Evening star., 1952-01-04
Racial Bias in Theaters
Offensive and Absurd ,
McKeIdin Declares

Discrimination between the
races in theaters and other cul-
tural institutions is both often
sive and Illogical, Gov. McKeldin
Of Maryland declared today.
In requesting that william C.
Rogers, chairman Of Maryland's
Commission on Interracial Prob
lens and Relations, and his col
leagues seek a remedy in Balti-
more, the Governor observed that
Washington's practice varies as
does Maryland's.
Gov. McKeldin wrote: "Discrim-
ination between the races in the
aters and other cultural institu-
tions is both offensive and illogi-
cal. The absurdity of the prac-
tice is illustrated by the grossly
inconsistent and arbitrary man
ner Of its application both in this
State and elsewhere. For exam
pie. in Constitution Hall in Wash
ington, Negroes are not permitted
on the stage, but may and do sit
In the audience without restric-
ton.
On Stage, Banned in Audience.
simultaneously. in the same
city another theater which had
no objection to Negro actors on
the stage. forbade Negroes in the
audience. Still other places of en-
tertainment in that city allow
Negroes to appear on the stage
and also to be in the audience
without any type of segregation,
and apparently the general public
accepts the latter pattern as
normal.
"A similar capriciousness is ex-
hibited in Baltimore. Negro artists
are banished from the stage at
the Lyric, but members of their
race may and do sit through per-
formances without challenge or
complaint from white patrons.
Fords Theater, on the other hand,
follows the converse rule. It &C
cepts Negro actors. but restricts
Negro theater goers.
$50 far as / am aware no un-
toward effects have come from the
presence of Negro actors where
they are allowed to perform, and
no Objectionable incidents have
been reported because of Negro
attendance in the audience where
that Is permitted.
Points to Interval.
"Curiously. there was an interval
from 1914 to 1946 when Negroes
were not segregated while attend
ing performances at Fords. During
this period no unpleasantness
arose."
The Governor said that "it is
more probable that most people
thoughtlessly accept these practices
without realization of the hurt be-
ing caused to all concerned"
He suggested that the commits
sion discuss the problem in a fair
and calm spirit with the business
men concerned and added: I'll
prefer to believe that understand
ing can be achieved and the effort
Is certainly worth making"
"The goal of democracy is that
no member of any minority shall
suffer in any of his civil rights,
regardless Of his race, religion or
national origin. 1t may be granted
that we cannot in a single sweep
close the gap between our dis
criminatory practices and our
democratic ideals. This cannot be
fully attained except through long
and patient effort, but certain
significant steps can be taken
now and the matter I have here
outlined presents the opportunity
Tor one such STEP"
Calls For Early Report.
Gov. McKeldin pointed out that
FordS Theater has been picketed
for several years, because of the
policy affecting Negroes there. He
said many white people have been
reluctant to cross the picket line
and so in addition to the in
justice involved there have been
inconvenience to many persons
and economic loss.
1T may be that this is con-
tributing cause to the scantiness
Of the theatrical programs now
offered in Baltimore" the Cover
nor observed.
He asked the commission to
make an early report on results
OF its efforts. The commission was
set up by act of the Maryland
Legislature.
Maxna&s~ ElwA@1san Hunu~