tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37589721331585843.post6345525033066699966..comments2024-03-26T11:33:59.219-06:00Comments on Religion in American History: Worship Across the Racial Divide: Part II of Interview with Gerardo MartiPaul Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13881964303772343114noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37589721331585843.post-73688415519675099142012-03-28T20:43:34.402-06:002012-03-28T20:43:34.402-06:00What I find striking about Marti's discussion ...What I find striking about Marti's discussion of a universalized image of black gospel and authenticity is a somewhat similar phenomenon in my research on race relations Sundays (by the FCC). While one key part of these Sundays was a black pastor preaching at a white church and a white pastor at a black church, one of the most celebrated events was the black choir, though in the context of the 1920s "spirituals" represented the "souls" of black folk. The FCC also sought to showcase spirituals by highlighting as the central contribution of blacks to American culture. What is ironic is that though indeed much of this work reinforced notions of racial essentialism, it did bring to a broader public elements of African American religious life in a mostly respectful manner. And the race relations Sundays were (by expressed intent) attempts to create positive moments and experiences (ephemeral as they were) between blacks and whites. I am really fascinated at how Marti's comments demonstrate the remarkable tenacity of certain notions or inchoate fantasies about racial authenticity.Curtis J. Evansnoreply@blogger.com