American Racial Stereotypes - The Wedding

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American Racial Stereotypes - The Wedding

American Racial Stereotypes - The Wedding.
19th century

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 23081888

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Minister Stereotype Stereotypes Racial

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative 19th century image, titled "American Racial Stereotypes - The Wedding," offers a sobering glimpse into the deeply entrenched racial prejudices that once pervaded American society. The photograph captures a scene of a wedding ceremony between a black couple, with the bride in a simple white gown and the groom in a formal suit, standing before a minister in a church. However, the stereotypical caricatures of African Americans that surround them betray the innocence and sanctity of the moment. The couple is flanked by a group of onlookers, their features exaggerated and distorted in a grotesque display of racial stereotypes. The man in the foreground, with his bulging eyes, oversized lips, and exaggerated body proportions, is a common representation of the "Sambo" stereotype - a derogatory portrayal of African Americans as lazy, childlike, and subservient. The women in the background, with their exaggerated hip curves and large, round features, are reminiscent of the "Mammy" stereotype - a dehumanizing image of African American women as loyal, asexual caretakers. The presence of these stereotypes in the context of a wedding ceremony underscores the pervasive nature of racial prejudice in American society during the 19th century. It serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted beliefs and attitudes that perpetuated discrimination and inequality against African Americans, and the long journey towards racial equality that still lay ahead. Despite the offensive nature of this image, it is an important historical artifact that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history. It serves as a reminder of the need to confront and challenge racial stereotypes, and to strive for a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

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