This photograph taken by Van Der Zee shows the Alpha Phi Alpha Basketball Team in 1926. Their motto was "Manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind." It shows the basketball players of the first intercollegiate African American fraternity. Although in uniform, the players are all clean cut and well dressed. The three men in the back, which I presume to be coaches, are also well dressed.
In opposition to the first photograph, the second shows a Native American Basketball team in 1909. The swastika on their jersey's evokes strong emotions, especially because of the Holocaust. The swastika, in reality, has a long history before the German's claimed it as their symbol. The swastika played as the mascot of the school. Despite the symbol, the boys in the photograph are not as well dressed as the boys in Van Der Zee's photograph. They also just have one coach, as opposed to the 3 shown in the other. The team is not all in unison and are not shown as prestigious.
GREAT picture comparison! Also great details and unique comparison's between the 2 that you pointed out!
ReplyDeleteThese are great photos! Who took the Native American photo? It's so similar to Van Der Zee's. I wonder when I look at this picture how and why the Native Americans began a basketball team. Were they that influenced by the white man to want to play or was it something else?
ReplyDeleteThe photographer for the Native American basketball team is unknown, although there are many similarities to Van Der Zee's work. Similar settings, amount of players, and facial expressions are among the similarities. I'm guessing that basketball was becoming a more popular sport and the Native American School wanted to be apart of the sport. I don't believe there was a specific reason for starting the team, but don't quote me on that!
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