Open Wound: The Long View of Race in America - Hardcover

Evans, William McKee

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0252034279 ISBN 13: 9780252034275

Publisher: University of Illinois Press, 2009

Synopsis

In this boldly interpretive narrative, William McKee Evans tells the story of America's paradox of democracy entangled with a centuries-old system of racial oppression. This racial system of interacting practices and ideas first justified black slavery, then, after the Civil War, other forms of coerced black labour and, today, black poverty and unemployment. At three historical moments, a crisis in the larger society opened political space for idealists to challenge the racial system: during the American Revolution, then during the 'irrepressible conflict' ending in the Civil War, and, finally, during the Cold War and the colonial liberation movements. Each challenge resulted in an historic advance. But none swept clean. Many African Americans remain segregated in jobless ghettoes with dilapidated schools and dismal prospects in an increasingly polarized class society. Evans sees a new crisis looming in a convergence of environmental disaster, endless wars, and economic collapse, which may again open space for a challenge to the racial system. African Americans, with their memory of their centuries-old struggle against oppressors, appear uniquely placed to play a central role.

About this title

Review

"The capstone of a remarkable career, Evans's most expansive and well considered work." Timothy B. Tyson, author of Blood Done Sign My Name: A True Story "A surefooted, authoritative study that radically reframes an old story, drawing fresh and compelling insights from some of the most studied events in the American past." --Brian Kelly, author of Race, Class, and Power in the Alabama Coalfields, 1908-21

About the Author

William McKee Evans is professor emeritus of history at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. His books include Ballots and Fence Rails: Reconstruction on the Lower Cape Fear and To Die Game: The Story of the Lowry Band, Indian Guerrillas of Reconstruction.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Illinois Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0252034279
• ISBN 13: 9780252034275
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 344