The year is 1928. The setting is Small’s Paradise in Harlem. The atmosphere is lively and dynamic. There is dancing, drinking, and much frolicking to be had by all. In attendance are some of the most notorious names of the decade; Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Texas Guinan and the famed journalist and satirist of American popular cultural, H.L. Mencken.
It just so happens that the famed evangelist Bill Sundayhas snuck his way into the speakeasy in an attempt to convert the sinful flappers and the Jazz crazed audience into a respectful and moral life of a Christianity.
Alas, just as the evangelist is ready to begin his sermonizing he is spotted by Al Capone and his gang of thugs. They grab him and start to take him outside. His fate is sealed. He will be the proud owner of his very own new pair of “concrete shoes.”
Alas, just as they begin to take him outside H.L. Mencken (who just happens to be close friends with Al Capone’s right hand man, Scarface) intervenes. He has requested that the preacher be released into his custody. Why, you may ask, would H.L. Mencken be interested in saving the life of a cultural fundamentalist? The answer is simple; Mencken is working on a new article which will attempt to analyze the growing trend that is “cultural fundamentalism”
Task:
Your task is to write the dialogue that will exist between H.L. Mencken and Billy Sunday. The dialogue must include the following:
Brief opening introduction, or exchange, between these two iconic figures of the 1920’s. Assume they know “of” each other but are meeting for the first time.
An Explanation of their perspective regarding themotives/causes behind the shift in American culture towards cultural (and religious) fundamentalism
Perspectives from both gentlemen on the motives and effects of the following events:
- Growth of Consumerism and America’s addiction to Business
- 1St Red Scare and the Palmer Raids
- Sacco and Vanzetti trial
- Reemergence of KKK
- Scopes Trial
- Prohibition (Dry vs. Wets, Gangsters)
- Flappers and Margaret Sanger
Perspectives must include specific evidence referenced from the sources made available.
A prediction of what the next few years will bring
The course of the dialogue should be realistic (feel free to document Slang of the 20’s) and each statement by the person in the dialogue should be opportunities for the student to demonstrate what he/she knows about the 1920’s and cultural fundamentalism.