"Counting Pages: The Color of Law"

The Color of Law: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Page Count

The Color of Law, a seminal work by historian and author Richard Rothstein, uncovers the systemic racism in the United States housing market and its deeper roots in federal, state, and local government policies. But how many pages do we need to delve into this transformative journey?

The Book's Format and Extent

The Color of Law is not a mere pocket-sized read but a robust exploration of the subject, allowing Rothstein to present his research and arguments in detail. It is published in paperback with 336 pages, providing enough depth for both casual readers and academic researchers.

This page count might seem extensive, but it's crucial to understand that each page is packed with meticulous research, eye-opening revelations, and thought-provoking analyses. The book is formatted with wide margins, making it easier to digest and engage with the text.

The Implications of the Book's Extent

The book's 336-page count implies a substantial investment of time and research from Rothstein. Each page represents hours of archival work, legal analysis, and historical investigation, painting a detailed picture of discriminatory housing policies.

Moreover, the book's length signifies its comprehensive nature. It covers nearly a century of housing policies, from the New Deal era to the present day, connecting seemingly disparate historical events and revealing their shared impact on today's racial wealth gap.

The Role of Each Chapter

The Color of Law is divided into ten chapters, each diving into a specific aspect of housing discrimination. The first nine chapters focus on different periods or policies, while the final chapter, "The Way Forward," suggests potential solutions and changes.

Each chapter typically spans 25-35 pages, allowing Rothstein to explore his topics thoroughly. For instance, Chapter 5, "The Jim Crow Housing curriculum," covers nearly 33 pages, illustrating the breadth and depth of Rothstein's research. Here's a brief look at a couple of chapters:

Chapter 2: "The Federal Government Excludes Blacks from New Deal Programs"

This chapter, comprising approximately 30 pages, details how federal agencies, during the New Deal, implemented policies that systematically excluded African Americans from newer, wealthier suburbs.

Examples highlighted include the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program's redlining policies and the Works Progress Administration's (WPA) housing innovations, ultimately perpetuating segregation and racial inequality.

Chapter 6: "Nixon's Federal Housing Administration and the Geography of Poverty"

Spanning around 31 pages, this chapter revisits the FHA, this time under the Nixon administration. Rothstein argues that although Nixon's FHA withdrew explicit racial endorsements, it still perpetuated racial discrimination through " zast" codes and other covert practices.

Rothstein supports his arguments with data, historical context, and personal stories, illustrating how Nixon's policies further entrenched racial segregation and concentrated minority groups in poverty-stricken areas.

In essence, each page of The Color of Law carries significant weight, unveiling aspects of our history often overlooked or misinterpreted, and challenging readers to question assumptions about racial inequality in our society.