activists to envision African-American headway and acceptance in 1930 ’ s society . Despite that fact that Our Gang embraced distasteful articulations of racial stereotypes , Lee emphasizes the “ idealized , hopeful vision of the nation ’ s future ,” a nostalgia for the innocence of childhood , and an imagined space in which black and white children could join hands and play as equals .
Despite the book ’ s central focus on the personal and professional lives of the series ’ African-American actors , Lee skillfully draws in the fascinating , troublesome culture of the time : American society , the Hollywood film industry , the political landscape , public race relations and sentiments . The narrative is tightly woven with a variety of contemporary sources : interviews from the then-adult actors recounting their fondest memories and inevitable disappointments ; reflection by W . E . B . DuBois , who noted on his 1910s visit the “ beautifully housed [ Negro of black Angelenos ],” who were “ an aggressive , hopeful group … full of push and energy .” The cultural tapestry of turn of the century Los Angeles was one more relaxed , more integrated than its neighbors . Yet within that utopic town , other African-Americans recounted segregation at the beaches , in upscale restaurants , public transportation .
In addition to being a fascinating read for fans of the TV show , Lee ’ s book is an excellent , balanced , and important contribution to cultural studies , history , race relations , and the history of the film industry , which managed to develop and sustain an idealized fictionalization of American society to come .
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