Black Propaganda: A Thing of the Past?


By: Jordan Wilson

January 23, 2020

Throughout American history, propaganda has shaped society’s view on current issues. Usually, It is used to try to sway the viewer into having a certain opinion. These opinions can have a negative or positive connotation, depending on whether or not you belong to the targeted group.

When it comes to propaganda, the Black community has always gotten the short end of the stick. Throughout America's most important historical events, people have used propaganda to oppress African Americans. In this article, I will go through just a few, in order to help you, the reader, learn from the past. These disservices to the Black community today aren't new at all. By reading this, I hope you will improve your ability to spot these fabrications when they occur.

The Civil War

This Drawing depicts two African American soldiers during the Civil war. Whether this was by the Confederates or the Union, it doesn't really matter.

This picture is meant to be a joke. The joke is that when two black soldiers come into contact, instead of fighting like proper soldiers, they act like this.

This kind of art doesn't end in the 19 century. Stereotypes like this are still prevalent in online jokes today.

The Civil War 2

This picture is about the suffrage of African Americans. This pro confederate poster is meant to convince voters to "Read the platforms." By this, they mean they should know who of their representatives is on the "White Man Side", and who is on the "Negro Side".

By depicting the Negro Side in such a manner, It's clear which side this poster is trying to sway you to.

Reconstruction

The artist behind this Particular picture, Thomas Nast, was a crucial figure in designing many of Americas most important symbols. Symbols such as the Democratic Donkey and The Republican Elephant came from this man. He was also a supporter of Abraham Lincoln.

However, his imagery is very contradictory to this fact, as many were during this time. He depicts the black legislators as incompetent and stooping to name calling.

And they kind of look like monkeys...

King Kong

Although at first King Kong may seem relatively unoffensive, if you take deeper look, some disturbing truths come to light.

King Kong is depicted as a savage ape like beast, inhumane in every way. However in many depictions he is often seen pawning after.. A white woman. Though I'm not claiming right out that King Kong is racist, the fact that the first King Kong came out in 1933 makes me feel this is no coincidence.

World War II

This image may or may not be another joke. However, whether the author was serious or not doesn't matter.

While the real men are away fighting for our country, the women left behind are being ransacked by the "Negroes." The blacks are depicted at fat and disheveled, and the women are cowering in fear.

Civil rights Movement

These whites beg the question: "Where are Our Civil Rights?" which sounds eerily similar to another turn of phrase used today in response to Black Lives Matter. As I said, it still happens today.

On the left there is also a young boy displaying a sign on his parents' car. Using children to get a message across is a way to disassociate themselves from the acts they know are wrong, as well as continuing this perpetual cycle of hate.

Cold War

This Image is not an American Picture; however, it is about American culture. In retaliation of claims of racism towards their country from Americans, the Soviet Union created this picture to demonstrate their moral superiority over the US. However, this image is horrifyingly graphic. I don't believe it to be normal to depict a human being in this manner.

The picture is referring to the thousands of Blacks lynched in the United states, and how we can't call out the Soviet Union because "They haven't lynched any Negros." Basically, this says, "I did this, but you did this, so I'm absolved from any blame!"

Politics... Smh

Cartoons

Disney has been a dominating force in animation for decades. However, it's easy to forget that this large corporation is run by people as well, And people have agendas.

This short clip is filled with scenes from Disney movies that are offensive not just to Blacks, but Chinese people, Native Americans and others.

All lives Matter

Yes, All lives matter; no one was arguing against that (well maybe some people). But stating this is missing the point of the movement.

I am not with or against the Black Lives Matter movement. Both of my parents and my sister are police officers, so I have a bit of bias. But I do understand the point behind the movement. All lives matter, therefore, why are Black lives being treated as if they don't? This is the main point of the movement. However, many say this to ignore the struggles of the Black community, and pass it off as if Blacks are just complaining.

Remember when I mentioned this earlier?

Even today, Propaganda, Dog whistles, and other forms of oppression still plague American society. However, It is our job to spot these things and bring them to light so these people don't get away with it.

Happy Black History Month.