Progressivism-broadway+DVD

 CJD- Bert Williams, an African American entertainer who both struggled with and overcame prevalent bigotry against blacks during the early 20th century, was discussed in the Broadway documentary. His treatment is an example of how the United States had not progressed from its racist foundation, and even in the culturally diverse New York City, African Americans were constantly disparaged. However, Williams made positive efforts to weaken the grasp that discrimination had on American society. He was an extremely successful Vaudeville performer before he became the first black man to take a lead role on Broadway. Williams was lighter-skinned than most African Americans, yet off the stage he was treated with the same disrespect that all members of his race received. On stage he wore blackface, usually while acting as a stereotypical “darky” who was neither intelligent nor fortunate. Inside his mind, Williams knew he was presenting a character that he did not want his race to be seen as, yet it was how he made money. This was undoubtedly an inner conflict he experienced throughout his career, yet he was able to cope with it and further the role of African Americans in entertainment. One reason for his ability to endure racial insensitivity was the use of blackface as a mask, which represented a character that did not reflect Williams’ own personality. The documentary related an anecdote about a bartender asking for $1000 for a martini from Williams, clearly a hateful gesture. Bert Williams gave him $5000 and asked for five martinis, showing the racist white man that he was unruffled by the bartender, and proving that he was, in fact, a very successful black man. Bert Williams dealt with prejudice in a very intolerant America, all while helping blacks become a part of the growing entertainment industry. 11/14 checked 11/14