I didn’t see (or read much about) the awards, so I had to look this up. It seems from some of the comments that I’m not the only one who didn’t “get” the cartoon right away. So, to make it clear:
Octavia Spencer (a black woman) won the supporting actress Oscar in 2012 for her role as a maid. Hattie McDaniel (another black woman) won the same category in 1939 for her role as a maid (that she was a slave weakens the implied irony). The cartoon seems to imply that since they were both maids (or supporting actresses?) nothing has changed. Of course a lot has changed; McDaniel had to sit at a separate table at the awards and when she died in 1952, she couldn’t be buried in the “white” cemetery. Black History month should be a reminder, not only of the contribution of Black Americans and past and present injustice, but also of how far we have advanced.
Motivemagus about 12 years ago
Ouch. Good one, Keef.
lutherg1 about 12 years ago
Bro’ Keith,Quit tryin’ to whitewash—Mammy was a SLAVE, not a maid. Huge difference.
Dapperdan61 Premium Member about 12 years ago
Viola Davis should also have won over Meryl Streep
baileydean about 12 years ago
It’s friction.
Pearl Deans Premium Member about 12 years ago
Happy Black History Month …
Yontrop about 12 years ago
I didn’t see (or read much about) the awards, so I had to look this up. It seems from some of the comments that I’m not the only one who didn’t “get” the cartoon right away. So, to make it clear:
Octavia Spencer (a black woman) won the supporting actress Oscar in 2012 for her role as a maid. Hattie McDaniel (another black woman) won the same category in 1939 for her role as a maid (that she was a slave weakens the implied irony). The cartoon seems to imply that since they were both maids (or supporting actresses?) nothing has changed. Of course a lot has changed; McDaniel had to sit at a separate table at the awards and when she died in 1952, she couldn’t be buried in the “white” cemetery. Black History month should be a reminder, not only of the contribution of Black Americans and past and present injustice, but also of how far we have advanced.
leweclectic about 12 years ago
Crumbs thrown out to appease The injustices of the pastBut not a crumb to change Those injustices that still lie Beneath their sodden feet