Watermelon stereotype

The Watermelon stereotype is the stereotypical view that black people can be made happy easily; they only need a watermelon and a little rest for their happiness.^[1] The stereotype was perpetuated in minstrel shows often depicting African Americans as ignorant and workshy, given to song and dance and inordinately fond of watermelon.^[2] This stereotype is common in the United States, and probably goes back to the times of slavery: The people who were in favour of slavery wanted to show that black people were simple-minded and only needed few things for their happiness.

In the early 20th century, a number of postcards were made to illustrate the watermelon stereotype; this is one of them.

References

1. Wade, Lisa. "Watermelon: Symbolizing the Supposed Simplicity of Slaves". Retrieved March 30, 2013.
2. Fences: Shmoop Literature Guide. 2010. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-61062-419-0. Archived from the original on 2014-10-19.