This photo was sent to my mother "back in the day" along with a message from R.H. Macy saying "We hope you enjoy this radio feature presented Thursday Night at 9:45". The first thought to come to mind was "I really don't like Macy's beginnings". After that I thought "Why are they in full minstrel make-up for a radio show? Did they think it would help them to sound more "black"? I am so sure they sounded exactly like condescending white males poking fun at a race/culture that they were afraid of and didn't understand. I was actually looking for a vintage fashion shot when I found this, but since Macy's is a vendor in the fashion industry, I thought it was appropriate to show just how unfashionable their roots are.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Macy's Dirty Past
This photo was sent to my mother "back in the day" along with a message from R.H. Macy saying "We hope you enjoy this radio feature presented Thursday Night at 9:45". The first thought to come to mind was "I really don't like Macy's beginnings". After that I thought "Why are they in full minstrel make-up for a radio show? Did they think it would help them to sound more "black"? I am so sure they sounded exactly like condescending white males poking fun at a race/culture that they were afraid of and didn't understand. I was actually looking for a vintage fashion shot when I found this, but since Macy's is a vendor in the fashion industry, I thought it was appropriate to show just how unfashionable their roots are.
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3 comments:
Those two 'black men' look like the Dutch's Zwarte Piet.
http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zwarte_Piet
It's a national holiday over here. And those 'Black Pete' slaves are helping out 'Sinterklaas' giving presents to little childeren. :)
JD: Thank you for the info. on Sinterklaas's slaves.
What nostalgia...I loved what you said about this pic too..
Thanks for the comment. Really, though, I have left Emily's "past" more or less a mystery. ..not wanting to make it sappy.
Hope you had a warm day..Rain here..in the forecast. Hopefully, ice will not be involved..but if its too warm..flooding perhaps.
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