"...I hope to always be a credit to my race..."

[bliss_eternal]

This quote taken from Hattie McDaniel's acceptance speech for her Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1939 for Gone with the Wind.

Anyone know if in those days actors (particularly black) were told what to say for their speeches? Or if this is something Miss McDaniel chose to say herself?

I know that it speaks primarily to those times, but I can't help that it pisses me off.

I just finished watching a documentary about the making of Gone with the Wind. I get that there's an entire generation of people that enjoy this film primarily because they yearn to return to such times and way of life. Knowing that it gets harder and harder for me to watch the movie and enjoy it on any level.

[undergroundrailroad]

1. On many levels, the phrase is archaic.

Actually, I've heard the phrase before from others a long time ago. But living in the era that Hattie McDaniel lived in, I would say it's the "language" of the past. That Jim Crow era where "colored" had to constantly "prove" themselves to an all white society. Of course to hear that statement today would make me cringe (actually the caption of your post got my attention!). At that time, I think we had to measure ourselves by our success, our education, our prominence. Without a doubt, Hattie McDaniel, coming closely off the tails of post slavery, was an example of greatness in her time. I think, perhaps, she wanted to shine as an example of an exceptional woman. Yes, a Black woman.

I am very interested in the life of Hattie McDaniel and I find her to be a fascinating person. Both professionally and personally.

Thanks for a very thought provoking and honest post. This is a great discussion!

Undergroundrailroad :hi: