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Article Summary: The Evolution Of Negro Or Black Humor

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This article discussed the evolution of “Negro” or Black humor. The first stage of Black humor was when slaves used humor in the form of satirical songs to mask their pain. From the outsider’s point of view, the songs they were singing made it seem that they were happy but only the members of the group understood the actual implications of the songs. The humor was formed because of the groups’ shared experiences. The second stage of Black humor was no longer in-group as those who were once outsiders, were now using Black humor and it was intended for the public. Comedians such as Al Jolson used blackface to portray Black caricatures to the public. Finally, the third stage is Black humor today, which contains elements from the previous two stages.

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