“The African-American may be the only race in the world that still continuously confronted by a distorted self image in product advertisements. From the beginning of slavery in the seventeenth century, to the present day African-Americans have fought not only for their freedom but to be understood and respected for their unique and cultural contributions.

The struggle can clearly be seen in the representation of African-Americans in advertising. The practice of advertising is to quickly link image and product in such a way that a lasting impression is created in the public’s mind. Both in America and abroad, advertisers distorted the role and the image of African Americans, until everyone becomes confused by the picture represented.” - The Museum of Public Relations

Take at look at these images and information from Alexandria Black History Museum’s Moss Kendrix collection. This exhibition is created to provide an overview of some of the ways African-Americans have been depicted in popular culture. Moss Kendrix was an African-American public relations executive, who changed the way Coca-Cola and Carnation products were marketed to African-Americans and his work is highlighted in the exhibit.

Introduction

The Life and Legacy of Moss Kendrix

The Coca-Cola Years

The Coca-Cola Proposal

SPECIAL REPORT: The Changing Face of the Urban Markets

The African-American Image Abroad: Golly, It’s Good!

The Advertiser’s Holy Trinity: Aunt Jemima, Rastus, and Uncle Ben

A Distorted Reflection: African-Americans and Beauty Products

What parallels can you make with regard to how African-Americans are seen in advertising today and the images and concepts shown in this advertising?

There just aren’t words enough to express how much we love Barack Obama.  Congrats, Mr President.

I’m a HBCU grad (HU! Bison!) and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say ” Let me piggyback on what he/she just said…” when in class or a group discussion. I hate it when one point is reiterated over and over…as if the point changes because the speaker put their “spin” on it. Just state your point. If I’m in the room, I heard what he/she said. You don’t need to give them credit for coming up with the hypothesis for which you base your brilliant point.

Just some side notes:

Black people will piggyback on your dreams: Your boy got a record deal and now he needs to put you on.

Hilary tried to piggyback on Barack for the VP nom…lol

The government is piggybacking on my paycheck: I pay taxes but will there be any social security money left for me??

and

You should lock down your wireless router so people don’t piggyback internet access off ya.

I’ll admit, it’s not the best options for skin care for many reasons. Experts note that it’s not water soluble, it can clog your pores, and it may cause your skin to peel (especially if you have eczema). But really, how many people do you know who attributed their clogged skin to petroleum jelly????  People, don’t hate on Vaseline. Petroleum jelly can be found in the ingredients of many African American Hair products e.g.pomades and greases. We’ve been using this stuff for a long, long time, with good results.  But of course it could be part of the reason some people say their hair doesn’t grow or they have scalp issues.  Ummm…something to think about.

What is the number one reason that black folks love Petroleum Jelly?  It masks Ashy-ness.  You could get some dermatologist suggested brand of lotion that costs twice or three times as much as good old jelly, but you and I both know that nothing clears us ASHY-NESS like Vaseline.

There are a variety of uses for Aluminum Foil that the folks DIY Life have posted. Since we always have it around…we might as well get full use out of it.

15 awesome uses for aluminum foil (more…)

Black people love doing line dances.  This morning we got a comment from G-Slyce saying, “Black people love dancing in public and doing line dances at white people clubs because they are the only ones who know how to do them.”  LOL!  Yes, this sometimes true.  Line dancing is a community building tradition.  At family reunions, clubs, bar-b-ques, and all manner of gathering, line dances are something that everyone bold enough to dance in public can participate in and have fun.  It’s one of the only times you’ll see a grown African American man getting dance lessons from a 13 year old girl.  It’s one of the only times you’ll see 4 generations on the dance floor at the same time grooving in unity.  Many times, there is even some of the call and response tradition involved.

Popular Line Dances

The Bus Stop
The Electric Slide
The Booty Call
The Cleveland Shuffle
The Chinese Checkers
The Cupid Shuffle
The Cha Cha Slide

What’s your favorite?

I live in a major metro area that has recently seen a lot of gentrification. A whole lot of it! So when I’m walking through some of the historically black neighborhood in the former hood and see remodeled houses with open windows, no blinds and curtains drawn, in the middle of the night…I always assume that the owners are part of the growing white (non-black) population.

Black people are not known to leave our windows uncovered all day and all night so that people can see our possessions in full view. We like our windows covered.  Black folks love curtains, blinds, and various types of window treatments. We love our privacy and we sometimes assume that our neighbors are nosy…and sometimes they are. Honestly, sometimes we are too, thus we notice open windows that display all manner of flat screen TVs and other valuables…oh and the occasional naked person. I don’t know why someone living in a major metro area would want the whole neighborhood to see their naughty bits…sad.

Older black women, especially, love a beautiful window treatments (drapes) that match the decor of a room. We’ve all see some antebellum looking drapes in someone’s grandmother’s living room (parlor room) accompanied by 1 or 2 pieces of furniture covered in plastic.

Go into any Asian owned nail shop in the black community and take a look at the color selection.  Then go to a nail salon that doesn’t primarily service black women and there are some colors that will most likely (no guarantee) be missing.  Bright green, neon orange,  deep blues…very unique colors.  French tips are usually white (I don’t think they belong on the feet, but…ok.  Do you.), but you’ll find sistas with  fuchsia tips…metallic gold tips…the possibilities are endless.   Many of these colors are loved because they absolutely POP against brown skin in a way that is so beautiful.

Sure, sure…lots of people just call these bright colors ghetto.  For many others, loud colors, contrasting tips, and designs are a unique art form that they love to have showcased on their bodies.  I say, “To each [her] own.” (NOTE: Fake nails are never acceptable.  You should never have a fake nail put on any of your toes unless you need a nail on the toe for medicinal purposes.  If your nail falls off and you just need to have a nail there…ok, that’s fine.)