The title essay is based on Sowell's thesis about the origins of the "black ghetto" culture.
Sowell argues that the black ghetto culture, which is claimed to be "authentic black culture", is actually a highly dysfunctional white southern
redneck culture which existed during the
antebellum South. This culture came, in turn, from the "
Cracker culture" of the North Britons and Scots-Irish who migrated from the generally lawless
border regions of Britain.
Sowell gives a number of examples that he regards as supporting the lineage, e.g.,
an aversion to work, proneness to violence, neglect of education, sexual promiscuity, improvidence, drunkenness, lack of entrepreneurship,… and a style of religious oratory marked by strident rhetoric, unbridled emotions, and flamboyant imagery.