The Official Gilded Age Podcast S1 Ep.4: “A Long Ladder” with Audra McDonald and Dr.Erica Armstrong Dunbar
14 snips
Feb 15, 2022 Audra McDonald and Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar discuss the development of the Scott family storyline and black America in 1882. They explore the exclusive clubs of the Gilded Age and the possibility of servant-master affairs. The podcast also highlights the existence of a black elite in New York City during the 1880s and the erasure of their stories. They discuss assumptions and biases among the characters based on race and social class. Peggy's career working for a black owned newspaper and the relevance of the Gilded Age era are also explored.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Brooklyn's Black Community
- In 1882, Brooklyn was a rapidly growing, diverse city, though still subject to racial tensions and violence.
- Black New Yorkers, including Peggy's family, established communities in Brooklyn, seeking refuge from the violence they faced in Manhattan, such as during the 1863 Draft Riots.
Slavery's Lingering Shadow
- A seemingly lighthearted story about Arthur Scott's uncle's table manners takes a dark turn when it's revealed he was sold before emancipation.
- This highlights the recent history of slavery and its lasting impact on individuals and families.
The Black Elite
- The existence of a Black elite during the Gilded Age, often overlooked, is showcased through the Scott family.
- This challenges the common narrative of Black life during this period and highlights the achievements and complexities of Black society.