In a time where diversity is steadily increasing, it would be rational to think that an increase in diversity would prompt a breakdown of racial stereotypes and an increase in communications between people of different ethnicities. But, through our observation of contemporary American culture, what we have learned is a stark contrast: racial stereotypes are increasing, tensions between persons of different ethnicities are leading to violence, and neighborhoods are being separated by the color of people’s skin. Along with the recent increase of racial tensions, an increase in gender discrimination against women has arisen - perhaps best exemplified by people like Donald Trump and his disparaging comments against women. With all these current
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Charles Isherwood of the New York Times similarly felt that “the forces that bring these four characters together too often seem dictated more by the playwright 's desire to dive deeply into a swirling whirlpool of ideas rather than by natural circumstances.” This is seen in the second scene where Brian introduces himself as Brian White followed by Ginny’s introduction as Ginny- half Chinese, half Japanese. I believe that an introduction between two professors, even when preparing to discuss race, would never have a person say their ethnicity. Culturally awkward and seemingly forced, this interaction is one of the many odd interactions between characters from the start of the play through the end. Another example within the script is the first encounter between Jackson and Valerie at the hospital. For two characters both trying to break out of racial stereotypes, it is odd that they would both classify each other by the stereotype that one is not a doctor and the other is a domestic abuse victim. As oppressed minorities both should understand how offensive their statements would be to each other. Madison’s performance of Smart People also tried to offer transitions with music and neon light projections that took away from the message of the play. I believe the flashing images …show more content…
I feel that even with the forced character interactions and lack of a powerful resolution, Diamond wrote a strong play that gave us a strong insight into race relations in contemporary America. A campus such as the University of Wisconsin, in particular, a college that is classified as a PDI (predominantly white institution) was a perfect platform for this play. It is clear that we experience racism and prejudice like this everyday, exemplified by the current fight against discrimination at our school. We need to speak up about race, and Smart People definitely has people talking and thinking more deeply about
Charles Isherwood of the New York Times similarly felt that “the forces that bring these four characters together too often seem dictated more by the playwright 's desire to dive deeply into a swirling whirlpool of ideas rather than by natural circumstances.” This is seen in the second scene where Brian introduces himself as Brian White followed by Ginny’s introduction as Ginny- half Chinese, half Japanese. I believe that an introduction between two professors, even when preparing to discuss race, would never have a person say their ethnicity. Culturally awkward and seemingly forced, this interaction is one of the many odd interactions between characters from the start of the play through the end. Another example within the script is the first encounter between Jackson and Valerie at the hospital. For two characters both trying to break out of racial stereotypes, it is odd that they would both classify each other by the stereotype that one is not a doctor and the other is a domestic abuse victim. As oppressed minorities both should understand how offensive their statements would be to each other. Madison’s performance of Smart People also tried to offer transitions with music and neon light projections that took away from the message of the play. I believe the flashing images …show more content…
I feel that even with the forced character interactions and lack of a powerful resolution, Diamond wrote a strong play that gave us a strong insight into race relations in contemporary America. A campus such as the University of Wisconsin, in particular, a college that is classified as a PDI (predominantly white institution) was a perfect platform for this play. It is clear that we experience racism and prejudice like this everyday, exemplified by the current fight against discrimination at our school. We need to speak up about race, and Smart People definitely has people talking and thinking more deeply about