Illustrated PrejudiceA Visual Guide to Discrimination in “Jim Crow”

America

Introduction

The old saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words.

However, words can’t express the hatred, injustice and discrimination that were brought about under Jim Crow

The following images show the inaccurate portrayal of African Americans in this era, and how they were discriminated against.

These images were compiled for a solely educational purpose and not intended to offend anyone. The purpose is solely to illustrate the perceptions of this era and connect to literature. The images are not a reflection of my personal beliefs or those of IUP.

Be Advised: These images are offensive and may make you angry or uncomfortable

PortrayalThese images portray

African Americans as lazy, uneducated, unattractive

and dumb.The bottom right hand

image portrays the chef denying that the child is

his son. These helped to illustrate the idea that blacks were lesser and unfortunately many believed it, like the mayor’s wife in The Color

Purple

Film & MediaMajor media such as Disney films, popular comics, and T.V. shows

like Tom & Jerry (bottom left), and Amos and Andy portrayed blacks

as inadequate This media presented this hateful idea to children and reinforced the

perception.

Discrimination

Signs that segregated restrooms, movie theaters, restaurants, and

waiting rooms were commonplace.The Ku Klux Klan terrorized black individuals (much like John D in

Beloved) during this time. However, they were portrayed as gallant in the

white community.Segregation also enforced divided transportation, like in The Color

Purple.

Why does it matter?

Unfortunately, these hateful images still occur today.

However, society can educate people and explain how these images have adverse effects

and why racism is not appropriate.

Image Credits

Dr. David Pilgrim, Vice President for Diversity and InclusionFounder of the Jim Crow MuseumFerris State University2012

http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/news/jimcrow/FAQ.htm