Black Music: A Way of Life

suffering of slavery in black communities.

Traynor, who gained a god-like status from the song, is exploiting it but does not comprehend its true meaning. Although his connection with Gracie is rooted in his quest for understanding the song, his lack of a black background leaves him unable to fully grasp its culturally-defined significance.

During the 1960's, a significant number of black individuals, including Malcolm X, believed that Christianity was associated with the white oppressors, causing them to convert to Islam instead - a religion that is considered to be black. Consequently, both Malcolm X and Mohammed Ali changed their Christian names to Muslim names. As a result, Gracie May has developed a distrust towards the deacon as she associates him with religious men from the South who condoned slavery. She is particularly wary of his eyes, which are reminiscent of the misery endured by countless slaves in the past.

Ironically, it was the Baptist church that taught Gracie how to sing. This is where the style and passion of jazz was born, which the white men appreciate but cannot truly understand, like Traynor. The majority of black singers learned to sing through gospel choirs in black Baptist churches, establishing it as a tradition. Although she distrusts the Deacon and Traynor, Gracie continues to sing. She feels they are trying to 'sell her something' and believes Traynor is patronizing her when he offers her money for fancy clothes and luxury items, while saying she will never succeed with the song.

The Deacon and Traynor's guards gave Gracie a sense of fear, reminiscent of the Klu Klux Klan who were still dangerous at the time. These references demonstrate their power

and notoriety to her audience. JT and Horace's discomfort around white men suggests they have been conditioned to feel inferior since slavery, even in their own home. Despite this, Traynor's relationship with Gracie shows equality persists as he develops a mother-son bond with her, hugging her and buying her gifts. Traynor is not racist despite the initial apprehension Gracie felt towards his guards.

The woman refers to the man as 'son', suggesting that he is regarded as part of a collective group, similar to how black women saw all white children during slavery. The legacy of slavery and segregation has heavily influenced cultural practices surrounding race relations. Although blacks gained freedom from slavery, whites were still reluctant to mix with them, resulting in their general classification as lower class and impoverished individuals. Traynor's indifference towards his health and weight highlights the importance of self-image in white society; instead of adopting healthy habits like dieting or exercising, he turned to substance abuse.

Gracie Mae, despite her large size, does not experience weight-based discrimination due to the close connection between her identity and body size. Losing weight is not a significant concern for either herself or the black community. Instead, Gracie believes that her weight represents status and access to abundant food - a symbol of progress from the era of slavery. In contrast, Traynor embodies the American dream of wealth and success, idolized as a deity and role model.

While he is revered to the point that he must reside within a heavily guarded palace-like residence, which is perceived as a fortress, as a representation of triumph, he is profoundly dissatisfied. He exists in isolation, plagued by loneliness

and substance dependencies. Even his predilection for juvenile foods is indicative of his longing to revert to his childhood. In contrast, Gracie is content with her way of life.

Despite being offered many extravagant gifts, she declines them as she doesn't hold much regard for fans who idolize someone they have no personal connection with. Similarly, Traynor is perplexed by the adoration he receives from his fans and considers himself to be unsuccessful despite his popularity. He leads a solitary life, has a failed marriage and lacks close friendships.

The narrative explores the pursuit of the American dream, which involves striving diligently for greatness and acclaim. However, aspiring to fame is not necessarily ideal, as it can lead to unhappy and unfulfilled living as exemplified by Elvis and similar individuals. This drive to achieve stardom is akin to creating deities to venerate, but it is not crucial since there exist more significant aspects of life. Gracie Mae comprehends this and disapproves of Traynor's excessively enthusiastic admirers.

The reference to the consumerist boom in the 1950s in the story is related to the American dream's dependence on goods and infrastructure for building up the country. Even characters like Gracie Mae with a TV and Traynor with access to mass consumption of goods were part of this trend. As a product himself, Gracie's fans also consume him. Despite not appearing so, Gracie is politically conscious. The story lists deaths of crucial civil rights activists in the 1960s.

The fact that she gives priority to Malcolm X is noteworthy as it shows her support for his assertive approach. Referring to Martin Luther King as the "King" denotes his significance to

all. Their passing was so significant to her community that she is unable to fully convey the sorrow she experiences.