Racism in America: Cultural Codes and Color Lines in the 21st Century

The Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist examines the state of racism in 21st century America in this pithy and provocative essay collection. As Leonard Pitts states in his introduction, "Race is the stupidest idea in history." It is also, tragically, one of the most deeply engrained ideas in American society. In this collection of his finest articles from the Miami Herald, Pitts explores the pervasive influence of this insidious idea, tracing its evolution through American history and confronting its myriad faces today. Along with probing explorations of blackness and identity, Pitts takes on such hot-button issues as the Confederate Flag, notorious N-word, and the spurious notion of reverse discrimination. Pitts also grapples with the devastating realities Black Americans face, from the senseless death of Trayvon Martin to the rise of Trumpism and the need to insist—now more than ever—that Black Lives Matter.