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On
using the term "black"
Since these homepages focus on racial oppression the term
"black" is being used (as opposed to
"white") rather than the ethnic term
"African-American" as parallel to
"Italian-American", "Irish-American"
etc.
On using so-called
"negative" pictures
Since American Pictures try to convey the devastating
results of oppression, the pictures I use
portray primarily the people most visibly defeated and
crushed by oppression! (I also take many photos of
"black culture," but only use them in a few
cultural or religious sections of the show since it's
subject matter is not "black
culture", "human life in general", or a
"demographic description of America"
etc.)
In all oppressions there is a victim. Some societies
bring up their children to see the existence of such
victims as "society's fault" (so society much
constantly change!) - and thus view the people in my
pictures with a sense of solidarity.
However, the Internet also reaches into very racist
societies, where people are brought up to unconsciously
put the blame on the victims themselves. Concerned people
in those societies will generally try to avoid the use of
such pictures for fear that they will cause negative
stereotyping. Instead they will focus on what they call
"positive images" - that is to say - images of
those who "succeeded" in spite of
oppression.
I believe that (in an educational context) it is
important to use pictures that can help enlighten us
about our responsibilities towards the "least of our
brethren" through a deeper insight, understanding
and subsequent change of the oppressive sides of our own
behavior.
The opposite - for all its good intentions - ends up
as just another "sweeping under the carpet" -
the type of evasive guilt-ridden racism which silently
forced millions of people into rejection, ghettos and
eventual despair and anger.
Besides, in a society such as the U.S. where negative
thinking about blacks now runs so deep that pretty much
no taxi driver will pick up a black man at night, it is
pretty safe to say that you can't possibly reinforce
people's negative thinking. Fear is running so deep in
white Americans now, I sense, that no amount of Bill
Cossby-type "positive" shows on prime time TV
will do the slightest to decrease the negative thinking
and fear generated by un-ending reports of black men in
handcuffs on the evening news.
Only personal social interaction with blacks will. Or
a more honest form of education about the oppressive
social forces which daily mould and create people who
actually look and behave like "negative
stereotypes."
Therefore American Pictures tries to explain and
honestly portray - rather than avoid - such widely held
stereotypes as "black apathy (in the U.S.)",
"black anger" and other obvious results
of long term oppression.
More disclaimers to follow....
If you have other questions concerning issues brought up
by American Pictures or these home pages please
send an e-mail
to Jacob Holdt, who will try to answer them
here.
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