jan 1, 1899 - The Pickanninie

Description:

The Pickaninnies are racial caricatures of black children that suggests all black children are impoverished. The character first appeared as the character Topsy, in Harriet Beecher Stowes novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Topsy was a slovenly dressed, disreputable, uncared for slave girl. Stowe tired to depict neglect faced by so many children born to slave parents hoping to appeal to the abolitionist movement. Instead many white people became fascinated with the character as a “wild child” and stage Topsys and other pickaninny characters emerged. They were happy, mirthful characters that basked in their misfortunes, stole food and wore ragged clothes. Pickaninnies have bulging eyes, red lips, unkempt hair, wide mouths and devilish habits. The stereotypes being depicted implicates all blacks because it suggests that black parents are inherently indifferent to their children’s wellbeing. This enables whites to justify their treatment of African Americans.

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: