S1 Ep.4: “A Long Ladder” with Audra McDonald and Dr.Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Feb 15, 2022
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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.
Exclusive clubs played a significant role in New York's elite society during the Gilded Age, providing wealthy white men with luxurious amenities and socializing opportunities.
Black writers in the Gilded Age faced challenges in finding appropriate opportunities and maintaining their integrity and racial identity within the white-controlled publishing industry.
The experiences of Peggy and Marion explore the complexities of race, class, and friendship in the Gilded Age, highlighting generational shifts in attitudes and aspirations.
Deep dives
The dynamics of clubs and elite societies in the Gilded Age
In the Gilded Age podcast episode, the importance of elite clubs and societies in New York City during the Gilded Age is explored. These exclusive clubs, like the Knickerbocker Club, were comprised of wealthy white men who enjoyed luxurious amenities and socializing. The episode discusses the formation of these clubs and their significance in New York's elite society. It also touches on the existence of clubs and organizations for African Americans and other immigrant groups during this time period.
Peggy's career ambitions and opportunities
The podcast episode highlights Peggy's ambitions as a writer and her struggles to find appropriate opportunities. It explores her decision to pursue a path with the Black-owned New York Globe newspaper, presenting her with the challenge of maintaining her integrity and racial identity within a society dominated by white-controlled publishing. The episode delves into the complexities and choices faced by black writers during the Gilded Age.
The complexities of race, class, and friendship
The podcast episode delves into the complexities of race, class, and friendship through the experiences of Peggy and Marion. It discusses the discomfort and misunderstandings that arise when Marion enters Peggy's black space and is confronted by the realities of racial segregation. The episode also explores the pressure faced by black professionals to represent their entire race and uphold respectability, while highlighting the generational shifts in attitudes and aspirations.
The significance of black-owned businesses and pharmacies in the Gilded Age
The podcast episode highlights the importance of black-owned businesses, particularly pharmacies, during the Gilded Age. It explores the role of Arthur Scott as a pharmacist and the success of black entrepreneurs in serving their communities. This discussion sheds light on the growth of the black middle class and the creation of wealth within black communities at that time.
Relevance to modern society and issues
The podcast episode draws parallels between the Gilded Age and modern society, highlighting the enduring issues of wealth inequality, racial segregation, and unequal opportunities. It prompts viewers to reflect on the progress made since the Gilded Age and the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized groups today. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and learning from history to create a more equitable future.
In part one, hosts Alicia Malone (TCM) and Tom Meyers (The Bowery Boys) discuss the fourth episode of The Gilded Age and examine the historical framework of Brooklyn and the flourishing Black Elite during the Gilded Age.
In part two, they are joined by Audra McDonald (Dorothy Scott) and historical consultant/ co-executive producer Dr. Erica Armstrong to discuss the development of the Scott family storyline, black America in 1882 and their experience working on Gilded Age.
Watch The Gilded Age on HBO Max, and subscribe to The Official Gilded Age Podcast so you don’t miss an episode.