I'm starting Eric Foner's Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863 - 1877.
This is the last paragraph of the author's preface:
Over a century ago, prodded by the demands of four million men and women just emerging from slavery, Americans made their first attempt to live up to the noble professions of their political creed -- something few societies have ever done. The effort produced a sweeping redefinition of the nation's public life and a violent reaction that ultimately destroyed much, but by no means all, of what had been accomplished. From the enforcement of the rights of citizens to the stubborn problems of economic and racial justice, the issues central to Reconstruction are as old as the American republic, and as contemporary as the inequalities that still afflict our society.
Should be good ...
...a violent reaction that ultimately destroyed much, but by no means all, of what had been accomplished.
ReplyDeleteSounds like what we just went through starting in 2008 when Obama was elected. Knowing at least some history of the South my stomach would become uneasy when wide-eyed pundits would talk about "post-racial" America. Racists as cold and unthinking as anything that ever put on a sheet back in the 1950's to the 1970's are still very much alive and active.
Its just society has forced them to obey certain rules so the cloak their true feelings. Some may actually believe they are not bigots but when certain people are not around their true selves come out.
It does seem like it's as good a time as any to read about Reconstruction.
DeleteKevin have you finished it yet?
ReplyDeleteNot yet. ; )
DeleteNotty: Here is a little spoiler for you:
ReplyDeletehttp://blackquillandink.com/?page_id=10881
From the denialists ...
Delete