Discussion Questions "Spectacles of Whiteness" Kaitlyn Bavuso

1. It basically is saying try and put yourself in their shoes during this time period of racial profiling. To recall Bell Hook’s quote, "The camera was the central instrument by which blacks could disprove representations of us created by white folks”, it coincides with idea of demoralizing and dehumanization amongst the African American community based on photographs. In both this article, as well as Willis’ book, there were several instances of demoralizing them. The stereotypes other cultures placed on the African and African American community was way to demonstrate their “Blackness” according to white community. But what was striking was how African American photographers would capture photos of their community demonstrating the same qualities and activities as the white community. They challenged the white community by demonstrating photographs of prominent and iconic figures in their community, as well as every-day middle class citizens. They were effectively and subtly challenging white stereotypes by using a camera. After reviewing these photographs, it made me think about how much influence photographs had on different communities. It was depressing to see how one another cultures would be so biased and stereotypical based on photographs.
2. The photographs shown on pages 124-126 were visible demonstration of white power to me. The way the white audience would interact with the camera was very authoritative. Their expressions would demonstrate their racial superiority in those photographs. They would stare directly into the camera, with no emotion or remorse. “White individuals meet the camera boldly and directly, making explicit the ways in which the law privileges and protects them” (126).  They knew that because their social status that they were entitled to so much more than those who had different skin color.
3. The difference between a mug shot and studio portrait is the context of the picture. A mug shot is a forced photograph, and is typically associated with criminal activities. Whereas studio portraits would often associated with a more pleasant and conservative route. They would incorporate props and backgrounds that would enhance the sitter and the photograph. Studio portraits were taken as way to defy the stereotypes placed on the African and African American community. Whereas a mug shot, would fit certain stereotypes. Though I will say that their faces in both mug shots and studio portraits rely a similar quality which is no facial expressions whatsoever.
4. On pages 132-135, the lynching of Rubin Stacy, demonstrates white violence at its worst. The photograph shows his lifeless body hanging, with his wrists, and feet handcuffed together. His neck was titled off to this side to indicate that it was probably broken. His body was mangled looking and was very dismal to see.  Yet was so strange was the people surrounding him in the photograph, they seemed to be pleased with what has happened to him and have a sense of justice on their faces.
5. What was the disturbing part of this how article was how the white community would make a spectacle out of the lynching. They would even go as far has smiling towards the camera, to demonstrate their authority and happiness that someone was killed.  On page 120 the quote “What takes the breath away is the sight of all the white people, mask less, milling about, looking straight into the camera as if they had nothing to be ashamed of, often smiling. Sometimes they line up in an orderly fashion as if they were at a class reunion or church picnic”. Struck me as how could this community have no remorse after killing another person, and most of the time they were innocent none the less.
6. Smith’s choice of photographs fits perfectly with how the white community still felt as if they were the superior culture. They would still continue to dehumanize the black culture, with not just photographs but even as far as capturing their worst actions physically and violently such as the lynching. The way the photographs captured the faces of the white community said everything as to how they felt towards the African American community. The images of the white community smiling and having their children witness this horrendous events further her argument about racial supremacy.