Summaries of books about Racial Studies:
Biased
Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do
Jennifer L. Eberhardt
The book explores the science behind unconscious racial biases and how they influence behavior and perpetuate inequality in various aspects of society, including the criminal justice system, education, and employment. It combines personal anecdotes with extensive research to demonstrate the pervasive impact of these biases and suggests ways to address and mitigate them.
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Critical Race Theory
An Introduction
Richard Delgado|Jean Stefancic
The book provides an accessible overview of Critical Race Theory (CRT), discussing its origins, central tenets, and applications in law and society. It examines the role of race and racism in the legal system, critiques liberal approaches to racial justice, and explores the experiences of various racial groups through storytelling and narrative analysis.
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Notes of a Native Son
James Baldwin
The book is a collection of essays that delve into the complexities of racial, sexual, and class distinctions in Western societies, particularly in mid-20th-century America. Baldwin reflects on his experiences as a Black man, including his relationship with his father, his early life in Harlem, and his later years in France, offering profound insights on identity and social injustice.
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Rising Out of Hatred
The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist
Eli Saslow
The book chronicles the transformative journey of Derek Black, a one-time heir to America's white nationalist movement, as he confronts the ideology he once helped spread. Through interactions with diverse college classmates and introspective reflection, Derek ultimately renounces his racist beliefs and takes a stand against the movement he was poised to lead.
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The Devil You Know
A Black Power Manifesto
Charles M. Blow
The book advocates for a strategic mass migration of Black Americans to the South to consolidate political power and influence. It discusses the historical context of racial injustice and proposes this demographic shift as a means to reshape the political landscape and achieve lasting change.
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Coconut
A Black girl fostered by a white family in the 1960s and her search for belonging and identity
Florence Ọlájídé
The book narrates the personal journey of a young black girl growing up in a predominantly white environment during the 1960s, grappling with issues of race, identity, and belonging as she navigates the complexities of her foster family dynamics and societal expectations. It explores her emotional struggles and the challenges she faces in her quest to understand her place in a world marked by racial tensions and cultural differences.
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Please Stop Helping Us
How Liberals Make It Harder for Blacks to Succeed
Jason Riley
The book argues that well-intentioned welfare policies and affirmative action programs often undermine the black community's ability to achieve success by fostering dependency and lowering standards. It critiques the role of government intervention and liberal policies in perpetuating problems within black communities, advocating for personal responsibility and free-market solutions as more effective means of progress.
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I Am These Truths
A Memoir of Identity, Justice, and Living Between Worlds
Sunny Hostin|Charisse Jones
The memoir delves into the life of Sunny Hostin, exploring her journey as a biracial, Afro-Latina woman growing up in the South Bronx, facing challenges and discrimination. It chronicles her path to becoming a successful lawyer and Emmy-winning journalist, highlighting her commitment to social justice and giving voice to the underrepresented.
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Brit(ish)
On Race, Identity and Belonging
Afua Hirsch
The book explores the complex relationship between identity and race in modern Britain, delving into the author's personal experiences as a woman of mixed heritage. It challenges the nation's historical amnesia around colonialism and slavery, and critiques the ongoing issues of racism and exclusion in British society.
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Pushout
The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools
Monique Couvson
The book examines the experiences of Black girls in the American education system, highlighting how they are disproportionately disciplined and funneled into the juvenile justice system. It explores the intersection of race, gender, and class, advocating for policies and practices that can disrupt the pathways that lead to their criminalization.
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