About the book
When Zandria Robinson returned home to interview African Americans in Memphis, she was often greeted with some version of the caution “I hope you know this ain’t Chicago.” In this important new work, Robinson critiques ideas of black identity constructed through a northern lens and situates African Americans as central shapers of contemporary southern culture. Analytically separating black southerners from their migrating cousins, fictive kin, and white counterparts, Robinson demonstrates how place intersects with race, class, gender, and regional identities and differences.
Robinson grounds her work in Memphis — the first big city heading north out of the Mississippi Delta. Although Memphis sheds light on much about the South, Robinson does not suggest that the region is monolithic. Instead, she attends to multiple Souths, noting the distinctions between southern places. Memphis, neither Old South nor New South, sits at the intersections of rural and urban, soul and post-soul, and civil rights and post–civil rights, representing an ongoing conversation with the varied incarnations of the South, past and present.
Editions of This Ain't Chicago
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469614229
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469614243
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890846594
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469614236
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890846587
Read an Excerpt
When Zandria Robinson returned home to interview African Americans in Memphis, she was often greeted with some version of the caution “I hope you know this ain’t Chicago.” In this important new work, Robinson critiques ideas of black identity constructed through a northern lens and situates African Americans as central shapers of contemporary southern culture. Analytically separating black southerners from their migrating cousins, fictive kin, and white counterparts, Robinson demonstrates how place intersects with race, class, gender, and regional identities and differences.
Robinson grounds her work in Memphis — the first big city heading north out of the Mississippi Delta. Although Memphis sheds light on much about the South, Robinson does not suggest that the region is monolithic. Instead, she attends to multiple Souths, noting the distinctions between southern places. Memphis, neither Old South nor New South, sits at the intersections of rural and urban, soul and post-soul, and civil rights and post–civil rights, representing an ongoing conversation with the varied incarnations of the South, past and present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is This Ain't Chicago about?
When Zandria Robinson returned home to interview African Americans in Memphis, she was often greeted with some version of the caution “I hope you know this ain’t Chicago.” In this important new work, Robinson critiques ideas of black identity constructed through a northern lens and situates African Americans as central shapers of contemporary southern culture. Analytically separating black southerners from their migrating cousins, fictive kin, and white counterparts, Robinson demonstrates how place intersects with race, class, gender, and regional identities and differences.
Robinson grounds her work in Memphis — the first big city heading north out of the Mississippi Delta. Although Memphis sheds light on much about the South, Robinson does not suggest that the region is monolithic. Instead, she attends to multiple Souths, noting the distinctions between southern places. Memphis, neither Old South nor New South, sits at the intersections of rural and urban, soul and post-soul, and civil rights and post–civil rights, representing an ongoing conversation with the varied incarnations of the South, past and present.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in This Ain't Chicago?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Ethnic studies / Ethnicity
Where can I read a sample of This Ain't Chicago?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469614229
How long is This Ain't Chicago and how many pages does it have?
This Ain't Chicago has 238 page(s)
Is This Ain't Chicago part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series New Directions in Southern Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book This Ain't Chicago?
Zandria F. Robinson
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
This Ain't Chicago is available as paperback(ISBN 9781469614229) and ebook(ISBN 9781469614243) and ebook(ISBN 9798890846594) and ebook(ISBN 9781469614236) and pdf(ISBN 9798890846587)
Where can I buy This Ain't Chicago online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy This Ain't Chicago from below
Where can I buy This Ain't Chicago?