Just wanted to thank you for all of these. I started an Intro to Jazz class last week and these are keeping me motivated and interested. In fact, I had to watch a video tonight for the class that went into the minstrel shows, blues, and ragtime. There were a few quotes included in the ragtime section that made me chuckle and remember that every generation thinks the next generation is losing it, more outrageous, etc. Most of the quotes were just from white middle class men outraged by the popularity of ragtime, believing it to be almost like an attack on them for being popular because of its “negro influence.” They seemed quite convinced that society would crumble around everyone due to the popularity. These same men were also very displeased with all of the dance moves people were learning to dance along to the music.