Through a rich interpretation of the remarkable photographs W. E. B. Du Bois compiled for the American Negro Exhibit at the 1900 Paris Exposition; Shawn Michelle Smith reveals the visual dimension of the color line that Du Bois famously called ldquo;the problem of the twentieth century.rdquo; Du Boisrsquo;s prize-winning exhibit consisted of three albums together containing 363 black-and-white photographs; mostly of middle-class African Americans from Atlanta and other parts of Georgia. Smith provides an extensive analysis of the images; the antiracist message Du Bois conveyed by collecting and displaying them; and their connection to his critical thought. She contends that Du Bois was an early visual theorist of race and racism and demonstrates how such an understanding makes the important concepts he developedmdash;including double consciousness; the color line; the Veil; and second sightmdash;available to visual culture and African American studies scholars in powerful new ways. Smith reads Du Boisrsquo;s photographs in relation to other turn-of-the-century images such as scientific typologies; criminal mugshots; racist caricatures; and lynching photographs. By juxtaposing these images with reproductions from Du Boisrsquo;s exhibition archive; Smith shows how Du Bois deliberately challenged racist representations of African Americans. Emphasizing the importance of comparing multiple visual archives; Photography on the Color Line reinvigorates understandings of the stakes of representation and the fundamental connections between race and visual culture in the United States.
#3756857 in eBooks 2013-08-30 2013-08-30File Name: B00EXPJBN0
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A spiritual treasureBy TrancelucenceThere are some books that resonate on a spiritual level; engaging your soul as well as your mind. For me this is one of them. The Eastern orthodox iconography is intriguing and complementary; but it is Mirabai Starrs reflections that speak directly to the heart. Loaded with uplifting prayers. In the preface Starr writes: "In a world struggling against senseless violence and growing economic disparity; Mary offers a feminine antidote to the poisons of poverty and war. She mediates the generational feud between the children of Abraham. Where society demands competition; Mary teaches cooperation. In place of mindless consumerism; she models compassionate service. She refuses to be defined as the passive; obedient handmaid of the Father. She is the radical; powerful; engaged Mother of the World." These are reasons why Mother Mary is honored by people of many faiths- she offers hope and love in the face of uncertainty and fear. I bought the hardcover version and its one of my most treasured possessions (along with Queen of Angels. Highest recommendation.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Prayerful; Enriching ReadBy Mary Jo BeallMother of God Similar to Fire is a wonderful instrument for deepening ones appreciation and love of Mary; Mother of God and our Mother. I could sit with the icons alone and move inward; but the prayer poems associated with each icon are so creative and moving that I was drawn further in and achieved my goal to know Mary better and love her more. This book has been a blessing for me.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful Window into the Marion MysteriesBy Roxanne Howe-Murphy; Deep CoachingAfter buying a hardbound version for myself; I bought 2 more copies in softbound for friends. I would have purchased hardbound if it had been available at the original price. The icons are exquisitely painted. My experience is that many of them drew me into the Mystery; as icons are meant to do. The verses provide poetic interpretations that the reader can use to discover his or her own meanings.