Selling of the Black Man: 19th Century Comic Strip Advertising
WARNING: The below 19th century cartoons contain racist imagery and slurs.
No, not slavery. But a few examples (above & below) of late 19th century comic strip advertising, a mere ten to twenty years after the end of slavery. White advertisers played to the established prejudices of their mostly white customers, showing African Americans in a denigrating way (just as they did with Native Americans — click here to see — and other groups).
I’ve shown the two examples above and below before, in regards to pre YK sequential comics that told their stories via word balloons.
In the above circa 1870s-1880s two-panel comic strip for Obelisk Pickles, two white assailants are shown happily attacking and stealing from a black victim. That an advertiser had no problem using an ad of this type, speaks volumes.
Below, circa 1880s/early 1890s, an Arm & Hammer Baking Soda ad (one of several which they did in this vein). The three panels result from a tri-fold metamorphic card.
Click on the above & below pictures, to view them in more detail.
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Beneath, a giveaway comic book by the Geo. W Helme Co., manufacturers of Railroad Mills Snuff & Tobacco. In the 19th century, tobacco companies were major producers of comic books, strips, and cartoons, creating some of the most elaborate original works — and also, many of the most racist.
Below left is the 1885 cover. The 1886 version of this same comic book, drops the “133 Water St.” address from its cover.
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Having failed to win the girl he wants, our hero decides to ply her with drugs — Helmes’ Railroad Snuff! — which leads to success…
…and marriage! Ultimus (below left) is where the story ends in the 1885 version.
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| This advertising comic book was popular enough, that in 1886 the story was reprinted and expanded. And so in the 1886 version above right, the conclusion (Ultimus) was changed to Nuptials, so that the story could continue. Below, three additional panels take the story further, showing the couple’s children also happily addicted to tobacco, as is the couple themselves to the end of their days… |
Click here to find earlier African American History Month entries. And also here, to find earlier postings of 19th century comic strip advertising.
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— Doug
Absolutely fascinating stuff. My mother was from the deep south and had a lifelong snuff addiction. I never, never understood the attraction! UGH!