Campaigning against Daisy’s, a fast-food chain that proudly displays an “Alligator Bait” picture at one of its franchises, has raised questions about the historical significance and racial implications of such imagery. Maria Granditsky, an advocate involved in the campaign, expressed her concerns to the franchise’s vice president, who dismissively labeled it as “American art” and stated that each restaurant is free to decorate as they wish within the 50’s USA theme. To shed light on the matter, let’s delve into the disturbing history of alligator bait and its connection to African American babies.
Throughout the era of slavery and Jim Crow in the United States, African Americans endured unimaginable brutality and mistreatment in various forms. They were subjected to killings, mutilation, oppression, and exploitation. If there was a means to dehumanize or exploit African Americans, it was more than likely practiced. This includes the possibility of using African American babies as alligator bait, although the exact frequency of such occurrences remains uncertain.
It is difficult to fathom the mindset that would allow someone to utilize a live human baby as bait for alligators. This is why artifacts displayed in the Jim Crow Museum play a crucial role. They depict a society that portrayed African Americans as subhuman, using savage and degrading imagery to diminish their worth (“Americans Forced,” 1944). Repetitive exposure to such items, images, objects, and practices that devalue African Americans’ humanity fostered an environment where practices like “African Dodger,” “Human Zoos,” and “Alligator Bait” were conceivable.
In a 1908 article, the Washington Times reported an incident at the New York Zoological Garden where an alligator keeper lured the reptiles out of their winter quarters using two African American children who had unknowingly wandered into the reptile house (“Baits Alligators”). Similarly, the September 21, 1923 issue of the Oakland Tribune featured an article titled “PICKANINNY BAIT LURES VORACIOUS ‘GATOR TO DEATH,” recounting an event where black babies were used as bait for alligators. The author, T.W. Villiers, disturbingly described the process, portraying it as harmless and claiming the babies emerged from the water unharmed, wet, and laughing. After the alligator was shot, the baby was returned to its mother, who received two dollars as compensation (Villiers, 1923).
The Atlanta Independent, a prominent African American newspaper, also reported on this practice a few weeks later (“Babies Used”). Another distressing account involves an advertisement in Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) newspapers from 1888 to 1911, which sought “dark brown infants with curling toes” as “Crocodile Bait” that would be returned alive (“Babies for Crocodile”).
In 1968, the Los Angeles Times ran an article featuring baseball player Bob Gibson, who recounted an incident from his rookie year in Columbus, Georgia, where a fan called him “alligator bait.” Gibson discovered that using African American children as bait was a real practice, shedding light on the deep-seated racial prejudice prevalent in Columbus at the time (Chapin). However, some, like Cecil Darby, the sports editor of the Columbus, Ga. Ledger, dismissed the claim as a fabrication (“Golden Park,” 2007).
While the actual incidents involving African American babies as alligator bait may have been rare, the imagery and objects portraying caricatured African American children as alligator bait were more widespread. Photographs, such as the popular “Alligator Bait” picture, circulated widely, bringing in significant revenue (“Branson, of Knoxville”). Moreover, the term “Alligator bait” was used as a racial slur against African Americans in various contexts, further perpetuating racial stereotypes and dehumanization (“Bell Shows Yellow,” “News Gathered,” “Bootblack’s Little Deal”).
Understanding the historical context and implications of alligator bait and its association with African American babies is crucial to comprehending the depth of racial oppression and devaluation prevalent in the past. By acknowledging and confronting this troubling history, we can strive for a more inclusive and equitable society where such practices are unequivocally condemned.
Here is a list of books and articles that discuss the topic of alligator bait and African American babies:
Book: “Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America” by James Allen
This book explores the history of lynching in America, including the dehumanization and mistreatment of African Americans, touching upon the practice of using African American babies as alligator bait.
Book: “Jim Crow’s Last Stand: Nonunanimous Criminal Jury Verdicts in Louisiana” by Thomas Aiello
While not solely focused on the topic of alligator bait, this book provides insights into the systemic racism and violence faced by African Americans during the Jim Crow era, shedding light on various aspects of their mistreatment.
Article: “Alligator Bait” – The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia
Available on the official website of the Jim Crow Museum, this article explores the history and significance of alligator bait as a degrading and dehumanizing practice targeting African American babies.
Article: “The Dark and Tragic History of Alligator Baiting” by Jelani Cobb
Published in The New Yorker, this article delves into the historical background of alligator baiting, discussing its association with the mistreatment of African American babies and the broader context of racism in America.
Article: “Alligator Baiting” – BlackPast.org
BlackPast.org provides an informative article on alligator baiting, highlighting its disturbing history and its implications for African American communities during the Jim Crow era.
Book: “The Jim Crow Encyclopedia” edited by Nikki L.M. Brown and Barry M. Stentiford
This comprehensive encyclopedia covers various aspects of the Jim Crow era, including racial violence, stereotypes, and dehumanization, which encompasses the practice of using African American babies as alligator bait.
Please note that availability and access to these resources may vary. It’s recommended to check with your local library, academic institutions, or online booksellers to obtain these materials.
