Critique [of Depictions of Elderly Blacks in American Literature by Alice A. Deck

Abstract

Although Deck concludes that no consistent image of elderly Afroamericans dominates in American literature, she has clearly demonstrated a dichotomy between black and white authors in its portrayal. This dichotomy might well be termed white myth versus black experience, and it is illustrated by the contrast between Uncle Remus and Uncle Julius. In her discussion of both characters, Deck has pointed out that critical distinction between structure, i.e., the “outer frame,” and content, i.e., authentic Afroamerican folklore. Deck states that the legends told by Uncle Remus reflect a black world view. They were not, however, perceived as such until recently by most whites, who preferred thesuperficial and amusing interpretation suggested by an innocuous context and reinforced by productions like Walt Disney's Song of the South.