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Unveiling the Racialized Landscape: Photography, Property, and the Aesthetics of Racial Capitalism in America

Jamal Blair

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Published in Unintended The: Photography Property And The Aesthetics Of Racial Capitalism (America And The Long 19th Century)

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In her groundbreaking work, "Photography, Property, and the Aesthetics of Racial Capitalism," N. K. Jemisin takes a critical lens to the interplay between photography, property, and racial dynamics in shaping the American landscape. This meticulously researched book unveils the ways in which visual representations of property have historically been used to delineate racial boundaries and perpetuate systems of power and inequality.

Unintended, The: Photography, Property, and the Aesthetics of Racial Capitalism (America and the Long 19th Century)

by Monica Huerta

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35412 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	538 pages

Photography as a Tool of Racialization

Jemisin argues that photography has played a crucial role in the racialization of property. Through carefully curated images, photographers have captured and disseminated specific representations of the built environment, reinforcing notions of white supremacy and otherness. These images have been used to justify segregation, exclusionary zoning practices, and the displacement of communities of color.

Jemisin provides numerous examples, such as the iconic photographs of the "slums" of the early 20th century. These images, often taken by white photographers, depicted African American and immigrant neighborhoods as overcrowded, unsanitary, and dangerous. They were used to rationalize urban renewal projects that displaced entire communities, paving the way for gentrification and the creation of predominantly white enclaves.

Property as a Symbol of Racial Power

In addition to examining photography's role in racializing property, Jemisin also explores how property itself has been used as a tool of racial domination. She argues that the concept of property ownership has been central to the construction of racial hierarchy in America, with white people historically enjoying disproportionate access to land, housing, and other forms of property.

Jemisin analyzes the ways in which laws and policies have been used to restrict property ownership for people of color. She points to redlining, a discriminatory practice that denied mortgages and other financial services to minority communities, as well as zoning ordinances that limited the construction of affordable housing in white neighborhoods.

The Aesthetics of Racial Capitalism

But Jemisin's work goes beyond a simple critique of racialization and property. She also examines the aesthetic dimensions of racial capitalism, exploring how the visual culture of property has been shaped by and in turn reinforced racial inequality.

Jemisin analyzes the architecture and urban planning of American cities, arguing that they reflect and perpetuate racial divisions. She also discusses the representation of property in popular culture, such as films and television shows, which often reinforce stereotypes and contribute to the ongoing racialization of the American landscape.

Implications for Social Justice

"Photography, Property, and the Aesthetics of Racial Capitalism" concludes by highlighting the implications of Jemisin's research for social justice. She argues that understanding the ways in which photography and property have been used to racialize the American landscape is crucial for dismantling systemic racism and creating a more just and equitable society.

Jemisin calls for a rethinking of the visual culture of property, one that challenges existing racialized representations and promotes a more inclusive and equitable built environment. She also advocates for policies that address the historical and ongoing racialization of property ownership, such as investments in affordable housing and community land trusts.

"Photography, Property, and the Aesthetics of Racial Capitalism" is a powerful and thought-provoking work that sheds new light on the complex intersections of race, property, and visual culture in American society. Jemisin's meticulous research and incisive analysis provide a valuable contribution to the fields of sociology, history, and urban planning. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the historical and contemporary dynamics of racial inequality in America.

Unintended, The: Photography, Property, and the Aesthetics of Racial Capitalism (America and the Long 19th Century)

by Monica Huerta

4.7 out of 5