Racial Differences in Ishmael Reed’s “the C Above High C”

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Ashley Bonneau Dr. Melanie McBride ENG 200 May 13 2012 Dear Dr. McBride, I have chosen to use the social topics in Ishmael Reed’s “The C Above High C” for my essay this week. I have chosen this topic due to the strong racial differences that can be seen between the characters in this play. I have decided to use the two main characters Louis Armstrong and Dwight D. Eisenhower as my main focus for racial differences. I feel that both these men are the strongest example of how a white man and a black man are viewed and treated differently in the 1950s. I tend to struggle with analyzing drama because many of the supporting elemental details are not present. The use of spoken word to describe what is going on around the characters makes it difficult for me to paint a picture in my head. I felt that the dynamic between Louis Armstrong and Dwight D. Eisenhower is so different and important that I was able to place myself in both man’s shoes and really understand how these men have to overcome so much. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have on how to better my anylzation of drama. I hope you enjoy the following essay. Thank You, Ashley Bonneau Ashley Bonneau Dr. Melanie McBride ENG 200 May 13 2012 Racial Differences in Ishmael Reed’s “The C Above High C” In reading Ishmael Reed’s dramatic play “The C Above High C” a reader is introduced to Louis Armstrong an African American musician living in the 1950s. Armstrong is a strong willed man who seems to be disheartened about his struggle to have his music be accepted by white people. Further in to the play Dwight D. Eisenhower is introduced to the reader. Eisenhower is the current President of The United States of America. Eisenhower is an all-American white man and seemingly without struggles at the most obvious assumption. Eisenhower is in conflict about whether or not to integrate
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