Doesn't holding from re-release such classics as "Little Black Sambo", "Porgy and Bess", "Amos and Andy", and

Question

"Song of the South" say something more shameful about white racist thinking than anything negative about African Americans? Do you think we should re-release these portrayals of Blacks for further viewing today?

Porgy and Bess the movie is being withheld.
Little Black Sambo was withheld for a long time.
Song of the South as well.. note that Disney is not issuing the reissue.

Answer 1

In my opinion, as you said, these productions, in as much as they are stereotypical or racist, reveal historical views of the time...at least the views of their writers, producers, etc. If these are banned from re-release, I think we lose a valuable piece of history. We do not learn from "our mistakes" (i.e. mistaken viewpoints, etc.), and we disregard the contribution of the African American actors whose performances in some of these productions made them pioneers in their own right.

At times, there are also gems buried in such productions whose value it would be a shame to lose. An example of this, is the song "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess"...widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful jazz/operatic ballads ever written, and "Porgy and Bess" itself, one of the relatively few American operas in existence.

This controversy reminds me of that of "Huckleberry Finn." This book has sparked controversy, and was banned by many school libraries, largely because of its use of the "N" word. On the other hand, it highlights valuable lessons about the blindness and atrocity of slavery and bigotry. Similarly, whatever lessons these productions ("Amos and Andy," "Song of the South," etc.) might teach us could be lost if re-release was prevented because of social controversy.

Lastly, I fail to see how these productions are any more malignant than the R, X, and NC-17 productions which are continuously released for our "viewing pleasure." Why should they be singled out for special restriction?

Well....there you have my 2 1/2 cents.

Answer 2

We listen to Amos & Andy every time it's on 'Those old radio shows.' When we were growing up 'Little Black Sambo', 'Uncle Tom's Cabin {which I still have} we read. I don't
see anything racist about them. Even Newfoundlanders have jokes about themselves.
I would love to see those old books once again. When my husband was in hospital with
Polio, they confiscated his book and tin soldiers. We're talking 66 years ago or so. Blacks
have had struggles for many years. When I lived in the South I saw a lot of injustices and
heard of some. The races didn't mix. However, I had black friends that I cherished and
they protected me. I would love it if they re-released those stories.

Answer 3

Where are getting the information that these are not available?
There are many recording of "Porgy and Bess" and a new production by the Philadelphia Opera http://www.operaphilly.com/06-07/production3.shtmlhttp://www.songofthesouthdvdremastered.com/

You can get "song of the South" at
http://www.songofthesouthdvdremastered.com/

"Little Black Sambo" is a book. You can buy it at
http://www.amazon.com/Story-Little-Black-Sambo/dp/0397300069

Answer 4

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Answer 5

i liked song of the south. i love how we can't watch it but it can be a ride in a theme park.

i don't see what the big deal is. i wasn't raised with any racist thinking. it's a part of our past. why hide it? the only way to change the future is to remember the past.

Answer 6

those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it. I also am against any sort of censorship. It's not really a right to free speech if you can't say anything others might disagree with.