A Savage Song: Racist Violence and Armed Resistance in the Early Twentieth-Century U.S.–Mexico Borderlands

This book explores the intersection of collective and state violence with racialized social boundaries around Mexican and African Americans in the US, highlighting the 1915 rebellion of ethnic Mexicans in South Texas and the 1917 mutiny of black soldiers in Houston. It examines how racialized constructions of masculinity were employed, how African and Mexican American men responded to violence, and how their resistance was understood by law enforcement, politicians, and the press.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 26 March 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating book delves into critical historical moments when collective and state-sanctioned violence played a pivotal role in reinforcing racialized social boundaries around Mexican and African Americans in the United States. It also highlights the violent contests that emerged to challenge these boundaries. By integrating anti-Mexican violence into a comprehensive analytical framework alongside anti-black violence, A Savage Song offers a profound exploration of various overlooked chapters in this often-overlooked history. The book examines key events such as the 1915 rebellion of ethnic Mexicans in South Texas, which was met with brutal repression by the Texas Rangers, and the 1917 mutiny of black soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment in Houston, Texas, in response to police brutality.

Aragon delves into the intricate nuances of these moments, exploring how racialized constructions of masculinity were employed differently across these contexts. He also examines how African and Mexican American men, including those in uniform, responded to the violence of racism. Furthermore, the book sheds light on how their resistance, including their claims to manhood and nation, was understood by law enforcement, politicians, and the press.

Drawing upon extensive archival research, A Savage Song meticulously examines how African and Mexican American men have been constructed as "racial problems." It specifically investigates their relationship with law enforcement and prevailing notions about black and Mexican criminality. This insightful book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of these complex historical dynamics and their enduring impact on American society.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526178749