Sophia Azeb and Blackface Performance

There is something to be said for an earnest, heart-felt discussion of a controversial social issue. Race and music have been at the forefront of American popular culture for the entire existence of our country. What I appreciated most about Ms. Azeb's presentation was her genuine passion for the issue, and her ability to relate it to present-day songs and performers that the class could really understand. I know I can't speak for everybody, but before this class I had only heard of blackface performance, and it seems to be an important part of American music history that people know little about. Therefore, people like Ms. Azeb play a vital role in educating people about a performance style that still resonates in American pop music today. I think she did an excellent job of construing the extreme racism that pervaded blackface singers, and how music still propogates racial divisions today.

Some people seem to have issues with the comparison of performers like Justin Timberlake and Eminem to "modern blackface performers," and I can understand why. A white artist performing R&B or gangster rap does not necessarily carry the same racist implications as a blackface performance in 19th century America. While I don't believe that our society has reached a point where all racial tensions and prejudice can be considered a non-issue, (and maybe never will), I do believe we are at a point where we should continue educating people about the large influence African Americans have had in American music, while acknowledging that white performers can have a legitimate role in traditionally black music.