[MPJackal]

Actually, if you examine a tigers paw, they do have toes. Each claw is on a separate toe. Second, which version really came first? Is it possible the Tiger came first and was the changed to the derogatory version. I find it difficult to believe anyone that took the time to create a nursery rhyme would also try to degrade a race. IMHO.

[Bluntpoint]

Only other tigers can call tigers...tigers.

Like: "TIGER YOU CRAZY!"

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

Thought they had a different name for the Tigers toe. The orginal version used the word Negro which rhymed, Tiger doesn't rhyme. Nor does the N word.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

I find it difficult to believe anyone that took the time to create a nursery rhyme would also try to degrade a race.

You have to know that racism was at its hight during the reconstruction of the South. The northern politicians were giving land, money and mules away to the blacks, but white rednecks (the original sharecroppers not the Foxworthy type) got nothing. So blacks were seen as the enemy of their and welfare and freedom. Before the war blacks were looked on with pity.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

Another thought. As I recall that one verse was "Make him pay fifty dollars each day!"

So how do you get a Tiger to pay $50? Fits in real well with racial intimidation though.

When I think of it many nursery rhymes are scary. Ring of Rosies was about the black plauge. Bridges falling down. Falling down hills.