Blues as Identity in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Keywords:
African American identity, Blues Music, Social Identity Theory, Cultural Preservation, August WilsonAbstract
This paper explores how African Americans ascribe their identity through blues music, emphasizing its role as a cultural apparatus for affirming social identity. Renowned playwright August Wilson, particularly in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," employs the blues to establish and reinforce African American identity against the backdrop of a predominantly white society. Drawing on Social Identity Theory, which reconceptualizes self-identification and self-categorization in relation to group membership, the paper highlights how Wilson's work distinguishes the 'us' from 'them.' The research aims to investigate the function of blues music in shaping African American cultural identity, examining its impact on group solidarity and resistance to assimilation. Methodologically, the study analyzes the narrative and characters in Wilson's play, correlating their experiences with the theoretical framework. Results indicate that blues music serves as a pivotal tool for cultural affirmation, with characters like Ma Rainey asserting their identity against oppressive forces. The study concludes that the play underscores the importance of cultural preservation and suggests further research into the psychological impacts of cultural dislocation and the role of artistic expression in maintaining group solidarity.
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