Ferris State University, in Big Rapids, Michigan is a historically black university. It is also home to one of the most interesting museums in the United States of America: The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia. One on-line exhibit is devoted to The Picaninny Caricature.
From the museum's website:
The picaninny was the dominant racial caricature of Black children for most of this country's history. They were "child coons," miniature versions of Stepin Fetchit (see the section on the coon caricature). Picaninnies had bulging eyes, unkempt hair, red lips, and wide mouths into which they stuffed huge slices of watermelon. They were themselves tasty morsels for alligators. They were routinely shown on postcards, posters, and other ephemera being chased or eaten. Picaninnies were portrayed as nameless, shiftless natural buffoons running from alligators and toward fried chicken. [footnote omitted]
Some of the images presented as examples of hateful imagery:
The museum also has online exhibits dedicated to depictions at the intersection of misogyny and race hatred. Two of these are here and here.
From The Mammy Caricature:
- Is this funny?
- Is this cute?
A slogan from the Museum:
Interesting read, especially also the contemporary part which includes Michelle Obama. I'll be more aware in my assessment of Michelle Obama after learning about the sapphire caricature. Thank you.
Posted by: Mirlo | December 14, 2008 at 10:35 AM