A Pretty Good Day

There is nothing like spending time with my girls. Sometimes I miscalculate the good time though. Today's miscalculation involved storytelling at the Wren's Nest, the home of Joel Chandler Harris. He is the author of the children's book about Br'er Rabbit. We thought the little girls would love the storytelling, but the highlight of their day was the Frosted Orange at the Varsity. The house is beautiful and interesting.












We got there just in time for Mrs. Nannie and then the storyteller. We (Anna, Chesni, and I) enjoyed it, but the little girls were ready to go precisely when we arrived. The biography of the author is more interesting than the stories.

It is kind of sad that the significance of Harris' work, especially during the latter half of the 20th century has been denigrated due to controversies surrounding his southern plantation themes, narrative structure, collection of African-American folklore, use of dialect, and Uncle Remus character. I do not believe the Disney movies are even released in the United States. The argument is that some scholars are skeptical of the validity of the stories collected by a white man, citing the difficulty that many white folklorists had in persuading African-Americans to divulge their folklore. Other critical scholars cite Uncle Remus as a problematic and contradictory figure: sometimes a mouthpiece for white paternalism, sometimes a stereotype of the black entertainer, and sometimes poetically subversive. Apparently he stuttered, was shy, and was consumed by his own illegitimacy. He felt most comfortable around slaves who did not judge his speech, red hair, or his lack of money. So, according to the tour guide, Miss Nannie, he spent much of his time with them where he listened to their stories and eventually recorded them. I do not think the man harbored any malice.



Before getting lost we made it the Varsity...Man, their fried peach pies are something else.

I got to hang out with Anna and the girls...Still waiting for Leejay to get home.