Note on Commercial Theatre

You've taken my blues and gone —
You sing 'em on Broadway
And you sing 'em in Hollywood Bowl,
And you mixed 'em up with symphonies
And you fixed 'em
So they don't sound like me.
Yep, you done taken my blues and gone.

You also took my spirituals and gone.
You put me in Macbeth and Carmen Jones
And all kinds of Swing Mikados
And in everything but what's about me —
But someday somebody'll
Stand up and talk about me,
And write about me —
Black and beautiful —
And sing about me,
And put on plays about me!
I reckon it'll be
Me myself!

Yes, it'll be me.
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Hnnhbiie30's picture

"Note on Commercial Theatre" by Langston Hughes - A Powerful Commentary on Cultural Appropriation

Langston Hughes's poem "Note on Commercial Theatre" offers readers a poignant reflection on the appropriation of African American culture and the erasure of black voices in mainstream entertainment. Through straightforward language and emotive imagery, Hughes confronts the exploitation of black artistry and the enduring struggle for recognition and representation.

The poem opens with a tone of resignation and frustration as Hughes acknowledges the commodification of his cultural heritage. He laments how his blues and spirituals, integral expressions of black identity and experience, have been co-opted and sanitized for commercial gain. Hughes highlights the irony of hearing his music performed on prestigious stages like Broadway and the Hollywood Bowl, stripped of its authenticity and soul.

Hughes's use of repetition emphasizes the sense of loss and betrayal felt by the speaker as he observes the distortion of his artistic legacy. The refrain "You've taken my blues and gone" echoes throughout the poem, underscoring the pervasive nature of cultural appropriation and the erasure of black voices in the entertainment industry.

As the poem progresses, Hughes articulates a defiant hope for the future, envisioning a time when black artists will reclaim their rightful place in the spotlight. He imagines a future where his own story, "Black and Beautiful," will be celebrated and honored in literature, music, and theater. Through this vision, Hughes asserts the importance of preserving and uplifting black narratives in a society that seeks to marginalize and erase them.

In its brevity and simplicity, "Note on Commercial Theatre" packs a powerful punch, challenging readers to confront the systemic inequalities and injustices embedded within the entertainment industry. Hughes's unapologetic voice and unwavering commitment to truth-telling resonate with readers of all backgrounds, urging them to interrogate their complicity in perpetuating systems of oppression.

In conclusion, "Note on Commercial Theatre" by Langston Hughes is a stirring and thought-provoking poem that sheds light on the enduring legacy of cultural appropriation and the fight for black visibility and representation. Through its stark imagery and impassioned rhetoric, Hughes offers a searing critique of an industry that profits off the exploitation and erasure of black artistry. This timeless poem serves as a rallying cry for justice and equality, inspiring readers to challenge the status quo and strive for a more inclusive and equitable world.

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