BECOMING WHITE: My Family's Experience as Slave Holders--and Why It Still Matters follows the travels of three of my ancestral families as they came from the Old World to the new American colonies. In this lively history you will follow these families from Scotland; England; and Northern Ireland to their new homes in the colonies--and most important; see where and when they first came into contact with enslaved Africans; and how they became slave holders themselves. Although the book presents my own families' histories; it is really a parable for everyone's family history. Whether we came here long ago or last year; whether we are of European; African; Hispanic; Asian or Native American heritage; we have all been affected by the experience of being enslaved or of holding slaves.The thesis of the book is that the experience of holding other people as slaves was the origin of racism in the United States; and that that particular kind of racism has affected all of us--and even affects people who have never lived here.
#875724 in Books 2009-06-04Original language:English 9.00 x .60 x 6.00l; #File Name: 143829073X238 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Need a magnifing glass to read it!By MisE DThe print on this book is so small my son (whom I bought it for as a Christmas gift) said he doesn't think he will be able to read it. Not sure why the print is so SMALL there was enough empty space on the page to increase the font size quite a bit.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent BookBy MACExcellent book. Interesting contrast to see how TR writes of this as a simple jaunt through the rain forest with some minor inconveniences; while other authors have described this expedition as practically killing most members through illness and malnutrition. Once again TR affirms that great men doing great things don't need to brag. TR's account focuses heavily on the science of the expedition and while he records the hardships faced; he doesn't allow that to become the focus of the book. Highly recommend this book; but I don't think you can appreciate the challenges this expedition faced unless you have read some of the other accounts of it first.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Col. Roosevelt; a great American and a great writerBy Lexington GreenTheodore Roosevelt lived a fascinating and adventurous life. Was also a first rate writer. Is book The Rough Riders was superb; so I decided to read this book about one of his later adventures. It is a beautifully written book; with excellent descriptions of nature; in the dangers of exploring a unknown river; and portaging and traveling through rapids in canoes in previously unexplored territory. If you're interested in the author's life; or stories of exploration you will enjoy this book.
