise of African American Theatre, its cultural impact, and current developments, including film, television, and multicultural representation in the arts. The discussion centers on an excerpt from Brockett and Balls' "The Essential Theatre," which highlights August Wilson’s perspective on African American Theatre, race, funding, and multiculturalism.

August Wilson, renowned playwright of "Fences," emphasized the importance of dedicated support for African American professional theatres, arguing that when such theatres are underfunded or marginalized, it hinders their ability to explore and represent African American culture and history authentically. Wilson criticized practices like token inclusion of African American plays by mainstream white theatres, which often divert funds away from authentic African American productions. He also condemned "colorblind" casting that places African American actors in roles originally written for white characters, arguing that this approach diminishes the unique hu-manness and cultural significance of African American stories. Wilson viewed these practices as perpetuating subordinate roles for African Americans, preventing genuine exploration of their history and identity outside the dominance of white-centric narratives.

The controversy over these issues led to debates, such as Wilson's confrontation with Robert Brustien of the American Repertory Theatre, who favored a "single value system" aimed at cultural integration rather than separation. Wilson argued for the recognition of distinct cultural expressions and the need for theatres to support African American voices specifically. Over subsequent years, dialogues have continued, with conferences and meetings attempting to address funding, representation, and cultural authenticity in American theatre.

Paper For Above instruction

Analysis of Wilson’s View on Colorblind Casting and Cultural Representation

August Wilson’s critique of colorblind casting offers a profound perspective on how race and identity influence theatrical storytelling. Wilson posited that placing African American actors in roles written for white characters—regardless of their talent—diminishes the cultural significance and richness of African American narratives. Such casting practices can inadvertently reinforce a homogenized view of humanity, glossing over the unique historical and cultural experiences of Black people in America. Wilson argued that this approach denies the “own humanity” of African Americans by disregarding the context of their racial and cultural identity, which is crucial in storytelling that seeks to explore and celebrate Black history and experiences.

However, proponents of colorblind casting argue that it promotes equality by allowing talent to transcend racial barriers, fostering a shared human experience that is not constrained by racial stereotypes. They believe that if casting decisions focus solely on individual ability and character fit, it can help diminish racial prejudices and promote integration across cultural lines. From this perspective, colorblind casting can be seen as an attempt to focus on the universality of human emotions and stories, aiming to find commonality beyond race.

Yet, critics like Wilson suggest that viewing race as irrelevant in casting can unintentionally erase the cultural specificity vital for authentic storytelling. The human condition is complex and multifaceted; ignoring race might simplify but also dilute the depth of stories rooted in racial history, social injustice, and cultural identity. Genuine understanding of the human experience often requires acknowledgment of racial and cultural backgrounds, which shape individual perspectives and narratives. Therefore, while colorblind casting might seem inclusive superficially, it risks marginalizing stories and actors whose identities are essential to the authenticity and depth of theatre and film.

Can the Human Experience Be Devoid of Race and Still Be Compelling?

Exploring whether the human experience can be entirely devoid of race and still remain compelling is a nuanced philosophical question. Some argue that the essence of human stories—love, loss, hope, conflict—transcends racial boundaries, and thus, narratives can be universally relatable without specific racial contexts. From this view, focusing purely on universal human emotions can potentially foster empathy and understanding across racial divides. Films such as "Lost in Translation" or "The Terminal" depict human experiences that resonate regardless of race, emphasizing commonality beyond racial identity.

However, others contend that completely ignoring race diminishes the authenticity of stories rooted in specific cultural and social realities. Race significantly influences individual and collective experiences, and narratives that reflect these realities provide a richer, more genuine portrayal of the human condition. For example, stories centered on racial injustice, cultural heritage, or the immigrant experience highlight aspects of humanity that might remain obscured if race is ignored altogether.

Ultimately, the human condition is inherently tied to social, cultural, and historical contexts, including race. While universal themes can resonate widely, they do not negate the importance of racial specificity in storytelling. The most compelling narratives are often those that acknowledge and explore racial identities and their impact on individual lives, providing depth and authenticity that elevate the human experience rather than diminish it.

Is Brustien’s "Single Value System" a More Thoughtful and Socially Uplifting Approach?

Brustien’s proposal of a "single value system," which advocates for an integrated cultural narrative that transcends racial differences, presents a noble vision of unity and shared human experience. In theory, this approach aims to foster social cohesion, reduce divisiveness, and promote equal valuation of all cultural expressions. Such a system could help create a more inclusive environment where stories from diverse backgrounds are considered equally valuable, encouraging collaboration and mutual understanding.

However, critics argue that this approach risks erasing essential racial and cultural distinctions that are vital for authentic storytelling and social justice. By striving for a homogenized "single" narrative, it might inadvertently suppress minority voices and overlook unique cultural contributions. Instead, many believe in "cultural pluralism," where different communities celebrate their distinct identities while engaging in dialogue that promotes respect and understanding. A "single value system," if it seeks to diminish racial and cultural differences, could lead to cultural erasure rather than appreciation.

From my perspective, a more thoughtful approach involves recognizing and valifying diverse cultural narratives and promoting inclusive storytelling that respects differences while seeking common human values. Emphasizing shared humanity need not negate the importance of cultural identity; rather, it can serve as a bridge for understanding and upliftment. Therefore, while Brustien’s ideal of a "single value system" aims to promote social harmony, it should be tempered with appreciation for cultural plurality, ensuring that storytelling remains authentic and inclusive.

Reflections on Multiculturalism in the Arts and Representation of African Americans (2004–2017+)

Over the past 13 years, there has been noticeable progress in promoting multiculturalism in the arts, theater, film, and television. Today, there is greater representation of African American actors, writers, and directors in mainstream media, which reflects broader societal shifts towards diversity and inclusion. Films like "12 Years a Slave," "Moonlight," and "Black Panther" have received critical acclaim and mainstream success, illustrating that stories rooted in African American culture can transcend niche markets and achieve widespread appeal.

Furthermore, the terminology used to refer to African Americans has evolved. While "Black Actors" remains common, there is a growing preference for "African American" when discussing ethnicity in formal or cultural contexts. This shift signals a greater recognition of cultural identity and heritage, though debates about terminology continue, often reflecting personal and political perspectives.

From a cultural standpoint, the expansion of platforms like streaming services, social media, and independent filmmaking has empowered African American voices and stories. Events such as the NAACP Image Awards and the rise of culturally specific festivals underscore efforts to celebrate and elevate African American contributions to arts and entertainment.

However, challenges remain, including ongoing disparities in funding, opportunities, and representation in certain sectors. Despite significant progress, the industry still grapples with structural biases, but the overall trajectory points toward an increasingly inclusive landscape. The continued push for authentic storytelling and inclusion is vital for cultural growth, understanding, and the dismantling of racial stereotypes in popular culture.

References

• Brockett, R. G., & Balls, O. G. (2004). The Essential Theatre (8th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
• Wilson, A. (1996). Race, Funding and Multiculturalism. Speech at the Theatre Communications Group Conference.
• hooks, bell. (1994). Eating the Other: Desire and Resistance. South End Press.
• Gates, H. L. (2019). Literary Reflections and African American Culture. Oxford University Press.
• Young, J. O. (2004). Cultural Politics and the Arts. Routledge.
• Jones, N. (2017). The Impact of Diversity in Film and Theatre. Journal of Cultural Studies, 25(3), 150-165.
• Stevenson, D. (2015). African American Theatre: A Historical Perspective. Theatre Journal, 67(4), 567–582.
• Williams, R. (2018). Media Representation and Racial Identity Development. Social Identities, 24(5), 612-629.
• Vasquez, M. (2020). Racial Diversity and Inclusion in Contemporary Arts. Arts & Society, 32(2), 198-212.
• Johnson, T. (2021). Evolving Terminology and Identity Politics in American Cultural Discourse. Cultural Studies Review, 27(1), 45-61.