Reviews tagging 'Hate crime'

The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone

4 reviews

noellegrace8's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Obviously, I'm not rating the content or history itself, and I don't think the delivery/writing style is really that important anyway; you should still read this book. Black individuals are not required to make what has happened to them entertaining to any of us. But it does help for me to consume it if it's written concisely and in an intriguing manner. This book met the intriguing delivery, but I give it four because it really could have been edited down or at least organized far better. I felt like we were given the same conclusion every few pages stated almost the same way. And maybe that was the point, to drill it into our heads, but anyone who didn't get it from the first chapter is honestly just a jack*ss (not sorry for saying it). The author clearly draws a parallel between Christ's death and the lynching death of many black people in America. It's a solid point. Most of the book is delving into evidence and the gory horrors of Christian bigots in the 20th century. Which is important content, but again, had very little structural organization, which made it extremely difficult to follow.

Definitely something that every Christian should read.

I don't factor the audiobook performer into my star review, but I would give James Cone 5/5, which is very rare for me. He does a great job of keeping an even tone and bringing the reality of our country and religion's past to light. A great narration.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Moderate: Child abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Cursing, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Abortion, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Colonisation

I'm not sure how well I tagged everything and its severity, because this book is retelling true history and experiences of the black person in the USA at the height of lynching, racism, and violence. It's not pretty, and you will feel horrified (which is the whole point).

barbarajean's review against another edition

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Torture, Violence, and Murder

Moderate: Slavery

britta_mcquary's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Torture, Violence, Murder, and Pregnancy

mikeebeth's review against another edition

challenging dark informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

James Cone provides a refreshing and inspiring perspective on the cross as a symbol of redemption through suffering, and compares the crucifixion to lynching in America. He discusses the hope that the Black community finds in the cross and the identification they feel with Jesus as inspiration for fighting against racism and oppression. As I read about all the women who fought and died protecting their children, and the strength of their faith throughout their struggles, I wonder why we never talk about Ida B. Wells when we talk about strong women of faith or martyrs. The answer, of course, is that white American Christians don't want to contend with their role in the destruction of Black bodies. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Sexual assault, Violence, and Religious bigotry