4-5 pages. based on YouTube video 1hr long. chicago style format. all instructions in the attachment "The shipment"
What makes the story behind “Fires in the mirror” unique from other plays we have witnessed in class?
There was a mixture of hatred and revenge between both Jews and African Americans during the Crown Heights riots in 1991. Was this riot influenced by the racial discrimination each group faced individually?
RACE
In the “Race” Angela Davis discusses the history of blacks and whites as well as the need for unity through solidarity. Davis also discusses the importance of connection and understanding in order to overcome racism, focusing on the associations with communities. However, if communities can be dynamic, then it could follow that identities themselves are dynamic in nature. Davis talks about how Bush appointed Clarence Thomas; a black conservative accused of sexual harassment. Harassment was fabricated by white liberals in an attempt to “lynch an uppity Black man”. Thomas was eventually confirmed as a Supreme Court judge, although many other women later came forward with claims of sexual harassment. She also references Mike Tysons arrest and subsequent conviction for rape after being accused of domestic abuse by ex-wife. By referencing these current moments in history, she demonstrates that staying true to one’s communal identity does not require blind faith on the part of the individual in following and advocating for individuals who share this identity. Rather, Davis seems to believe that this blind support for one’s own community is problematic, as it denies choice associated with personal identity.
RHYTHM
In the “Rhythm” Smith changed to be more theatrical. This act consists of a single scene from the point of view of one of Smith’s previous students. It is interesting that this interview takes place years before the Crown Heights incidents. It is more difficult to understand how this discussion of rap fits in within the context of this work. Mo speaks about how many female rappers sell their body to become famous. However, there are exceptions. She praises women like Queen Latifah, who is intelligent or “Lyte who’s just hardcore and that intimidates. Mo wants the image of a strong black woman. Therefore, she looks up to these women. On another note she speaks down on Big Daddy Kane’s rap because his raps talk about Puerto Rican and white girls to justify his attractiveness. Mo asks why black girls aren’t good enough for him.
Mo’s friends say they don’t like her raps because she be little men. Mo argues that she uplifts women. Her song lyrics reinforce how her friends accept being perceived as hoes. But most of these songs she does not consider rap because rap must have rhythm and poetry, which she defines as expression and intelligence. Without complex rhyme, no one cares what you’re saying.
