This module takes its name from The Other America by Michael Harrington, a study of 1950s U. S. poverty. From the 1700s, many American white people of European heritage have lacked the land, education, skills, or opportunities for advancement. White identity movements have drawn on regionalism, clannishness, racism, xenophobia, fear, and class resentments. With economic distress, movements have coalesced around feelings that the country is not working for them. Poor and working class whites gave impetus to Populism and insurgent “white identity” movements supporting Huey Long, George Wallace, and recently Donald Trump.Another important element is “race” -- a word and concept developed to justify the colonization and control (and enslavement) of black Africans by white Europeans and Americans. They used fake “race” science to justify colonization, the slave trade and subordination of Blacks.A complete, objective history requires an understanding of Americans who join in such identity politics.
- Subject:
- Ethnic Studies
- History, Law, Politics
- U.S. History
- Material Type:
- Full Course
- Lesson Plan
- Unit of Study
- Author:
- Robert Eager
- Date Added:
- 07/25/2024