An unlikely journalist; a murder case in Mississippi; and a fascinating literary true crime story in the style of Jon Ronson.A notorious white supremacist named Richard Barrett was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 2010 by a young black man named Vincent McGee. At first the murder seemed a twist on old Deep South race crimes. But then new revelations and complications came to light. Maybe it was a dispute over money rather than race—or; maybe and intriguingly; over sex.John Safran; a young white Jewish Australian documentarian; had been in Mississippi and interviewed Barrett for a film on race. When he learned of Barrett’s murder; he returned to find out what happened and became caught up in the twists and turns of the case. During his time in Mississippi; Safran got deeper and deeper into this gothic southern world; becoming entwined in the lives of those connected with the murder—white separatist frenemies; black lawyers; police investigators; oddball neighbors; the stunned families; even the killer himself. And the more he talked with them; the less simple the crime—and the people involved—seemed to be. In the end; he discovered how profoundly and indelibly complex the truth about someone’s life—and death—can be.This is a brilliant; haunting; hilarious; unsettling story about race; money; sex; and power in the modern American South from an outsider’s point of view.
#8031 in Books 2011-09-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x .90 x 5.50l; .63 #File Name: 1593764251208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. So thought provoking!By Tracy BrownI read this for a book group - yes; yet another book group book. What an interesting read! This guy grew up with parents that wanted him to know people are the same; regardless of what they may look like.Mine were the same way; but one thing they taught me is that no one is color blind. We see the colors. And we must be aware; consciously choosing how we treat others. Can people tell be the way I live that I believe all humans deserve to be treated with dignity? Or can they only see that I do nothing to show my prejudices? Don't get me wrong; the latter is still an acceptable social norm to me; but I expect and hope for better.Clearly; the concept of white privilege is an uncomfortable one for those of us who benefit from it - for white males more than white females; but I know I have been benefitted by my skin color. I liked this book; though; because it caused me to reflect on myself; on my life; on my blessings and behavior.Until we see "others" as a part of "us"; we can never enjoy equality in our country. We have to keep fighting for it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Challenging look at privilegeBy James LMr. Wise does n excellent job in shining a light on the allyship of white people in order to end racism in America.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. gives good insight!By Edgar WomackVery imformative ; gives good insight !!
