Lords of Misrule: Mardi Gras and the Politics of Race in New Orleans
Gill, a columnist for theNew Orleans Times-Picayune, covers a wealth of little-known history in this chronicle of the recent battle to desegregate Mardi Gras parade groups, or krewes. Mardi Gras is more than this saturnalian city's most famous celebration; it's a crystallization of its unique and volatile cultural mix and its arrogant tradition of formalized prejudice. As Gill documents every city council debate on this sensitive subject since the first desegregation order in 1991 instructed krewes to abide by the civil rights amendment in their membership policies, he traces the lineage of all-white male krewes intent on preserving their elitist status back before the Civil War. African Americans, the city's majority, also have long-standing krewes, and Gill vividly describes their splendid presentations inspired by artful interpretations of American Indian warriors. Mardi Gras history is fascinating, involving, as it does, religion, politics, potent personalities, the blatant abuse of power, all manner of debauchery, and the destructive consequences of an elaborate racial caste system that discriminates against blacks, Italian Americans, and Jews. This is one spicy slice of American life.Donna Seaman--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.