"Black Rednecks and White Liberals"

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the book "Black Rednecks and White Liberals" by Thomas Sowell and contains an analysis and discussion of the book and its thesis. The paper explains how the book attempts to dispel misconceptions regarding race relations while providing a unique and interesting history of both black and white culture as it evolved in the American South.

From the Paper:

"Sowell supports his thesis through his own 25 years of research on the subject, combined with numerous scholarly essays he has collected for this work. Another aspect of his thesis in preparing this work is to provoke thought and discussion, and because this book is decidedly different from many looks into southern history, it will surely do just that. Sowell's copious notes, which stretch nearly 60 pages at the end of the book, clearly show the intensity of his research and interest in this subject, and they also indicate how diligently he has researched and thought out his thesis.
"First, it is important to define "cracker" or "redneck" culture as it is used in the book, and to look at the surprising origins of that culture. The original cracker or redneck culture did not evolve in the American South, as many might think. Instead, it originated in the British Isles and migrated to America. Sowell writes, "Most of the common white people of the South came from the northern borderlands of England - for centuries an no-man's land between Scotland and England - as well as from the Scottish Highlands and from Ulster County, Ireland" (Sowell 3). Not all of these groups, the author notes, formed the backbone of English culture; rather they were fringe or unorthodox cultures at odds with English tradition, and often English law, as well. In addition, these areas were much more uncivilized than other areas of Britain, and these are the major areas that populated the American South. Thus, "cracker" culture is actually an offshoot of uncivilized British culture, and it remained largely unchanged for centuries after the British came to the southern part of the country.

Sample of Sources Used:

• Sowell, Thomas. "Black Rednecks and White Liberals". San Francisco, Encounter Books, 2005.

More papers on "Black Rednecks and White Liberals":

• Comparison Essay # 148274 : "A Raisin in the Sun" vs. "Black Man and White Woman in Dark Green Rowboat"
• Analytical Essay # 123073 : "'The Souls of Black Folk' and Racism"
• Term Paper # 138985 : "Black and White Politics"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: