Without Sanctuary
Studying these photos [and the course novels or poems] has engendered in me a sense of disgust with the United States when discussing the topic of slavery. By reading the novels of the class we get an idea of the social injustices that occurred during the time period. The novels allow us to get an overall view of how things were, and we are given histories of what happened to the characters. In Lecture, Professor Keller said that Morrison wanted ­Beloved to be a commemoration in remembrance of all those victims of slavery since there were none around. It is not a true story about one African American who suffered injustices, but symbolizes all victims. This offers us as readers some sense of security knowing that these are fictional stories, loosely based on truth. With this sense of security we are able to tolerate the cruelty and brutality the character of the novel endure.

However, the pictures offer a deeper look into life around the turn of the century. They bring us to a place with faces and names that offer us a horrific look into life of the past, and do not offer the same sense of security the novels do. Without knowing the histories of what these African Americans have done we immediately feel sympathy for them, and spite/hatred/disgust towards those who committed these crimes.

I have a hard time viewing the pictures especially those pictures with gatherings (such as The Jesse Washington Postcard and The Photo Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith (with actual hair in the frame) because I cannot understand where these whites are coming from, and how they can justify what they have done. Perhaps I am being selfish, but not only do I not understand why, but I also do not want to understand. In no way am I denying that these monstrosities occurred, saying that these activities were justifiable, nor am I trying to not commemorate the victims of these crimes, but I personally do not feel comfortable viewing such material. Truly a picture is worth a thousand words, and to me these pictures say more than the novels we have read. Yet, I am more comfortable reading the novels than looking at this website. It is far too real, gritty, and horrific.