Ask students to view, without reading the corresponding text, the images of the Scott Family- Portraits from Frank Lesley’s Illustrated Newspaper
Tell students that the images are portraits of Dred and Harriet Scott and their two daughters, Eliza and Lizzie. Ask students to look closely at these images and respond to the following questions.
- What do these images portray or evoke to you about the Scott family?
- What do the expressions on each person’s face make you think may be going on?
Next, explain to students that these portraits of the Scott family were taken when they were persuaded to have their “likeness” taken for publication in the paper. You can then read the full or excerpts of the full corresponding text, being mindful of racist language, ideas and stereotypical tropes used.
After reading ask students:
- What attitude does the author of the article express toward the Scott family?
- Consider the text’s descriptions of the Scotts and In what ways do these descriptions reinforce or contradict prevailing stereotypes or bias of African Americans?
- Dred “made a rude obeisance to our recognition;” he looked like “a pure-blooded African;” “he had a shrewd, intelligent, good-natured face.”
- Of Harriet Scott and her daughters as: ‘a smart, tidy-looking negress…who, with two female assistants, was busy ironing.” Is this a positive and/or stereotypical description?
- Why might Dred Scott have been reluctant to be photographed and have an engraved portrait published in a weekly newspaper with a national circulation? OR Why might Harriet have refused to say whether Dred was home? Were their concerns reasonable in the context of St. Louis in 1857?
- What might have been the impact of these images and narrative on those who read about the Scott family?