Lies, stereotypes and mugshots

Banned Histories of Race in America

Enslavers watched us break our backs in the fields from sun up to sundown. And then they said we were lazy.

They made it illegal for us to read and write. And then they said we were incapable of human thought.

Thomas Jefferson said, “Blacks smell bad,” and that we’re “physically unattractive.” You know goddamn well he knew he was lying. They all were.

But the enslavers didn’t tell those lies to convince each other. And they certainly weren’t trying to convince anyone who looked like me. They were telling those lies to “low whites”. They needed them to believe Black people were less-than so being “low” could have value. Not real value, of course. You won’t have money or power or any true agency, but at least you’re not born lazy, stupid, stinking and ugly.

Jefferson also said that Black people are “incapable of feeling grief”. Do what you want to these lazy, stupid, stinking, ugly creatures and don’t feel the least bit bad about it because they sure won’t! It doesn’t take much to notice those lies became lasting stereotypes excusing and incentivizing cruelty that continues even now.

It goes further. Jefferson also said that Black people had weak lungs. Last year a study was published showing that software in common medical tests believe that, too, resulting in 40% fewer Black men being diagnosed with breathing problems. Consider the implications with COPD or even COVID.

Like Faulkner said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

Now, as one last Black History Month bonus, here are my Top 8 mugshots of all time!

Goldie Williams was arrested for vagrancy,, though her clothes and demeanor seem to disagree.

Lead Belly was once let out of prison because he wrote a song the governor loved.

Minnie Bradley was arrested for pickpocketing and was also done with your bullshit.

There’s something about him not being in a suit that has a whole different vibe.

Mattie Brown was also arrested for pickpocketing and would literally not stand for your bullshit.

Detroit Red.

You know.

Did you know Richard Pryor was a beautiful singer?

Sources:

https://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch15s28.html#:~:text=Those%20numberless%20afflictions%2C%20which%20render,more%20of%20sensation%20than%20reflection

https://apnews.com/article/black-racial-bias-lung-medical-diagnosis-e1f73be6d00f17091600b6f21f20264d