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I don’t imagine Jolson’s intent was to embarrass Black people who weren’t his target audience but to mock them, exaggerating their Blackness as many others did. There was a little cultural appropriation before it became a thing. I don’t see any humor in it, but it wasn’t meant for me. or you. If you were racist in that era, you probably would immediately see the humor that you and I miss.

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William Spivey
William Spivey

Written by William Spivey

I write about politics, history, education, and race. Follow me at williamfspivey.com and support me at https://ko-fi.com/williamfspivey0680

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