Funk paper

1. Adrian Piper's Funk Lessons (1982-84) were dialogic experiments that incorporated the learning of black funk music and how to dance to it.

Piper's funk lessons would often begin with the introduction of basic dance moves to the audience, as well as the discussion of their cultural and historical meanings.

By placing this group of whites outside their comfort zone, Piper's funk lessons effectively brought to light issues of race.

Although the project was somewhat successful, it also upset many blacks who believed that funk should not deem the title of 'high culture.'

Piper's funk lessons could have had a more successful impact on the audience, perhaps, had the project forced more racial dialogue.

Today, hip-hop has been infused into white culture a lot more than in the past, thus posing the question of how the same type of project would be effectively constructed today.

Unlike Damali Ayo's panhandling project, Piper's lessons did not have the intent of forcing guilt, but rather had a positive impact.

Had the project been completely turned around - whites teaching blacks how to dance - would it have brought up racial issues as effectively, or might it be taken differently and even considered racist?

2. Thesis: Adrian Piper's Funk Lessons provide a way for racial issues to be confronted in a positive, voluntary manner.

Thesis 2: Through dancing, whites are able to come to terms with personal racial issues from their past, as well as learn the intricacies of funk music.

3. "We were all engaged in the pleasurable process of self-transcendence and creative expression within a highly structured and controlled cultural idio, in a way that attempted to overcome cultural and racial barriers" (131).