Mahershala Ali's depiction of Don Shirley is a great representation of how black people were treated/felt in the 1920’s. Shirley's line "If I'm not black enough, if I'm not white enough, if I'm not normal enough, then what am I?” This quote perfectly demonstrates his feelings of “not belonging”. Black people around this time period were always looked down upon whether they were a genius or just stupid. Mahershala's character eventually develops and learns to embrace vulnerability and authenticity which helped him gain respect for himself.
Don Shirley's character development took a while to shift but there was an abrupt change in his character when after him and Lip ate fried chicken in the car to one of Don's shows. It was obvious his feelings towards Lip changed. He felt more comfortable around him that day on. The journey south forces him to confront not just external racism, but his own isolation from both communities. Shirley learns something crucial from Tony: the value of genuine human connection over physiological and physical isolation.
Tony Lips' character has a much more obvious development than Don Shirley. The movie begins with him having a lot of crude and racist assumptions. Soon after he meets Don his racist assumptions and remarks shift. His character does point to the future, he represents the possibility of change through personal relationship and shared experience. Lip soon learns and accepts that friendships can be made regardless of skin color.
Yes, his character changed heavily towards the end of the movie. Lip started off with prejudice and negative thoughts about black people. After meeting Don however, his feelings went from negative to positive. His commitment to his passion drew Lip in and they eventually became close friends.
If I were a talented black artist faced with a society that tries to keep you from contributing to its culture I would do everything in my power to make a name for myself. As difficult as it was back then for black people to express their true passions I think it would be amazing to successfully have a name out there for myself. It would be years or even decades of work but I think with hard and honest passion there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
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