DB 1 “Innocent Amusements”
Hartman’s analysis of the “precariousness of empathy” performs as preparation for her examination of how whites have often hijacked the black experience for pleasure, both as an instrument of empathy and with nefarious intentions. This subjection of the black experience for white pleasure is evidenced by minstrel shows that reinforce black subjugation (29), observations made by whites of black “merriment” as somehow describing the slave perspective (34), and the characterizations of the slave as a commodity that wants to be bought (38). After reading this, I began to think about parallels to today. Is the black experience still only legitimized and occupied when recognized by the white dominion? If so, this historical
Hartman’s analysis of the “precariousness of empathy” performs as preparation for her examination of how whites have often hijacked the black experience for pleasure, both as an instrument of empathy and with nefarious intentions. This subjection of the black experience for white pleasure is evidenced by minstrel shows that reinforce black subjugation (29), observations made by whites of black “merriment” as somehow describing the slave perspective (34), and the characterizations of the slave as a commodity that wants to be bought (38). After reading this, I began to think about parallels to today. Is the black experience still only legitimized and occupied when recognized by the white dominion? If so, this historical