Talk:Paul Robeson

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Talk:Paul Robeson/Archive1

[edit] Alleged quote from Daily Worker

The article attributes the following quote to Robeson:

In a January 1935 interview for a publication called the “Daily Worker,” Robeson had these words for those who stood up the Kremlin: “Commenting on the recent execution after court-martial of a number of counter-revolutionary terrorists", Robeson declared roundly: "From what I have already seen of the workings of the Soviet Government, I can only say that anybody who lifts his hand against it ought to be shot! It is the government's duty to put down any opposition to this really free society with a firm hand," he continued, "and I hope they will always do it, for I already regard myself at home here. This is home to me. I feel more kinship to the Russian people under their new society than I ever felt anywhere else. It is obvious that there is no terror here, that all the masses of every race are contented and support their government."

I question its veracity. First, its language is completely unlike anything I've ever read or heard from Robeson. Second, Duberman's biography (550 pages + 200 pages of notes) fails to mention it, despite a 30-page chapter concerning the 1935 visit to Moscow during which the interview was said to have taken place. Finally, The Daily Worker, the alleged source of the interview, was a CPUSA megaphone, and Revolutionary Democracy, the site at which the quote was found, describes itself as a journal "on the problems facing the communist movement, particularly relating to Russia, China and India...."

Of the two (Duberman and the Daily Worker), which is a reliable source? Which is more "credible"? Which author is "generally regarded as trustworthy"? — Malik Shabazz (Talk | contribs) 17:48, 24 May 2007 (UTC)

Have a look at this too please for an additional source. Torturous Devastating Cudgel 17:49, 24 May 2007 (UTC)
I don't doubt that the Daily Worker printed the article, but I question whether the words are Robeson's. According to Duberman, when Robeson left Moscow and arrived in London he told a reporter his interest in the Soviet Union "was, and is, completely non-political" — an exaggeration, maybe even a lie, but how could a person have made such bold political statements in the press and weeks later deny any interest in Soviet politics? Of the London remarks, Duberman says "perhaps deliberately exaggerating his lack of interest in public so that in private he might be better able to mull over his options ... delaying overt public commitment until his instincts and his understanding could become consonant." Undoubtedly Duberman was well-acquainted with Foner's anthology, but unfortunately he doesn't mention the Daily Worker article in the text or in the footnote. — Malik Shabazz (Talk | contribs) 18:29, 24 May 2007 (UTC)
Ahh .. I see what you are getting at. I know Duberman uses material from the Daily Worker in the biography (not in this case, but in other references). Why did Robeson say one thing to the reporter in Britain and one to the Daily Worker (if he did), perhaps he felt more comfortable? I don’t know but I think the point is moot, as we should move all the quotes to Wikiquote and exclude them from the article. Torturous Devastating Cudgel 18:37, 24 May 2007 (UTC)

I dont think there is any significant reason to doubt that the DW interview with Robeson, on the purges, misquoted him. Torturous Devastating Cudgel 02:57, 25 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Home Life

I think an important part of the Robeson story is his relationship with his wife, her more managerial role, rather than love interest. For me, that relationship was one of the most telling about the culture of African-Americans and the culture of the stage during this time period. On NPR 8/8/07, there was a segment about how to cover a story that you have a stake in (here) that discussed how a reporter at the time tended to overlook the negative aspects of MLK, Jr. because he was such a great leader. The downplaying of Robeson's "running around" seems to be similar. Utopienne 18:48, 11 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] What to do with these?

  • Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company
  • Paul Robeson Wales Trust
  • Paul Robeson Community Elementary School
  • Paul Robeson Elementary School
  • Paul Robeson Gallery

These are all redlinks relating to Robeson. --evrik (talk) 18:00, 24 October 2007 (UTC)