... the humor that allowed for social commentary and criticism without attacking his subjects head on. By keeping his readers off balance and unsure of his conclusions he was able to address taboo issues, and force a dialogue that might not have been possible without the ability to ... back in their place as expeditiously as possible. In the public discourse this meant "coon- songs and shows that took the humiliation of the black race to a new level of cruelty, and the passage of laws (i.e. Plessy v. Ferguson) that codified discrimination. In the private arena this meant wholesale intimida...

• Word Count: 3141
• Approx Pages: 13
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate