Signifyin(G), Sanctifyin', & Slam Dunking: A Reader in African American Expressive Culture - Brossura

Brossura

ISBN 10: 155849183X ISBN 13: 9781558491830

Casa editrice: Univ of Massachusetts Pr, 1999

Riassunto

Observers of American society have long noted the distinctive contribution of African Americans to the nation's cultural life. We find references to African American music and dance, black forms of oral expression, even a black style of playing basketball. But what do such terms really mean? Is it legitimate to talk about a distinct African American aesthetic, or is this simply a vestige of an outmoded racial essentialism? What makes a particular form of cultural expression "black" other than the fact that some African Americans may practice it? These are some of the questions addressed in the readings gathered in this volume by Gena Dagel Caponi. The essays, some previously published and others new, spring from a variety of disciplines and cover a broad range of topics, from the communal ritual of the ring shout to the evolution of rap to the improvisational genius of Michael Jordan. While each piece focuses on a different aspect of African American expressive culture, together they reveal a set of creative principles, techniques, and practices a cultural aesthetic that is remarkably consistent and resilient.

Su questo libro

Informazioni sugli autori

Gena Dagel Caponi is Associate Professor of American studies at the University of Texas, San Antonio, and author of Paul Bowles: Romantic Savage.

Gena Dagel Caponi is Associate Professor of American studies at the University of Texas, San Antonio, and author of Paul Bowles: Romantic Savage.

Dettagli dell'edizione

• Editore: Univ of Massachusetts Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 1999
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 155849183X
• ISBN 13: 9781558491830
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 464
• Redattore: Caponi Gena Dagel
• Contatto del produttore: non disponibile
• Persona responsabile: non disponibile