6 chapters across the catalog
Students at the University of Texas at Austin are suing the school over the spirit song "The Eyes of Texas," alleging it is racist because it debuted at a minstrel show in 1903. A university committee previously found the song had no racist intent, but the legal challenge continues.
Kanye West's meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office is analyzed following intense media backlash. CNN's Don Lemon characterized the visit as a "minstrel show," a term historically used to describe blackface performances, and suggested West was embarrassing the African-American community. The hosts argue that the media is intentionally using soundbites to make West appear unhinged while ignoring the substance of his remarks.
Jingle Bells Racial History Controversy, Boston University Research
A Boston University theater history professor, Kiana Hamill, claims that the classic Christmas carol "Jingle Bells" has a problematic history rooted in 19th-century blackface minstrelsy. The research suggests the song was originally performed to mock African Americans in Boston in 1857. The claim is met with skepticism regarding whether these origins were systematically removed from history.
Cultural Appropriation versus Appreciation in Media
A Huffington Post video on cultural appropriation sparks a debate on the line between appreciation and theft. The discussion covers examples ranging from Native American headdresses to Phil Spector's appropriation of classical riffs from Rimsky-Korsakov and Beethoven for his "Wall of Sound."
The history of minstrel shows is identified as a clear example of cultural appropriation where white performers stole black entertainment forms. The conversation also explores "reverse appropriation," such as Prince being influenced by the band Journey, and the complexities of racial dynamics in music.
Northwestern University Blackface Controversy, Media Misinformation
A WGN news report on a blackface incident at Northwestern University is criticized for historical inaccuracies regarding the origins of the practice. The reporter's claim that blackface originated with slave owners mocking slaves is debunked by the hosts, who point to the 19th-century minstrel theater tradition. They argue this is an example of "media assassination" and poor educational standards.
