Protesting Scottsboro Boys Minstrel Show

[Justice2]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:25pm

There was an important protest today against the New Broadway musical about the infamous "Scottsboro Boys" legal lynching in 1831 Alabama. Finally someone stood up and said what people were already thinking and talking about. How dare a group of white producers, writers and directors violate the serious nature of the racist attack on these young men by framing it inside a song and dance musical. It is my understanding this protest is the first indication of a mobilization to boycott and shut this musical down. There was an eighty year Black woman in the protest whose first experience with American racism was her parents taking her to a rally in support of the Scottsboro Boys. She said "I came here, outraged by the disrespect this play demonstrates toward Black people. The fact that Central Park 5 (modern day Scottsboro Boys)have never gotten an apology or compensation for their neary 14 years in jail for a similar legal lynching only renforced my resolve to be here today." Some people have responded to today's protest with distain. A clear reminder of the vial nature of racism today - right here.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:28pm

Have you (or any of the protestors for that matter) seen the show?

[binau]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:30pm

Fools. The show is highlighting racism not committing it.

[jv92]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:35pm

Have you actually seen the show, or are you just a moron?

[wonderwaiter]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:37pm

Wow, it really does get better!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:39pm

"How dare a group of white producers..."

Oh shut the fvck up. THAT'S racist. Who cares who puts the show on if it highlights such an important time in history and does so in a fascinating NON RACIST way? If Tyler Perry or Oprah had their name on the show would you be praising it, you racist piece of trash?

"...have never gotten an apology or compensation for their neary 14 years in jail..."

And what...? You think the producers/stars/director/choreographer/press agent etc. should apologize? Give me a mother f'in break.

"A clear reminder of the vial nature of racism today - right here."

Exactly. And you're it. You and the other trash who didn't even see the show are what's wrong with this country. Go boycott things that actually are hurting people. Like Fox News.

Idiot.
Updated On: 11/6/10 at 06:39 PM

[BwayTday]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:39pm

So if black producers had put this show on, then it would have been fine? That's a bit ridiculous isn't, even hypocritical.

[jv92]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:40pm

No really, it's moronic. The show is nothing what these protestors are saying it is. Ridiculous. It just upsets me when good people like John Kander, Tommy Thompson, Susan Stroman, etc, not to mention the cast and producers, are actually trying to do something good, and this is what happens.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:42pm

Clueless wanker.

[BwayTday]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:43pm

What exactly do they have a problem with? I haven't seen the show. But it seems obvious that it is too highlight wrong doing. Not mock it. It isn't some big old fluff piece. My goodness, people are so ridiculous. The show isn't going to shut down because of a few ignorant people showing mindless, misguided activism.

But then again, were all just being racist for defending the show right?

EDIT: You have a problem because it is a MUSICAL? So since it is a musical their obvious intentions to make fun and laugh at a serious issue that they are actually trying to show how terrible it was? That is absolutely absurd. Updated On: 11/6/10 at 06:43 PM

[Pippin]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:45pm

Hey, Justice - just because you use the adjective "important" doesn't mean it is. also, before you protest something, you may want to know what century it takes place in.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:46pm

The show isn't racist. It's encouraging a discussion about racism. Keeping racism shut up in the dark with no discussion about it and no confrontation of its obvious presence in society today is the worst possible way to deal with the situation. Save your protests for a better reason. People who work and visit Broadway are among the most open minded in the country- they come to the aid of many minority communities in their darkest hour, and the last thing they need to be preached on is bigotry.

[Kad]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:48pm

Maybe you should be protesting For Colored Girls instead, for turning an important piece of African-American drama into a cliched money grab. But, oh wait, Tyler Perry's black, so that's alright. I guess. Or something.

[wonderwaiter]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:49pm

I smell socks.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:49pm

LOL, Pippin. :)

[beaemma]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:50pm

It portrays racism in order to condemn it and show how the events of the story contributed to the civil rights movement.

[Edna Turnblad]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:52pm

This thread is racist. There, I said it. Now can we get back to our lives and what is important, please? Like Wicked and its 12th stand-by for guy to the left of Elphaba in the One Short Day number?

[Kad]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:53pm

Did this protest have a show curtain?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:55pm

No but there was student rush.

[Justice2]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:56pm

yes. Maybe you should look at the review in the Black press (like the Amsterdam) this week.

[Kad]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:56pm

The lead protester told me there wasn't one. He just called me a racist and shoved a flier into my face. Should I call the box office and complain?

[binau]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:57pm

The "Black Press"? - THAT'S RACIST

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:59pm

I'm going to watch Madea Goes To Jail to celebrate the African American Spirit.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:59pm

I'm really interested in getting tickets for this.

What's the view like from the rear mezz?

[Edna Turnblad]

Posted: 11/6/10 at 6:59pm

Am I the only one who's confused as to what Justice was saying yes to? Are they saying that, yes, the protest does have a show curtain? If they are, then they and Jordan are contradicting each other! Does the protest, or does it not, have a show curtain?!