Ebony White - Racial Connotations

Racial Connotations

The character is cited as an example of racial stereotypes in mainstream 20th century United States culture. His name is a racial pun, and his facial features - including large white eyes and thick pinkish lips - are typical of blackface caricatures. The size of a small child, he resembles a stereotypical pickaninny. As a loyal assistant to the white hero, he is occasionally compared to the Uncle Tom stereotype however is typically considered the Spirit's adopted ward.

Eisner reported receiving letters of both praise and criticism for the character at the time. In a 1966 New York Herald Tribune feature by his former office manager-turned-journalist, Marilyn Mercer claimed, "Ebony never drew criticism from Negro groups (in fact, Eisner was commended by some for using him), perhaps because, although his speech pattern was early Minstrel Show, he himself derived from another literary tradition: he was a combination of Tom Sawyer and Penrod, with a touch of Horatio Alger hero, and color didn't really come into it".

Eisner later expressed mixed feelings about his portrayal of Ebony White. He acknowledged that he was conscious at the time that he was using a racial stereotype, but was unapologetic about it, defending it by stating that "at the time humor consisted in our society of bad English and physical difference in identity." In reference to his graphic novel Fagin the Jew, Eisner acknowledged parallels between Charles Dickens' use of racial stereotyping for that character (which Eisner criticized) and Eisner's own portrayal of White, but asserted that his own work had not "capitalized on" the stereotype.

Appearances aside, Ebony came across as a well-heeled performer in the Spirit's efforts. Many are the occasions where he disarms a villain and finds minutia evidence the hero tends to overlook. Although about 12, Ebony still is able to drive a car and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Central City. Aside from the Spirit, Commissioner Dolan and the police force in general consider Ebony noteworthy in his skill at research and understanding methods of criminal behavior.