Nataanii

What would happen if in the 1900's, a white man took a black woman to an annual spring ball? Would they be looked down on? Could that be done? Especially if it was in the north?

lilacstarflower

What country are you referring to?

To me, 'the north' means Manchester or Newcastle since I'm British (well, Scottish actually, but I know when I hear this its a reference to the north of England).

Or do you mean America - 50 years after the civil war = hostility, resentment. Black people in general were used as a symbol for the war but in reality the causes were political and economic. There were differences in opinion. As a united country once more, America would still be building up its economy so in some sections of society they would no longer be a symbol but a scape goat (much like the Jews in Nazi Germany). Don't forget the Great Depression was on its way so there would be social unrest before-hand

I imagine there would be a lot of staring and awkwardness because both countries had pretty rigid views on social class and race. Britain was in the latter stages of imperialism, but still occupied resources in India and parts of Africa.

Women in general were also still 'inferior' to men at this point. Britain was about to experience the rise of the suffragist/suffragette movements so this might impact on how some people at the 'spring ball' would react (but I don't imagine they would be overly supportive of a black woman being in their midst)

I read a lot of history, might be able to help you out if you could be more specific

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Mike C

You're kidding, of course? Read this - Odyssey of a Writers Workshop in the 1950s by Phillip Bonosky - it's Phillip Bonosky's account of running a writing workshop for black writers in New York in the 50's. Then read Toni Morrison's Jazz. Read some Maya Angelou.

In the UK one might just have got away with it - people would disapprove, but would be too polite to say anything. In the US at that time I dread to think what the consequences would be.

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edropus

It could be socially uncomfortable. It could lead to a lynching. Literally; that was still very, very possible at that point in time, and sadly for many years after. It all depends on the people involved and, related but not necessary, the part of the country.

Mike C

If it was a black guy and a white woman, I think a lynching would be quite likely. And she'd be branded a whore and would be socially outcast.

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lin

I don't think there were many lynchings in the North, actually.

I think if you look into this you'll find evidence of bi-racial couples being accepted in the United States. I seem to recall there was a bi-racial homosexual couple in California around that time and they weren't hung.

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Mike C

I hear one of them was.

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