Black American Memorabilia

[dsm]

You would think that only a racist would collect this stuff, but surprisingly not so. In his book titled, "The Art and History of Black Memorabilia: We Never Fade," Larry Buster states:

"Often harsh and painful to examine, these artifacts nonetheless offer an important window into American history. They have become highly valued collectibles, and especially so among African Americans."


I remember driving by a black memorabilia/antique store about four years ago (in a predominantly black neighborhood). I was really surprised this kind of store existed (and in a black neighborhood t'boot), but I also felt a sense of fascination too. To buy an antique black doll is one thing, but in the window they showed some things you'd think many people would find offensive (blackface prints etc..). Also, if you are white and have any black friends, are you really going to feel comfortable displaying this stuff?

On-line there are sites selling black memorabilia ranging anywhere from the 'mildly offense' to the 'very offensive.'









A child's sandpail

Ashtray

[WTF]

We used to have a lawn jockey when I was a kid. Wonder if it would be worth anything today? I'll have to go raid my parent's garage one of these days to see if it's still around.

Looked a lot like this...

[El Barto]

Is this surprising?

With the victimology of today's society, people identify with their ancestors. No one alive today was ever a slave in America, but if you didn't know this you might think so from listening to some people.

The same is true of other groups that were persecuted in the past, you could make a nice long list.

I don't really see any harm in it.

[underaged]

I have N.W.A.'s "Straight outta Compton" album.

[Alobar]

wow. I wonder if collecting Natzi memorabilia is big in Jewish circles

[BusterStacks]

I totally want that ashtray

There is a pancake house just outside Myrtle Beach called "Tar Baby's". Just to make sure that you don't think they are referring to something other than the obvious, there is a big entity on top of the restaurant that looks similar to the figurines. Really. I'm sure there's a story there that I just don't know.

[craig r]

Completely different type of exploitation and oppression.

craig

[dsm]

[ QUOTE ]
There is a pancake house just outside Myrtle Beach called "Tar Baby's."

[/ QUOTE ]

I yahooed the name and found this.....



Here's some of what the guy who took the photo had to say:

"I had to pull over when I saw it, the cadillac almost made squeeling sounds as I pulled into the parking lot to shoot the sign. The locals must've thought it weird that i was taking a photo of their favorite pancake house.. couldn't believe that this sh** was up in this day and age.."

-dsm

My recollection is that they had a similar picture on the roof of the restaurant. Every time I've driven past it (been down there 3 or 4 times in the last 10 years) I've wondered the same thing. There's got to be a story there. Maybe it's owned by a black man/woman who is poking fun at the stereotype, I don't know. That's the only thing I could think of that could explain it.