This unique history/travelogue examines the influence of this great divider which remains the most powerful symbol separating Yankee from Rebel. Most boundaries between states and nations have been determined by land features; such as rivers and mountains. But the Mason-Dixon Line does not follow anything palpable; it runs along uneven latitudes and longitudes; and at no point does it touch any prominent landmark. Except for its stone markers; it is invisible -- an arbitrary and man-made demarcation; direct and true; but without dimension.Ecenbarger calls it "simultaneously; a product of reason and a national landmark."
#1200528 in Books The University of Massachusetts Press 1991-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .81 x 5.42 x 8.43l; .82 #File Name: 0870237608272 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Brittany HerringtonGreat book I bought it for school and it came at a great price!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Informative.By Ardent shopperInteresting; uniques stories. Informative.9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Groundbreaking features in Showing Our ColorsBy H. H. LeavittThe publication of Showing Our Colors: Afro-German Women Speak Out was groundbreaking not only because it examined the Afro-German experience; one that had been highly ignored or denied; but also because it provided a forum for Afro-German women to discuss issues that affected them. This was difficult before the publication of this book because of the way that German historians had examined what they called "the problem" of the "occupation babies;" and because Afro-Germans had generally been raised isolated from other Afro-Germans. This book discusses the concept of German identity and why Afro-Germans have been a marginalized group because of the concept of Germany as a homogenous white nation.This book confronts the ignorance concerning Afro-Germans in Germany and exposes the reader to instance after instance of subtle racism including and ways in which different expressions concerning race; color; and mixedness are used derogatorily and what connotations they have. It explains why racism is often an accepted part of the social structure and exposes the fallacies that are used to justify ignorance and violent behavior. The personal experiences give an intimate perspective to a history that can otherwise be viewed objectively. By attempting to educate the public with this book; the contributors create a context for themselves in German history and modern German culture. The existence of Afro-Germans is no longer a mystery; nor denied; instead it is claimed by them.When a society is ignorant of its own history it can not begin to remedy the problems within. Because it provides a community for people formerly isolated; because it examines a history not previously discussed; because it educates a public in the hopes that some change will come about: for those reasons is Showing Our Colors a groundbreaking book.
