Us and Them: A History of Intolerance in America

by Jim Carnes

The history of intolerance in the United States begins in colonial times. Discrimination on the basis of religion, race, and sexual orientation have been characteristic of our society for more than three centuries. Us and Them illuminates these dark corners of our nation's past and traces its
ongoing efforts to live up to its ideals.
Through 14 case studies, using original documents, historical photos, newly commissioned paintings, and dramatic narratives, readers begin to understand the history and psychology of intolerance as they witness firsthand the struggles that have shaped our collective identity.
We read about Mary Dyer, who was executed for her Quaker faith in Boston in 1660. We learn how the Mormons were expelled from Missouri in 1838. The attack on Chinese miners in Rock Spring, Wyoming in 1885, the battle of Wounded Knee in 1890, the activities of the Ku Klux Klan in Mobile, Alabama in
1981, and the Crown Heights riot in New York in 1991--all are presented in clear and powerful narrative that brings to life history that is often forgotten or slighted.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Social Justice

136 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[English315/educ510 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if a Holocaust occurred here in America? What would you do if crowds stood by as women were hunted down and killed for crimes they did not commit? What would you do if groups were formed simply based on hatred of other people and performed murderous, cruel crimes right here in our own country? What would you do if I told you all of this has already happened in our country? For those of you who have always thought that your country is merely one of freedom and tolerance, you need to read Us and Them: A History of Intolerance in America. You'll find out the real history about our country, the kind of history that your history books try to leave out. Want to find out what our country is really like and how it got where it is today? Read this book.

[Kimba Tichenor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book purports to be a history of intolerance in America, but it is less a history than a catalogue of examples of intolerance. While it does provide some very interesting accounts of lesser known incidents of intolerance in American history, it provides no real analysis of these events. In short, as a history, it is very disappointing.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating, depressing book that looks at religious, racial, ethnic and sexual persecution throughout America's history. Full of b&w pictures, informative sidebars, and bloody first person accounts of violence, this is a solid introduction to intolerance.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly interesting. The truest words in the publisher's blurb were "evocative language," not to say that the entire missive is unbelievable, only that it's all been heard before - only now it's been re-packaged.

[Mell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and sad account of injustice and prejudice in America. The book doesn't shy away from recounting the lives of people who were lynched and murdered.

[janicec100 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I listened to this book while on a driving trip together. It was an eye-opener. I mean, I guess I basically knew the history of persecution in the USA...African Americans, Indians, Catholics, Irish, gays, etc...but this book told stories of individuals throughout history. It really brought it to life and made it quite personable. And, if this can be possible, it does seems like things were worse than they are today. I have been feeling so badly about the state of our country in the here and now but this book did help me to realize that we have indeed made some progress and that things could be much worse.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strongest historical texts I've read. The sharing of the narratives was a powerful addition to the historical background of that time period. Reading this in 2023, it is crazy to see how history continues to repeat itself.

[Clara Troltenier (Support Modest Behaviour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for my Race Relations course.

[Dee Halzack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It opens with the story of Mary Dyer, a Quaker woman who died in the name of religious freedom, because she refused to be silenced and refused to spout the "party line." And no part of the country, South, North, East or West has had a monopoly on intolerance.

Sadly, I see a pattern of intolerance that goes back to the beginning of this country's history, one that has frequently allowed those who are different and in the minority to be judged wrong-headed and inferior simply by virtue of their differentness.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the same group that bought us Free at Last a history of the civil rights movement and those who died in the struggle. This is a unique window into why diversity and individuality are need and why we need to look back-into the past to not repeat the same mistakes in the future. I always thought this was the land of the free but was shocked at what we have had happen Stateside and it is a cautionary tale seeing as we have a lot of the same issues going on in the world right now.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Ocl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an important, succinct book with many harsh examples of the intolerance,violence, and death faced by many Americans throughout our history. It should be read widely, to remind everyone that the intolerant have always been on the wrong side of history.