deprecating

“It’s so self deprecating without being pandering, you know?”

As early as 1989, Gaines had conceived of a show that would juxtapose powerful contemporary work by Black Americans with deprecating excerpts by art critics, highlighting the profound mismeasure of these artists’ achievements.

The latter, with its intro of “La-las,” was unlike anything on the radio at the time and with Holland’s deprecating lyrics about not having self-esteem, it was a song that struck a chord.

"Funny, self deprecating, sharp, charming, strong, honest and a fantastic listener. His legacy is enormous."

Mainstream historians, even while deprecating his politics and calling his opposition to aiding Britain misguided, nevertheless give him points for principle and integrity.