Jook Women Article Review

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Kelius Hardy HIST 2381 “Jook Women” Article Review The primary focus in Pearson’s article was centered on the meaning of the word jook, its origin, and the role of women. Pearson’s main argument was centered on the roles that women played in relation to the jooks. The interviews conducted to determine the meaning of the word resulted in a better understanding of its origin in the African American culture. The word jook came to represent many things in the African American culture, it could be a place to have fun without censorship from others or it could mean something that was done in an African American style (Pearson, 2003). Many believed that these establishments were places for outlaws and the lowliest of people who had no concerns…show more content…
Most of these locations were poorly lit but that was the preferred method of illumination because it was a place where common people could go enjoy themselves without fear of being scrutinized (Pearson, 2003). The Jook joint had many individuals in attendance not just those that were considered outlaws or lowlifes, those that held somewhat reputable professions also attended, although they denied it to the world (Pearson, 2003). The fact of the matter is that Jooks originated out of the front room in someone’s home, usually a woman where food, drinks, music, and gambling was readily available all in the same room (Pearson, 2003). Once the location started to move away from the homes they were coined jook joints, and depending on the owner, sometimes children were even allowed to enter the establishment (Pearson, 2003). Children that went to the Jook joints usually sat around the juke box singing or performed for the audience (Pearson, 2003). In the country it was very common to have a child present in such establishments as long as they had a chaperone (Pearson, 2003). Most jook joints were owned and operated by women who made a profit
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