The Boondocks: Carrying on the Tradition of Subversive Black Comedy - Essay Example

As I settled to read the article “’ The Boondocks’: Carrying on the Tradition of Subversive Black Comedy", I could not help noticing the anticipating mood that I had. Art has been a favorite field for me. Being involved so much in the ancient development of art in the past, I had a feeling that this reading would serve me right. This was confirmed even before I completed the last sentence of the first paragraph

This was simply because even though I felt that the art was my favorite, I did not have any facts or historical information about it. Her opinion challenged me to research and discover my field to some length. This meant that the next time a similar argument arose, I was ready to challenge her back and convince her that my stand and opinion as not far-fetched.

The mention of several artists who were the origin and the founders of the subversive black comedy creates in me a perception that the author is indeed an authority in the field. It amazes me how the author clinically articulates and relates the reasons for the origin of the art and its progress to the perception that it creates among people and how most misinformed people today perceive it negatively. It is particularly satisfying to me when the author analytically brings out the relationship between the controversial novel, “Black no More” by George Schuyler with the African American comedy development. The flashback to the times and actions of artists and comedians such as Gregory, who in my own opinion was properly using humor to communicate the evils of racial segregation in America, is very satisfying. Humor, as noted from the reading is an easier way of communicating issues that seem rather painful without having to create the pain.

Looking more closely at the reading, therefore, I believe that there are several observations that make the reading worth the space and time.  First, the author’s command of art and historical perspective of Subversive Black Comedy is amazing. It is clear from the reading that his criticism of the friend’s opinion mentioned in the introductory paragraph is based on facts. Secondly, the author directly quotes and relates readings and scripts from his supportive forms or art to describe his criticism and support his opinion. This takes me back to what I mentioned earlier. The lack of basic facts was my real weakness in trying to support my stand and opinions. It was not until I developed a habit of doing deep research that I found a solution. Every opinion requires support with ideas and facts. Thirdly, the author gives a new way of approaching arguments. Although this appears to be a little distant from the main argument in the article, I cannot ignore the observation that the author chose to address the issue with the friend without having to start a confrontation.

The author wants to put the reader into the atmosphere of art. He successfully creates this atmosphere through the flashback and develops the field in which a critical reader interested in art finds all he or she wants concerning subversive black comedy. The author gives all the information that even a person not well acquainted with the art can follow. Besides, the deep research makes the article a perfect secondary resource for anyone interested in more detailed research into the art.

Read More