Title
Pure America: Eugenics and the Making of Modern Virginia,Used
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Longlisted for the 2022 PEN America John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction, a 'riveting and tightly argued' history of eugenics and its ripple effects, by acclaimed historian Elizabeth Catte.Between 1927 and 1979, more than 8,000 people were involuntarily sterilized in five hospitals across the state of Virginia. From this plain and terrible fact springs Elizabeth Cattes Pure America, a sweeping, unsparing history of eugenics in Virginia, and by extension the United States. Virginias eugenics program was not the misguided initiative of wellmeaning men of the day, writes Catte, it was a manifestation of white supremacy. It was a form of employment insurance. It was a means of controlling troublesome women and a philosophy that helped remove poor people from valuable land. It was cruel and it was wrong. As was amply evidenced by her acclaimed 2018 book What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia, Catte has no room for excuses; no patience for equivocation. What does it mean for modern America, she asks here, that such buildings are given the second chance that 8,000 citizens never got?Grounded, wellrendered, and highly disturbing, Pure America is another necessary corrective to the historical record, a mustread for anyone concerned with how to repair its damage.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main topic of 'Pure America: Eugenics and the Making of Modern Virginia'? A: 'Pure America' explores the history of eugenics in Virginia from 1927 to 1979, focusing on the involuntary sterilization of over 8,000 individuals and its implications for modern society.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Elizabeth Catte, an acclaimed historian known for her critical examination of historical narratives.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes include the intersection of eugenics with white supremacy, social control, and the historical injustices faced by marginalized communities in Virginia.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: 'Pure America' contains 176 pages, providing a concise yet comprehensive examination of its subject matter.
- Q: When was 'Pure America' published? A: 'Pure America: Eugenics and the Making of Modern Virginia' was published on February 2, 2021.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, which provides durability and a premium feel.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic research? A: Yes, 'Pure America' is well-researched and includes historical analysis, making it suitable for academic research on eugenics and social history.
- Q: What audience would benefit from reading this book? A: The book is ideal for readers interested in history, social justice, and the impacts of eugenics, as well as those looking to understand the roots of contemporary social issues.
- Q: Are there any awards associated with this book? A: 'Pure America' was longlisted for the 2022 PEN America John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction, highlighting its critical acclaim.
- Q: Does the author have previous works that are relevant? A: Yes, Elizabeth Catte's previous book, 'What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia', also addresses themes of social justice and historical misunderstanding, providing context for her insights in 'Pure America'.