The Sordid History Of Sundown Towns In America

Source: Bettmann / Getty Sundown towns, places where Black and non-white Americans face the threat of harassment and violence for simply existing, are an under-discussed part of American history. This makes sense as America can’t help but sugarcoat its history. Lies are easier to swallow than the truth, especially when they reinforce how a person views the world. While America’s military-industrial complex maintains its hegemonic power abroad, domestically, that power is maintained domestically through myths and whitewashing. The same politicians who would’ve sent the dogs on civil rights activists are the ones who whitewash MLK’s legacy to justify their own heinous policies. A sizeable portion of the population believes the plight of Black and brown communities is due to cultural differences and a victim mentality. They believe the lie because the truth, that for hundreds of years there have been systems and cultural norms designed to marginalize anyone not straight, white, or male, has been whitewashed and downplayed. One of the most dangerous cultural norms to have received this revisionist history treatment is sundown towns.  MORE: Sundown Towns Black People Should Be Aware Of What are Sundown Towns?  Sundown towns were prevalent throughout the United States during the era of...