Black Faces, White Spaces

Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors

By Carolyn Finney | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

Why are African Americans so underrepresented when it comes to interest in nature, outdoor recreation, and environmentalism? In this thought-provoking study, Carolyn Finney looks beyond the discourse of the environmental justice movement to examine how the natural environment has been understood, commodified, and represented by both white and black Americans. Bridging the fields of environmental history, cultural studies, critical race studies, and geography, Finney argues that the legacies of slavery, Jim Crow, and racial violence have shaped cultural understandings of the “great outdoors” and determined who should and can have access to natural spaces.

Drawing on a variety of sources from film, literature, and popular culture, and analyzing different historical moments, including the establishment of the Wilderness Act in 1964 and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Finney reveals the perceived and real ways in which nature and the environment are racialized in America. Looking toward the future, she also highlights the work of African Americans who are opening doors to greater participation in environmental and conservation concerns.

Editions of Black Faces, White Spaces

Paperback
ISBN 9781469614489
EBook
ISBN 9781469614502
EBook
ISBN 9798890840431
EBook
ISBN 9781469614496
PDF
ISBN 9798890840424
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9781469665382

Read an Excerpt

Why are African Americans so underrepresented when it comes to interest in nature, outdoor recreation, and environmentalism? In this thought-provoking study, Carolyn Finney looks beyond the discourse of the environmental justice movement to examine how the natural environment has been understood, commodified, and represented by both white and black Americans. Bridging the fields of environmental history, cultural studies, critical race studies, and geography, Finney argues that the legacies of slavery, Jim Crow, and racial violence have shaped cultural understandings of the “great outdoors” and determined who should and can have access to natural spaces.

Drawing on a variety of sources from film, literature, and popular culture, and analyzing different historical moments, including the establishment of the Wilderness Act in 1964 and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Finney reveals the perceived and real ways in which nature and the environment are racialized in America. Looking toward the future, she also highlights the work of African Americans who are opening doors to greater participation in environmental and conservation concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Faces, White Spaces about?

Why are African Americans so underrepresented when it comes to interest in nature, outdoor recreation, and environmentalism? In this thought-provoking study, Carolyn Finney looks beyond the discourse of the environmental justice movement to examine how the natural environment has been understood, commodified, and represented by both white and black Americans. Bridging the fields of environmental history, cultural studies, critical race studies, and geography, Finney argues that the legacies of slavery, Jim Crow, and racial violence have shaped cultural understandings of the “great outdoors” and determined who should and can have access to natural spaces.

Drawing on a variety of sources from film, literature, and popular culture, and analyzing different historical moments, including the establishment of the Wilderness Act in 1964 and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Finney reveals the perceived and real ways in which nature and the environment are racialized in America. Looking toward the future, she also highlights the work of African Americans who are opening doors to greater participation in environmental and conservation concerns.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Black Faces, White Spaces?

Earth Sciences, Geography, Environment, Planning > The environment > Applied ecology

Where can I read a sample of Black Faces, White Spaces?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469614489

How long is Black Faces, White Spaces and how many pages does it have?

Black Faces, White Spaces has 194 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Black Faces, White Spaces?

Carolyn Finney

Who is the Publisher of the book Black Faces, White Spaces?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Black Faces, White Spaces is available as paperback(ISBN 9781469614489) and ebook(ISBN 9781469614502) and ebook(ISBN 9798890840431) and ebook(ISBN 9781469614496) and pdf(ISBN 9798890840424) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781469665382)

Where can I buy Black Faces, White Spaces online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Black Faces, White Spaces from below

Where can I buy Black Faces, White Spaces?