Customer Reviews

The BAND PLAYED DIXIE

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used this book as my primary information source during a recent History class research project on the James Meredith affair. Frankly, from reading it, I believe it to be one of the best nonfiction books I have ever encountered. Cohodas really did her homework on this one, and the detail evident the book shows how well she conducted her research. The other aspect of this winning combination is that she possesses a real ability for relating a story-- I have never been so captivated by a nonfiction piece. While part of this is due to the fact that the subject matter (the history of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)) is engrossing, it continues to amaze me that Cohodas has not been more prolific in her documentation of Southern politics, for she certainly does it better than anyone else I have read.

It is unfortunate that the defenders of white supremacy are panning this book, for it is an excellent review of the post-civil rights era. The author shows that the struggle for racial equality did not end with desegregation. As much as the neo-confederates would claim otherwise, the rebel flag is a symbol of white supremacy - if it was not, then the Dixecrats would not have adopted it in 1948 and the state of Georgia would not have put on their state flag in response to the Brown decision. Defenders of the rebel flag need to recognize those facts, just as they need to remember that Nathan Bedford Forrest massacred prisoners at Fort Pillow (which was corroborated by Confederate officers). That's the "heritage" they so proudly speak of, and Colonel Reb is just a a softer version of it. Read the book, look at the photos, and see for yourself.

I came to this book knowing almost nothing about Ole Miss or its integration history. This book was an excellent summary of the history of the college, especially in its early years, and how that history played into the integration struggles. It was interesting to see how racial relations at the college have changed and not changed since the 1960s, and to get another perspective on the Confederate flag.

The book is well-written and it's hard to believe that the author didn't spend her whole life in Mississippi. The book bogs down towards the end a bit, but otherwise is quite engrossing.

An excellent book, especially for those who were not taught much about integration in the South.

Anyone interested in the Integration of Ole Miss should read this book. It provides a startlingly objective account of how difficult true integration is. Not because of racism, but because of social differences, how we relate to one another and how frightening it is to learn to trust people. It also reveals the heroes of Ole Miss, black and white.

In the year this book was published, one of the main subjects, Cleve McDowell, was murdered. Nadine Cohodas (Thank goodness!) had interviewed McDowell about his treatment at Ole Miss when he became the first African-American admitted there as a law student. Times were difficult, and McDowell was left with absolutely no protection from the Justice Department - on a campus where students still had guns from the James Meredith riot. This is a wonderful history of those moments and provides excellent insight into those times. For those interested, I've placed more information on McDowell at http://uncivilrites.com

As a Southerner, I have always had an awarness and pride in Ole Miss. I love the history, culture and traditions of the South and this university stands out with its southern pride and past reputation of excellence in higher education.
I wasn't aware of all the details of forced integration at Ole Miss. This book takes you through the history of the school reporting on race relations. The discussion on the most part is from the aspect of so called civil rights. This is a necessary view to an understanding but it is mostly a one sided view in the book. I'm not advocating segregation so don't go off there.
It is wrong to eliminate the southern culture of Ole Miss. The song Dixie, the proud Confederate spirit flag, rebel and Colonel mascot are a some of the reasons people love Ole Miss. If it was all so bad then why did people strive to attend. It is the southern traditions and spirit of the South which has strengthened the university. If political correctness is left to fester at Ole Miss then change the name to New Miss. It will no longer be the same great school.
It made me sick to read that Southern University changed their mascot General Nat some years ago. The mascot was named for the great General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Talk about fighting spirit. He was invited to speak at the Independent order of Pole-Beares(predecessor to the NAACP) in 1875. The first white invited to speak about civil rights to the group.
I could go on. Read this book for an understanding of Ole Miss but be sure it isn't the only one as your fed mostly so called civil rights propaganda. Readers need fair and more balanced views.
A friend told me when Ole Miss played a football game at the Independence bowl in Shreveport, La a few years ago the university band played Dixie and it was a thrill he won't forget. God, I hope I get to hear the band play Dixie someday.
Too much south bashing from a yankee lady author for me to rate over two stars.

In the year this book was published, one of the main subjects, Cleve McDowell, was murdered. Nadine Cohodas (Thank goodness!) had interviewed McDowell about his treatment at Ole Miss when he became the first African-American admitted there as a law student. Times were difficult, and McDowell was left with absolutely no protection from the Justice Department - on a campus where students still had guns from the James Meredith riot. This is a wonderful history of those moments and provides excellent insight into those times. More is on McDowell at http://uncivilrites.com

The Meredith saga is intricately played out on the pages of this great book. Buy it, and learn something.