Racism is so much a part of American culture that it was featured in everyday household objects. These items were found in countless white households – and you might be surprised by how blatantly racist they were.
#1: Toys
“Chopped Up Niggers” was a puzzle game featuring our people. Images of us were meant to be chopped up and put back together! The puzzle placed Black bodies at the mercy of the puzzle players. This normalized violence against our people in real life.
#2: Soap
Nigger Head Tar Soap was often used to soothe scalp issues such as psoriasis, dandruff, and skin allergies. These soaps all featured caricatures of Black faces with big bug eyes and gargantuan red lips.
#3: Greeting Cards
“Nigger Boy” cards were often used to spread joy, all while spreading racism and hatred.
#4: Geography
“Niggerhead” was used to describe any geographical feature that is “black and brisly.” Though the U.S. Board of Geographical Names changed most of these names to “Negro” on paper, some of these places still bear their original names on the physical landmarks.
#5: Playing Cards
What better way to enjoy your game of Bid Whist or Charades than to see caricatures of Africans with rings in their noses or little Black boys eating watermelon? “Little Nigger Boy” cards were way too popular.
The images displayed on our everyday objects were used to indoctrinate children into a racist social order and to normalize Black oppression and dehumanization. Many of them are even valuable collector’s items now. What items help reinforce white supremacy today?