Answer:
The main reason A-A were protesting in the 50's and 60's were for civil rights; aka equal rights. Segregation was a real problem in the US at this time, and since women were getting most of their rights via civil rights amendments, A-A's were also protesting.
Explanation:
The intented meaning behind Kaufman's use of understatement in relation to American drama is to show how the British act in serious situations. He is simply making fun of them and the way they behave. Kaufman is parodying British manners through the unconcerned characters.