The mid-eighteenth century was a confusing and revolutionary time period for the United States.1 After the Civil War the U.S. underwent a major paradigm shift in the racial hierarchy of the American people, with the emancipation and naturalization of former slaves, through the passage of the 13th and 14th Amendment, arrival of new immigrants, and changing demographic. President Ulysses S. Grant called for a celebration of Thanksgiving to give thanks for the reunification of the Union. Using symbols and labeling, Nast depicts a picturesque, utopian American society united by their common humanity, despite their perceived differences.2 Keller employs negative racial stereotypes and racialized portrayals of non Protestant-Anglo communities to
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With the the ratification of the 15th Amendment still being debated, black enfranchisement still had an unsure outlook in the future. Showing his political support and hoping to use his influence in the media, Thomas Nast’s political cartoon “Uncle Sam’s Thanksgiving Dinner” demonstrates a positive view of American society for the Reconstruction era. Uncle Sam acts as a kind, welcoming host, carving the turkey while his ethnically and racially diverse guests talk, waiting patiently and politely. Uncle Sam is a symbol of the federal government in action and express the possibility of a nation where the government’s power is reconciled with its promise of sanctuary implied with the portrait labeled Castle Garden where immigrants first arrive at port in New York.4 Columbia’s expression is kind and attentive, seated between an African man and a Chinese man with their …show more content…
Keller’s parody, in 1877, the same year marking the end of Reconstruction, of Nast’s original “Uncle Sam’s Thanksgiving” portrays the view of the non-united American society. There were backdoor deals leading to the withdrawal of troops from the South and continuous violence against blacks in the South causing many to believe Reconstruction had failed. Unlike Nast, who had earlier emphasized the common humanity of each racial and ethnic group with family values, Keller emphasizes the solidarity and barbaric nature of each race. An Englishman stares in disgust as a Chinese man consumes a rat, using chopsticks, rather than forks or knives.8 Uncle Sam is ready to consume the live turkey carried by the black butler, while Columbia appears distressed in the back, wearing the cook’s clothing. Through his ethnically distinct caricatures, Keller exaggerates the differences among each of ethnic group, such as the Chinese man, in order to highlight their inability and unwillingness to assimilate into American society. His portrayal of Uncle Sam symbolizes the Southern sentiments about the federal government 's actions during Reconstruction being catered towards blacks. Columbia’s attire and distress reflect Keller’s and many Anglo-Protestant ‘old crop’ immigrants’ belief that the enfranchisement of all men devalue the very ideals that built America and lower the standard of political and national
With the the ratification of the 15th Amendment still being debated, black enfranchisement still had an unsure outlook in the future. Showing his political support and hoping to use his influence in the media, Thomas Nast’s political cartoon “Uncle Sam’s Thanksgiving Dinner” demonstrates a positive view of American society for the Reconstruction era. Uncle Sam acts as a kind, welcoming host, carving the turkey while his ethnically and racially diverse guests talk, waiting patiently and politely. Uncle Sam is a symbol of the federal government in action and express the possibility of a nation where the government’s power is reconciled with its promise of sanctuary implied with the portrait labeled Castle Garden where immigrants first arrive at port in New York.4 Columbia’s expression is kind and attentive, seated between an African man and a Chinese man with their …show more content…
Keller’s parody, in 1877, the same year marking the end of Reconstruction, of Nast’s original “Uncle Sam’s Thanksgiving” portrays the view of the non-united American society. There were backdoor deals leading to the withdrawal of troops from the South and continuous violence against blacks in the South causing many to believe Reconstruction had failed. Unlike Nast, who had earlier emphasized the common humanity of each racial and ethnic group with family values, Keller emphasizes the solidarity and barbaric nature of each race. An Englishman stares in disgust as a Chinese man consumes a rat, using chopsticks, rather than forks or knives.8 Uncle Sam is ready to consume the live turkey carried by the black butler, while Columbia appears distressed in the back, wearing the cook’s clothing. Through his ethnically distinct caricatures, Keller exaggerates the differences among each of ethnic group, such as the Chinese man, in order to highlight their inability and unwillingness to assimilate into American society. His portrayal of Uncle Sam symbolizes the Southern sentiments about the federal government 's actions during Reconstruction being catered towards blacks. Columbia’s attire and distress reflect Keller’s and many Anglo-Protestant ‘old crop’ immigrants’ belief that the enfranchisement of all men devalue the very ideals that built America and lower the standard of political and national