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A review by beverleefernandez
Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority by Tom Burrell
4.0
I read Brainwashed with the expectation that Mr. Burrell would offer a concise yet thorough analysis of why Black America is in a perpetual state of frenzy. Some of us experience vast wealth, others are firmly established in a "middle class", others have yet to break the chains of crippling poverty. My feelings were mixed at some points during Brainwashed because I felt it was placing a large share of blame on the individual for simply being who they are- especially the chapter that dealt with spending money on luxury items. I don't think it's wrong to buy nice things though not all the time and neglect essential responsibilities. It could be me feeling particularly sensitive, but I felt Mr. Burrell's tone is one that is more supportive of respectability politics, especially the chapter which detailed "black on black" crime as more harmful to our community rather than murder committed by police and/or white people. Balance is important! A lot of the chapter on religion was obvious to me that the messenger was wrong to tell the people to wait for the hereafter for their reward or that because of our skin color we're cursed to be slaves to white people. I also have to remember I'm reading this as an adult living in the 21st century not the 19th century.
Brainwashed is not only an expose on what's wrong, there are some solutions to eradicating inferior belief. Some solutions I think are more evident depending on social media following or personal tv/movie viewing preference. It is my hope that people who aren't readers will be the ones to read and absorb the knowledge shared. I had to put aside my personal feeling that Brainwashed is in agreement with respectability politics, which can be stifling and divisive. I may not agree with some of the message, particularly in the delivery. I do agree that something needs to be done and we (each African American) had a duty to reverse the curse of inferior thinking in everyday life. From being example of the change that's needed, to showing others the way without being condescending or expecting an immediate return on investment, if we all work together, we can view us as worthy, capable people that do not need validation from anyone ( white or otherwise).
Brainwashed is not only an expose on what's wrong, there are some solutions to eradicating inferior belief. Some solutions I think are more evident depending on social media following or personal tv/movie viewing preference. It is my hope that people who aren't readers will be the ones to read and absorb the knowledge shared. I had to put aside my personal feeling that Brainwashed is in agreement with respectability politics, which can be stifling and divisive. I may not agree with some of the message, particularly in the delivery. I do agree that something needs to be done and we (each African American) had a duty to reverse the curse of inferior thinking in everyday life. From being example of the change that's needed, to showing others the way without being condescending or expecting an immediate return on investment, if we all work together, we can view us as worthy, capable people that do not need validation from anyone ( white or otherwise).