A review by diana_eveline
Race Matters by Cornel West
4.0
"We need leaders who can situate themselves, who can grasp the complex dynamics of our peoplehood and imagine a future grounded in the best of our past, yet who are attuned to the frightening obstacles that now perplex us."
In this collection of essays about racism in America, West steers clear of putting the blame of current circumstances on any one group. He is, in his own words, not afraid to be bold and defiant to both white and black people about their contribution to the way things are now.
It is a shame that I have very limited knowledge of American history and I know even less about their historical events involving racism. This made some of the essays a bit difficult to understand and left me with a slightly onesided view of others. I doubt that West was to blame for much of my confusion, since I understood most of the other points he made.
West calls on the Malcom Xs and Martin Luther Kings of this generation to stand up and be role models to black people everywhere. Black America, in his words, needs role models that are interested in a better America for everyone, not just themselves. When West expressed his opinion on the necessity of affirmative action, I couldn't help but disagree. He says affirmative action is not the biggest problem black people face but that it is a part of a vicious cicle. I will not pretend to know what it is like to be discriminated because of the colour of my skin but I'd imagine this enforced form of respect (or positive discrimination) is just as bad as actual discrimination, if not worse. It feels as if it only appears to be in favour of black people (or minorities in general).
Again, I am no expert on racial matters but the book was still incredibly interesting. It is hard to contest his ideas, especially since he processes all of them multi-dimensional, in both race and time. I might read this collection again once I have done a bit of research and revisit my verdict.
In this collection of essays about racism in America, West steers clear of putting the blame of current circumstances on any one group. He is, in his own words, not afraid to be bold and defiant to both white and black people about their contribution to the way things are now.
It is a shame that I have very limited knowledge of American history and I know even less about their historical events involving racism. This made some of the essays a bit difficult to understand and left me with a slightly onesided view of others. I doubt that West was to blame for much of my confusion, since I understood most of the other points he made.
West calls on the Malcom Xs and Martin Luther Kings of this generation to stand up and be role models to black people everywhere. Black America, in his words, needs role models that are interested in a better America for everyone, not just themselves. When West expressed his opinion on the necessity of affirmative action, I couldn't help but disagree. He says affirmative action is not the biggest problem black people face but that it is a part of a vicious cicle. I will not pretend to know what it is like to be discriminated because of the colour of my skin but I'd imagine this enforced form of respect (or positive discrimination) is just as bad as actual discrimination, if not worse. It feels as if it only appears to be in favour of black people (or minorities in general).
Again, I am no expert on racial matters but the book was still incredibly interesting. It is hard to contest his ideas, especially since he processes all of them multi-dimensional, in both race and time. I might read this collection again once I have done a bit of research and revisit my verdict.