Cooper examines the birth of American literature and the ways it has represented the experiences of the American people. She notes that Black people were until then a “silent factor” despite their pivotal presence in the country’s foundation. Yet, gradually, African Americans became central in the country’s discourse. She mentions the novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin as a turning point in American literature that influenced thinking about the enslavement of Black people and their social position.

Cooper criticizes white authors’ portrayals of Black people. She notes that most white writers approach the topic with “sheer ignorance” and are unable to meaningfully understand Black people. As a result, most representations of African Americans at the time are “caricatures” that betray an indifference to their humanity. Many white writers project their own prejudices and assumptions about African Americans onto their work. Cooper, however, recognizes the effort of certain intellectuals and theorists who want to aid Black people’s cause during the Reconstruction.

Cooper mentions pioneering Black intellectuals of the period who are advocating for the cause of racial equality. She stresses that stereotypical representations of African Americans are based on ignorance and are “an insult to humanity” (118), as they convey superficial information about a whole race.