In our modern society where information is so readily available on the Internet, people have lost sight of that.

They are also there to point out that we have to return to a time where we think that information and evidence are really important. The footnotes are not only there for other historians to realize that this is a serious book. We’re willing to either go with our gut, or we’re willing to accept an opinion because it ratifies what we already think. This is one of the problems I have with modern society. You have to know a lot and there has to be evidence. Nancy Isenberg: I’m glad you’ve brought attention to that because it’s what it means to be a professional historian. Those who might refute your premise should take a look at those footnotes first. I found them to be potent evidence of the care and time you’ve taken with this topic. I’m talking about the one hundred and twenty-three pages of footnotes which conclude your book. Hawes: If you don’t mind, I’d like to begin by discussing the end of White Trash. I’m deeply appreciative of the time she took to talk to BCB.Īmy M. Isenberg’s book is both groundbreaking and critically important if we, as a society, want to live up to our ideals and our potential. Maybe by understanding the true roots of class and poverty in America, I might begin to understand where to find answers and then be able to take informed action, so that one day, and hopefully in my lifetime, the motto on my t-shirt wouldn’t need an asterisk.Īfter finishing the book, I have a deeper understanding of the complexity of what it takes to actualize the American Dream, but I’m not giving up on it! Dr.

Nancy isenberg books