Unveiling the Interplay of Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Atlantic World: A Journey through Carolina Lowcountry and Beyond

In the tapestry of human history, the Atlantic World has served as a crucible for the exploration of race, gender, and sexuality. From the bustling port cities of the Americas to the sprawling plantations of the Caribbean, this dynamic region witnessed the convergence of diverse cultures, economies, and social systems. In this captivating book, Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Atlantic World: Carolina Lowcountry and The, we delve into the intricate interplay of these social constructs that shaped the lives of countless individuals across the Atlantic basin.

Crossings and Encounters: Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Atlantic World (Carolina Lowcountry and the Atlantic World)

by Bruce Catton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15543 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	171 pages

FREE

Carolina Lowcountry: A Microcosm of the Atlantic World

Nestled along the southeastern coast of North America, Carolina Lowcountry offers a microcosm of the Atlantic World's social and cultural complexities. During the colonial era, this fertile region became a melting pot of Europeans, Africans, and Native Americans, each bringing their own traditions, beliefs, and perspectives.

Through a wealth of primary sources, including plantation records, court documents, and personal narratives, the book uncovers the unique experiences of race, gender, and sexuality in Carolina Lowcountry. We witness the hardships faced by enslaved Africans, the challenges encountered by white women navigating a patriarchal society, and the complex sexual dynamics that existed both within and outside the confines of marriage.

The Enslaved Experience

The institution of slavery cast a long shadow over the Atlantic World, and Carolina Lowcountry was no exception. The book sheds light on the brutal realities of the slave trade, the dehumanizing conditions of plantation life, and the strategies employed by enslaved Africans to resist their oppression.

Through harrowing accounts of physical violence, psychological abuse, and sexual exploitation, the book lays bare the horrors endured by those enslaved in the Lowcountry. Yet, it also reveals the resilience and agency of enslaved individuals, who often found ways to assert their humanity and challenge the system that sought to break them.

White Women in a Patriarchal Society

White women in Carolina Lowcountry lived in a world defined by male dominance. The book examines the legal, social, and economic constraints faced by women in this society. From the lack of property rights to the limitations on their education and career opportunities, white women were often confined to domestic roles and subjected to the whims of their husbands.

However, the book also highlights the ways in which white women negotiated their roles within the patriarchal system. Through diaries, letters, and other personal accounts, we gain insights into the strategies they employed to secure their interests, protect their reputations, and assert their voices in a society that often silenced them.

Complex Sexual Dynamics

The Atlantic World was a crucible for sexual experimentation and transgression. The book explores the diverse sexual practices that existed in Carolina Lowcountry, including interracial relationships, same-sex encounters, and the widespread use of enslaved women as sexual partners by white men.

Drawing on trial records, medical documents, and personal testimonies, the book sheds light on the complex ways in which race, gender, and sexuality intersected in the Lowcountry. It unravels the double standards that applied to different groups based on their social status and reveals the hidden histories of sexual violence and exploitation.

Beyond Carolina Lowcountry

While Carolina Lowcountry serves as the primary focus of the book, it also extends its reach beyond this region to examine the broader implications of race, gender, and sexuality in the Atlantic World. The book draws comparisons with other colonies in the Americas, including the Caribbean and Brazil, highlighting the similarities and differences in the experiences of marginalized groups across the region.

By placing Carolina Lowcountry within a global context, the book invites readers to reflect on the ways in which these social constructs have shaped historical trajectories and continue to resonate in contemporary societies.

Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Atlantic World: Carolina Lowcountry and The is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive exploration of these complex and interconnected themes. Through a meticulous analysis of primary sources, the book provides a nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of marginalized groups in the Atlantic World and challenges traditional historical narratives.

By uncovering the hidden histories of race, gender, and sexuality, this book empowers us to confront the legacies of oppression and inequality that continue to shape our world today. It is an essential read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the complexities of human identity and the enduring power of social justice.

Crossings and Encounters: Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Atlantic World (Carolina Lowcountry and the Atlantic World)

by Bruce Catton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15543 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	171 pages

FREE