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The Cultural Symbolism of the Noose Many blacks residents in Jena, La. were outraged when white teens hung nooses from a tree — and the school superintendent characterized it as a "prank." We discuss the symbolism of the hangman's noose.

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The Cultural Symbolism of the Noose

Heard on Talk of the Nation

The Cultural Symbolism of the Noose

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A protester holds two paintings outside of Jena High School during a civil rights march on Thursday in Jena, La. Chris Graythen/Getty Images hide caption

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Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Many blacks in Jena, La. were outraged when white teens hung nooses from a tree — and the superintendent of the school characterized it as a "prank."

Joseph Jordan is the curator of an exhibit of photographs called "Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America." He discusses the symbolism of the hangman's noose.

Guest:

Joseph Jordan, associate professor of African and Afro-American studies, and director of the Sonya Hanes Stone Center for Black Culture and History at the University of North Carolina