What Blood Won't Tell: A History of Race on Trial in America

摘要: Is race something we know when see it? In 1857, Alexina Morrison, a slave in Louisiana, ran away from her master and surrendered herself to the parish jail for protection. Blue-eyed blond, Morrison successfully convinced white society that she was one of them. When sued freedom, witnesses assured jury white, they would have known if had drop African blood. Morrison's court trial - many others over last 150 years involved high stakes: property, civil rights. And all turned on question racial identity.Over past two centuries, individuals groups (among them Mexican Americans, Indians, Asian immigrants, Melungeons) fought establish their whiteness order lay claim full citizenship local courtrooms, administrative legislative hearings, U.S. Supreme Court. Like case, these trials often less legal definitions as percentages blood or ancestry than way people presented themselves demonstrated moral civic character.Unearthing history identity, Ariela Gross' book examines paradoxical circular relationship perceived capacity American society. This reminds us imaginary connection between identity fitness remains potent today continues impede justice equality.