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Books matching: racial inequality

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  1. #1

    When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira Katznelson
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    'When Affirmative Action Was White' by Ira Katznelson delves into the untold history of racial inequality in twentieth-century America. It highlights how deliberate policy decisions during the New Deal and the Fair Deal excluded African Americans from the benefits of social programs, perpetuating racial disparities. explores how government initiatives such as the GI Bill and Social Security Act were designed to benefit white Americans while excluding African Americans, ultimately shaping the existing wealth gaps in society.

    Through a well-researched narrative, the author uncovers the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans in accessing government assistance and opportunities for economic advancement. Katznelson's writing style is informative and academic, providing a detailed account of how past government policies favored white citizens and perpetuated racial inequality in the United States. challenges the conventional narrative of affirmative action and sheds light on the historical context that has contributed to the current disparities between African Americans and whites in American society.

    THE SUN HAD BEGUN its downward slope on the evening of June 4, 1965, as President Lyndon Johnson mounted the podium on the main quadrangle of Howard University, the country’s most celebrated black cen...

  2. #2

    Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
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    In "Racism Without Racists," Eduardo Bonilla Silva analyzes the racial rhetoric common among white Americans in the post Civil Rights era. The book delves into how individuals often use passive-aggressive qualifiers to mask hostile or bigoted statements about people of color, despite claiming not to be racist. Bonilla Silva's analysis uncovers the reconfiguration of racial rhetoric where overt racism has become taboo, leading to the subtle perpetuation of racial inequality through color-blind attitudes. The book presents the perspective of minority individuals, aiming to open readers' eyes to the nuances of racial dynamics in society.

    The author draws on data from surveys of college students and adults to highlight the prevalence of color-blind racism in American society. Bonilla Silva's critique of the rhetoric surrounding race and ethnicity challenges readers to question their own defensive reactions and offers insights to enhance intercultural communication. Through verbatim responses from survey participants, the book sheds light on the complexities of racial discourse and the impact of societal constructs on perceptions of race and privilege.

    Nowadays, except for members of white supremacist organizations,1 few whites in the United States claim to be “racist.” Most whites assert they “don’t see any color, just people”; that although the ug...

  3. #3

    The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
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    'The Other Black Girl' by Zakiya Dalila Harris is a novel that delves into the challenges of promotion within a small organization, shedding light on institutional racism and the various ways individuals navigate and confront the system. The story follows Nella, a Black woman working in a predominantly white publishing company, who welcomes a new Black coworker, Hazel, only to discover that Hazel's intentions are not what they seem. As the plot unfolds, secrets, betrayals, and manipulations come to light, intertwining themes of race, ambition, and workplace politics. The narrative weaves together elements of satire, psychological thriller, and speculative fiction, keeping readers engaged as the characters navigate issues of identity and self-worth in a cutthroat industry.

    The book explores themes of competition, betrayal, and the complexities of racial dynamics in the workplace, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the challenges faced by Black professionals in predominantly white spaces. Through a mix of real-world scenarios and elements of magical realism, the author presents a nuanced portrayal of the struggles and tensions that arise when ambition clashes with integrity, and when individuals are forced to confront the realities of systemic racism while navigating personal ambitions and professional relationships.

    When it initially crept around the wall of her cubicle, Nella was too busy filing a stack of pages at her desk, aligning each and every one so that the manuscript was perfectly flush. She was so inten...

  4. #4

    Long Division by Kiese Laymon
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    "Long Division" by Kiese Laymon is a time travel novel that follows the journey of City Coldson as he navigates through different eras, from 1964 to 2013, uncovering the complexities of decision-making and the lasting impact of one's choices. Through a unique storytelling technique involving a novel within a novel, Laymon weaves together a narrative filled with social commentary, humor, and poignant moments. The book explores themes of race, location, and adolescence, challenging readers to delve into the deeper meanings behind the words presented on the page.

    The novel presents a coming-of-age story where teenage protagonists grapple with racial inequalities while learning to take responsibility for their actions. With distinct time periods and characters, Laymon captures the essence of each era, providing a rich tapestry of experiences for the reader. Through the perspectives of 1985 City and 2013 City, the author delves into the inner thoughts and struggles of teenagers, blending deep reflections with mundane moments, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and humorous.

    LaVander Peeler cares too much what white folks think about him. Last quarter, instead of voting for me for ninth-grade CF (Class Favorite), he wrote on the back of his ballot, “All things considered,...

  5. #5

    Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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    'Black Brother, Black Brother' by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a poignant story that explores themes of racism, prejudice, and social injustice through the experiences of two brothers, one black and one almost white. The protagonist, Donte, faces discrimination and bullying at his new private school, leading him to take up fencing as a way to challenge the elite boys who mistreat him. The narrative skillfully weaves in truths of racism prevalent in society today, while also highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the struggles faced by individuals who do not conform to societal norms. The book's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for a younger audience while still addressing important issues of identity and resilience.


  6. 'The Origins of the Urban Crisis: Race and Inequality in Postwar Detroit' by Thomas J. Sugrue delves into the roots of the urban crisis in Detroit by exploring the racial dynamics, economic inequalities, and societal issues that plagued the city from the 1940s to the 1960s. It highlights how racism, discriminatory practices in employment and housing, and the impact of deindustrialization led to the decline of Detroit, creating segregated neighborhoods and perpetuating inequality. provides a detailed analysis of the systemic factors that exacerbated the divide between blacks and whites in postwar Detroit, shedding light on the complex history of the city and its lasting consequences.


  7. #7

    To Kill a Mockingbird - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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    To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a classic novel set in a small Southern town during the 1930s and 1940s. The story is told through the eyes of Scout, a young girl, and revolves around her father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends an African American man accused of rape. The book delves into themes of racial inequality, prejudice, family dynamics, and the loss of innocence, capturing the social issues and moral dilemmas prevalent during that era. The narrative style is engaging, with a mix of heartwarming moments, social commentary, and a child's perspective on the complexities of life.

    When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem’s fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious abou...

  8. Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools by Jonathan Kozol is a powerful exploration of the extreme disparities in the American public school system. Through vivid descriptions of impoverished schools and neighborhoods, Kozol sheds light on the harsh realities faced by children who are denied equal access to education. The book delves into the underlying causes of these inequalities, from arcane tax laws to inadequate funding, painting a stark picture of the injustices prevalent in the education system.

    Kozol's writing style in Savage Inequalities has been described as searing, honest, and passionate. He skillfully intertwines personal narratives, detailed examples, and in-depth analysis to convey the deep-rooted issues within the education system. By taking readers on a journey through urban classrooms and affluent schools, Kozol challenges the fundamental principles of equality and justice in America, compelling readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about the state of education for marginalized children.

    “East of anywhere,” writes a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “often evokes the other side of the tracks. But, for a first-time visitor suddenly deposited on its eerily empty streets, East St...

  9. #9

    Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey
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    'Native Guard' by Natasha Trethewey is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry collection that delves into the struggles, heartbreak, and injustices of racial inequality in the United States. Through the lens of her personal experiences growing up in Mississippi, Trethewey explores themes of grief, biracial identity, and the history of the Civil War, particularly focusing on the Black regiments that served and were often forgotten. The poems are a powerful combination of historical narratives and personal reflections, touching on topics like interracial marriage, the role of Black soldiers in the Civil War, and the poet's own family history.

    Trethewey's writing style is described as grounded, heartfelt, and open, with a deep sense of sadness and longing evident in her poetry. The collection is divided into sections that cover various aspects of her life, including the death of her mother, the Native Guard's forgotten history, and her experiences as a biracial child. The language and structure of the poems are praised for their compelling word choice, line breaks, and ability to communicate complex ideas and stories effectively, making the collection both easy to read and emotionally impactful.


  10. "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the systematic subjugation of black men in America. Through meticulously researched arguments, Alexander reveals the deeply embedded racial biases within the criminal justice system, highlighting the disparities and injustices faced by black and brown individuals. The book traces the historical trajectory of mass incarceration, exposing the racial motivations behind the criminal industrial complex and shedding light on a new caste system that mirrors the oppressive nature of the Jim Crow era.

    The writing style of the book is described as intelligent, powerful, and gut-wrenching, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism in the United States. Alexander blends academic sources with common sense observations to create a compelling narrative that not only educates but also urges readers to take action against the injustices perpetuated by the current criminal justice system.

    For more than one hundred years, scholars have written about the illusory nature of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln issued a declaration purporting to free slaves held in Sout...

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