To "mumbo jumbo" and back

I was especially interested when today's discussion touched on the meaning and use of the Mumbo Jumbo's title phrase. From the very first chapter, the book seeks to simultaneously depict the belittling of black culture and the manner in which this can be combated.

The very first use of the phrase "mumbo jumbo" is by a white man attempting to describe the supposed inhuman jabbering of the people infected with Jes Grew. Here, we can see how the guardians of the mainstream combat a foreign and unknown cultural force: by belittling and dismissing it. Calling something mumbo jumbo does more than just show a lack of understanding, but also an attitude in which it can never be treated seriously. Nobody would ever try to understand "mumbo jumbo". It makes about as much sense as trying to understand the random chittering of squirrels.

That's how this novel depicts the treatment of the growing Jes Grew "epidemic", thus providing an intriguing metaphor for initial mainstream treatment of growing black culture forms throughout the modern era, specifically jazz and swing, but also pertaining to other forms such as bebob, rock, and hip-hop. These genres were all viewed as separate and uncultured by the generation that came before, and usually were not accepted fully into the popular consciousness until they were effectively adapted for white audiences. It also becomes interesting when you consider its effectiveness in essentially eradicating Voodoo's legitimacy in the public consciousness. We don't like to admit it, but the American cultural system has essentially tricked us into dehumanizing an entire form of belief, and that's a scary realization for us to make as modern "clear-thinking" Americans.

Reed is incredibly poignant with these uses of the phrase to depict the cultural oppression in America, but it's also interesting how he seems to endorse a form of protest or retaliation as well. Both in his use of the definition at the end of chapter 1 and the story of PaPa LaBas' Mumbo Jumbo Kathedral. The original definition of mumbo jumbo used directly after the first derisive use of the phrase serves to say that regardless of how these words and cultural movements may be treated, we mustn't allow ourselves to forget the truth of their origin, and by doing so preserve the culture that these people seek to take from the world. PaPa LaBas shows by example that by embracing the truth of these ideas, we can overcome the oppression heaped upon us. If people wanted to call it the "mumbo jumbo" cathedral, then the best form of defense is embracing the truth of the Mumbo Jumbo Kathedral.

I like how Reed is able to use subtlety to both disillusion the reader with the harsh realities of cultures at war, and the perseverance and determination of the human beings who would seek to preserve their way of life. It's especially impressive when you realize that all of this has come out of our first two readings, and that we have more than 2/3 of the book left in which Reed can work.