Last evening I was watching "In the Heat of the Night", that old movie starring Sidney Poiter and Rod Steiger. In one scene of the movie they showed a Black lawn jockey decoration in a front yard. I've never saw one of these in real life, since I grew up in California. I hear they were once popular in the South. Question for people familiar with the South: Do some people still decorate their yards with these lawn jockeys? P.S. Sidney Poiter and Rod Steiger both should have received Acadamy Awards for their parts in that film.
I had family in S.E. Missouri when I was a kid being raised in the Detroit area. I recall visiting relatives in the South and seeing them on front lawns. However, that would have been back in the 60's. I can't speak for today. I agree with you on the Academy Awards.
I doubt they would still be sold. They would probably be considered "racist" or not "politically correct" today. You can still buy antique black lawn jockeys but they are usually a little bit pricey. You can buy new specially-made black lawn jockeys here, but they cost $500 http://www.lawnjock.com/ If you're curious about the history... The figure of the lawn jockey was apparently known by escaping slaves to be that of Jocko Graves who was “a symbol of freedom during the era of the Underground Railroad”. The legend holds that conductors of the Underground Railroad used these lawn jockeys, as well as other items, to help guide people toward freedom.
That series was very progressive for its time. But probably politically incorrect at many points by the crazy standards of today.
I had a friend who loved the TV series "In the Heat of the Night". I agree that it probably wouldn't be very popular today.
I notice some of the lawn jockeys in your link are White! I thought they only came in Black. You are right, they are expensive.
White lawn jockeys have always existed. If you are wondering why Black lawn jockeys have been more popular in the South than White, it's because, of all the stereotypes about Black people that existed, there were also some good ones. Black people were seen as more jovial, care-free, "fun" and silly. The perfect thing you would want on your lawn. (Maybe even a little exoticism too that played into the kitsch factor) White lawn jockeys would have been seen as more boring, serious, plain, "vanilla". Ironically I think if they had only made White lawn jockeys, people would be complaining about that being racist too.
I see them sporadically still. A lot of people have painted the faces white or peachy or something so they aren't really black lawn jockey's anymore typically. I have maybe seen 2 in recent years that are still blackfaced. I mainly see them in older neighborhoods or out on the rural country roads at houses that look like the occupants are 60+ since not retired people tend not to dedicate a lot to their front yards. I don't think anybody is trying to make a statement with them. They are just a piece of cheap statuary they picked up or inherited.
I have seen those yard ornaments from time to time in my youth. But hardly at all of late. I think that a strange mix of animus and admiration, not only racially, but for all the differences of humankind, including talent and even personality, will persist among all people unless or until the earth is filled with holiness. In truth, and it stands to reason, that if one seeks holiness, one must first accomplish or approach it within ones own self. Otherwise one risks becoming an arrogant, self righteous, hypocrite...and an expert in advanced criticism rather than a practitioner of even the basics of ones own counsel.
I despise knick knacks and yard ornaments. They serve no purpose but to get in the way. Unless it's something practical like a bird bath, sun dial or rain guage, ornaments like gnomes, jockeys and stone geese are an abomination and ought to be banished.
Noooo, not the spheres! To what end? It's just something else to mow around. Come to your senses, man.
I had a Black friend from school (now deceased) who placed a black dog statue in his yard with the face painted white. He was a hoot, miss him.
Great movie and they both should have got one. As for the lawn jockeys I believe there's a story about their origins along the lines of a faithful young Black slave that froze to death or somehow died while holding George Washington's horse. Anyone heard the particulars of that story?
A couple people in town laid weed barrier down and covered their yards with native stone gravel, large rocks, and a few flower beds. One way to get out of yardwork, just apply a little weed killer here and there as needed.
I've heard that story. They said the little slave boy's name was Jocko. Goerge Washington supposedly had a statue made in his honor after he froze to death holding the reins of the horse. Jocko was the original black lawn jockey, according to this story.
Those things are very gaudy and have no place in a garden. Maybe in an industrial art sculpture park. I agree, but some of those stone carved animals can look nice if it's a more natural-looking stone material and the animal is well-carved with details. Anyway, the popular culture of the South isn't exactly known for its discriminating taste. (no pun intended there)