Reviews
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, by Ibram X. Kendi
haleyshort's review
4.0
This was a pleasant surprise. A lot of the most popular anti racism books tend to follow a very liberal line - in-system solutions only. Kendi took a holistic and expansive lens in looking at the history of racism and anti racism in this country, and was willing to conclude with a call to action that is more than just going to the polls. The strength of this book comes from his ability to draw parallels in the development of racism along with anti racism, a critical dialectical relationship. I appreciate the new connections that i have made as a result of this historical survey.
spoko's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Not the greatest piece of historical writing. Kendi seems very comfortable relying on sketchy evidence when that’s all he can find to hold up his thesis—especially in the earlier sections of the book, you keep running across phrases like “there’s no reason to believe that such-and-such person didn’t believe x...” It’s not as though historical speculation has no place, of course. But this is written in a way to seem like a fully fleshed out argument, so long as the reader isn’t particularly skeptical. I want to agree with Kendi, just as I’m sure most of his readers do. But I’m not willing to accept his speculation as though it were actual fact, and that does seem to be his expectation.
In later sections, however, the history is both more thorough and more interesting. I really appreciated Part V, in particular, for filling out my knowledge of recent American history in several surprising places.
Definitely a recommended read, but I do also recommend a bit of a skeptical eye.
In later sections, however, the history is both more thorough and more interesting. I really appreciated Part V, in particular, for filling out my knowledge of recent American history in several surprising places.
Definitely a recommended read, but I do also recommend a bit of a skeptical eye.
heytheredilara's review
Dr. Kendi not only equips us with the background knowledge needed to discuss racism, he also flips our "common sense" on its head: Racist policies lead to racism which lead to ignorance and hate. Not the other way around, as we may have thought. He also shows what has worked and has not worked in history, in the fight for antiracism. I have learned a lot from this book and I hope I can keep in mind that when I come against injustice anywhere, I am working towards justice everywhere, for others and for me.
michbeatty's review
5.0
A very in depth study of racism, and how it has endured. He is eloquent and studied- I appreciated the epilogue so deeply as well.
mxcoates's review
5.0
I liked this even better than How to be an Anti-Racist - I learned a lot, and still feel like I would benefit from a second reading. Do not sleep on this.