The Study of a Discipline
Further thoughts on the Academy Awards and the importance of diversity in the artistic catergories
There was a time in early American history, when it was believed that Africans were incapable of higher thinking and functioning. Europeans and Americans justified slavery of Africans and Native people by calling them 'uncivilized savages'. They (scientists, psychologists) developed scientific theories to explain why Africans were only fit for heavy manual labor (like tending field crops). Supposedly, Slaves were not equipped with the mental capacity to learn basic cognitive skills like reading and writing. Higher functioning skills like practicing medicine, studying law, or science was unheard of for enslaved Africans and their descendants.
Assumptions about mental and physical capacity meant that there was a limit on what an African American could achieve through study and through discipline. These general theories about African intelligence were the foundation of American thought on race, and achievement.
The Arts
Early Black Dance and Theater Pioneers who wanted to study classical/modern technique in any Performing Arts discipline-Dance, Theater, Music had to first prove to their potential teachers and colleagues in their field that they were competent (physically and mentally) to meet the demands of artistic training. Post slavery there was a general stereotype that Blacks had a natural ability for 'dance, music and buffoonery'. This natural ability was innate and did not require training or discipline. It only applied to music and dance that were compatible to the 'nature' of African derived people.
Ballet, Modern Dance, Classical Music, Classical Art were not compatible with African nature and therefore could not be taught to Blacks.
Many Black artists achieved high standards of excellence in their field, but not without sacrificing a great deal of personal and psychological well-being.
The Oscars
The Academy Awards has yet to recognize a Black actress who is not a popular singer, or stand-up comedian.
Alfre Woodard, Viola Davis and Angela Bassett are three extremely successful actresses who have studied their craft at elite institutions - Boston University, Julliard and Yale University. They have never been awarded an Oscar, only nominated.
I think in my opinion the Academy is upholding an inferiority complex about African American achievement in America. By awarding Black entertainers who have not studied a discipline, Whoopi Goldberg, Mo'nique, Jennifer Hudson, they promote the ideal of a Black entertainer being talented, but uneducated and untrained.
I love and support all Black women who have won Oscars. I don't take offense to any of the women who have won Oscars. But I do notice that women who have studied Acting training and defied the long held stereotype of Black inferiority in the Classical Arts are shut out of the Oscar race.
Achieve. Advance. Inspire.
Ponya
Thank you for reading my blog!!
I need a load of citations!!
There was a time in early American history, when it was believed that Africans were incapable of higher thinking and functioning. Europeans and Americans justified slavery of Africans and Native people by calling them 'uncivilized savages'. They (scientists, psychologists) developed scientific theories to explain why Africans were only fit for heavy manual labor (like tending field crops). Supposedly, Slaves were not equipped with the mental capacity to learn basic cognitive skills like reading and writing. Higher functioning skills like practicing medicine, studying law, or science was unheard of for enslaved Africans and their descendants.
Assumptions about mental and physical capacity meant that there was a limit on what an African American could achieve through study and through discipline. These general theories about African intelligence were the foundation of American thought on race, and achievement.
The Arts
Early Black Dance and Theater Pioneers who wanted to study classical/modern technique in any Performing Arts discipline-Dance, Theater, Music had to first prove to their potential teachers and colleagues in their field that they were competent (physically and mentally) to meet the demands of artistic training. Post slavery there was a general stereotype that Blacks had a natural ability for 'dance, music and buffoonery'. This natural ability was innate and did not require training or discipline. It only applied to music and dance that were compatible to the 'nature' of African derived people.
Ballet, Modern Dance, Classical Music, Classical Art were not compatible with African nature and therefore could not be taught to Blacks.
Many Black artists achieved high standards of excellence in their field, but not without sacrificing a great deal of personal and psychological well-being.
The Oscars
The Academy Awards has yet to recognize a Black actress who is not a popular singer, or stand-up comedian.
Alfre Woodard, Viola Davis and Angela Bassett are three extremely successful actresses who have studied their craft at elite institutions - Boston University, Julliard and Yale University. They have never been awarded an Oscar, only nominated.
I think in my opinion the Academy is upholding an inferiority complex about African American achievement in America. By awarding Black entertainers who have not studied a discipline, Whoopi Goldberg, Mo'nique, Jennifer Hudson, they promote the ideal of a Black entertainer being talented, but uneducated and untrained.
I love and support all Black women who have won Oscars. I don't take offense to any of the women who have won Oscars. But I do notice that women who have studied Acting training and defied the long held stereotype of Black inferiority in the Classical Arts are shut out of the Oscar race.
Achieve. Advance. Inspire.
Ponya
Thank you for reading my blog!!
I need a load of citations!!
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