Subject: politics and the arts
From: Mike McFerron (mcferrmi@lewisu.edu)
Date: Fri Jan 04 2002 - 13:40:28 EST
Somewhat off the topic, but something you may find interesting:
While reading about the origins of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (yes...I have no
social life), I came across this resolution from the Continental Congress
dated October 16, 1778. I think it speaks to the tradition of censorship in
the United States. They wrote:
"Whereas frequenting Play Houses and theatrical entertainments, has a fatal
tendency to divert the minds of the people from a due attention to the means
necessary for the defence of their country and preservation of their
liberties: Resolved, that any person holding an office under the United
States who shall act, promote, encourage or attend such plays, shall be
deemed unworthy to hold such office, and shall be accordingly dismissed."
I got this from Music and Musicians in Early America by Irving Lowens -- New
York: W.W. Norton (1964), page 93. It references: Journal of the
Continental Congress, XII (1778), as quoted in Thomas Clark Pollock, The
Philadelphia Theatre in the Eighteenth Century (Philadelphia, 1933), pp.
38-39.
As you can see, this was not a good environment for actors and artists.
Just thought it was interesting, and possibly relevant to your search.
warm regards,
Mike
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** Mike McFerron
** Lewis University
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** http://home.earthlink.net/~mikemcferron/
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