Contemporary Southern Identity

Delve into the complexities of Southern identity with Contemporary Southern Identity by Rebecca Bridges Wats, published by the University Press of Mississippi in 2013. This thought-provoking book spans 220 pages and examines four pivotal public controversies that shape perceptions of the South today. Wats navigates the heated debates surrounding the Confederate flag in South Carolina, the gender integration of the Virginia Military Institute, the impact of public art displays in Richmond, and the fallout from Trent Lott's remarks on Strom Thurmond's 1948 segregationist presidential bid. Each case offers a unique lens through which to understand the evolving nature of Southern identity, making this book essential for anyone interested in the cultural and social dynamics of the American South. Engage with Wats' insightful analysis and discover how history and identity intertwine in the contemporary South.