American Nightmare, Jerrold M. Packard
American Nightmare, Jerrold M. Packard
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American Nightmare
The History of Jim Crow

Author: Jerrold M. Packard

Narrator: Terrence Kidd

Unabridged: 11 hr 49 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 02/09/2021


Synopsis

For a hundred years after the end of the Civil War, a quarter of all Americans lived under a system of legalized segregation called Jim Crow. Together with its rigidly enforced canon of racial "etiquette," these rules governed nearly every aspect of life—and outlined draconian punishments for infractions.

The purpose of Jim Crow was to keep African Americans subjugated at a level as close as possible to their former slave status. Exceeding even South Africa's notorious apartheid in the humiliation, degradation, and suffering it brought, Jim Crow left scars on the American psyche that are still felt today. American Nightmare examines and explains Jim Crow from its beginnings to its end: how it came into being, how it was lived, how it was justified, and how, at long last, it was overcome only a few short decades ago. Most importantly, this book reveals how a nation founded on principles of equality and freedom came to enact as law a pervasive system of inequality and virtual slavery.

Although America has finally consigned Jim Crow to the historical graveyard, Jerrold Packard shows why it is important that this scourge—and an understanding of how it happened—remain alive in the nation's collective memory.

About Jerrold M. Packard

Jerrold M. Packard is the author of Farewell in Splendor, American Nightmare, and The Lincolns in the White House, among other books.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Devon on July 18, 2019

A well-researched and written account on the history of Jim Crow This should be a required reading for every American. As a black man I knew we had it bad but, after reading some of the things that we had to go through just broke my heart. During the Jim Crow era - especially the war years - other co......more

Goodreads review by Wes on July 22, 2018

In depth thorough account of American history as it relates to Jim Crow in every facet of life from post slavery up until it ended in the late 21st century. This is a book that I read for the sake of educating myself which was also surprisingly enjoyable to read. The accounts of American history tha......more

Goodreads review by Tyler on August 10, 2022

I'm giving this imperfect little book five stars despite some caveats. I recommend everybody, especially white Americans like me, read it. For no other reason, we need to fill in the gaps in our knowledge of the horrific systemic racism that good, white, "God-fearing," and "Christian" Americans defe......more

Goodreads review by Jay on November 27, 2019

American Nightmare: The History of Jim Crow gives the reader a very good understanding of the horrid treatment, harassment, humiliation, fear, and worse, that the American public prevailed upon the black population for decades. Packard doesn't try to lay blame, nor make excuses, but presents the fac......more

Goodreads review by George on September 13, 2020

A good, disturbing read.......more