Modernity

Modernity

1. What modern ideas (covered in the lecture) do you see reflected in Ira Aldridge, The Black Doctor?

 Racial uplift – Ira Aldridge‘s Black doctor outlines ideas that exist to date. Racial uplift or passing, which occurs when a person from a racial group is accepted as a member of a racial group different from their own, is a modern idea perpetuated in the current society. Fabian, despite being a doctor, fails to gain acceptance among the whites because of his race and class.

Assimilation– Aldridge also highlights the modern idea of assimilation in the Black Doctor. Fabian uses his strength and medical knowledge, hoping to be assimilated into the white culture (Byerman, 2007). However, he is well aware of the rule of the society, which alienates him instead of accommodating him.

Interracial marriage –Aldridge is also keen on interracial marriage, a modern concept that has been accepted in the current society. Fabian saves Pauline from death and falls in love with her. However, due to societal rules against interracial marriages, he isolates himself, and he is eventually forced into madness.

2. What conventions that you associate with melodrama did you notice while reading The Black Doctor?

Lack of fulfillment– it is easy to agree with and associate with the lack of fulfillment shown by Fabian. Fabian works hard to attain his freedom; he courageous goes against the norm to attain medical skills and knowledge. The achievements, however, do not satisfy him as he wishes to be recognized as more. He wishes to be recognized as an equal despite his race (Byerman, 2007). He pursues marriage as a way of gaining social standing in the society, as many have done previously.

Anxiety and depression– the reading of the melodrama reveal increasing anxiety and depression as expected of a person who tries to achieve the best but is continuously frustrated. Fabian has the best skills, capabilities, achievements, and knowledge but is still not accepted as an equal partner. He is often referred to as a black doctor highlighting his race and demeaning his social standing as a doctor (Byerman, 2007). He becomes anxious and depressed due to his constant consideration as a slave despite working hard to rise above his slavery.

3. Give an example of melodrama in our present-day art, entertainment, or politics.

The immigration policies pushed for by the American government are an example of present-day melodrama. The melodrama with the villain, victim, and hero (Anker, 2005). The policies use simplified and emotionally narrative to describe the complication and frightening experiences and consequences of immigration America. The land of freedom is continuously attacked by terrorists and has become a victim of terrorism. The villains aim to take away the citizens’ freedom, and heroes implement the policies to safeguard the countries constitutional freedoms.

4. Throughout the nineteenth century, human-rights activists (abolitionists, suffragists, etc.) used sentimental rhetoric. How did sentimental rhetoric serve their political purposes?

Sentimental rhetoric involves the use of art in writing and speaking effectively to appeal to emotions. Human rights activists use symbols and language to convince individuals to support their ideas. Sentimental rhetoric incorporates essential skills to make persuasive presentations to convince people of the need to support political ideas and push for their accomplishments (Halpern, 2011) (Cohen & Dever, 2009). Human rights activists attempt to apply fundamental principles to match the circumstances faced by the people to mobilize immediate political support. Therefore capitalizing on persuasion by using empirical arguments and appealing to emotions and tightly held beliefs help activists achieve political purposes. Activists use language and symbols as a means of representation and intervention of people’s needs, ideas, and desires (Cohen & Dever, 2009).  Through spoken or written words, they can take a stand on particular issues affecting society.

References

Anker, E. (2005). Villains, victims, and heroes: Melodrama, media, and September 11. Journal of communication, 55(1), 22-37.

Byerman, K. (2007). Creating the Black Hero: Ira Aldridge’s The Black Doctor. Ira Aldridge, the African Roscius. Ed. Bernth Lindfors. NewYork: Boydell & Brewer.

Cohen, M., & Dever, C. (Eds.). (2009). The literary channel: The inter-national invention of the novel (Vol. 21). Princeton University Press.

Halpern, F. (2011). Unmasking Criticism: The Problem with Being a Good Reader of Sentimental Rhetoric. Narrative, 19(1), 51-71.