Lynching Photos
Studying these photos has engendered in me a very palpable sickness and a deep sense of hatred for the onlookers in the postcards.
In Beloved and Native Son we were presented with a thorough look into the psychological aspect of slavery and racism. The authors each presented the mindset of those involved, and let us explore the causes to these horrible tragedies. Although the actions of white slaveowners, and white supremacists in general, cannot be justified and are undoubtedly cruel, through these novels we were introduced to reason for their actions against non-whites. For example, their ideas and notions were passed down from generation to generation, and no other ideals were entertained by the older generations. The newer generation learned racism from their parents and grandparents, and it was accepted as a normal way to view others who were different from themselves. However, after veiwing the postcards and photos of lynchings, and seeing the amount of spectators involved, and the inscriptions under the photos (i.e. "Coon Cooking", the burning of John Lee, photo 16) that present the lynchings as something very normal, I lose any sense of understanding as to the hatred and cruetly presented. The fact that these lynchings were turned into celebrations, and carnival like events, sickens me even more. I also find it very disturbing that these sort of injustices could take place in a country that is supposed to value freedom and intrinsic human rights above all else.
These photos have such a powerful impact because of the complete realization that lynchings and other injustices were not merely present in novels but in real life as well. In addition, the gruesomeness of many of the photos (i.e. Charred corpse of Jesse Washington, photo 23) incurs a very sick feeling physically, as well as emotionally. It is hard to put into words exactly how you feel after viewing these disgusting acts of cruelty, however, I have lost all respect for the perpetrators of these events, and by commiting these acts they have made themselves inhuman.
posted by don @ 4:34 PM
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