The Systemic Affect of Culture, Power, and Terror in the Southern Public Space

Objective We explore how political space is disrupted by racialized politics, and how differentiated affect among racial groups emerge in the political space. Method We use Goodsell's architectural classifications of public space in conjunction with systems theory to ascertain how differing architectural affects of pride and heritage versus terror and oppression are experienced in the post‐bellum South. Historic data of lynchings and Klan activity are accompanied by examination of individual narratives and multiple qualitative case analysis of architectural elements of courthouse squares, courthouses, and courtrooms to illustrate racial affect and social meaning in the built environment of the Jim Crow era. Results Hyperlocalism in southern government and racial violence and also symbolism and the elements of courthouse design reinforce white supremacy. Conclusions Individual and collective memory are influenced by the reinforcement of a racial order through systematic design, architectural design, and symbols. To understand community memory requires a more granular and contextual examination to understand the role of the built environment in defining, parameterizing, and understanding systemic racism.