Irish vs Black Boy Des Moines IA Civil War Mickey BEATS Singer Sewing Trade Card , 1880s
10 x 20 in (h x w)

This trading card, advertising The Singer, a sewing company stationed in Des Moines, Iowa, depicts Irish and African American stereotypes with the caption, "Mrs. O'Toole - Give it to 'im Mickey, t'was for de'loikes of sich as him, yer fayther got kilt in the war." While there is little connection between the content of this image and the sewing company, the racist depictions were likely chosen to appeal to white consumers who may have shared these racist views. Racism was often used in the 1880s and early 19th century in advertisement to promote white people's positive associations with a brand.

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