Bubblegum Propaganda?

[blankcheque1914]

Around 1888-89, W.S. Kimball Cigarettes released their (perhaps now infamous) set titled "Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers" (N189). It's a pretty good example of the racist sentiments of the day. Native American chiefs as well as African and Asian rulers are featured dressed in colorful garb. I interpret that the artist intended to portray the rulers as "exotic" and "savage", as the name implies.

In a similar vein, Duke's Cigarettes had a set titled "Coins of All Nations" (N72), although I struggle to recommend this set purely for numismatic inquiry. Each card depicts a caricature that you might interpret as unflattering. For instance, the card for England portrays a "snobbish" woman above the facsimile of a Sovereign.

Collectors interested in the culture norms of the day (American Exceptionalism) will be attracted in these sets, but I imagine they aren’t for everyone.

[wdmullins]

Originally Posted by blankcheque1914

Around 1888-89, W.S. Kimball Cigarettes released their (perhaps now infamous) set titled "Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers" (N189). It's a pretty good example of the racist sentiments of the day. Native American chiefs as well as African and Asian rulers are featured dressed in colorful garb. I interpret that the artist intended to portray the rulers as "exotic" and "savage", as the name implies.

I was able to identify the original images that some of these cards were adapted from, and they seem to be fairly accurate. The people depicted were real, and they actually wore colorful garb in real life. I don't see how it is racist to show that.