cover of episode Short Stuff: Tarring and Feathering

Short Stuff: Tarring and Feathering

2024/8/14
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Tarring and feathering, a brutal form of punishment and public humiliation, was prevalent in colonial and revolutionary America. It involved stripping someone, applying hot pine tar, and covering them in feathers before parading them through town. While seemingly a relic of the past, a shocking incident in 1981 Alabama proves this barbaric practice isn't entirely extinct.
  • Tarring and feathering was used in colonial America as punishment and mob justice.
  • Hot pine tar, which could burn skin, was applied to the victim's body.
  • Feathers were then added, and the victim was paraded through town.
  • The practice aimed to inflict both physical pain and public humiliation.

Shownotes Transcript

Being tarred and feathered is an old trope in America, but the actuality of it was pretty brutal, not the least of which included burning skin. Let's dive into history - now!

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