In 2022, many things raise questions of appropriateness. Whether it is language or actions, we learn more each day about the impact of our attitudes and beliefs on others and on society in general. We analyze historical figures and practices through ever refined lenses with an eye toward gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and other attributes. It is no surprise, therefore, that collectibles come under the same scrutiny.
Black Americana has long been a hobby exemplifying this two-edged sword. While we need to eradicate the prejudices that oppress people, we also want to understand our history. I have collected books on Nazi Germany for decades. When my kids' friends came to our house, they always had to explain that their father was a historian and not a white supremacist. Done with sensitivity and requisite perspective, we can learn much from past wrongs.
Still, there are those items that make us wince. A friend of mine in Pittsburgh has a collection of Edison records with virulently anti-Semitic songs. Children's toys, such as this Wacky Walker, were common in the 60's. And there are many examples of early 20th century sheet music with wildly racist lyrics and performers in Blackface. And while Europe widely bans the sale of Nazi memorabilia, the U.S. has very few such limitations.
When I was a teacher, I used such items to teach young people about the horrors of racism, misogyny, homophobia and other prejudices. I still believe we can learn from these past relics and apply that knowledge to building a better society.