The Last White Man: A Novel

This section explores The Construction of Race and Whiteness Theory through the formation of white-led vigilante mobs, or groups that enact their own version of justice outside of the law. Similar mobs and militias exist in the US, dating back to the slave patrols of the 1700s, which later evolved into modern-day police forces. These vigilante mobs peaked with lynchings and other violence against Black citizens during the Reconstruction (1865-1877) and Jim Crow era (post-Civil War through 1965). The text evokes these histories through its formation of violent mobs in direct response to the growing population of people of color, as these mobs feel an obligation and right to regulate communities of color.

The text challenges militias and vigilantes—and the principles that guide them—by condemning their racist violence and questioning the complicity of white individuals as bystanders to this violence. Anders marvels at the solidity of the militia’s self-righteousness, even though it is based on hatred of people of color. He thinks he might have joined them if he had not changed, and even wonders if they would accept him now. Oona is protected from attacks on the street not only because she is white, but also because she does not visibly express any support for people of color. When she has the opportunity to protect a woman of color, she chooses not to. Both Anders and Oona are complicit in the racist violence, as their silence and passivity enable those committing such crimes. Meanwhile, Oona’s mother, part of the extremist online community, celebrates the racist violence, believing that it will restore order to the world.

Anders and Oona are coming to terms with what the change means for their relationship. Oona finds that Anders retains parts of his former self while also being changed on a level deeper than skin color. Indeed, because he looks different, she is able to perceive him differently, which allows her to see her relationship with him in a different light. She had planned to allow the relationship to fizzle out, and she now sees a possible future. Anders knows he has changed, but finds himself “forced” into the “us” category with people of color, especially those who did not change. Anders wants to talk to the cleaning guy, but he has no way to contact him, as he had never thought of talking to him before his change. This highlights that, prior to his own change, Anders never considered talking with a person of color; instead, when he himself changes, he adopts a desire to speak with those that he would otherwise only tolerate.

Social Media and Conspiracy Theories continue to drive much of the coverage of the changes, and when the internet cuts out, Oona feels lost. This speaks to a dependency on social media and the internet as a guiding force through which to provide guidance on acceptable behavior during times of social crisis. Though Oona is not consumed by Social Media and Conspiracy Theories in the way that her mother is—a complete dependency—that she relies on outside guidance to make decisions and cultivate safety suggests a dangerous form of online community. Further, the safety afforded to Oona through her appearance not only as a white woman but also as a person without any public support of people of color demonstrates the dangers of restrictive societies that demand compliance; if one sides with an othered group, they will be punished with that group. However, Oona’s unwillingness to use her privilege to help the family that she encounters demonstrates an attitude of self-preservation. Significantly, this section finds Anders firmly deciding that he wants to live and pursue a relationship with Oona, suggesting a growing acceptance of his change that may be altering his outlook on life. Anders’s choices are more than just passive acceptance: In Oona, he finds a reason to live as himself, and this shift toward Oona coincides with his change, suggesting that the transformation is indeed altering more than the color of his skin.