# Chapter VIII: The Political Maneuvering explained — Black No More

> Chapter companion for Black No More by George Schuyler.

## What happens

Two years after Black-No-More, Inc. began its operations, the Negro population has been nearly eliminated, causing economic and social upheaval in the South. The political landscape is shifting, with Republicans making inroads and fears of socialism rising. Senator Rufus Kretin of Georgia visits the Knights of Nordica to seek help in maintaining Democratic control. Matthew Fisher, now a key figure in the organization, plans to use the 'Negro problem' as a political tool despite its seeming obsolescence. Meanwhile, Matthew is troubled by his wife Helen's pregnancy, fearing the child will be black. Bunny Brown devises a plan to help, which involves seeking out Dr. Joseph Bonds, now a waiter in a café, to potentially assist in the scheme.

## Themes in this chapter

### Satire of Racism and White Supremacy

The chapter satirizes the political exploitation of racial prejudice, as Matthew plans to use the 'Negro problem' despite its diminishing relevance.

### Economic Exploitation and Class

The South's economic dependence on the Negro underclass is highlighted, with mill barons mourning the loss of cheap labor and the potential for labor unrest.

### Hypocrisy of American Democracy

Political leaders like Senator Kretin and the Knights of Nordica manipulate racial fears to maintain power, exposing the hypocrisy of democratic ideals.

### Power and Corruption

Matthew's pursuit of power and money through political manipulation, and the corruption within the Knights of Nordica, are central to the chapter.

## Character check-ins

### Matthew Fisher

Now a key strategist for the Knights of Nordica, planning to use racial prejudice for political gain, while privately worried about his wife's pregnancy.

### Bunny Brown

Matthew's loyal friend and secretary, who devises a plan to help Matthew with his wife's pregnancy and seeks out Dr. Joseph Bonds.

### Rev. Henry Givens

Imperial Grand Wizard of the Knights of Nordica, hosting Senator Kretin and relying on Matthew for political strategy.

### Senator Rufus Kretin

Georgia senator and Democratic war horse, seeking help from the Knights of Nordica to counter Republican gains.

### Dr. Joseph Bonds

Former head of the Negro Data League, now working as a waiter in a café, having fallen from his previous status.

### Helen Fisher

Matthew's wife, pregnant and unaware of his true identity, causing Matthew great anxiety.

## Key lines

> We’ll try the old sure fire Negro problem stuff.

Matthew proposes to use the tried-and-true tactic of racial prejudice to win votes.

_Matthew's cynical approach to politics, using racism as a tool._

> The economic loss to the South by the ethnic migration was considerable.

The South suffered significant economic losses due to the departure of the Negro population.

_Highlights the economic dependency on the black underclass._

> What about one o’ them theah Red scares?

Senator Kretin suggests using a Red Scare to rally voters.

_Satirizes the political use of fear and scapegoating._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_no_more_se/chapters/viii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_no_more_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_no_more_se/chapters