Entertainment culture, political culture, and religion

THIS comment by Anthea Butler on Herman Cain's performance at the National Press Club on October 31 suggests something of the way that the rise of entertainment culture we have been considering via Gilbert's study of Chicago has made its way into both religion and politics.  We'll consider the former (the intertwining of religion and entertainment) when we get to the chapter on Moody.  More specifically Butler draws upon the stereotypes of African-Americans in early 20th century popular entertainments such as minstrel shows, vaudeville, and movies, to comment on Cain's defense against charges of sexual harassment.  I'll paste in a paragraph, but urge you to read the whole piece in order to appreciate Butler's nuanced assessment.

Cain, a member of Antioch Baptist church North in Atlanta, Ga, has mentioned his Christian faith on the campaign trail, and has recorded a gospel album. Cain’s singing of “He looked beyond my faults” was, in my opinion, a combination of minstrel show, an Amos and Andy riff without Amos, and a sly admission. By going into entertainment mode with the crowd, Cain tried to both deftly testify to his faith with his Teavangelical base, while at the same time throwing the throngs of reporters off from the trail of the sexual harassment suit. All while confessing that while “others saw his faults, He (Jesus) saw my need.” One wonders what Cain’s faults really are.