The Authentic History Center:

African American Stereotypes:
Alligator Theme

Analysis of a large collection of artifacts with racist African American imagery reveals several common themes. One is the portrayal of Black people, especially (often naked) children, as food for alligators. Imagery of Blacks as "alligator bait" can be found on prints, postcards, and even in product advertising. Some modern-day items still connect Black people to hungry alligators.

1897 Print: "Alligator Bait"

c.1900s Postcard: "Alligator Bait, Florida"

1902 Stainilgo Stain Removal advertisement

1905 Postcard: "To catch me drop a line"

1909 Postcard: "Alligator Bait", from Quincy, Florida

1911 Postcard: "Alligator Bait"

1914 Postcard: "Alligator Bait"

c.1920s Little African Licorice

c.1920s Postcard

c.1930s Alligator with Black Boy

c.1940s Alligator with Black Baby in its mouth

c.1940s Postcard: "A Darky's Prayer, Florida"

c.1950s Alligator with Black boy in its mouth

Amos, by Sybil Malmberg (1957)

Amos is an attempt to rectify past injustices done to blacks in children's literature. Nevertheless, it still reflects the stereotypes of the 1950s. Given the alligator imagery presented here, the scene in the book where the children befriend an alligator becomes very tension-filled as the reader wonders if the beast's overtures are sincere.

c.1960s Alligator with Black child Pencil Holder

c.1960s Bottle Opener

c.1960s Postcard: "Free Lunch In The Florida Everglades"

c.1960s Postcard: "A Darkey's Prayer"

Albert The Alligator (2000)

2000s Pocket Mirror that uses an image from a 19th Century Victorian Trade Card