How a Black writer in 19th-century America used humor to combat white supremacy

Black writers like Charles Chesnutt had to contend with a dilemma writers today know all too well: give the audience and editors what they want, or wallow in obscurity.

By: Rodney Taylor, University of South Carolina, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 7, 2026

Words: 1,312

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Rodney Taylor, University of South Carolina

Any writer has to struggle with the dilemma of staying true to their vision or giving editors and readers what they want. A number of factors might influence the latter: the market, trends and sensibilities.

But in the decades after the Civil War, Black writers looking to faithfully depict the horrors of slavery had to contend with readers whose worldviews were colored by racism, as well as an entire …

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