Photography and Social Change

Adam King
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the use of visual media by African Americans during the New Negro Movement to counter racist representations. It explores how photography was used to portray Black life with dignity and challenge stereotypes. The guide highlights the impact of James Van Der Zee, analyzes key photographs (e.g., "Garveyite Family"), and provides practice questions for the AP exam.
#AP African American Studies: Visual Media & The New Negro Movement 📸
Hey there, future AP Scholar! Let's dive into how photography became a game-changer for African Americans. This guide is designed to make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace this section on the exam. Let's get started!
#Visual Media for Social Change
#Countering Racist Representations
- Racist Depictions: Minstrel shows and caricatures were used to dehumanize African Americans. 🎭
- Photography as a Tool: Black scholars, artists, and activists used photography to fight back against these stereotypes. ✊
- Dignified Portrayals: They aimed to show the diversity, resilience, and humanity of Black communities.
- Challenging False Narratives: Photography helped dismantle harmful narratives perpetuated by the dominant white society. 💡
#New Negro Movement Photography
- Distinctive Black Aesthetic: The movement aimed to create a unique visual style that celebrated Black culture and identity. 🎨
- Everyday Life: Photographers focused on capturing the beauty and richness of daily Black life, history, and heritage.
- Authentic Experiences: They documented Black labor, leisure, worship, and home life. 🏘️
- Pride and Self-Determination: The goal was to instill pride and self-worth among African Americans. 💪
Remember: D.A.P. for Dignified portrayals, Authentic experiences, and Pride in the New Negro Movement.
#James Van Der Zee's Impact
- Key Figure: Van Der Zee was a central figure in the New Negro movement. 🌟
- Recasting Perceptions: His photos challenged stereotypes and showcased the beauty and dignity of Black people.
- Diverse Experiences: He captured a wide range of Black life, from work to leisure. 📸
- Challenging the Narrative: Van Der Zee's work countered the idea of African Americans as inferior.
- Global Impact: His photography reshaped how the world viewed African Americans. 🌍
Pay attention to how photographers used their work as a form of social commentary and resistance. This is a key theme that often appears in FRQs.
#Required Sources
#"Miss Suzie Porter, Harlem" 1915
- Early 20th Century Harlem: Shows the changing demographics due to the Great Migration.
- Visual Evidence: Provides a glimpse into the social and cultural life of African Americans in urban settings.
- Insights: Offers insights into fashion, social norms, and everyday experiences.
#"Garveyite Family, Harlem," 1924
- UNIA Influence: Captures the essence of Marcus Garvey's philosophy of black pride and self-reliance.
- Everyday Life: Demonstrates how Garvey's ideals influenced dress, social norms, and family structures.
- Grassroots Movement: Shows the impact of the UNIA on ordinary families.
#"Swimming Team, Harlem," 1925
- Black Athletes: Showcases African Americans participating in organized sports. 🏊🏾
- Challenging Stereotypes: Highlights the growing opportunities for African Americans in urban centers.
- Cultural Progress: Reflects themes of self-determination and community pride.
#"Couple, Harlem," 1932
- Intimate Moment: Captures a personal moment between an African American couple during the Great Depression. ❤️
- Everyday Black Life: Provides a glimpse into love and life during a time of hardship and segregation.
- Visual Representation: Emphasizes the importance of visual media in preserving Black experiences.
Don't just describe the images. Analyze what they represent in the context of the New Negro Movement and social change. Connect them to the broader themes of the unit.
#Final Exam Focus 🎯
- High-Priority Topics:
- The role of photography in challenging racist representations.
- The New Negro movement and its cultural impact.
- James Van Der Zee's contributions.
- Analyzing primary source images for historical context.
- Common Question Types:
- Multiple-choice questions testing your understanding of key concepts and figures.
- Short-answer questions requiring you to analyze the impact of photography.
- Free-response questions asking you to synthesize information from multiple sources.
- Last-Minute Tips:
- Manage your time effectively by quickly identifying the main point of each question.
- Avoid vague answers; be specific and use evidence from the sources.
- Connect the themes of this unit to other topics you've studied.
When analyzing images, consider the photographer's intent, the historical context, and the message the photograph conveys. Think about how it challenges or reinforces existing narratives.
#Practice Questions
Practice Question
Multiple Choice Questions
-
Which of the following best describes the primary goal of African American photographers during the New Negro Movement? (A) To create abstract artistic expressions (B) To document the lives of wealthy Black families (C) To challenge racist stereotypes and celebrate Black culture (D) To promote assimilation into white society
-
James Van Der Zee's photography is best known for: (A) Depicting the harsh realities of poverty in the South (B) Showcasing the beauty and dignity of African American life in Harlem (C) Focusing on the political struggles of the Civil Rights Movement (D) Documenting the lives of prominent white figures
Short Answer Question
- Briefly explain how the "Garveyite Family, Harlem," photograph reflects the values and goals of Marcus Garvey's UNIA movement. (3 points)
Free Response Question
Analyze how photography was used as a tool for social change during the New Negro Movement. In your response, be sure to:
* Explain the historical context of racist representations of African Americans.
* Discuss how photographers like James Van Der Zee challenged these representations.
* Analyze the impact of photography on reshaping global perceptions of African Americans.
* Use specific examples from the provided images to support your arguments. (6 points)
FRQ Scoring Breakdown
- Point 1: Historical context of racist representations (e.g., minstrel shows, caricatures).
- Point 2: How photographers like Van Der Zee challenged these representations (e.g., by showing dignity, diversity).
- Point 3: Impact of photography on reshaping global perceptions (e.g., providing counter-narratives).
- Point 4: Use of "Miss Suzie Porter" image to show changing demographics and social life.
- Point 5: Use of "Garveyite Family" image to show Black pride and self-reliance.
- Point 6: Use of "Couple, Harlem" image to show intimate moments and challenge stereotypes.
You've got this! Remember to stay calm, trust your preparation, and approach the exam with confidence. You're going to do great! 🎉
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