As a Black son of the South who is well informed about its history, good, bad and indifferent, I initially opted to skip this documentary. But I'm glad I didn't. I'm always interested in learning and was surprised to learn that Mardi Gras did not originate in my home state, Louisiana. My feelings about the events of Mardi Gras are a mixed bag. On one had people naturally socialize with those who travel within the same social circles and so the separate celebrations along racial lines are not inherently racist, but definitely racially segregated because historically one group had long barred the other from participating. However I tried to see current day separation as a choice, the reality of racism was clearly articulated by the older gentleman, Luce.
There were a few issues that struck me in the behavior of Black views towards the White crews. Those Blacks who appeared in the documentary expressed strong pride and support for their celebration, even through teaching Black children the drawbacks and the benefits of racial segregation. Long before "Green Book", the movie, Blacks, not just in the South, but countrywide, had hosted Black entertainers, political leaders, athletes, etc., because they were prohibited from lodging and eating at White establishments. As a child in Louisiana, we knew of places we couldn't frequent even before we could read the "No Coloreds" or "No Negroes" signs posted around our town. The older generation of Blacks in Mobile seemed to still tell children those stories. And while they focused rather intently on their own events, there seemed to be some longing for some level of recognition or participation in the White ones. Yet, they seemed willing to have Whites participate fully in their events.
I was also curious about Black participation only as bands, torch bearers and dancers in the White parades; never on a float. Unless I missed it, I was left wondering did the Blacks participate voluntarily or were they paid? I couldn't imagine me participating unless I was paid because of not, then I as a Black person would be a contributor of free entertainment/labor in a segregated event.
The MCA king had very interesting remarks. He seemed to say he's not against change, but also said several times that things don't need to change because they're fine as they are. Which from his perspective, they are and always have been just fine. I was left without knowing if he's ok with desegregation of Mardi Gras or not, which likely is a statement about bigger things in Mobile. Ironic that the Black Mayor issued his royal proclamation.
The documentary was even in its view of differing opinions and attitudes of participants. It was also interesting. I did think that it was reminiscent of a couple prior ones about segregated high school proms in this day and age for children attending the same school.
I would love to see every venue in this whole country accept people of all backgrounds, cultures, races and religions, but it seems social events will be the last bastions of racial division. While I'm all for desegregation (a must have for public education, government, jobs, housing, and public venues of all sorts), I strongly believe that the one barrier to private social settings is that we cannot force people to want to socialize with us who are different;thus, I probably don't want to. As a LGBT person, I frequently ask why people keep going to intolerant bakers to make their wedding cakes. Seems to me that I'd appreciate a sin untie window "No Blacks, No Gays" so I'd know for sure that I wouldn't spend a penny there or want to eat anything they'd prepared.
I do understand people who say that change, particularly regarding issues of prejudice, happens slowly. Well, it's been 157 years since the Civil War ended and we're still "hopey/changy" for less discrimination, while more vitriol and angry rhetoric abounds and actual violence ensues against Blacks, Latinos, LGBT, Jews, immigrants, Muslims, etc. How much longer?
There were a few issues that struck me in the behavior of Black views towards the White crews. Those Blacks who appeared in the documentary expressed strong pride and support for their celebration, even through teaching Black children the drawbacks and the benefits of racial segregation. Long before "Green Book", the movie, Blacks, not just in the South, but countrywide, had hosted Black entertainers, political leaders, athletes, etc., because they were prohibited from lodging and eating at White establishments. As a child in Louisiana, we knew of places we couldn't frequent even before we could read the "No Coloreds" or "No Negroes" signs posted around our town. The older generation of Blacks in Mobile seemed to still tell children those stories. And while they focused rather intently on their own events, there seemed to be some longing for some level of recognition or participation in the White ones. Yet, they seemed willing to have Whites participate fully in their events.
I was also curious about Black participation only as bands, torch bearers and dancers in the White parades; never on a float. Unless I missed it, I was left wondering did the Blacks participate voluntarily or were they paid? I couldn't imagine me participating unless I was paid because of not, then I as a Black person would be a contributor of free entertainment/labor in a segregated event.
The MCA king had very interesting remarks. He seemed to say he's not against change, but also said several times that things don't need to change because they're fine as they are. Which from his perspective, they are and always have been just fine. I was left without knowing if he's ok with desegregation of Mardi Gras or not, which likely is a statement about bigger things in Mobile. Ironic that the Black Mayor issued his royal proclamation.
The documentary was even in its view of differing opinions and attitudes of participants. It was also interesting. I did think that it was reminiscent of a couple prior ones about segregated high school proms in this day and age for children attending the same school.
I would love to see every venue in this whole country accept people of all backgrounds, cultures, races and religions, but it seems social events will be the last bastions of racial division. While I'm all for desegregation (a must have for public education, government, jobs, housing, and public venues of all sorts), I strongly believe that the one barrier to private social settings is that we cannot force people to want to socialize with us who are different;thus, I probably don't want to. As a LGBT person, I frequently ask why people keep going to intolerant bakers to make their wedding cakes. Seems to me that I'd appreciate a sin untie window "No Blacks, No Gays" so I'd know for sure that I wouldn't spend a penny there or want to eat anything they'd prepared.
I do understand people who say that change, particularly regarding issues of prejudice, happens slowly. Well, it's been 157 years since the Civil War ended and we're still "hopey/changy" for less discrimination, while more vitriol and angry rhetoric abounds and actual violence ensues against Blacks, Latinos, LGBT, Jews, immigrants, Muslims, etc. How much longer?