Micki McElya argues that the figure of the loyal slave has played a powerful role in modern American politics and culture. Loving, hating, pitying or pining for 'mammy' became a way for Americans to make sense of shifting economic, social, and racial realities and some black people's contentment with servitude.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. [261]-304) and index.
Contents
Introduction : The faithful servant -- The life of "Aunt Jemima" -- Anxious performances -- The line between mother and mammy -- Monumental power -- The violence of affection -- Confronting the mammy problem -- Epilogue : Recasting the faithful slave.
