One great point made in the summary is that poor whites tend to have a more racist trend in their thought patterns. Yet, some of the more racist elements in the society are convinced that most of the people on welfare are people of color. One strong point in the summary points out the critical fact that there are far more poor white people in the United States than there are of any minority group. The phrase “(poor) white trash” has been used for many years to refer to the economic underclass of white people.

Females, Native Americans and free and enslaved blacks were not considered equal to their “betters.” The purpose of this book is to emphasize that fact regarding white people and point out that it lingers today. In this context the word “men” was referring to all landowning white males. that all men are created equal” did not include all people. We read every chapter, identify the key takeaways and analyze them for your convenience.įor some time it appears that only people that understand history know that the passage in the Declaration of Independence “. With Instaread, you can get the key takeaways, summary and analysis of a book in 15 minutes. Inside this Instaread Summary of White Trash by Nancy Isenberg | Includes Analysis PLEASE NOTE: This is key takeaways and analysis of the book and NOT the original book. Many were criminals, vagrants, and orphans who then became indentured servants with no landowning rights. Contrary to the myth that American colonial settlers were either enterprising businessmen or devout Christians fleeing religious persecution, the majority were actually economically challenged outcasts or social burdens that the English were happy to be rid of.

With careful research, Isenberg reviews the popular American myth of equality for all and illustrates how poor whites, or “white trash,” have traditionally been a much-derided, marginalized part of American society.Ĭlass hierarchy traces back to America’s earliest history. White Trash by historian Nancy Isenberg is a riveting chronicle of class in America as explored through the role and the plight of the white underclass from the days of colonial settlers to the present.ĭespite the founders’ declaration that “all men are created equal,” the reality of life in America has continuously told a different story. Summary of White Trash by Nancy Isenberg | Includes Analysis

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