Flannery O'Connor was known for her Southern Gothic storytelling, and her story "A Good Man is Hard to Find"  is no exception. The story is set in the 1950's during a dark period of American history when Jim Crow laws continued to segregate citizens. Although not the main focus, O'Connor's reference to pickaninnies in the text reveals the way mainstream popular culture disseminated vile stereotypes that further dehumanized black children by viewing them through a grotesque lens. The grotesque manner in which pickaninnies are described communicates the way they were widely viewed in society during this era. They were viewed as having, "bulging eyes, big red lips, and they speak in a primitive, stereotypical dialect." They are often shown stuffing their wide mouths with watermelon or chicken, which they usually stole. They are unkempt, suggesting that their parents are neglectful. Very often they are shown nude, a level of sexualization that is particularly troubling due to their age (Caricatures of  African Americans...). The grandmother's use of the term pickaninny, and her continued storytelling drivel, exemplify an adverse caricaturization of Southern black children. Additionally, although brief, the grandmother's observations appear to touch on of all aspects of what defines a pickaninny during this time period. The grandmother believes she is superior to others and her condescension is clearly conveyed during a family road trip to Florida. Before leaving, the grandmother wanted to make sure she was dressed in a ladylike outfit comprised of white cotton gloves, a navy blue straw sailor hat, and a navy blue dress (O'Connor 195-96). Her appearance was important to her, but belies her true nature, which was revealed during their travels. Her reference to pickaninnies seems to reference the old Southern way of life, and the flaws in her character. "Oh look at the cute little pickaninny wouldn't that make a picture, now?"�