Includes biographical references and index (page 289-300).
Contents:
Movement I. Performing miracles. On times I have forced myself to dance ; On marathons and tunnels ; On going home as performance ; An epilogue for Aretha -- Movement II. Suspending disbelief. On times I have forced myself to dance ; This one goes out to all the magical Negroes ; Sixteen ways of looking at blackface ; On certain and uncertain movement of limbs ; Nine considerations of Black people in space -- Movement III. On matters of country/provenance. On times I have forced myself to dance ; The Josephine Baker monument can never be large enough ; It is safe to say I have lost many games of spades ; My favorite thing about Don Shirley ; I would like to give Merry Clayton her roses ; Beyoncé performs at the Super Bowl and I think about all the jobs I've hated -- Movement IV. Anatomy of closeness//Chasing blood. On times I have forced myself to dance ; The beef sometimes begins with a dance move ; Fear: a crown ; On the performance of softness ; Board up the doors, tear down the walls -- Movement V. Callings to remember. On times I have forced myself not to dance.
Summary:
"I was a devil in other countries, and I was a little devil in America, too." Inspired by these few words, spoken by Josephine Baker at the 1963 March on Washington, Hanif Abdurraqib has written a profound reflection on how Black performance is inextricably woven into the fabric of American culture. "A Little Devil in America is an urgent project that unravels all modes and methods of Black performance, in this moment when Black performers are coming to terms with their value, reception, and immense impact on America. With sharp insight, humor, and heart, Abdurraqib examines how Black performance happens in specific moments in time and space--midcentury Paris, the moon, or a cramped living room in Columbus, Ohio. At the outset of this project, Abdurraqib became fascinated with clips of Black minstrel entertainers like William Henry Lane, better known as Master Juba. Knowing there was something more complicated and deep-seated in the history and legacy of minstrelsy, Abdurraqib uncovered questions and tensions that help to reveal how Black performance pervades all areas of American society. Abdurraqib's prose is entrancing and fluid as he leads us along the links in his remarkable trains of thought. A Little Devil in America considers, critiques, and praises performance in music, sports, writing, comedy, grief, games, and love"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.