Flag for the Moon: Die Nigger Discussion
Humanities
Watch this clip from the documentary The N Word: Divided We Stand. Now look at Faith Ringgold’s 1969 painting Flag for the Moon: Die Nigger.
1. Why do you think Ringgold, an African-American painter, used the ‘N’ word (nigger) in this painting?
2. What possible meanings overall do you think this painting was meant to express?
3. Now consider this painting by Mexican-American artist Mel Casas:
Read about Chicano Movement. What are some of the concepts introduced that are related to the goals and ideas of the Chicano Movement?
Use terms to discuss possible interpretations of Brownies of the Southwest.
The character in the sombrero is a representation of a cartoon that was used to sell Fritos corn chips. You can see two of those commercials here and here . Chicano Movement activists opposed the Frito Bandito. Why do you think he is included in the painting? Why do you think some opposed this character?
