wow...what a powerful political statement of the minds of black folk back then...very interesting...im glad to hear this...it gives insight to how controversial this was back then...thanks for posting this!
The song has derogatory connotations it was written with that intention.I give respect to Mr Robson for doing his own interpretation of the song. They enjoyed portraying blacks as servants, clowns or slaves this is what hollywood was responsilbe for .Perpetuating them in certain sterio typed roles especially when they were negative for the individual playing it. It has taken a long time for actors or singers to get rid of this preconcieved notion of how black should conduct themselves. Shameful
At the time, the word "black" was considered pejorative. At that time, "colored" was considered polite. Fashions keep changing as to what is acceptable in referring to racial groups in the USA.
@straightarrow372 It was written in 1850 (pre Civil War) when you could call blacks anything you wanted including the dreaded N word. Most people were too busy back then to be offended. Now everyone is offended all the time ,usually over nothing. Maybe we should all get busy again. "Your life is not my problem, my life is not your business."
@joeytwosubs The dreaded "N" word is, of course, OK when addressed from one dark-skinned person to another. It's only *not* OK if a light-skinned person says it to a dark-skinned person -- a situation I find to be indicative of the racist attitude of some dark-skinned people.
I appreciate what he was trying to do, but his changing the word had no effect whatever on those who continue to regard a man's skin color as an element making his inferior to others. Besides, it does damage to the art of Mr. Foster. He wrote it and gave it the title "Old Black Joe," and the song carries a feeling of sympathy , empathy, and affection just as it is.
This is amazing! What really makes it stand out is Mr. Robeson's refusal to use the phrase "Old black Joe". Instead, he sang "Old, old Joe"- once again showing the importance of being viewed as a human being and not as a color.
"Artist" today who are stuck on using the "N" word could definitely learn from such a brilliant individual as Mr. Robeson.
wow...what a powerful political statement of the minds of black folk back then...very interesting...im glad to hear this...it gives insight to how controversial this was back then...thanks for posting this!
lovethe1urwith 12 hours ago
It just flows gently......................
mallducklard 1 month ago
The song has derogatory connotations it was written with that intention.I give respect to Mr Robson for doing his own interpretation of the song. They enjoyed portraying blacks as servants, clowns or slaves this is what hollywood was responsilbe for .Perpetuating them in certain sterio typed roles especially when they were negative for the individual playing it. It has taken a long time for actors or singers to get rid of this preconcieved notion of how black should conduct themselves. Shameful
smokeyvelvet42 2 months ago
@smokeyvelvet42 today Hollywood portrays blacks as wonderful super humans but the Klitschkos dispel the myth
whitetornado52 2 months ago
@whitetornado52 I have no idea what you're talking about. The only Klitschkos that I know of are a pair of Russian kickboxers.
IowaEye 1 month ago
@IowaEye shut up wigger
whitetornado52 1 month ago
@whitetornado52 Brilliant response. Now, would someone please explain what "Klitschkos" are?
IowaEye 1 month ago
@whitetornado52 shut up moron!
diablemarin 1 month ago
@diablemarin I don't need some wigger brainwashed by a leftest college professor to call me a moron. JACKASS!
whitetornado52 1 month ago
@whitetornado52 You and your diminutive intellect!
diablemarin 1 month ago
This was my dad's favourite song, he used to sing it to us I miss him so much wish I could hear him sing it at least once for me.
suzzanegomes 6 months ago in playlist sue's hits
I love this song...reminds me of my middle school friends and memories. I hear those gentle voices calling, Young White Jon.
Feebas321 7 months ago 2
Love this song miss you daddy dedicated to you wherever you are, love you.
suzzanegomes 7 months ago
At the time, the word "black" was considered pejorative. At that time, "colored" was considered polite. Fashions keep changing as to what is acceptable in referring to racial groups in the USA.
straightarrow372 8 months ago
@straightarrow372 It was written in 1850 (pre Civil War) when you could call blacks anything you wanted including the dreaded N word. Most people were too busy back then to be offended. Now everyone is offended all the time ,usually over nothing. Maybe we should all get busy again. "Your life is not my problem, my life is not your business."
joeytwosubs 6 months ago
@joeytwosubs The dreaded "N" word is, of course, OK when addressed from one dark-skinned person to another. It's only *not* OK if a light-skinned person says it to a dark-skinned person -- a situation I find to be indicative of the racist attitude of some dark-skinned people.
straightarrow372 6 months ago
@joeytwosubs oh wonderful.....get busy, as you put it, and you won't even notice the evil? idiotic!
diablemarin 1 month ago
Vert soothing voice! I love Old Black Joe. I like Paurl Robinson.
ja6599 9 months ago
I appreciate what he was trying to do, but his changing the word had no effect whatever on those who continue to regard a man's skin color as an element making his inferior to others. Besides, it does damage to the art of Mr. Foster. He wrote it and gave it the title "Old Black Joe," and the song carries a feeling of sympathy , empathy, and affection just as it is.
mrotwist 1 year ago 5
This is amazing! What really makes it stand out is Mr. Robeson's refusal to use the phrase "Old black Joe". Instead, he sang "Old, old Joe"- once again showing the importance of being viewed as a human being and not as a color.
"Artist" today who are stuck on using the "N" word could definitely learn from such a brilliant individual as Mr. Robeson.
firej 1 year ago
@firej
hm, i find it gives it more authenticity to use the original words myself....
NormbrettaMod 10 months ago 7
Thanks for uploading this
tzlive7 1 year ago
Lovely :)
TraceyLouise2260 1 year ago