Jos ephine Baker was a remarkable woman. The most impressive feature about her is her unwavering good hearted nature even when the world would turn against her (well America, not the world). One of the most clear and profound examples was when she was going back to her room and a woman spit on her. Josephine said that she didn't think of it because she had been taught that way, which for a Woman coming from France where she was treated with respect as another human being. I would have personally failed that test. But to be able to say 'they were taught that way' and not be even offended is remarkable and a testament to her character.
The environment in which Josephine grew up in was abominable, and the things she put up with in America like the Jim Crow laws, and later the Communist Scare where she was kicked off American soil suprises me that she would ever go back at all, especially after her first visit when things were worse than when she left. I suppose she went back to make a difference and help those people in her shoes because that was the kind of person she was. Her dedication to make things different in the states and help people of color was admirable to the highest degree.
Another thing I admired about Josephine was her opportunity grabbing enthusiasm. When she was given an opportunity to do something different or radical such as performing nude, she hardly hesitated at all. She enthusiastically took risks, got married many times, had a string of lovers male and female. She explored and lived her life in a way that most people can't live anymore. The pressure of modern society holds people like myself down, but I believe that Josephine would be better than myself and take the risks I wouldn't, despite where or when she was born. Her opportunity and wealth sprung out of her remarkable natural talent, allowing her to achieve the affluence she needed to try and change the world, especially with her difficult yet successful 'rainbow tribe'.
All-in-all, Josephine made the best out of the worst situation and came out on top.
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