# Chapter XI: The Perilous Truth explained — Black No More

> Chapter companion for Black No More by George Schuyler.

## What happens

As the presidential election approaches, Arthur Snobbcraft hosts a pre-election party, but his celebration is interrupted by Dr. Buggerie's alarming discovery: the Anglo-Saxon Association's genealogical research reveals that most Americans, including the nation's elite, have mixed-race ancestry. Buggerie insists the data must be suppressed to avoid scandal. Meanwhile, Matthew Fisher confides in Bunny Brown about his wife Helen's pregnancy, which threatens to expose his true identity. Bunny advises Matthew to prepare an escape plan, as the birth of a black child would ruin his political ambitions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy of American Democracy

The election campaign is driven by racial demagoguery, while the genealogical research exposes the founders' mixed ancestry, undermining claims of racial purity.

### Satire of Racism and White Supremacy

Buggerie's findings reveal that even the most ardent white supremacists have Black ancestry, satirizing the absurdity of racial purity.

### Power and Corruption

Snobbcraft and Buggerie decide to suppress the truth to protect their political and social power, showing how corruption trumps honesty.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Snobbcraft

Hosts a pre-election party, but is confronted by Buggerie's devastating genealogical findings about his own mixed ancestry.

### Dr. Samuel Buggerie

Reveals that the Anglo-Saxon Association's research proves widespread mixed ancestry among Americans, including Snobbcraft and Givens, and insists on suppressing the data.

### Matthew Fisher

Worried about Helen's pregnancy, which could expose his true identity; discusses escape plans with Bunny.

### Bunny Brown

Advises Matthew to prepare a plane and cash for a quick getaway when the baby is born.

### Rev. Henry Givens

Mentioned as a fanatic on race, but Buggerie reveals he is only four generations removed from a mulatto ancestor.

### Helen Fisher

Pregnant again, miscalculates her due date, causing Matthew to panic.

## Key lines

> We must destroy the whole shooting match... The sooner we get through with it the better.

Buggerie insists they must burn all the genealogical records to prevent the scandal from leaking.

_Highlights the suppression of truth to maintain power._

> Take your own family, for instance. (Now don’t get mad, Snobbcraft). Take your own family. It is true that your people descended from King Alfred, but he has scores, perhaps hundreds of thousands of descendants.

Buggerie reveals that Snobbcraft's ancestry includes a Black slave, proving that even the First Families have mixed blood.

_Satirizes the myth of pure Anglo-Saxon lineage._

> Well, what I’d suggest is this: about time you think Helen’s gonna be confined, get together as much cash as you can and keep your plane ready.

Bunny advises Matthew to have money and a plane ready to flee when Helen gives birth.

_Shows the constant fear of exposure for Matthew._

## Links

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