The Transition Of African-American Culture

In the 19th century the “Victorian” or “genteel” culture was brought in from England when Victoria ruled. The genteel reformers took charge to inculcate characteristics such as moral integrity, self-control, sober earnestness, industriousness. Forming an alliance with between the “high” and “middle” classes, the genteel culture took its place as the “official” culture in America. The transition of the American culture was brought on by a new generation rebelling and becoming “impatient with the intellectual and emotional restraints, stifled by the insulating comforts of genteel middle-class existence” (6). These limitations brought out many changes in Afro-American music, violent sports, and a new wave of literature breaking many of the genteel
codes of delicacy. The most compelling transition was the construction of amusement parks allowing the increasing urban population to spend their leisure time in a more pleasant way. The aim for many developers was to “provide cultural leadership” and “to elevate public taste” (11). Studying Coney Island helps us realize what cultural values today are built on and how it people transitioned the way they sought out pleasure around them.