I like to pick up odd things here and there. One of the items I found at a used goods store was part of an instructional series called: "Lands and Peoples: The World in Color. Volume IV (The Far East.)" It was originally printed in 1929, but this edition was from 1949. There were some wonderful photographs in it, which is what caught my eye. In fact, I had seen the same pictures of Tibet in an exhibition a couple of years ago at the Museum of Civilization in Quebec City.
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As I glanced at the prints, the accompanying captions were astounding. This was not something put out by the K.K.K. This was a series that would have been used for educational purposes. It was replete with comments about how attractive some cultures were in comparison to the unattractiveness of others. It discussed the born thievery of some nationalities. I have included two examples:
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In this photo, the author describes the men as being lazy (Burma).
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In the next photograph, the very offensive word "c@@l#es" is used. I would think that, since this version went into reprint after the war, and it was known at the time just how vulgar the word was, that no textbook would use it, but they did so with impunity.
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I am glad to see that in many ways, things have improved. There is no denying the fact that people continue to hold racist views. At least the concept of colonialism, where an entire nation is perceived as being "less than" is no longer acceptable. This sort of stuff is no longer taught in school.
(Photos courtesy of the book: Lands and Peoples:Iv)---Editor in Chief-G Clewell. The Grolier Society
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