Squire

Question 1

Main idea of article

Answer 1

the end of black respectability politics
(“respectabilility” reads as hollow and manipulative to a new generation.)

Question 2

black respectability politics

Answer 2

describes African-Americans’ self-policing morality and propriety in order to better reflect themselves to the white mainstream.
learning and adapting to mainstream etiquette, values, dress codes, hairstyles and preferred media.

black respectability says that systemic oppression can be overcome if we’re clean, mild, moderate, and economically successful enough.

Question 3

Examples of black respectability politics

Answer 3

living like you’re at a job interview

Question 4

Bill Cosby & The Cosby Show example

Answer 4

Perfect BRP example
These shows reflected how black leaders hoped we would be seen.
Cosby had the perfect résumé to assume his cultural responsibility: He was a noted civil rights activist, contributor to many African-American organizations and America’s most popular dad armed with G-rated jokes on parenting, getting good grades and staying drug-free.

Question 5

rap music example

Answer 5

Opposite of BRP
Rap music was the unruly child that would not cooperate with BRP parenting. For an older generation of African-American leaders, it was blaxploitation on steroids.
Crippled BRP

Question 6

President Obama example