Jim Crow generally refers to the laws and regulations that arose in the south following post -- Civil War Reconstruction. During this time, blacks were judge inferior to whites, creating in the whites' eyes the need for segregation. Because of mandated segregation established by these laws, African Americans were prevented from achieving economic, political, and cultural power and equality and persecuted if they overstepped any boundaries, and often even if they didn't. The term is used to refer to both the oppressive laws as well as the general time period during which they were predominant, the mid -- 1870's through the 1960's.We can see this mood in the following photographs.
Photograph #7
Caption:
"Segregated drinking fountains in the county courthouse in Albany, Georgia" August, 1962 (Lyon, 31)
Description:
This picture is in a hallway with ceramic tile floor, white upper walls and wood panel bottom. Straight ahead is a sign that reads ".WHITE", below the sign is a full size water fountain. Extended from the left is a small shorter porcelain bowl with a sign above it on the side wall that reads "COLORED".
Interpretation:
The size and quality of the fountains directly relates to America's view of the worth of a colored person compared to a white person. The small fountain with water coming directly out of the pipe from the wall is sufficient for colored people.
The size of each fountain says a great deal, the short bowl for coloreds says bow down to take a drink and be thankful that you can. The taller fountain for whites says stand and drink with pride because you deserve it.
The quality of each fountain says just as much. The small bowl gets water directly from the pipe extended from the wall with whatever temperature. The fountain houses a unit that not only filters water but cools it as well.
(Complete Lesson I {guided} & Lesson III {independently})
Photograph # 8
Title:
"Secondhand clothing stores and pawn shop on Beale Street" (October, 1939) by Marion Post Wolcott
Description:
The photographs include "Hotel Clark the Best Service for Colored Only". Hanging outside from the doorway and in front of the window are samples of clothing. Men are standing outside the store. In the distance is an Angel Loans, I am not certain who it service.
Interpretation:
The sign correlates to the fact blacks and whites are not equal. It also says that the best service for coloreds is used. It speaks to their limited funds by being a pawn shop as well. Come sell us what you can do without so you can buy something you need. The fact that it is only for colored also states that the quality of the second hand clothing is already second hand.
Angel Loan sign in the background seems to represent something else that they are not privileged to. Although it is not stated, the fact that the only place you see colored men standing is in front of Hotel Clark.
(Complete Lesson I {guided} & Lesson III {independently})