All too often when people think of history, they tend to visualize a linear movement towards inevitable progress and equality. The reality is, sadly though, that movements of progress are often met by an angry backlash by those who benefit from (and cling to) the old status quo. In [b:White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide|26073085|White Rage The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide|Carol Anderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456093492l/26073085._SY75_.jpg|46010383], Dr. Carol Anderson makes the case that throughout U.S. history following the end of slavery, each African American advancement in civil rights was inevitably met by a backlash that in many cases nullified hard-fought gains.

Cutting to the chase—this is a really well-researched and well-argued book in the vein of Michelle Alexander’s [b:The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness|6792458|The New Jim Crow Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness|Michelle Alexander|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328751532l/6792458._SX50_.jpg|6996712] or Howard Zinn’s [b:A People's History of the United States|2767|A People's History of the United States|Howard Zinn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1494279423l/2767._SY75_.jpg|2185591]. My only critique was that I was left wanting more information, even if the content tasted of the bitter bile from America’s racist underbelly, though that is to Dr. Anderson’s credit as an effective historical storyteller. Perhaps the most important point made is that rage can be masked behind notions of respectability and racially neutral political messaging. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book.

Rating: 4.5 stars