As African American women left the plantation economy behind; many entered domestic service in southern cities and towns. Cooking was one of the primary jobs they performed; feeding generations of white families and; in the process; profoundly shaping southern foodways and culture. Rebecca Sharpless argues that; in the face of discrimination; long workdays; and low wages; African American cooks worked to assert measures of control over their own lives. As employment opportunities expanded in the twentieth century; most African American women chose to leave cooking for more lucrative and less oppressive manufacturing; clerical; or professional positions. Through letters; autobiography; and oral history; Sharpless evokes African American women's voices from slavery to the open economy; examining their lives at work and at home.
#5791017 in Books The University of North Carolina Press 2002-04-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .91 x 14.30 x 9.28l; #File Name: 0807826928264 pagesGreat product!
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Interesting but not as deep as expected...By Samuel D. FinkDr. Painter is a painstaking historian with excellent depth of references provided. The subject matter is fascinating and the various essays provide interesting perspectives. However; some of the essays stop short of my expectations having listened to her on BookTV extended interview. After a while; I got the feeling of redundancy and deeper thoughts not developed or explained.Nevertheless; I recommend the book and look forward to reading her next history of the three ages of white history in this nation.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Timothy S. DoeringGood Book; Good service0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy phantommasterCame in good condition. Thank you
