Chinese, from Types of Nationalities (N240) issued by Kinney Bros. 1890

Editor: Here we have “Chinese, from Types of Nationalities” created in 1890 by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company. It's a colored-pencil print depicting, well, a caricature of a Chinese man. The bold lines and colors give it an almost cartoonish feel. What’s your interpretation of this work, considering its historical context? Curator: Ah, yes. This little fellow. It's easy to dismiss this as just an old advertisement, but it's so much more… or perhaps less? These "types of nationalities" were incredibly popular, little cultural snapshots dipped in the very strange ink of the time. You know, the 1890s were a whirlwind of immigration, anxieties, and, let’s be honest, some pretty awful stereotypes. Editor: So, this wasn’t just about selling tobacco? Curator: Heavens, no. Tobacco companies were in the business of selling dreams, aspirations, a little slice of… belonging? Think about it. Each card was a tiny story, a caricature of a group of people, boxed up and sold. Did you notice the jingle underneath the character? It's pure American wishful thinking. “All the same American man.” Almost like they’re trying to convince themselves. What’s your gut reaction to that line, actually? Editor: It feels… unsettling, almost like forced assimilation under the guise of camaraderie. It raises questions about who gets to define “American.” Curator: Precisely! It highlights the inherent biases of the time, disguised as innocent advertising. The artist has employed exaggerated features and dress. But beyond that, do you think this artwork makes the stereotypes or confronts them? Editor: Hmmm, I’d have to say it leans towards perpetuating stereotypes, even if unintentionally. Curator: Exactly. We're seeing the echo of those biases here. Still, sometimes confronting a caricature can reveal much more about the caricaturist than the subject. What will you do with this idea, now? Editor: Definitely some food for thought. I hadn’t considered the layers of social commentary within this little tobacco card! Thanks. Curator: My pleasure! It is such a strange way of seeing the world – literally!