Picture Postcard Who Radio Des Moines Black Americana Figures Nappy Rabbit , 1940-50s
10 x 32 in (h x w)

This Postcard depicts two ventriloquist dummy dolls wearing black face. Though it advertises the Nappy & Rabbit Radio Show, aired by WHO in Des Moines, Iowa in the 50s, where visuals are in most ways irrelevant, they choose to create characters who are racist stereotypes regardless. Racism and othering infiltrated every manner of advertisement and reached every type of viewer. The radio show, likely having a younger target audience, introduced youth to racist stereotypes early on.