Post Civil Rights Movement, race was a term used to incite competition amongst Americans. Socially things got a little (or a lot) confusing and weird depending on which team one stood for. In the 21st Century, race is asinine and always will forever be. American elders can hear the future with sounds like Rage Against the Machine and perhaps come to terms that things such as Stuff White People Like as a mere weak cry for the times which are slipping away for good.

In the 1980 film Stir Crazy, the story of two inter-racial friends, are set up to define racism as it pertains to humanity. What better actors to delineate the vile base of the racial divide than Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor? The beauty in their performance is how upon eternally entering the jail system Wilder’s character, sensitive and humane, translates how most ordinary white people would if they were innocent. On the contrary, Pryor’s character, wide-eyed and street smart, is prepared not to react how most ordinary civilized people would knowing full well that his chances for compassion are slim. Hence, blacks weren’t accustomed to being treated with civility. Director Sydney Poitier brilliantly paints this polarized picture of race identities of the 1980’s. Trading Places also carries a similar theme of race and power. When actor Eddie Murphy’s character, a black homeless man, is transported into the elite rich culture he slowly begins to acclimate to his new and comfortable environment. The point is disarray. Race divide and power serves no one and hurts all.

If comedy is pain then there is no wonder why Dave Chappelle is so funny. His sensitivity as a comedian is his strength. He could feel how his audiences were not taking his material to heart but instead exploiting him. Chappelles’ deep appreciation of the tragic loss of young people to the crack epidemic is profound. Get connected, come and learn from the minds and hearts of the young at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco. Next Saturday February 13th from 4:30 to 5:30 is Claim the Block, readings by young writers expressing their ideas about the city and the arts. Admission is free in honor of Black History Month. Call 415.358.7200 for more  information.