Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Gender Studies and Sexuality, 2024
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Border Crossings: Race, Gender, and Abolition in the British Public Reception to Ellen and William Craft
Anika Asthana
ABSTRACT:
This work explores British perceptions of race and gender in the 1850s by examining the reception of Ellen and William Craft, famed for their daring escape from slavery in the American South. The quadroon, white-presenting Ellen Craft dressed as a white, wealthy, eccentric planter and her mixed-race husband posed as her slave. The two successfully escaped and settled in the UK in the 1851. While previous studies focused on their escape, this paper delves into how the British viewed the Crafts’ defiance of societal norms. Employing Ann Stoler’s theory of border-crossings, it examines the nuances of ‘whiteness’ and racial identity. By analyzing newspapers, speeches, and images, it reveals how the British public perceived the Crafts, shaping them into archetypes with mono-racial identities and traditionally gendered characteristics. Ellen was viewed as a demure Victorian white woman and William as a strong, eloquent black abolitionist. This portrayal helped align the Crafts with effective abolitionist arguments in the UK. The paper uncovers the interplay between race, gender, and abolition, providing insight into British attitudes during that era.
keywords: 19th century, abolition, British History, Gender Studies, race, gender, Ellen Craft, William Craft