Description
Book SynopsisFerber's provocative critique examines white supremacists' firm belief that white men are becoming victims and the repercussions of their attempts to assert white male power.
Trade ReviewThis book makes significant contributions to the literature on race. In particular, it is one of the few sociological studies that apply a postmodern perspective. Ferber challenges sociologists to rethink their approach to race and gender. -- Steven Seidman, SUNY Albany
A must for those championing social justice. . . . Abby Ferber explores the anxiety over interracial sexuality that prevails in white supremacy discourse to reveal how it is grounded in a binary vision of race and gender—and how that perspective frames a definition of white male identity. She reveals the 'logic' that is behind violence efforts to maintain gender and racial boundaries and challenges our interpretation of such views as 'fringe.' -- Elizabeth Higginbotham, University of Delaware
White Man Falling presents a highly original and unique reading of white supremacist discourse—one that illustrates the performative aspects of identity, and interrogates the meanings given to bodies and boundaries. Ferber argues that whiteness is an unstable category that must be continually defined and reiterated in white supremacist narratives. Focusing on the literature's constant obsession with interracial sexuality, she effectively demonstrates how race is gendered and gender is raced. -- Michael Omi, University of California, Berkeley
Penetrating, accessible commentary on recent history from a thoughtful, committed observer. * Booklist *
I appreciate her analysis, particularly her insight into the close relation between the white supremacists and the mainstream. -- Maureen T. Reddy * The Women's Review Of Books *
Remarkable revelations . . . Ferber's clear focus on the intricacies of the relationship betwen sex and gender is its greatest contribution to the study of the contemporary white supremacist movement in particular and white racism in general. In addition, she provides an enlightening history and profile of the major organized white supremacist groups in the United States. -- Annette Prosterman * The Great Plains Sociologist *
Written in an accessible and engaging manner . . . the writer chose material which effectively demonstrated the connections within the larger organizing mythology of the discourse . . . This book will help me to demonstrate the manner in which violence may be covertly eroticized and suggest that the most ugly forms of racism may have theit roots in sexual fear. -- Gargi Bhattacharyya, Professor of Sociology * Ethnic and Racial Studies *
An interesting example of the growing sociological interest in the Patriot Right, especially its most racist elements. A good application of textual analysis to the racist right. Ferber's argument is interesting, insightful, and well worth reading. -- Jerome L. Himmelstein * Qualitative Sociology *
What is going on in the minds of white supremacists? What motivates them to do what they do? Why is this still going on in the United States at this point in history? White Man Falling provides compelling answers to these very important questions. This book contributes to a greater understanding of the content and logic of white supremacy in the Unites States. This is an extremely important and timely task. * Gender & Society *
Provides a sharp analysis of the ways that contemporary white supremacist writings work to construct the whiteness for which they advocate. * Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 List of Illustrations Chapter 2 Acknowledgments Part 3 Part I: Constructing Race and Gender Chapter 4 The Bounds of Whiteness Chapter 5 Reading Race and Gender Chapter 6 Planting the Seed: The Invention of Race Chapter 7 Cultivating the Seed: The Organized White Supremacist Movement in the United States Part 8 Part II: Reading White Supremacy Chapter 9 Defining Difference Chapter 10 It All Comes Down to Sexuality: Interracial Sexuality and the Threat to Difference Chapter 11 Boundary Transgressions Chapter 12 Mongrel Monstrosities Chapter 13 Securing the Borders Chapter 14 No Final Solution Chapter 15 Bibliography Chapter 16 Appendix: Primary Sources Chapter 17 Index
