Books matching: racial inequality
81 result(s)
- #1
Save:'When Affirmative Action Was White' by Ira Katznelson delves into the untold history of racial inequality in twentieth-century America. It highlights how deliberate policy decisions during the New Deal and the Fair Deal excluded African Americans from the benefits of social programs, perpetuating racial disparities. explores how government initiatives such as the GI Bill and Social Security Act were designed to benefit white Americans while excluding African Americans, ultimately shaping the existing wealth gaps in society.
Through a well-researched narrative, the author uncovers the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans in accessing government assistance and opportunities for economic advancement. Katznelson's writing style is informative and academic, providing a detailed account of how past government policies favored white citizens and perpetuated racial inequality in the United States. challenges the conventional narrative of affirmative action and sheds light on the historical context that has contributed to the current disparities between African Americans and whites in American society.
THE SUN HAD BEGUN its downward slope on the evening of June 4, 1965, as President Lyndon Johnson mounted the podium on the main quadrangle of Howard University, the country’s most celebrated black cen... - #2
Save:In "Racism Without Racists," Eduardo Bonilla Silva analyzes the racial rhetoric common among white Americans in the post Civil Rights era. The book delves into how individuals often use passive-aggressive qualifiers to mask hostile or bigoted statements about people of color, despite claiming not to be racist. Bonilla Silva's analysis uncovers the reconfiguration of racial rhetoric where overt racism has become taboo, leading to the subtle perpetuation of racial inequality through color-blind attitudes. The book presents the perspective of minority individuals, aiming to open readers' eyes to the nuances of racial dynamics in society.
The author draws on data from surveys of college students and adults to highlight the prevalence of color-blind racism in American society. Bonilla Silva's critique of the rhetoric surrounding race and ethnicity challenges readers to question their own defensive reactions and offers insights to enhance intercultural communication. Through verbatim responses from survey participants, the book sheds light on the complexities of racial discourse and the impact of societal constructs on perceptions of race and privilege.
Nowadays, except for members of white supremacist organizations,1 few whites in the United States claim to be “racist.” Most whites assert they “don’t see any color, just people”; that although the ug... - #3
Save:'The Other Black Girl' by Zakiya Dalila Harris is a novel that delves into the challenges of promotion within a small organization, shedding light on institutional racism and the various ways individuals navigate and confront the system. The story follows Nella, a Black woman working in a predominantly white publishing company, who welcomes a new Black coworker, Hazel, only to discover that Hazel's intentions are not what they seem. As the plot unfolds, secrets, betrayals, and manipulations come to light, intertwining themes of race, ambition, and workplace politics. The narrative weaves together elements of satire, psychological thriller, and speculative fiction, keeping readers engaged as the characters navigate issues of identity and self-worth in a cutthroat industry.
The book explores themes of competition, betrayal, and the complexities of racial dynamics in the workplace, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the challenges faced by Black professionals in predominantly white spaces. Through a mix of real-world scenarios and elements of magical realism, the author presents a nuanced portrayal of the struggles and tensions that arise when ambition clashes with integrity, and when individuals are forced to confront the realities of systemic racism while navigating personal ambitions and professional relationships.
When it initially crept around the wall of her cubicle, Nella was too busy filing a stack of pages at her desk, aligning each and every one so that the manuscript was perfectly flush. She was so inten... - #4
Save:"Long Division" by Kiese Laymon is a time travel novel that follows the journey of City Coldson as he navigates through different eras, from 1964 to 2013, uncovering the complexities of decision-making and the lasting impact of one's choices. Through a unique storytelling technique involving a novel within a novel, Laymon weaves together a narrative filled with social commentary, humor, and poignant moments. The book explores themes of race, location, and adolescence, challenging readers to delve into the deeper meanings behind the words presented on the page.
The novel presents a coming-of-age story where teenage protagonists grapple with racial inequalities while learning to take responsibility for their actions. With distinct time periods and characters, Laymon captures the essence of each era, providing a rich tapestry of experiences for the reader. Through the perspectives of 1985 City and 2013 City, the author delves into the inner thoughts and struggles of teenagers, blending deep reflections with mundane moments, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and humorous.
LaVander Peeler cares too much what white folks think about him. Last quarter, instead of voting for me for ninth-grade CF (Class Favorite), he wrote on the back of his ballot, “All things considered,... Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools by Jonathan Kozol is a powerful exploration of the extreme disparities in the American public school system. Through vivid descriptions of impoverished schools and neighborhoods, Kozol sheds light on the harsh realities faced by children who are denied equal access to education. The book delves into the underlying causes of these inequalities, from arcane tax laws to inadequate funding, painting a stark picture of the injustices prevalent in the education system.
Kozol's writing style in Savage Inequalities has been described as searing, honest, and passionate. He skillfully intertwines personal narratives, detailed examples, and in-depth analysis to convey the deep-rooted issues within the education system. By taking readers on a journey through urban classrooms and affluent schools, Kozol challenges the fundamental principles of equality and justice in America, compelling readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about the state of education for marginalized children.
“East of anywhere,” writes a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “often evokes the other side of the tracks. But, for a first-time visitor suddenly deposited on its eerily empty streets, East St..."The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the systematic subjugation of black men in America. Through meticulously researched arguments, Alexander reveals the deeply embedded racial biases within the criminal justice system, highlighting the disparities and injustices faced by black and brown individuals. The book traces the historical trajectory of mass incarceration, exposing the racial motivations behind the criminal industrial complex and shedding light on a new caste system that mirrors the oppressive nature of the Jim Crow era.
The writing style of the book is described as intelligent, powerful, and gut-wrenching, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism in the United States. Alexander blends academic sources with common sense observations to create a compelling narrative that not only educates but also urges readers to take action against the injustices perpetuated by the current criminal justice system.
For more than one hundred years, scholars have written about the illusory nature of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln issued a declaration purporting to free slaves held in Sout...- #7
Save:The Free People's Village by Sim Kern is a thought-provoking exploration of privilege and societal dynamics. It tells the story of Maddie, an English teacher who becomes an activist when her community faces eviction. The plot highlights her internal struggle with her white privilege and the need to confront uncomfortable truths about society. The conflict escalates as Maddie navigates personal relationships and grows into her role as a committed partner in the fight for justice.
Kern's writing style is engaging and immersive, using short chapters that capture the characters’ complex journeys in a relatable way. The book blends elements of solarpunk and dystopia, offering socio-political commentary without losing emotional depth. Readers are invited to reflect on their beliefs as they follow Maddie's path from a nervous outsider to an active participant in her community.
- #8
Save:'Economic Facts and Fallacies' by Thomas Sowell is a comprehensive analysis that debunks myths surrounding labor, finance, gender, and race. Sowell skillfully dissects erroneous assumptions that have become deeply ingrained in society, offering a clear and methodical examination of these complex economic issues. Through a conservative lens, Sowell challenges widely-held beliefs and provides a thought-provoking exploration of topics such as rent control, gender pay disparities, racial economic differences, and affirmative action.
The book delves into the intricacies of economic drivers, shedding light on the real impact of political decisions and societal misconceptions. Sowell's writing style is scholarly yet accessible, presenting a wealth of information in a clear and concise manner. By addressing fallacies such as the zero sum fallacy and the fallacy of composition, Sowell lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of economic principles and challenges readers to rethink their perspectives on key issues.
Fallacies are not simply crazy ideas. They are usually both plausible and logical—but with something missing. Their plausibility gains them political support. Only after that political support is stro... Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia Hylton dives deep into the history of Crownsville State Hospital in Maryland, a facility designated for Black patients with mental illness throughout its troubling legacy. The book highlights the systemic mistreatment of Black individuals in the mental health system, revealing how racism shaped their experiences, even within medical care. Hylton's personal connection to the topic, combined with interviews from former employees, enriches the narrative, making the emotional weight of the stories resonate even more.
Hylton's writing is both engaging and powerful, making it difficult for readers to put the book down. She skillfully blends personal anecdotes with thorough research, illuminating a painful chapter in American history that remains relevant today. The author challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about racism in psychiatry and emphasizes the need for reform and education in the medical field. This important work is highly recommended for anyone interested in history, mental health, or social justice.
- #10
Save:Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera is a powerful story set in rural South Carolina in the 1920s, focusing on the lives of three women - Annie, Retta, and Gertrude - who come from different backgrounds but find their fates intertwined. The book explores themes of courage, sisterhood, and resilience as these women navigate through pain, suffering, and dark secrets lurking in the swamp and on the plantation. Through the author's poignant writing style, readers are transported to a time and place where the characters' voices are distinctive, nuanced, and razor-sharp, capturing the essence of the era and the challenges faced by the protagonists.
It’s easier to kill a man than a gator, but it takes the same kind of wait. You got to watch for the weakness, and take your shot to the back of the head. This gator I’m watching is watching me, too. ...
