Calling a few adventurous anti-racists…
I am conducting an experiment, and I need the help of ten people of various ethnic backgrounds who are willing to participate.
The experiment will simply entail wearing a (free) t-shirt that features a photo of an abolitionist hero with the message “I’ll choose my own heroes, thank you.” Participants must agree to post about reactions to the shirt.
There are two different t-shirts in the experiment. Both feature white American abolitionists. One of the t-shirts features a picture of John Brown , the other a picture of James and Lucretia Mott. See samples of each shirt below.
Of course, the text on the shirt would indicate that the individual depicted there is indeed someone you would choose as a hero — if that is not the case, you would not be an appropriate candidate for this experiment. I am looking for participants who would choose John Brown and/or James and Lucretia Mott as individuals they would refer to as heroes.
The shirt is free to ten selected participants who write to me at [email protected] Please include a brief paragraph about your interest and/or involvement in anti-racist issues, indicate your ethnicity(ies), and tell me why you are interested in this experiment. Also please include a mailing address, and indicate which of the shirts you would prefer (and why).
Front of John Brown T-shirtBack of John Brown T-shirt
Back of John Brown T-shirt
Front of James and Lucretia Mott T-shirt
Back of James and Lucretia Mott T-shirt
How is this project going for you? It’s a good idea.
I’d gladly wear the second one (it looks as though it would create a bigger shock) but I don’t wear T-shirts.
Be sure to write about your results.
UBJ
You know I will gladly wear it! either one is fine with me. I will let you choose.
thanks, ew
What about William Lloyd Garrison or John and Jean Rankin?
I need to read up on James and Lucretia Mott, apparently.
You got one big enough I’ll rock it gladly.
Great idea.
E-mailing you NOW – I’d LOVE to wear one if you have any left.
XOXO
I know this a few months old, but I was happy to see it.
I am amazed at how few people know who John Brown was. I find him to be one of the most fascinating characters of the events related to Civil War. Yes, I know he was a murderer, but he was truly passionate about what he believed in and his execution served to make more abolitionists speak openly about their beliefs.
Cool idea.
Hey, I know I’m extremely late but is there a way that I can order these shirts?
How is the experiment going?
If you are going to run it again, or have any shirts left, I would wear one and so would my brother (who is also named john brown). I admire the abolitionist john brown because he had unlimited balls in an age when it was a thousand times more perilous to be ballsy. Did you know he was captured by another “colored” guy, surnamed green?
I don’t know about the Motts, but will read about them in future.
I am reading a book called “slavery by another name” – utterly stunning, enraging in fact. It should be a must-read for all americans.
Your racist
Hi–how did the experiment go? I’m assuming since this was posted in August, you got your volutneers? I’m glad I found this–I was unfamiliar with Brown and the Motts. I plan to learn more about Lucretia Mott–she sounds like an amazing, brave woman.
Deanna
What happened with this blog?
Are you writing somewhere else?
I would LOVE a John Brown t-shirt, free or not. I actually have been looking for one online. Please contact me on facebook info how to buy a shirt. I would love to be part of your experiment! Thanks.
I would love one!