http://serr8d.blogspot.com/2007/10/bill-clinton-racist-postcard-buy-it-now.html
From the early days of our "First Black President". William Jefferson
Clinton, then a student
at Georgetown University, sent a postcard to his grandmother (whom he
addresses as "Mammaw") in
a nursing home in Hope, Arkansas, a 'racially insensitive' postcard (see
what we can do with
these politically correct arrows?) where we can see a black man
'poli****ng' a watermelon...
"In full: “Thought I would send you one of your cards just to prove I am
using them! My tests
are over and I’m just starting the second term. Hope you are well and
happy, Say hello to Buddy
& Ollie—See you at Easter.” Clinton has addressed the postcard, “Mrs.
Edith Cassidy, Hope
Nursing Home, Main Street, Hope, Arkansas,” adding his return address,
“Wm. J. Clinton, Box
289, GUDG, 20007.” The postcard bears a ballpoint notation under the
address, “Feb. 3, 1966,”
possibly in Cassidy’s hand. Apart from the early date, the most notable
feature of the postcard
is clearly the image: a grossly stereotypical caricature of a young
African-American boy
wearing an idiotic grin as he “****nes” a watermelon. A throwback to the
outrageously broad
****trayals of African-Americans of a century earlier, Clinton’s choice of
postcard is startling
on a number of levels: not only was he writing in the midst of the most
active civil-rights
movement in American history, but he himself would go on to earn a
reputation as one of the
greatest champions of racial minorities among modern American presidents.
The postcard is
housed in a handsome custom clamshell box together with a copy of
Clinton’s correspondence and
two ****traits. In fine condition, with a small brush to first letter of
signature, a bit of
mild toning, and a light vertical crease through address panel. A most
remarkable and revealing
item from a president whose legacy only continues to evolve! Auction LOA
John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA
and R&R COA.??"
|
