Why is the Nursery Rhyme 'Shortnin’ Bread' Considered Racist?

At first glance, 'Shortnin’ Bread' might seem like a simple, delightful rhyming tune enjoyed by generations. However, in the context of history and cultural interpretation, this nursery rhyme carries a heavy burden. This article explores the roots of the term 'racism' and the specific reasons why 'Shortnin’ Bread' has been labeled as such.

The Context of Racial Stereotypes

Some may wonder, 'But why is it considered racist?' Well, it all comes down to the context of its origin and the societal norms of its time. 'Shortnin’ Bread' emerged during a period when racial stereotypes were rampant and widely accepted, much like crumpets are at tea time. The song can be traced back to performances in minstrel shows, where performers would wear blackface and create highly stereotypical and degrading depictions of Black individuals.

The Minstrel Shows and Blackface

In these shows, which were popular in the 19th century, performers would don blackface makeup and caricature Black people, often in the most offensive and stereotypical ways. This type of entertainment was not only seen as an acceptable form of humor but also as a way to perpetuate harmful and inaccurate stereotypes. 'Shortnin’ Bread' was one such music that carried a hidden and insidious form of racism, making it a fitting representation of the minstrel show era. So, it's not just a quirky tune about cooking shortening bread; it's a relic of a time when such representations were considered harmless entertainment.

The History and Origin of the Rhyme

The first published version of 'Shortnin’ Bread' dates back to a book of poetry by white author James Whitcomb Riley in 1900. The earliest song recording was in 1912. Riley's version of the rhyme is as follows:

Fotch dat dough fum the kitchin-shed Rake de coals out hot an red Putt on de oven an putt on de led Mammys gwiner cook som shortnin bread Over the years, additional verses were added and replaced, none of which were penned by Riley. The original rhyme, while written in a mock plantation dialect, does not contain overtly racist lyrics. Some believe Riley wrote the rhyme as a parody of the popular minstrel tunes and 'coon songs' of the era.

Modern Interpretations and Debate

While some argue that the original version may have contained subtle or unintentional racism, it's important to note that many of the later versions, composed in the 1920s, certainly did contain more offensive content. The 1927 version by Reese DuPree, an African-American singer, includes verses that could be, and have been, considered offensive.

This debate centers around whether the original version was intentionally racist or if it evolved over time. Regardless, the association with minstrel show stereotypes and the offensive language in later versions have led to the rhyme being considered a harmful and outdated piece of culture.

Why We Should Rethink 'Shortnin’ Bread'

Given this history, it is essential to reflect on the lyrics and context when choosing which nursery rhymes to pass down to future generations. While 'Shortnin’ Bread' might bring a nostalgic joy, it is plagued by problematic origins. Songs like 'The Wheels on the Bus' or 'This Old Man' reflect modern values and offer a safer choice for teaching children about rhymes and rhythm.

Conclusion

Like that questionable family tradition of bringing an old fruitcake to gatherings, 'Shortnin’ Bread' might be a tune we're tempted to keep for nostalgia, but it’s time to leave it on the shelf and serve up some new, more inclusive music. By doing so, we honor the history of the past while embracing a future of better understanding and respect.