Given the racial climate these days I thought it might be a bad idea to mention a woman associated with both minstrelsy and slavery. Apparently it is okay, however, since Aunt Jemima has her own website and you can learn more about her on Wikipedia. Actually, Tess Gardella, who is the one in trouble below and who played Aunt Jemima (in blackface) has an entry as well. Serious scholars should see this book: Slavery in a Box: The Strange Career of Aunt Jemima. Now here is the example of early road rage:
“Aunt Jemima in Court for Slugging Autoist,” Billboard, July 23, 1932, p.4.
“Aunt Jemima (Tess Gardella) was in Gates Avenue Court, Brooklyn, yesterday on a charge of assault, third degree, brought by Abraham Zimmer. She pleaded not guilty and was released on her recognizance for further hearing Friday.
Zimmer, who is five feet three inches tall and weighs 130 pounds complained that on July 7 Aunt Jemima, five feet eight inches and 300 pounds, assaulted him after a collision of their automobiles.”
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