Reviews

Invention of the White Race, Volume 1: Racial Oppression and Social Control by Theodore W. Allen

mhanson101's review against another edition

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

3.75

I found this to be a very difficult read. Potentially not having a strong familiarity with European, especially British and Irish, history made it more difficult to follow but the writing style was part of the issue for me as well. 

The information more than made up for the difficulties but I think to really get everything out of it would take in-depth study of the apendicies and footnotes (which account for nearly 100 pages). Especially the strategies around the implementation of racial policies as a social control mechanism. 

I am planning to read the second volume then potentially go back and follow up on some of the other sources. Very much recommended but I wouldn't call it an easy read.

nahar's review against another edition

challenging informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

charlotekerstenauthor's review against another edition

Just finished my reading challenge for the year with this one!! It combined an analysis of British colonialism in Ireland with parallels to oppression in the United States. I've read several books on this topic so far and I think I might stop soon because I haven't learned anything especially helpful for my story.

heavenlyspit's review against another edition

dark informative medium-paced

foofaraw's review against another edition

5.0

The read is challenging but well worth the effort. Allen spends the introduction decrying the claim that racial bigotry has a genetic dimension specific to Europeans. He brings forth extensive histories of pre-colonial Virginia, English oppression of the Irish, and how crossing from Ireland into America bestowed the benefits of whiteness upon the newly minted Irish-Americans. There are many heartbreaking pieces of historical examples of oppression. I can't recommend this book enough, especially at a time when states are making it illegal to teach Critical Race Theory in classrooms. Though I would argue that we don't teach anything of substance in the US primary education's history class, and rather spend time preaching the mythology of America.

I will note I didn't read all of the footnotes. Many were just bibliographical references, but others were direct elaboration. I'm sure I missed out on some important details.

roshreads's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective slow-paced

5.0