Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Analysis

The 1920s in America marked an era of a nefarious society brimming with a cultural hierarchy and social exploitation, victimizing the colored man. August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom explores the perspectives of band members trying to be successful in a country fueled on racial discrimination. While exploring the effects of the clash between northern and southern cultures, Wilson uses the band members as a catalyst to represent contrasting stimulated initiatives as a response to the drastically different and discriminating North. Ma Rainey represents a successful and powerful woman, yet she is an example of economic exploitation of African Americans. Toledo, on the other hand, is an intellectual and black nationalist who is insistent on …show more content…
Ma’s expertise in music allows for her to convene a strong Southern following and, consequently, to become a major revenue source for white studio producers. Being the performer and strong women she is makes for her revelation of the way the white run industry uses her, as she complains, “White folks try to put out with you all the time… Wanna take my voice and trap it in them fancy boxes with all them buttons and dials” (Wilson 79). Despite the obvious economic manipulation by the white studio producers, Ma Rainey’s social and racial inferiority are smothered by her overpowering presence and sound mind for business, the tools necessary to succeed as a black entertainer in twentieth century America (Gaffney 3). But, there are constant efforts by fellow band member Levee and the studio producer Sturdyvant to “urbanize” Ma’s already successful style. Ma Rainey’s Southern culture and connection to the blues she performs come from her deep belief that the blues are life’s way of thinking. Countering changing musical tastes of the young Levee and the greedy Sturdyvant, Ma insists she sings her original versions of songs, a clear protest to yielding to new cultural needs and unjust racial