Obscenity, Free Speech, and "Sporting News" in 1870s America.

The interventions of anti-vice crusader Anthony Comstock into 1870s popular illustrations created some surprising - and largely unintended - consequences. Not only did the man who defined modern American censorship goad into existence the radical free speech movement, but his manipulations of 1870s visual culture also heightened racial stereotyping in public print. His behind-the-scenes negotiations led illustrated newspaper editors to erase white sexuality, which they replaced with stories of interracial rape of white women by black men. In fostering both the rise of the free press movement and the selective racialization of visual culture, Comstock left an indelible mark on modern representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]