Race Relations
The memoir addresses the interracial and intra-racial relations in America in the mid-20th century. It focuses on the social constructions of race where black people are considered inferior to the white populace. As such, Jefferson highlights the racial prejudice during her upbringing and in the predominantly white schools. Furthermore, she delves into the distinction between upper-class black people and working-class black communities. This creates an internal conflict for Jefferson who is caught between integrating into the white society and embracing her black identity.
White versus Black Privilege
The title refers to the state of mind adopted by the black upper-class and bourgeoisie to navigate systemic racism. Though they have black privilege unlike the lower-class African Americans they still face prejudice based on the color of their skin. Jefferson emphasizes the division between white and black privilege since they entail very different aspects. While the white populace feels entitled to their privilege, the affluent black people have to earn and demand their limited privilege. What’s more is that this privilege can be stripped away at any moment hence does not quite measure up to white privilege.
Liberation Movements
Jefferson charts events in her life during an important time in history when both black power and feminist movements were at their peak. She illustrates the systems of oppression that took advantage of the vulnerable groups in society. However, the liberation movements had different voices such as the mainstream feminist movements that focused on the problems of white women. Trying to figure out her own voice and what route to take, Jefferson discovers herself in a new way. As an individual brought up in a white-centric background, she has a difficult transition embracing the black culture and identity. The memoir tackles the history of black people rising against the oppressive system and demanding their civil rights.
