posted on March 13, 2010 12:05:36 PM new
The late mother of a friend of mine collected photos of movie stars...she had literally hundreds! I plan to sell them by groups and would like to have one grouping of minority/black/African American movie stars. What's the PC term that I could, comfortably and without offending anyone, use? I appreciate any guidance/suggestions. Thanks!
posted on March 13, 2010 06:14:42 PM new
I think African-American movie stars would be very appropriate. And don't forget to list them in Collectibles/Cultures/Black Americana (or whatever nomenclature they're using now).
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"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who ***dared to dissent*** from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, ***may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion."*** --Eisenhower
posted on March 14, 2010 01:16:11 PM new
I actually majored in Sociology at Florida State with an emphasis on race and minority relations... African American would be politically correct, however in collectibles it isn't uncommon to use politically incorrect words such as negro. When it comes to collectibles oftentimes what things were referred to in the past is what they should be called. Sounds a bit odd, but people remember them as such. If you get too technical you will lose many potential people searching.
Put it this way... imagine if we called the Negro Leagues the African American League. Doesn't quite fly.
I would recommend doing a bit of research before listing them. I would make sure you place them in a very specific category as well as use as many keywords as possible... if you decide to list them on eBay.
Also, I would seriously consider NOT selling them on eBay. You might want to find an auction house that specializes or has a specific auction event that focuses on African American collectibles. I have a friend who found several vintage hollywood photographs (non-AA) one summer at a garage sale. He bought several, then did some research and went back and bought the rest.
About a year later he brought them to the Antiques Roadshow in St Louis and was a featured guest. They appraised his photos at over $5000. He sold them at auction in Texas for even more than the appraisal. I'll never forget it b/c I was on my computer while sort of watching Antique Roadshow. I heard a very familiar voice and looked up and saw Ethan talking about the photos.
Auction houses legitimize collectibles unlike eBay where you have to trust individual sellers. If this is out of the norm of what you sell, I would find an expert to sell them for you. I sold a lamp last year at auction for $2500. Had it been on eBay it would have been 10% of that. I've seen certain items on ebay go for $400-600 only to see them at auction fetch $5000-10,000. Not everything belongs on eBay.
posted on March 14, 2010 01:43:41 PM new
Thanks, all, for the thoughts and suggestions. I think my friend bought most of these photos off eBay and most appear to be stock/standard publicity photos so don't think any are of any great value. Appreciate the advice...Thanks!
