On the Real Side

A History of African American Comedy

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, African-American Studies, Entertainment, Humour & Comedy, General Humour
Cover of the book On the Real Side by Mel Watkins, Chicago Review Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mel Watkins ISBN: 9781569767603
Publisher: Chicago Review Press Publication: May 1, 1999
Imprint: Chicago Review Press Language: English
Author: Mel Watkins
ISBN: 9781569767603
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Publication: May 1, 1999
Imprint: Chicago Review Press
Language: English

This comprehensive history of black humor sets it in the context of American popular culture. Blackface minstrelsy, Stepin Fetchit, and the Amos ’n’ Andy show presented a distorted picture of African Americans; this book contrasts this image with the authentic underground humor of African Americans found in folktales, race records, and all-black shows and films. After generations of stereotypes, the underground humor finally emerged before the American public with Richard Pryor in the 1970s. But Pryor was not the first popular comic to present authentically black humor. Watkins offers surprising reassessments of such seminal figures as Fetchit, Bert Williams, Moms Mabley, and Redd Foxx, looking at how they paved the way for contemporary comics such as Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy, and Bill Cosby.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This comprehensive history of black humor sets it in the context of American popular culture. Blackface minstrelsy, Stepin Fetchit, and the Amos ’n’ Andy show presented a distorted picture of African Americans; this book contrasts this image with the authentic underground humor of African Americans found in folktales, race records, and all-black shows and films. After generations of stereotypes, the underground humor finally emerged before the American public with Richard Pryor in the 1970s. But Pryor was not the first popular comic to present authentically black humor. Watkins offers surprising reassessments of such seminal figures as Fetchit, Bert Williams, Moms Mabley, and Redd Foxx, looking at how they paved the way for contemporary comics such as Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy, and Bill Cosby.

More books from Chicago Review Press

Cover of the book Odyssey to Ushuaia by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book US of AA by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Anything for a Hit by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Pittsburgh Cocaine Seven by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book A Futile and Stupid Gesture by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Against the Wall by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Outwitting Squirrels by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book All of Me by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Gentlemen Bootleggers by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Labcraft Wizards by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book In the Lion's Den by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Pandora's DNA by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Harold and Maude by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book A Beginner's Guide to 3D Printing by Mel Watkins
Cover of the book Return of Gonzo Gizmos by Mel Watkins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy