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I thoroughly enjoyed this article. I found the accomplishments of the Whitman sisters to be inspiring and empowering. In such a difficult period for the equal rights of race, gender, and sexuality, these woman defied the social norms and successfully entertained many different types of people. Not only were their audiences diverse, but so were their talents and acts. As Nadine George goes through all of the different acts in a typical show from Princess Wee Wee to the "picks" that could almost never do wrong, the reader can picture the show moving from act to act. It truly seemed like an entertaining performance and must have kept one on the edge of his or her seat with each new surprise. Mabel's amazing pride, self-confidence, and demand for respect really made me admire her as a character. While she was stern, she greatly contributed to the prosperity of the group. Her threats were not bluffs, and she expected the best for her performers and family.
The Whitman sisters had great political influence. The "monkey at work" or "master trickster" approach to spreading one's message was definitely practiced by the young women, disguising their challenges of the social norm within acceptable acts and comedies. Their own ability to "pass" in between race due to the color of their skin was key in their adaptation in between white and black audiences.
The sisters were very lucky in the period of their upbringing. With a well off family and a father that taught them different styles of dance and singing, they were in the prime situation for their path to success. They became an upper-class group and the "royalty of vaudeville" because of these situations and their determination to succeed. I admire these sisters and their ability to transcend the boundaries of social definitions of gender and color and entertain all. They made a name for those minority groups who deserved more respect in life. They are such powerful and influential people I wish I had heard of them before now.
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