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A review by t_shaffner
Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America by John McWhorter
5.0
In addition to just being deeply thought-provoking and useful, McWhorter proposes three things to focus on as pragmatic actions that actually could make a difference against racism, in lieu of the many woke prescriptions that won't. As such I'm writing them here to remind myself; spoilers follow, though that doesn't matter much in this kind of book.
Three proposals:
1. End the war on drugs
2. Teach reading by phonics
3. Create free vocational education
In particular proposal 1 resonated with me; McWhorter's point is that however rightly intentioned, the war on drugs has failed, and that the ending of it would more or less immediately change the incentives particularly for poorer young men in depressed communities in a way that would have rapid, and cumulative, good effects. While I'm normally heavily disposed against drugs in general, and very hesitant about legalization, John's argument here left me thinking for the first time that legalization may in fact be the better choice at this point. My views on the theory haven't changed, but his perspective rightly challenged me on the realities that result from the current situation.
Three proposals:
1. End the war on drugs
2. Teach reading by phonics
3. Create free vocational education
In particular proposal 1 resonated with me; McWhorter's point is that however rightly intentioned, the war on drugs has failed, and that the ending of it would more or less immediately change the incentives particularly for poorer young men in depressed communities in a way that would have rapid, and cumulative, good effects. While I'm normally heavily disposed against drugs in general, and very hesitant about legalization, John's argument here left me thinking for the first time that legalization may in fact be the better choice at this point. My views on the theory haven't changed, but his perspective rightly challenged me on the realities that result from the current situation.