Blog Post 10

I recently read an article titled Zulu Krewe at 100: Still Marching to Its Own Beat by Wayne Curtis.  The Zulu parade begins in New Orleans in 1909. It is a stereotype festival that takes place during Mardi Gras. African Americans living in New Orleans march off at 8 am on fat tuesday and make fun of themselves and their roots for the entire day. The festival is not meant to be disrespectful, but hilarious for everyone who understands the content of the parade. Men will stand on floats and wear grass skirts as well as juggle and throw coconuts at objects. The average tourist doesn't know how to react to seeing a parade like this. African Americans make fun of tribal Afric and wear a mockery of tribal paint called "Blackface" which is a racial slur. Since this is the 100th anniversary, the parade was kicked up a notch and included over 50 floats with a few thousand marching in the parade. The Zulu king is a member of the community chosen to be "chieften" of the parade. The Zulu king may be anyone from a UPS man to Louis Armstrong who premiered in 1969. I believe it is goo for people to poke fun of where they came from, so that one may understand the weaknesses and strengths of one's background. The festival started as a skit and is now one of the largest parades in the world during the Karnival time of year.