Framing the discussion—dominating it, in fact—was an overwhelming focus on black rage.
-- Carol Anderson (Prologue)

Importance: This quotation refers to the fact that, in the wake of publicized acts of violent oppression against Black people, media generally vilifies the righteous indignation of the Black community, rather than focusing on the systemic racism that enabled the injustice in the first place. This unfair framing is an example of 'white rage,' which operates with a false air of legitimacy and morality, since white people have dominant control over law, politics, and media in the United States.

I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races.
-- Abraham Lincoln (chapter 1)

Importance: One main function of this book is to demythologize misconceptions about American history. Many people view Abraham Lincoln's presidency as a turning point in relieving racial oppression in the United States...