About the book
Challenging recent trends both in historical scholarship and in Supreme Court decisions on civil rights, J. Morgan Kousser criticizes the Court’s “postmodern equal protection” and demonstrates that legislative and judicial history still matter for public policy.
Offering an original interpretation of the failure of the First Reconstruction (after the Civil War) by comparing it with the relative success of the Second (after World War II), Kousser argues that institutions and institutional rules — not customs, ideas, attitudes, culture, or individual behavior — have been the primary forces shaping American race relations throughout the country’s history. Using detailed case studies of redistricting decisions and the tailoring of electoral laws from Los Angeles to the Deep South, he documents how such rules were designed to discriminate against African Americans and Latinos.
Kousser contends that far from being colorblind, Shaw v. Reno (1993) and subsequent “racial gerrymandering” decisions of the Supreme Court are intensely color-conscious. Far from being conservative, he argues, the five majority justices and their academic supporters are unreconstructed radicals who twist history and ignore current realities. A more balanced view of that history, he insists, dictates a reversal of Shaw and a return to the promise of both Reconstructions.
Editions of Colorblind Injustice
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807824313
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807847381
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807862650
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890870094
Read an Excerpt
Challenging recent trends both in historical scholarship and in Supreme Court decisions on civil rights, J. Morgan Kousser criticizes the Court’s “postmodern equal protection” and demonstrates that legislative and judicial history still matter for public policy.
Offering an original interpretation of the failure of the First Reconstruction (after the Civil War) by comparing it with the relative success of the Second (after World War II), Kousser argues that institutions and institutional rules — not customs, ideas, attitudes, culture, or individual behavior — have been the primary forces shaping American race relations throughout the country’s history. Using detailed case studies of redistricting decisions and the tailoring of electoral laws from Los Angeles to the Deep South, he documents how such rules were designed to discriminate against African Americans and Latinos.
Kousser contends that far from being colorblind, Shaw v. Reno (1993) and subsequent “racial gerrymandering” decisions of the Supreme Court are intensely color-conscious. Far from being conservative, he argues, the five majority justices and their academic supporters are unreconstructed radicals who twist history and ignore current realities. A more balanced view of that history, he insists, dictates a reversal of Shaw and a return to the promise of both Reconstructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorblind Injustice about?
Challenging recent trends both in historical scholarship and in Supreme Court decisions on civil rights, J. Morgan Kousser criticizes the Court’s “postmodern equal protection” and demonstrates that legislative and judicial history still matter for public policy.
Offering an original interpretation of the failure of the First Reconstruction (after the Civil War) by comparing it with the relative success of the Second (after World War II), Kousser argues that institutions and institutional rules — not customs, ideas, attitudes, culture, or individual behavior — have been the primary forces shaping American race relations throughout the country’s history. Using detailed case studies of redistricting decisions and the tailoring of electoral laws from Los Angeles to the Deep South, he documents how such rules were designed to discriminate against African Americans and Latinos.
Kousser contends that far from being colorblind, Shaw v. Reno (1993) and subsequent “racial gerrymandering” decisions of the Supreme Court are intensely color-conscious. Far from being conservative, he argues, the five majority justices and their academic supporters are unreconstructed radicals who twist history and ignore current realities. A more balanced view of that history, he insists, dictates a reversal of Shaw and a return to the promise of both Reconstructions.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Colorblind Injustice?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Colorblind Injustice?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807824313
How long is Colorblind Injustice and how many pages does it have?
Colorblind Injustice has 608 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Colorblind Injustice?
J. Morgan Kousser
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Colorblind Injustice is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807824313) and paperback(ISBN 9780807847381) and ebook(ISBN 9780807862650) and pdf(ISBN 9798890870094)
Where can I buy Colorblind Injustice online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Colorblind Injustice from below
Where can I buy Colorblind Injustice?