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"The Gilded Age" and the trouble with American period pieces
Nov 3, 2023
The podcast discusses the allure of period dramas like 'The Gilded Age' and how they romanticize history. They also critique the show for its racial microaggression and lack of historical accuracy. The representation of black characters in the show is explored, comparing it to British adaptations. The chapter also touches on the similarities between gothic stories and Gilded Age viewers.
21:50
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Quick takeaways
- Period dramas offer a sentimental and nostalgic depiction of the past, providing an aesthetically pleasing illusion with simple resolutions and affirmed moral codes.
- The portrayal of black characters in period dramas like The Gilded Age exposes the dissonance, as they often fail to accurately represent their experiences and historical context.
Deep dives
The Pleasures of Period Dramas
Period dramas like The Gilded Age are appealing because they offer a sentimental and nostalgic depiction of the past. They present an aesthetically pleasing illusion of history, where problems have simple resolutions and moral codes are affirmed. The material spectacle and affirmation of values make period dramas enjoyable.
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