The memoir charts Jefferson’s childhood in the 1950s and 1960s and her observation of the civil rights and feminist movements. However, it mostly focuses on her experiences as part of the upper echelons of the black bourgeoisie in Chicago during this period. The title alludes to the state of mind constructed by individuals within this group that strive to be overachievers in a white-centric society. Jefferson affirms the gap between the white and black elites as the African Americans have to scrape along with the makeshift privilege unlike the former.
The book highlights the lives of the Jeffersons where the father is head of pediatrics; the mother is a socialite and the daughter is born into this ‘colored’ aristocracy. Despite this black privilege, the young Jefferson has to navigate the high expectations to be even recognized as an equal by the white society with a sense of entitlement. Furthermore, the moral contradictions of differentiating herself, akin to other black elites, from the rest of the black community through social standing and academic achievement.
Overall, Jefferson offers a cultural commentary by addressing the rise of civil rights and second-wave feminism towards the apparent post-racial society. Kirkus Reviews wrote, “Jefferson swings the narrative back and forth through her life, exploring the tides of racism, opportunity, and dignity while also provocatively exploring the inherent contradictions for Jefferson and her family members in working so tirelessly to differentiate themselves.”
