Heather Bode

ARTE 344
10 October 2016
Look B(l)ack
In Dr. Wanda B. Knights art lecture, Look B(l)ack: Examining the Monstrous History
of Black Oppression Through Racist Images, my eyes were opened to the fact that images are a
language. According to Knight, our entire DNA is African which I did not know prior to this
lecture. It is saddening that the social history of black images includes savages, hyper sexual
predators, and threats to society. Knight stated there is racial conflict in America and the legacy
continues. It is important as educators to try to diminish that legacy. Knight passed around a
black doll and it reminded me of how there are more white dolls in stores today than black dolls.
Knight declared stereotypes against black people have not always been present; the Ancient
Greeks believed Africans were the favorites of the gods and the sun loved them. Others believed
black skin was a curse. It is important to remember and realize that white privilege exists.
As stated by Knight, racial stereotypes include Mammy, Sambo, Tom, Coon, and
Pickaninny which she discussed in detail with many images. The Sambo communicated the idea
that plantations were heavenly. Knight discussed how the movie, All Coons look alike to me
by Ernest Hogan communicates the idea that all black people look the same. Uncle Tom is a
cook or butler, and takes care of white people. One image that I recognized was Mammy on the
Aunt Jemima pancake packages. She was displayed as fat and not a danger to the whole method
of slavery. The Aunt Jemima narrative is still present today but the narrative and look of the
images changes. These are structures made by white people. Knight stated the Pickaninny were
shown as black children, partly clothed, eating watermelon with red lips, less civilized, eaten or
chased by animals. Knight stated that messages are sent to black people through cards and books,

Heather Bode
ARTE 344
10 October 2016
such as Silly Goose!, that stated Dont poke your nose in other folks business. I did not
know that all of these racial stereotypes existed and I gained a lot of knowledge about them.
It was appalling that one of Knights past students believed that if all the elderly would
die then racism would not exist; thus, suggesting anti-racism. It is significant for educators to
speak about racial stereotypes with their students or else it will continue. These images and their
color choice, symbolism, design elements, and language induce trepidation and hatred. As a
teacher it is vital to acknowledge what images are shown in the classroom.
References
Knight, W. B. Look b(l)ack: examining the monstrous history of black oppression through racist
images. Art lecture and PowerPoint. 12 October 2016.