Cultural Impact
In the late 19th and early 20th century there were many prejudices against all kinds of nationalities, races, and religions in the United States. From slavery, to the mass immigration of millions of Europeans into the U.S., many Americans felt as if their homeland was being taken over by foreigners and this led to extreme bigotry and hatred in many cases. However, many of the artists from Tin Pan Alley were immigrants and they helped to elevate the thinking of the United States populace and ease some of the racial and national tensions (Reublin).
Vaudeville
The vaudeville stage was perfect for advancing the plight of the African American. Shortly after the civil war, African Americans were still suffering under prejudiced ideas from white citizens. The situations was not advanced by the minstrel stage, which played on stereotypes of blacks in order to get laughs and make money. However, the vaudeville stage helped to advance blacks as musicians and lessened the negative perceptions that many received on a daily basis (Reublin).
Irving Berlin
Berlin was born in Russia, and was also Jewish. This combination did not lend itself to being loved by everyday "normal" Americans, but his musical talent was undeniable. As an ardent patriot and supporter of the United States Armed Forces, Berlin earned the love and respect of everyone across the nation, not only thorough his music but his generosity as well (Constructing Tin Pan Alley: From Minstrelsy to Mass Culture).
The vaudeville stage was perfect for advancing the plight of the African American. Shortly after the civil war, African Americans were still suffering under prejudiced ideas from white citizens. The situations was not advanced by the minstrel stage, which played on stereotypes of blacks in order to get laughs and make money. However, the vaudeville stage helped to advance blacks as musicians and lessened the negative perceptions that many received on a daily basis (Reublin).
Irving Berlin
Berlin was born in Russia, and was also Jewish. This combination did not lend itself to being loved by everyday "normal" Americans, but his musical talent was undeniable. As an ardent patriot and supporter of the United States Armed Forces, Berlin earned the love and respect of everyone across the nation, not only thorough his music but his generosity as well (Constructing Tin Pan Alley: From Minstrelsy to Mass Culture).