Books-Online-Store - Law - Perspectives on Law - Weapons in the War Against Political Correctness

The author of the provocative bestseller Who Stole Feminism? returns with an equally eye-opening follow-up. "It's a bad time to be a boy in America," writes Christina Hoff Sommers. Boys are less likely than girls to go to college or do their homework. They're more likely to cheat on tests, wind up in detention, or drop out of school. Yet it's "the myth of the fragile girl," according to Sommers, that has received the lion's share of attention recently, in hot-selling books like Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia. When boys are discussed at all, it's in the context of how to modify their antisocial behavior--i.e., how to make them more like girls.

This book tells the story of how it has become fashionable to attribute pathology to millions of healthy male children. It is a story of how we are turning against boys and forgetting a simple truth: that the energy, competitiveness, and corporal daring of normal, decent males is responsible for much of what is right in the world. No one denies that boys' aggressive tendencies must be checked and channeled in constructive ways. Boys need discipline, respect, and moral guidance. Boys need love and tolerant understanding. They do not need to be pathologized.

Sommers eviscerates feminist scholarship by Harvard's Carol Gilligan, the American Association of University Women, and others. Hers is feisty, muscular prose and fans of Who Stole Feminism? will delight in it. "There have always been societies that favored boys over girls," she writes. "Ours may be the first to deliberately throw the gender switch. If we continue on our present course, boys will, indeed, be tomorrow's second sex." That rhetoric may err on the side of alarmism, but Sommers' ideas are full of common sense. She essentially urges parents and educators to let boys be boys, even though their "very masculinity turns out to be politically incorrect." The War on Boys is sure to set off a fiery controversy, just as Sommers' previous book did--but it should also find a big audience of readers who become fans. --John J. Miller ... Read more

Reviews (109)

eye-opening and infuriating
This book among other things exposes the fake "girl crisis" in education that was declared in the early 90s.This "crisis" never existed and was in fact a complete fabrication that has cost boys dearly.Read this book and I guarantee you`ll be ready to yank your son out of the corrupted public school system and put him in a boys school instead.

Misguided book
Christina attempts to make a variety of points, many with some merit. The problem is that she overlooks the basic components of feminism: the quest for equality. Sure, more women go to college and do their homework... why are women getting lower standardized test scores? Her arguments jump from point A to C without concidering point B as a factor.
And feminism does acknowledge the problems that are facing the boys in this country. The culture of violence and machoism is one of the things that causes men to die (on average) younger than women. That is something that true feminists address. Fix the violence and sexism and we'll all be smarter and live longer.

Very informative
As a mother of 2 girls and 1 boy I was looking for answers.This book provided insight and analysis I found very enlightening.

Easy to follow dispite the deeper analysis and the statistics are explained in detail.

This has to be one of the better "sociology" type books i've read this year.

... Read more

Isbn: 0684849577
Subjects: 1. Adolescence - General 2. Feminism 3. Feminism & Feminist Theory 4. Gender Studies 5. Men's Studies - General 6. Psychology 7. Social Science 8. Sociology 9. Teenage boys 10. United States 11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Child Development

$11.20

The Myth of Male Power
by Warren, Ph.D. Farrell
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (09 January, 2001)
list price: $14.00 -- our price: $11.20
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (82)

Provocative and Well-researched, Fresh perspectives
This book will show you where radical feminist writers have distorted facts and imposed a hateful agenda upon the media and the educational system.It is not in any way woman-hating, in fact, Dr. Farrell is a staunch supporter of equal rights for both women and men.In fact, this book celebrates individual freedom and has nothing to do with putting down either gender.It shows how radical feminists have hijacked the women's movement,changing it from a movement for equality, to a movement for preferential treatment of women and man-hating.This is not news, but what has previously been lacking is the well-researched statistics that prove that many radical feminist ideas are completely baseless.I would recommend this book to anyone interested in modern social issues.Whether or not you agree with Dr. Farrell, I think that you will find his work fascinating and open minded.

A backlash wolf in sheeps clothing
It would take a book to answer all that is wrong with Farrell's reasoning, but to make a few points:
1. He implies that female 'circumcision' is much the same as male circumcision which is astounding but points to his general ignorance.
2. He does not acknowledge that the shorter male life-span is due to testosterone and all its consequences for males. Castration is known to increase the male life-span.
3. The male 'instinct' to protect females is actually to protect the bodies men need for sex and reproduction. As more than 50 million females have been killed recently in Asia simply because they were female should make us question this supposed 'instinct to protect'. And protecting females most often translates into ownership and control.
4. Powerless men are created by male-male competition for access to young females and again, the sacred testosterone drives this not women.
5. His views on rape are ridiculous. Young human females have permanent sexual signals whether they want sex or not. These external signals do not usually reflect the females internal desires and concerns and this causes the confusion. Men are responding to fake signals that females don't know how to override without becoming invisible altogether.
6. This book is basically about all the hoops males try and jump through in order to rise in the male hierarchy and ultimately get their DNA into females.The men who fail are the men without power. Farrell wants us to feel sorry for them which is as likely as men feeling sorry for, and diverting their sexual interest and resources towards, unnattractive old women.
This book is interesting for debate and as an example of male sexual frustration being blamed on women. Ultimately it is about how some men suffer trying to get sexual/reproductive access to females and might help us notice that the 'power' being defined is reproduction.
Perhaps the real myth is the myth of ADULT power and we should direct our anger and frustration towards our gametes, hormones, fetuses, infants and children that are the real reason males and females exist, are pulled together and driven apart.

problematic
Actually, some of Farrell's citations did not lead to the 'facts' he claimed in his book.This is the biggest shortcoming of The Myth of Male Power.He should be more thorough in his fact-checking next time, because there were quite a few errors in the book. ... Read more

Isbn: 0425181448
Sales Rank: 19873
Subjects: 1. Gender Studies 2. General 3. Men 4. Men's Studies - General 5. Psychology 6. Research & Methodology 7. Self-Help 8. Sex role 9. United States 10. Psychology/Self-Help

$11.20

The New Thought Police: Inside the Left's Assault on Free Speech and Free Minds
by TAMMY BRUCE
Average Customer Review:

Hardcover (23 October, 2001)
list price: $23.95 -- our price: $23.95
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (157)

Read Death of Right and Wrong first
Her second book is much better than this one (The Death of Right and Wrong).Still though, a great read.'Death' is much along the same lines and to me is much punchier, better written, focused edited and thought out.

I look forward to her third book.I am disappointed she doesn't write more daily columns.

Disturbing Look at the Wages of Extremism
Sinclair Lewis talked about how it could happen here almost a century ago. Now Tammy Bruce outlines just how it is happening here in this excellent book.

Bruce spent most of the 1990s as the head of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization of Women. Perhaps foolishly, Bruce believed that her mission as chapter president was to increase the size of her chapter and to raise awareness of women's issues. Instead she got a painful lesson in groupthink and the politics of exclusion. For her efforts in expanding her chapter and her success in raising awareness of domestic abuse by piggybacking on the OJ Simpson case, Bruce was virtually hounded from office by the national leadership of NOW.

The New Thought Police takes a look at how the left has left behind the original meaning of liberalism and replaced it with a stultifying groupthink that has undermined many of the very causes they once claimed to champion. It is a depressing look inside a number of movements that have proud histories, yet have today rotted from within thanks to this new way of thinking. From NOW's refusal to accept men who support feminist goals or women who choose to pursue traditional goals to the NAACP's brutal attacks on blacks who refuse to think the way the left wants them to, Bruce highlights the disturbing totalitarianism exemplified by many leftwing organizations and how it is damaging the causes the left claims to fight for.

Bruce's writing is very clean and quick, making The New Thought Police and interesting and easy read. Her reports of various incidents she endured make for consistently interesting, albeit disturbing, reading, and the entire book is well-constructed to lay out and support her thesis. It is unfortunate her work hasn't received greater attention, as the phenomonon she documents hurts all Americans regardless of their political persuasion.

worth reading anyway
The need for books like this one are demonstrated by the reviews below of this book.Some of those who loved it (five stars) and all of those who hate it (one star) have clearly not read the book--or, more frightening--they read it and this is the best they could do at understanding it.Examples: Tammy Bruce exposes the "liberals" who have taken over the colleges and the media?How could anyone read more than ten pages and make such a statement?Tammy Bruce is opposed to having you think for yourself?You gotta be kidding!
The fact is, there are limitations in this book.It is not a rigorous survey based on random sampling, etc.But then, it does not pretend to be.It is a passionate plea for freedom of inquiry.And one of the ways this book transcends other books in this area is that it goes beyond the universities and deals with thought control in the media--and the media are areas which the author knows from personal experience.If you want a more rigorous account from a liberal, read Who Stole Feminism? or The Shadow University.And if you want the whole story, including how such an extraordinary takeover could have come about in this country, read The Rape of Alma Mater, a fictionalized but fact-based account. ... Read more

Isbn: 0761534040
Sales Rank: 212528
Subjects: 1. Constitutional - First Amendment 2. Feminism & Feminist Theory 3. Freedom of speech 4. General 5. Liberalism 6. Political Process - General 7. Political Science 8. Political correctness 9. Politics - Current Events 10. Politics/International Relations 11. Practical Politics 12. United States 13. Current Events / General

$23.95

The Name
by Franklin Graham
Average Customer Review:

Hardcover (06 August, 2002)
list price: $22.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (12)

One inaccuracy I'd like to point out
I'll let others review the book as a whole.My interest is in one comment Franklin Graham makes in the book.
At one point, he compares Christianity to other religions.I don't necessarily have problem with that, but the way he does it bothers me.He mentions Buddhism, stating on page 76. "At the end of his life, it is quoted that Buddha apparently said he was still looking for truth.Christ, on the other hand, declared, 'I am the...truth'."I had heard similar quotes from other evangelists in books and radio speeches.Unfortunately, I have never been able to figure out where they get the quote.I haven't been able to find it in Buddhist texts.
I emailed the publisher of the book, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association responded with this:"I have attempted to research our database, but we could not find a source for this quote.This may have been something that Franklin has heard over the years.I have sent your email to Samaritan's Purse.Perhaps they will be able to offer more assistance."
Samaritan's Purse responded with this: "We have been unable to trace the origin of the comment that Buddha died while still searching.We attempted a detailed search on the Internet, but found no specific statement that woudl clarify that matter." (sic)
I wonder how Franklin Graham and this book's publishers would feel if a non-Christian writer were to dismiss Christianity with a single paragraph and a quote for which they have no source.

A Must Read Book!!
This is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time.
We can now pray "In Jesus Name."However, the way things are going in our country, and we as Christians are falling asleep and
not paying attention to laws that are being passed, how much longer do we have to have this privilege?This book is a true wake-up call.Not only should we pay attention; but we must act!

Thank you Franklin Graham for this book.Keep them coming!

I don't think readers will be disappointed
In The Name, Franklin Graham stands against the religious wave of tolerance and relativity that combats the assertion by Christians that Jesus alone is Lord.This book centers on the singularity of the name, Jesus Christ.Graham recounts personal stories, historical narratives and modern missionary exploits in demonstrating the power and effect of the name of Jesus.

I was immediately intrigued by Graham's experiences in ministering at high profile events.He shares his thoughts and feelings related to delivering addresses at the Columbine memorial service, the President's inauguration and the memorial service following the September 11th attacks.He discusses the positive and negative responses generated by his strong stance in declaring the Lordship of Jesus Christ at these ecumenical events.

Since September 11, 2001, Graham has been one of the few people who have cited on national news shows the stark differences between Christianity and other religions, namely Islam.In The Name, he devotes a chapter to outlining the contrasts between the gospel of Jesus and the religion of Islam.His purpose is to provide evidence refuting the suggestion that the religions are similar and share a peace-loving mission.

Graham's tone in this book is completely evangelistic.He writes of inspiring stories of missionaries who have sacrificed everything for the sake of sharing the love of Jesus. These stories demonstrate the power of the name of Jesus in changing individuals and communities.

As president of Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief and evangelistic organization, Graham has been involved in relief efforts around the world.He reports how simple gifts of food, toys and medical care have won hearts to Jesus.

The stories of people battling hunger, poverty, disease, war and discrimination put life in a different perspective than our day-to-day vision.Graham shows that a heart of compassion and an outreaching hand can indeed transform lives.

The Name's aim contrasts some of the messages in the American church today that focus on getting "blessings" from God.The essence of Graham's message is the reward of giving up everything for God.

Reading this book challenged me to examine my desires, activities and motives.It is similar to reading the Book of Acts and wondering, "How does my life compare with the evangelists who sacrificed everything for the Name?" ... Read more

Isbn: 0785265228
Sales Rank: 299827
Subjects: 1. Christianity - Christian Life - General 2. Christianity - Theology - Christology 3. Jesus Christ 4. Name 5. Names in the Bible 6. Religion 7. Theology - Christology 8. Christian Living

The Absolutes
by James Robison
Average Customer Review:

Hardcover (01 October, 2002)
list price: $19.97
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (2)

Compassionate, honest and compelling look at our lives
Each day we are faced with decisions and events that shape the way we think, behave and what we believe - James Robison addresses several topics that influence who we are and what we believe regarding faith, others, our country and life.
James challenges the reader to think about the moral absolutes that our country was founded on - this book is for people of all walks of faith - this is not a "heavy" political book but more of an enjoyable read - with a history in both the political and religious industry James encourages the reader to make an impact in life by examining what we believe and how we live....

A MUST READ!
I highly recommend reading this book.I literally started it on the plane ride to my vacation this year and could not put it down until I reached the end.As a businessman, I found it useful to read a book that identifies truths that are obvious but overlooked.James Robison does a superior job of explaining why the absolutes are important and how they can be identified in our society and finally how they look in action.This book delivers the strongest kind of message because it does not instruct the reader on what conclusions to draw but proves the truth through a logical sequence that delivers the reader to the obvious conclusion.There could not be a better time in America for this book:Everyone should read it! ... Read more

Isbn: 0842368973
Sales Rank: 394698
Subjects: 1. Christianity - Christian Life - Character & Values 2. Christianity - Christian Life - General 3. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues 4. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues 5. Moral conditions 6. Religion 7. Religion - Christian Living 8. Social values 9. United States

The Case Against Lawyers
by Catherine Crier
Average Customer Review:

Hardcover (08 October, 2002)
list price: $23.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (25)

Everything You Didn't Want to Know
I thought it was OK just to think about how crazy things are getting.Ms. Crier puts it on a plate and makes you take a big whiff of the stuff.

This book will anger and hopefully energize you.From the silly to the shocking, it's all here and we better pay attention.

It's good, but it's been said before
I had great expectations for this book. I somehow hoped to find in it something new; after all, this was an attorney, a judge; mayhaps there could be a new insight, on the problem of lawyers and judges runnign amok.
Alas, it was not to be. The book is well researched, well, almost; in ch 4, when discussing the ADM Ethanol boondoggle, MS. Crier confuses Ethanol (grain alcohol) with Methanol (wood alcohol). However, much of it is basically a rehash of P.K. Howard's "The death of Common Sense"
A few insights on how PACs work, and soft money influence on the Federal, State and local governments, but nothing really new.
The promised comments on how we can retake our government seem to me a series of platitudes, with as much chance of happening as Ralph Nader of becoming president.
The one area of interest, and the one ray of hope, was where Ms. Crier explained how big industry bribes both parties equally, with one exception. The trial lawyers almost exclusively supported (i.e. bribed) the democratic party candidates. Lo and behold, they backed the wrong horse, and, here is the ray of hope, we might, just might, see some significant tort reform.
I'm not holding my breath though.
If you have not read "The death of common sense" then this one is worth a try

Right on the money!
Crier tells the American people how we have hijacked our legal system in this great book. She has no other motives or hidden agenda other than the desire to re-establish our country along the lines of justice, equality, and opportunity. But what I thought was great about this book is that she not only presented problems (anyone can do that, but I must admit that Crier's research and analysis is outstanding), she also offered solutions and suggestions on how to "take back" our legal system. This is an interesting book and a must read for anyone interested in current affairs or law. ... Read more

Isbn: 0767905040
Sales Rank: 80412
Subjects: 1. Jurisprudence 2. Law 3. Legal History 4. Legal System 5. Political Science 6. Politics - Current Events 7. Politics/International Relations 8. Reference 9. United States 10. Current Events / General

Are Cops Racist?
by Heather Mac Donald
Average Customer Review:

Hardcover (25 January, 2003)
list price: $22.50 -- our price: $15.30
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

"The anti-profiling crusade thrives on an ignorance of policing and a willful blindness to the demographics of crime," writes Heather Mac Donald in this powerful and persuasive examination of racial profiling. Noting that crime has dropped in urban areas over the past decade, she writes that "The last ten years should have been a time of triumph for law enforcement, not an occasion for frenzied cop-bashing." Yet an anti-police stance has pervaded the media in recent years, particularly in The New York Times, she says. This bias, combined with suffocating federal regulations, brought about by both the Clinton and the Bush Justice Departments, threaten to reverse the progress made. It also causes unnecessary friction between police and the public, makes neighborhoods less safe, and even dissuades officers from fighting crime aggressively for fear of being labeled a racist. In instances where the police were clearly in the wrong--most notably the much-publicized and tragic Amadou Diallo shooting--Mac Donald posits that these are isolated cases of poor judgment and failure to follow procedure rather than evidence of systemic racism.

Since much of the profiling issue revolves around highway patrolling, Mac Donald looks closely at the misleading statistics that have been used to back up such practices as tabulating the race of drivers pulled over by the police. Mac Donald punches so many holes in the statistics that it's difficult not to concur with her. She further attacks the "collective fairy tale that all groups commit drug crimes at equal rates," arguing that the police are simply going to where the crime is, not willfully picking on one group while ignoring others. She also does extensive field work: interviewing cops around the country, particularly black officers who find the race-bias argument specious; reporting from urban neighborhoods; and witnessing firsthand how the New York Police Department trains its rookie officers. She also points out that local police are "the first line of defense against terrorism" and makes a particularly compelling argument that racial-profiling should be used as a tool in combating such threats. Overall, this forceful book is sure to arouse controversy--which is exactly the point. --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Wanted to like it, but was very dissapointed
I was looking forward to reading this book. Heather Mac Donald's writing came highly recommended from a friend, and I'm sympathetic to her argument in this book. But sadly, I was very disappointed.

First, it should be noted that this isn't a book per se; it is a compilation of several articles she wrote for "City Journal". As such, it doesn't flow like a book, but more like a somewhat-related series of news and editorial clippings. Second, she is guilty of so much oversimplification that it smacks of intellectual laziness.

I knew something was amiss when I read in the first page of the introduction, "For the past decade, the press has been on a crusade to portray cops as brutal and racist...." Where to begin? "The press"? That's a pretty big group, of which allegedly she is a member herself. "Crusade"? Does she mean organized? And why "for the past decade"? Could it be because that's the decade that Bill Clinton was in office?

Mac Donald's book is full of anecdotal evidence and questionable leaps of logic that aren't satisfying. It's a real shame because she is doing a disservice to an argument that is probably right. But after seeing it so poorly defended, even I began to have doubts. She also doesn't help build confidence in her evidence or intellectual integrity by continuing the ad hominems such as "anti-police agitators and their journalist acolytes" throughout the book.

Mac Donald makes some good points and presents some interesting evidence, but unfortunately it is clouded by a lack of detachment and professionalism that would help make her argument more convincing, especially if she meant to preach to more than the choir. Real conservatives are some of the few people left with any good ideas, but sadly this is the kind of book the like of Al Franken will point out as conservative hysterics.

The book debunks some sacred myths
We all decry racial-profiling, right?Only one problem: racial profiling does not exist.

The author documents how this myth began with black "leaders" complaining that too many blacks were being stopped for traffic violations.Liberal politicians quickly jumped on the bandwagon and demanded a study.With hysteria in full bloom, a federal study was produced showing that blacks were, indeed, stopped at a disproportionate rate for traffic violations along the New Jersey Turnpike.With the New Jersey Turnpike study in hand, President Clinton, then candidate G.W. Bush, and numerous governors were all out denouncing racial profiling and demanding reform.The hysteria then moved to the courts were numerous arrests were thrown out due to the claim that they were stopped because of their race.

Nobody ever asked the question: Are blacks being stopped at a disproportionate rate because they are committing traffic violations at a disproportionate rate.Even asking such a question usually resulted in charges of racism.To answer this question, however, the New Jersey Attorney General commissioned a study that employed radar to trigger a camera which snapped a picture of the driver whenever said driver exceeded the speed limit along points throughout New Jersey Turnpike.The report showed that blacks did, indeed, speed at a disproportionate rate, double that of whites.Needless to say, the politicians were shocked at the results.The DOJ continued to sidestep the study.The study was performed by the Public Service Institute for Safety in Maryland.The researchers even offered to submit the tests and methodologies to the National Academy of Sciences for peer review.In the end the media and politicians didn't contest the results, they instead chose to just ignore the study.Nobody wanted to tell black folks that they speed at twice the rate of whites and, hence, were ticketed at twice the rate of whites, especially after all the hoopla.The results were not politically acceptable.

The book debunks many other charges of racism such as that during the Cincinnati riots. We all heard about the white racist cops that were out of control and shooting innocent black folks in Cincinnati.Cincinnati suffered greatly during the riots with black "leaders" out front demanding reform to stop the racist cops and demanding more government social programs to appease the agry rioters.The facts, however, showed that of the 15 black offenders that were shot to death, four were shot by black officers.One of the offenders was shot after he hacked to death his girlfriend and was waving the axe at the cops.Another was shot after he dragged a black police officer to his death.In short, when the facts were examined, there was no evidence that the cops were racist and out of control.

After reading this book and books like "Coloring the News" one has to ask why is there so much manipulation out there designed to inflame black resentment against cops, against the government, and against whites in general.Why is there a constant stream of misinformation designed to keep black folks bitter and resentful against whites in general?First, many black "leaders" gain power and prestige and are rewarded financially with more government programs when racial tension is increased.Jesse Jackson, for instance, lives in a 16 room mansion.He obviously has benefited greatly by inflaming racial tensions against large corporations and against the government, and then offering to fix the problems for large fees.Second, the Democrats are beholden to a black constituency.90% of the black vote went to Democrats.So the Democrats obviously have a stake in perpetuating myths that blacks need the Democrats to rectify the racial situation.Without the black vote the Democratic party would be dead. So there are many reasons for this.

As far as being stopped.I have been stopped numerous times-I am white.In each instance, I stayed calm, cooperated, and was usually sent on my way with a ticket.Nothing newsworthy.

Living with Rose Colored Glasses in the land of OZ
The author is a master of the english language and seems to have an answer for everything. The title question itself is flawed since it's an all or nothing question. It's a universal question that cannot be answered yes or no. A better question should be "Is racial profiling affecting the freedoms and quality of life of the individuals affected? If so, does this create pinned up resentment and anger to the police conducting the profiling?What negative impact does racial profiling have on the population affected? Does this cause border line individuals to go over the edge and turn to a life of crime and disrespect towards the law because of excessive police harrassment (mental paranoia)? Does profiling create a never ending cycle rivaling the Middle East crisis? The fact she did do research does NO good if the author has ALREADY determined, beforehand, that the police are right to use questionable methods to "get the bad guys". The law-biding citizen just has to deal with it (just so long as it's not "me" as any person would say). The spin she's giving does not reflect the real world. Cops are human and being human they bring there own human preferences and bias, good and bad to their job. Some have military, bodyguard, bounty hunter, and security experience they bring to jobs. The question of racial profiling is real. It's not just "driving while black"; but "walking while black" and "living while black" as I can personnally testify to. If we're so sensitive in being fair to people in Iraq and Afghanistan - why can't we do that here in our American communities. The author doesn't acknowledge black leaders of the community. Even though they are not elected officals, and less than perfect, doesn't mean they can't bring to the table concerns of the black communities they are serving. They have news worthy media attention unlike myself. I finally finished the book after becoming angry over what I was reading. I revised my review, but my overall outcome remains unchanged. She really needs to walk in a black person's shoes before giving filtered facts and interviews to fit her arguements. Arguementsthat she already made her mind up on before conducting the research. I know enough not to introduce personal bias to scientific research to get a desired result -- without even going to an ivory league school.
______MY ACCOUNT OF WHY I'M SO HARSH ON THIS "MYTH" AS THE AUTHOR PUTS IT: I'm middle age and have no car. I work 2 jobs and I'm a former Black Marine. I have been stopped over 30 times at various times of the day, while walking to the bus or running my miles to stay in shape. I have been stopped at gunpoint; and while cleaning the store's parking lot at my job "while in uniform"; you name it--it happened. I have been embarrassed by the stops when they pull up 2 or 3 cars with lots of people around. After searching and questioning me they let me go with little or no apologies. The reason: "such and such store got robbed and it was a Black/Arab/Hispanic guy" -PLEASE. Do they stop every white person when some white person robs a store? No, they use a description as they should be using with all incidents such as this. I had my apartment mistakenly raided at 4am in the morning and afterwards they claim they were responding to a noise complaint. I personally have NO record not even a traffic ticket. One time, I was taken downtown because the officer didn't believe the ID data in the computer laptop in the vehicle. I lived in 3 major cities in California. It's all the same. I have few friends so I'm not associating with the criminal element. I'm just a large old Marine. I've seen abuses and much disrespect. Most of the trouble I had was with the LA and San Jose PD. What usually gets me out of trouble is my Marine tattoo (gang units look for tattos) and my Military Reservist card. I still respect the police. It's just too badtheir proactive approach towards people are hostile until proven otherwise. There are countless incidents in the media of raids gone bad (New York) and innocent people being locked up on false charges (Texas). It's how they react after they're actions that really gets me. They want to go home to they're families at the end of a shift. So do I!!No one should live here in the U.S.A. like this is the old U.S.S.R. ... Read more

Isbn: 156663489X
Subjects: 1. Discrimination & Racism 2. Discrimination in law enforcem 3. Discrimination in law enforcement 4. General 5. Police 6. Police Science 7. Police-community relations 8. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement 9. Political Science 10. Politics - Current Events 11. Politics/International Relations 12. Race And Ethnic Relations 13. Racial profiling in law enforc 14. Racial profiling in law enforcement 15. United States 16. Criminal investigation & detection 17. Police & security services 18. Racism & racial discrimination 19. Social Science / Discrimination & Race Relations 20. USA

$15.30

The Case for Christ:A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
by Lee Strobel
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (01 September, 1998)
list price: $13.99 -- our price: $11.19
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Case for Christ records Lee Strobel's attempt to "determine if there's credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God." The book consists primarily of interviews between Strobel (a former legal editor at the Chicago Tribune) and biblical scholars such as Bruce Metzger. Each interview is based on a simple question, concerning historical evidence (for example, "Can the Biographies of Jesus Be Trusted?"), scientific evidence, ("Does Archaeology Confirm or Contradict Jesus' Biographies?"), and "psychiatric evidence" ("Was Jesus Crazy When He Claimed to Be the Son of God?"). Together, these interviews compose a case brief defending Jesus' divinity, and urging readers to reach a verdict of their own. ... Read more

Reviews (446)

Deserves a wide readership
In a sense criticism or praise of this book needs to bear in mind that Strobel himself is really only responsible for the interviewing of scholars and compilation of the resulting material.However, it goes without saying that the book we are reading in its final form is most likely the result of more intimate collaborations than just one-off interviews.

This book is a thorough defence of Christianity chapter-by-chapter, interviewee by interviewee.Apologetic material such as this is very important in the life of the Church.One can only thank God for the popularity of this volume.

Blomberg, in his chapter on "The Eyewitness Evidence", notes that Q is a hypthosis.I agree.It needs to be seen as just that.Q (Quelle, or source) material is that which the Gospels Matthew and Luke are said to be based on, aside from marcan material.Many such hypotheses are entertained in the field of New Testament criticism.Two good books which provide balances to some of these hypotheses are:

Bauckham, Richard (1998) The Gospels for all Christians. Edinburgh: T&T Clark (Multi-author work).

Linneman, Eta (1992) Is there a Synoptic Problem? Rethinking the Literary Dependence of the First Three Gospels. Translated from the German edition Gibt es en synoptisches Problem? by Robert W. Yarbrough. Grand Rapids: Baker.

I enjoyed and agree wholeheartedly with Moreland's comparison of Paul's conversion with that of Mohammed's alleged visitations by the angel Gabriel in a cave (p336).

This is a well priced paperback that is a good refresher for Christians and also one well worth picking up for non-Christian family, friends and relatives.If they are not the reading type, Josh McDowell's "More than a Carpenter" is about a third of the thickness, and possibly half the price.

Great List of Citations, Notes and Index at the back of the book.

Highly recommended.

a newbie-friendly apologetic
"The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel is a great book for anyone who is interested in why Christians think they have proof that their bible is true. Lee acts as a skeptic asking the most incredibly skeptical questions that he sounds ridiculous (at least to me) much of the time. He does this to make sure that he asks the toughest, most pointed questions to the expert that he is interviewing to make sure that they are using solid reasoning for their answers. He interviews a number of experts (in their own various fields) about the reasons they are Christian. He goes over as much evidence from their field against Christianity as the space in the book permits. The experts he interviewed were all very clear in their reasoning and make very strong arguments for their beliefs. I definatelty recommend this and the other "The Case for..." books by Lee Strobel (The case for Faith, Easter, etc).

One thing I see other people having a problem with here is the fact that Lee Strobel only interviews Christians in the book (by the way, he does in The Case for Faith). Well, we need to think about this. He is trying to give the most prominent Christian scholars tough questions that will force them to defend their beliefs with details. He comes at them with tough arguments about contradictions in the bible and things of that sort and he pushes them hard. He isn't trying to find out why skeptics don't believe the bible is true, he is trying to find out why christians believe it is and he is trying to stump the smartest ones! He is acting as a skeptic (he used to be one) and asks them about the arguments that used to keep him in his athiesm and even does a ton of research on critics of Christianity (such as Michael Martin) and throws quotes from them at these experts. Honestly, when I read this book the first time (a while ago. I've read it a few times now) I would see him ask a question or make a claim that sounded really bad for Christianity (or take use a quote from a skeptical scholar) and I thought the experts would just cringe and hide under the desk. I found that the experts did their best to explain their point of view and they disposed of some very tough arguments against them. The point of this book wasn't to interview Christian scholars and skeptic scholars to get their points of view. The point was to push the christians scholars to force them to give solid reasoning for their positions. I don't think all of their arguments are 100% solid but I think that the majority of the evidence points to the Christian point of view and these guys show why. I've seen skeptical reviewers say things like "don't believe what they say", or "nothing of what they say has anything to do with fact", but that is a desperate attempt to try to make everyone else as closed-minded and bias as them. Read this book. It's a good one.

Fantastic witnessing material
This is - bar none - my favorite witnessing tool to give out. Why? Because it not only appeals to unbelievers but believers as well! I have been a conservative witnessing Christian for over 20 years and this book taught ME a few things! If you are looking for an easy to read and understand book to give to anyone who has either major questions about Christianity OR if you know someone who is struggling with their faith and you want to help them 'take it to the next level'. THIS is the book you MUST get!

What I do is regularly buy a 'six pack' of them and keep them in my car. Then, when anybody shows an interest in Christianity or is a believer that can't defend or doesn't understand the basics of the faith I give them this book FREE of charge. It's cheap enough to do that. It can be a very rewarding ministry for you as you 'cast your bread upon the waters'.

Read it for yourself and you will see that all the basic articles of Christianity are covered and there is even a chapter in there for our Jewish friends. It's deep enough to get a layman soaking wet and if they want to do more exploring of this fascinating subject the book is filled with a great reference guide of books that will take them deeper in all the topics

This truly is a must read for anybody that is serious about evangelizing and encouraging their circle of influence be they Christian or non-Christian alike.

Peace to you in Him ... Read more

Isbn: 0310209307
Subjects: 1. Apologetics 2. Bible - Biography - New Testament 3. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics 4. Christianity - Theology - Christology 5. Christianity - Theology - General 6. Jesus Christ 7. Person and offices 8. Religion 9. Theology - Christology 10. CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE PERSONAL GROWTH 11. Religion / Christian Life

$11.19

Mere Christianity
by C. S. Lewis
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (05 February, 2001)
list price: $10.95 -- our price: $8.76
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (241)

Enlightened and Inspired
Perhaps an even better title for this CS Lewis masterpiece might be "Why Christianity?"In this slim volume, Lewis uses a chatty, accessible style to answer questions and explain his faith.The result is one of the best Christian apologetics ever.Less dense and dated that "The Pilgrim's Regress" and more broad than "The Great Divorce," this may be Lewis' finest work--which is truly saying something.

Not to give away too much of the content, but a favorite section is when Lewis discusses psychology and philosophy.As a Christian, Lewis gives one of the finest explanations for why we should not judge others; that we can only see their actions, not their inactions, and that we do not know others' genetics and life history.Only God does, so only he should judge.God may value someone who has had a cruel life merely refraining from an act of cruelty more highly that He values someone with an easy life performing a positive kindness!

Lewis goes on to point out that those given great gifts are called on to use them more in service to mankind.Rather like the old Kennedy adage that to whom much is given, much is asked.

Lewis is much more accessible that contemporary English Christian authors Charles Williams or Dorothy Sayer.Perhaps the only other modest-sized 20th century apologetic as sublime is Bishop Kallistos Ware's "The Orthodox Way."Both share the simple brilliance of addressing the common beliefs of all Christians from ancient times, rather than trying to be sectarian or trendy.

Whether you are a new Christian seeking answers, someone not yet accepting Christ but curious, or even an experienced Christian, this book will be a comfort and a source of much information.

It might not be an exaggeration to say that if you only read one book for the rest of your life, excluding scripture, this should be it!

A Timeless Defense of Timeless Truth
Though over sixty years old (in their first incarnation as radio broadcasts), C. S. Lewis' insights into the validity of Christianity remain as current as today's internet blogs. "Mere Christianity" answers the intellectual questions of post-modern intellectuals and provides nourishment for the spiritual hunger of Gen X/Gen Y seekers.

Lewis writes in the style of his intellectual mentor, G. K. Chesterton. Both men entered adulthood as agnostics. Both men spent their careers defending the rational integrity of Christianity. Chesterton's "Orthodoxy" addressed the questions typical of the agnosticism of his era (1900). Lewis' "Mere Christianity" addresses the hardened agnosticism of his WW II generation.

Like Chesterton, Lewis not only discusses how Christianity is rationally consistent, but also how it meets the "real world/real hunger" test. That is, he demonstrates how Christianity is relationally fulfilling, meaningful, and consistent.

"Mere Christianity" also reads something like a Christian version of Plato's "Republic." In the "Republic," Plato attempted to define the shape of a society that would produce "happiness"--meaningful, purposeful existence for the individual and the society. Philosophically, Lewis offers the Christian version of the ideal individual, in the ideal society, following the ideal Supreme Being. Stepping back and seeing the big picture, you finish "Mere Christianity" and realize, "Christianity really does make sense. It works. It fits the world as it is and the world as we wish it to be."

Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

If this book were written nowadays...
...It would have been published under the title "Christianity For Dummies: A God Guide for the Rest Of Us."This is Christianity 101.It's a good book for Christians, or for anyone who has ever wondered what it is that Christians believe, or anyone who has ever thought they knew.It describes the basic tenets of Christianity in clear, laymen's terms.It's easy-to-understand and absolutely inspiring.A must-read. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060652926
Sales Rank: 426
Subjects: 1. Anglican authors 2. Apologetics 3. Christian ethics 4. Christianity - General 5. Christianity - Literature 6. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics 7. Popular works 8. Religion 9. Religion - Classic Works 10. Theology, Doctrinal 11. Religion / Christian Literature 12. Reading Group Guide

$8.76

The Rant Zone : An All-Out Blitz Against Soul-Sucking Jobs, Twisted Child Stars, Holistic Loons, and People Who Eat Their Dogs!
by Dennis Miller
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (01 September, 2002)
list price: $11.95 -- our price: $9.56
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (17)

Solid, unique comedy writing...
...and he goes after anyone and everything, despite what some of the bitter, angry, neurotic, self-styled liberal reviewers here would have you believe. I think it was Mark Twain who wrote something like "sacred cow makes the best hamburger"; Miller understands and embodies this.

Stick With Cable-TV
Miller has now delved into movies, network television, and print.Virtually all of those endeavors have produced nothing but embarrassing additions to his body of work.Three strikes and you're out Dennis.Do a favor for your potential fans and stick with what you're good at -- monologues on cable-TV.This book is vulgar, not the least bit entertaining, and gives the impression that it was thrown together in a very short time.In fact, it is so bad that I wouldn't be surprised if Miller did nothing more than allow his name to be associated with this sham of an effort.

cheaper than toilet paper at 48 cents
It's nice to see that this book has found it's price point. Dennis Miller is about as funny as colon cancer. Someone outta put a rubberband around this guys head so it'll shrivel up and fall off. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060505370
Sales Rank: 397166
Subjects: 1. American wit and humor 2. Football - General 3. Humor 4. Topic - Adult 5. Wit and humor

$9.56

Rock This!
by Chris Rock
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (01 November, 1998)
list price: $6.99 -- our price: $6.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Rock This reads like a collection of Chris Rock's routines, and that's the book's only flaw. A little more of Rock himself would be nice--maybe something that's a cross between an autobiography and Rock's routine transcribed for print. That said, Rock This is a very funny book. The young comedian speaks his mind about a variety of topics: race, sex, drugs, O. J. Simpson, and relationships between men and women. Occasionally profane and wrong-headed, most of the time Rock's wry observations--his assessments of the Reverend Al Sharpton and the Reverend Jesse Jackson are dead-on--make you nod your head in acknowledgment of their truth, even as you shake with laughter. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Neither funny nor enlightening
I read the first 100 pages, and that was enough for me. The comments on racism could have been thought provoking, but seem to imply all Caucasians have to apologize for being "white." One chapter discusses how "whites can't tell blacks apart," but Mr. Rock lumps all "whites" into one category, ignorant of the racism and persecution many "whites" have endured, and not all come from the same place and status. By the time he got to talking about doctors and how they shouldn't be paid, I was finished. I can hear racist rants anywhere; just because this is couched in the guise of comedy, it makes it no less of a prejudiced, racist view. Mr. Rock openly admits it is racist, but assumes people will find it amusing and enlightening. I found it to be neither. The sociology of race has been written about in more interesting, engrossing texts; I'll stick to those.

Funny...AND Insightful
Chris Rock isn't just funny.He makes remarkable and illuminating observations about class and race in this book, which is mostly a written version of his best stand-up.Which is of course extremely funny, but a lot of Rock's talent comes from his unique take on all kinds of issues and his ability to enlighten his audience when they think they're just getting comedy.If you buy the book you'll see what I mean.

This is pertains to some portions of the book.Most actually.Other aspects of his comedy are just funny, and although they are generally not as strong, they're still really good.If you doubt Chris Rock's formidable talent, this is the book that will erase that doubt.His remarkable contribution to American comedy is very well demonstrated in this compilation of his best material.Even though some might argue that Rock's delivery is what makes him so funny, seeing how funny his words still are in print makes it hard to believe that his talent is in performance.It's mostly in his material.His performance is just icing on the cake.

I've re-read it many times, so it's worth buying.I'll wait a year or so and then reread it and it's just as funny as it was the first time.Definitely worth it for Chris Rock fans and those who aren't-but will be after reading the book.

Too funny Must buy
Chris Rock book is hilarious. It is filled with things that teenagers can relate to. There are lots of things in this book that will have you bust out in laugher. Chris Rock includes in his book about why white people can't use the N word. This book has everthing the good old days, O.J, Clinton, and the problem with living in the ghetto. I would recommend this book to any one who loves to read comedy. I read a few pages to my friends and they went out and bought a copy for them selves. This book is perfect to read on a plane, bus, on when you have free time. And if you dont have the book yet I suggest you go out and buy it now. ... Read more

Isbn: 0786889411
Subjects: 1. General 2. Humor 3. Humor / General

$6.99

Brain Droppings
by George Carlin
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (01 May, 1998)
list price: $13.95 -- our price: $10.46
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

George Carlin's been working the crowd since "the counterculture" became "the over-the-counter culture" around 1967 or so; his new book, Brain Droppings, surfs on three decades of touring-in-support. It's the purest version of book-as-candy that one could imagine, serving up humor in convenient, bite-sized packages. Snack on chewy one-liners like "A meltdown sounds like fun. Like some kind of cheese sandwich." Or: "If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten." Brain Droppings also contains highlights from Carlin's concert repertoire, and that more than makes up for the occasional spray of pointless nihilism. Tell us, George, what exactly were you going for with "Kill your pet" and "Satan is cool"? Quick--hide the paper before Daddy sees it! Still, if you're a fan of this sarcastic semanticist who's given Bad Attitude not necessarily a good name, but at least a comfy bank account, by all means rush out and snag Brain Droppings. Carlin's book melts in your mind, not in your hand. ... Read more

Reviews (133)

A very funny book except for one thing
I've loved George Carlin's humor since the 60s. No one sees through society's and the media's garbage better than Carlin. His observations are always both funny and intelligent. Even when he comes off as being angry with everyone and everything, he still mangages to make you laugh and think at the same time. My main problem with him is the guilty white man nonsense. He would have you think that the caucasian race is the sole source of evil in the world today, yesterday and tomorrow. He needs to drop the 1960s American hippy attitude. Also, he uses the word "we" an awful lot and assumes that he speaks for everyone of a particular race. He speaks of how "we" killed the Indians, how "we" poisoned the earth with chemical spills...how "we" did this and how "we" did that. For a guy who makes a living by making fun of "victims" in society and other various misfits and phonies, it's surprising that Carlin risks sounding just as stupid and ignorant as the various people he ridicules. Somehow the one person in American society he neglects in poking fun at is the aging, liberal, guilt-ridden, lily-white, 1960s hippy who seems compelled to blame himself, and apologize for everything bad in the world. I don't know who he's talking about when he says "we", but I sure never killed any Indians or did any of the things he says "we" did. George Carlin is definitely a funny guy and is second to none in observing this stupid world we live in, but he needs to give the *guilty white man routine* some time off, and stop assumming to speak for other people. Every race in history has had a hand in turning the world into what it is now. Someone as intelligent as Carlin should be able to see that, but he doesn't.

Pure Carlin
I first read this book while on my honeymoon. It somehow found its way onto the bookshelf in my room at the bed & breakfast we were staying at. I have never laughed so hard while in a whirlpool tub.

Carlins' mastery of the english language is on full display here. His ability to think outside the box will make you scratch your head and bust a gut with laughter. The random grouping of thoughts in the book works very well.

Great read overall and works very well when you need a book to read in brief clips.

Georgie Porgie
This book is great.I got it for Christmas last year and I just couldn't stop reading it.Even after I've read his material over and over, I laugh every time I read it.
I think this book is great because most of the material in it is new.In "Napalm & Silly Putty" and "When Will Jesus Bring The Pork Chops" it seemed like a lot of that material had already been done in some of his HBO specials.
Here's an example of some of his material:I DON'T WANT SOMETHING THAT'S GOOD FOR HEADACHES.I WANT SOMETHING THAT'S BAD FOR HEADACHES.AND GOOD FOR ME.Another example:YOU'LL KNOW YOU'RE IN A SMALL TOWN IF THE NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS CHAPTER HAS ONLY ONE MEMBER AND HE'S STRUNG OUT ON RANCH DRESSING.
This whole book will keep you reading all afternoon.This book may even help you're child become a better reader (except for the raunchy stuff). ... Read more

Isbn: 0786883219
Subjects: 1. American wit and humor 2. Form - Essays 3. General 4. Humor 5. Wit and humor 6. Humor / General

$10.46

The Wealth of Nations (Modern Library)
by ADAM SMITH, EDWIN CANNAN
Average Customer Review:

Hardcover (25 January, 1994)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $16.47
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (50)

Liberty, Liberalism, and Justice
Many things can be said, and have been, about Adam Smith.One thing that cannot be said though is that he is reticent.In his treatise "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" (better known to us as simply "The Wealth of Nations"), Smith criticizes nearly every law dealing with economic policy enacted by Great Britain from roughly the time of Henry III to when he wrote his work in the late 1700s.

What Smith attempted to accomplish with "The Wealth of Nations" was a systematic examination of what exactly national wealth was derived from and how it was best fostered.The result was a strong rebuke to the economic system, mercantilism, then in place in Britain and throughout most of Western Europe.Mercantilism is a system that attempts to increase national wealth through the acquisition of money.This acquisition is made by exporting more than you import.Consequently, all manner of barriers to foreign imports are put in place while many encouragements to export are enacted.

Smith's primary criticism of mercantilism was that it valued one type of capital, money, above all others when all capitals should be valued equally.His point being that the wealth of any nation is not measured by how much money it possesses but by how much it produces in a given period of time.In order for an economy to produce all it can in a given period of time, it is necessary for its capital to be employed in the manner most suitable to the greatest production.Smith felt (and proved rather well) that mercantilism is a drag on the economy because it encourages capital to flow into areas where it would not flow of its own accord.The distortions caused by mercantilism actually decreases overall production below what it will actually be in a perfectly free market.

"The Wealth of Nations" though is much more than a critique of an economic system.It is at heart a declaration in support of a moral alternative: free enterprise.Smith not only approaches the argument between mercantilism and free enterprise from the angle of what system best increases national wealth but also from the angle of what system is the most consistent with the principles of liberty and justice.Smith makes it clear that free enterprise; the system whereby free men determine how and to what extent their capitals will be employed, where free men determine how much of and for what price they are willing to sell their labor, where free men are treated as such by the government instead of as beasts of burden; is the only system consistent with the ideals of liberalism.

The typical modern criticism of Smith is that times have changed and most of his ideas are no longer relevant.There are sections of "The Wealth of Nations" which are out of touch with modern times; one in particular is Smith's discussion of paper money, which was still entirely backed by gold and silver bullion in his day.However, while some of the economic aspects of Smith's thesis must be updated, the morality of Smith's masterpiece is as valid today as it was when he wrote it over 200 years ago.Some principles are fundamental to the human condition.One of those is that each person is best able to determine what is in his own best interests and that the best form of government is that which allows him to do so.

GREAT MIND SERIES IS ABUNDANTLY ABRIDGED!
Another reviewer is correct in that there are SIGNIFICANT PORTIONS of the book missing in the Great Minds Series (green and black cover).In one instance, I noted that 150 pages were converted into 14!Also, Book IV Chapter VII is missing parts 2 and 3 (also quite lengthy portions of the piece).Go with a complete version if you're going to bother to tackle this book, or especially if you are focussing on one particular idea (since that may be one that they cut out!)...Smith may be wordy, but to cut out such an enormous amount degrades the integrity of the work.Shameful to nowhere state that LARGE chunks of this classic are absent...at least be forthcoming!

Pick the right edition and read it - all of it
I have read WoN in three different editions and undoubtedly the best was the definitive version in the Glasgow edition of his Collected Works. This is cheaply and conveniently reporinted in the Liberty Fund edition which I recommend to anyone who is actually *studying* the text. It notes variations between different editions and has extremely useful notes which are helpful in understanding Smith's relations to his predecessors.

It's an interesting book, over-quoted and under-read. Read it - all of it - and you will find a rather different argument and conclusions from that bestowed upon this classic by partisans of untrammeled free markets who trumpet some sound-bites from the book but reject Smith's underlying argument. ... Read more

Isbn: 0679424733
Sales Rank: 41845
Subjects: 1. Business / Economics / Finance 2. Business/Economics 3. Classical Economics 4. Economic History 5. Economics 6. Economics - Theory 7. United States - Colonial Period 8. Business & Economics / General

$16.47

The CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS AND THE REMAKING OF WORLD ORDER
by Samuel P. Huntington
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (28 January, 1998)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.20
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The thesis of this provocative and potentially important book is the increasing threat of violence arising from renewed conflicts between countries and cultures that base their traditions on religious faith and dogma. This argument moves past the notion of ethnicity to examine the growing influence of a handful of major cultures--Western, Eastern Orthodox, Latin American, Islamic, Japanese, Chinese, Hindu, and African--in current struggles across the globe. Samuel P. Huntington, a political scientist at Harvard University and foreign policy aide to President Clinton, argues that policymakers should be mindful of this development when they interfere in other nations' affairs. ... Read more

Reviews (195)

It was an entertaining read, but its not serious reading
I first discovered Huntington's book roaming around the library of a university several years ago. I didn't get around to read it till' about 2 1/2 years ago. I purchased the book and read it in about a week. When I first read it, I thouht it was a very entertaining book. The whole story that that we may enumerate all the world's societies to 7 groupings, that we may determine their behavior based on 'balance of power' and real polotik presumptions, and the "order" of civilizations in the world today, and perhaps, what it will look like tommorow.

Ontop of these fun topics, the book discussed "fault line conflicts," a very VERY brief discussion of Dr. Huntington's 'knowledge' of Asian, Arab and European history, and policy advice for "western" nations, but predomintly the United States.

I give the book 3 / 5 stars becuase the exposition, at least for me, was very well done. I usually try to extend my readings of non-technical books so I can get more "mileage" out of it, but I was very much hooked to Dr. Huntingon's theory. Unfortunatly, like most Political Science "theories" this one falls short on the fact that, its foudnations are based on informal analysis of specific percieved histories and factors.

When you get rid of the pretty words and sentences, there isn't any sort of logical consistent foundation that is uniquely interpretable for all perspectives in Dr. Huntington's thesis. The ideas sound good, but can their assertions be proved to be correct for all situations? Well no, it can't, namely because part of Huntington's assertion is really that nations both "percieve" international relations in terms of civilizations and their 'core' states and that this taxonomizing of societies serves great utility in analysis.

The later statement is matter of opinion, but the former is certainly one that is not proveable in any conclusive manner. One good example of how Dr. Huntington's beliefs are somewhat flawed is his perception of Eastern Europe, being encompassed in what he dubs "Orthodox Civilization." I am not a student of history,so whether it is percieved in general that this region is a seperate civilization from the Western European societies is not known to me.

However, Dr. Huntington states,

"The logic of civilizations dictates a smiliar outcome concerning the expansion of NATO [refering intially to how prefrence for EU membership is given to nations who are 'traditionally' western in culture]. As the West's security organization NATO is appropiratly open to membership by Western countries which wish to join and which meet basic requirements in terms of militarty competenence [...] NATO expansion limited to countries historicially part of Western Christnedom, however, also guarantees to Russia that it would exclude Serbia, Bulgraia, Romania, Moldova, Belarus, and Ukraine as long as Ukraine remained United" (Huntington, p. 162).

His refrence to Ukraine relates to his division of the border of Western Christnedom down the lines of Ukraine, spliting Romania and Serbia and encompassing very small portions of Bosnia bordering Croatia. Huntington claims that Ukraine could, in theory become Western, but only most likelly if those "western" parts of it were to split from the Orthodox segments.

It escapes me whether or not Huntington allowed for the possibilty of change in society (i.e. Orthodox civilization expanding or shrinking in time), but it seems that this construct is a rather simplistic and ultimitly failed model to explain the behavior of even Western European nations. If we were to look at the world in Huntington goggles, we would conclude that the "Orthodox Civlization" is in the mist of collapse, since many of thes nations (i.e Bulgaria, Ukraine, etc.) are in line, not only for EU admission, but have, or will engage in talks with NATO commanders for membership of the Alliance.

It is not my opinion that "Orthodox" society is in any danger of collapse, but hey what do I know. Yet something more intresting would be to ask why would a civilization ever fight itself. Since the West has fought itself twice in the past (WW1 and WW2) and is currently admist a "Atlantic rift" in the present, I wonder what Dr. Huntington's explantion for these annomolies are?

Of course, we could add that nations behave firstly in the percieved benefts (whatever this phrase means fomrally, if it is even defined fomrally) then in the benefits of their "civilization," yet, it still seems that the crux move in this theory would then be to explain, what level of utility would need to be reached for a nation to then behave as a "civilzation" and not a traditional "nation-state."

In any event, Dr. Huntington's thesis is indeed enjoyable to read, however, I wouldn't take it too seriouslly. Since any fool could see that, just because certain people may behave or calculate their strategy in politics in this civilizational frame, it does not imply by any means that this is the "natural" or "optimal" perspective in the political arena. However, its probably just the case that most of my problems with Huntington's book is more a complaint about the field he serves in rather then his own beliefs (which I consider somewhat ridiclous as a model for behavior in reality). In any event, unless you think quoting Huntington will give you a competetive edge in a debate, this book is definitly more of a "borrow" then a "purchase."

infuriating generalizations; hurtful truths
In Huntington's model of international relations, there are several civilizations in the world: the West (Europe, USA),
Sinic(China, Korea, Sinapore and Taiwan), and Islam. Other civilizations he mentions are Orthodox (Russia, Greece, Serbia, Romania, etc.), Latin America, Japan, Buddhism (mainland Southeast Asia), and Hindu (India). These civilizations relate to each other with varying degrees of hostility or cooperation. That's the thesis; it's pretty simple and really it probably shouldn't be so controversial.

But there are several sources of controversy.

In general, he infuriates liberals because he allows that race and religion are factors in politics, and he is a realist about the nature of politics and the fact of violence.

He believes that the West is declining relative to Islam and Sinic civilizations. He is obviously correct, although it infuriates American patriots and many proud Europeans. The rise of China is creating huge changes in East Asia, as Chinese military and economic power becomes the dominant factor, replacing American power. Managing this transition is one of the great challenges of current US foreign policy. He was among the first to recognize this.

He famously says that Muslim civilization has bloody borders, mentioning conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims in the Balkans, Nigeria, Sudan, Kashmir, the Caucasus, Israel-Palestine, Lebanon, Chechnya, Xinjiang, the Philippines, and perhaps a few other examples. This infuriates many liberals, including especially liberal Muslims.

However, he evidently believes that these conflicts stem primarily from a demographic youth bulge. He also believes that if there were a clear leader of Islam, as Russia is the clear leader of the Orthodox, that its borders would be far more peaceful. So, contrary to some of his critics, he does not believe that Islam is inherently violent. In fact, he explicity recognizes that Christianity has been as militaristic as Islam has ever been. (So he manages to aggravate many Europeans and Christians as well.)

But for whatever reasons, Islamdom and Christendom are obviously generally in conflict. Huntington was among the first to recognize that this conflict is one of the principal issues of international relations today. The conflict is complex, however, and Huntington's treatment of it here is quite brief and simplistic, and few people interested in it will be satisfied. In particular, his description of the Balkan conflict will upset most people who have not considered a Serbian perspective.

He does not believe the West should try to push its values on the rest of the world, including the concept of human rights. Internationally, he is a multi-culturalist, believing that the West should not bother trying to spread its culture: it just creates unnecessary conflict. Other cultures will not accept Western principles anyway, and they have their own principles which are just as good. This infuriates many liberals.

He seems to think the United Nations is irrelevant, and he portrays the "Davos Culture" of Western-oriented leaders in other cultures as basically irrelevant. You can guess who disagrees.

However, a lot of his critics believe that he thinks the West is better than other civilizations. He certainly believes the West is a unique and valuable civilization, worth preserving. He explicitly argues that multi-culturalism is cultural suicide for the West. He has a self-consciously white American perspective. This also upsets a large number of liberals and most academics.

He believes that Europeans and the US should cooperate more closely, with the US in the lead. But of course many Europeans hate the US and its influence, secretly or openly. So guess who doesn't like this idea?

He believes that the USA could become a divided nation if Hispanic influence continues to grow, and he considers this a bad thing; an implication is that Hispanic immigration and influence should be limited. (I think he might be more explicit about this, as well as his fear of multiculturalism, in his new book, "Who are We?") Again, reactions are predictable.

He also evidently believes the Europeans are right to resist the Muslim immigrants in their nations, and not to allow Turkey to join the EU. Many liberals, especially North Americans, disagree with him.

Another source of controversy is that he considers India a Hindu civilization, although it is surely multi-religious. Islam? Sikhism? Even Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Christianity have significant numbers in India. So however India is to be classified, it is evidently a secular country, and that is why Hindu fundamentalism exists.

Every big picture must be very simplified, and this is no exception. However, it is a reasonable big picture. I agree with a lot of this picture: China, the US, the EU, Russia (and the Orthodox world) and the Muslim world are the current principal actors in international relations. India and Latin America are due to emerge as well. Peace and cooperation among them are essential. Huntington dwells on conflict and the capacity for conflict; however, he obviously wants to avoid a violent clash of civilizations. Many of his critics did not read the last chapter, in which this is clear, carefully enough. Also, the West, including the US, must accept a smaller role in the world than we are accustomed to. International organizations such as the UN need to be restructured recognizing current realities (rather than the Cold War)--and that will be a reduction in European influence.

I disagree with him about a lot of things, however: especially his idea of the US' identity, his dislike of multi-culturalism, and that he evidently accepts genocide and torture as relatively normal. There are a number of smaller points as well.

Anyway, whether you agree or disagree with him, if you want to have an educated opinion on international politics, this book is required reading. I am very disappointed that many reviewers essentially write, "Don't read this! It will contaminate your mind with heresy!" Please. Let the ideas compete. These are important ideas. It may be melodramatic, but the future of the world is at stake, right?

A generally even-handed hypothesis for ordering the world
Samuel P. Huntington is a figure both loved and hated among certain circles of academia, mostly due to his often controversial claims (such as his recent article in Foreign Policy, "The Hispanic Challenge," which takes a theme of the Clash of Civilizations even further).

Huntington makes a fairly convincing case, if somewhat simplistic, for ordering the world according to civilizations in the post-Cold War era. Rather than repeat what other reviewers have said regarding this matter, I have chosen to address two concerns that I have seen regarding this book, each of which are misconceived.

The first concern is that this book somehow justifies American hostility and imposition of democracy in China and Islamic countries, the two challengers perceived by Huntington as perhaps most threatening to global stability. On the contrary, Huntington argues for the recognition that the world is multicultural, and that "Western belief in the universality of Western culture suffers three problems: it is false; it is immoral; and it is dangerous" (Ch. 12). Far from suggest we invade everybody and forcibly impose democratic regimes in places where democracy may not 'stick' due to a lack of Western values, he instead argues for the recognition of a multicultural world. "To preserve Western civilization in the face of declining Western power," he argues it is in the interest of the United States and Europe to: integrate politically, economically, and militarily; encourage "Westernization" of the already Western-leaning Latin American countries; restrain conventional and unconventional military development in China and Islamic countries; and "most important, recognize that Western intervention in the affairs of other civilizations is probably the single most dangerous source of instability and potential global conflict in a multicivilzatonal world" (Ch. 12). Huntington is ultimately arguing for a peaceful world order rather than a West which runs amok, imposing its values on other states.

The second concern I've seen crop up is that Huntington is entirely a moral relativist due to his belief that the world is made up of differing cultures and value systems. He actually argues that culture is relative, while morality is absolute. As an example, he provides the case of Singapore which in the early 1990s tried to identify a common identity among its Chinese, Malay Muslim, and Indian Hindu/Sikh communities. A White Paper was created defining the "Shared Values" of Singaporeans: "Nation before ethnic community and society above self; family as the basic unit of society ; regard and community support for the individual; consensus instead of contention; racial and religious harmony" (Ch. 12). This White Paper, he argues, integrated elements of each member culture, as well as the Western emphasis on individuality (ostensibly in order to discourage nepotism implicit in Confucian values of hierarchy and family). Rather than attempt to establish a Judeo-Christian/Western standard of world values, such as is implicit in the UN Declaration on Human Rights, Huntington believes that common morality between all cultures does exist and must form the foundation of an international order.

I recommend this book to anyone with a desire to understand international conflict, and particularly the role culture may play in it. Do not take all of it at face value, of course; read it with a critical eye and what you derive from it will be manifold more than you would have otherwise. This book deserves to be on any political scientist's bookshelf sheerly due to the influence it has had, regardless of whether you agree with its argument or not. Love him or hate him, when Huntington speaks, the entire world listens. ... Read more

Isbn: 0684844419
Subjects: 1. 1950- 2. 1989- 3. Civilization, Modern 4. International Relations - General 5. Modern - 20th Century 6. Politics - Current Events 7. Politics/International Relations 8. Post-communism 9. World politics 10. Political Science / International Relations

$10.20

Watchmen
by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (01 April, 1995)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $13.59
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (260)

Undoubtedly the best story of the media I have ever read
I picked this up to read on a plane just to kill time. I was expecting the run of the mill graphic novel. What I got was a story so in depth, engrossing, and touching that I could not put it down. This was definitely a welcomed change from the technical books I normally read. The story of the Watchmen actually forced me to feel for the characters in the story, and understand their motives. You grow to respect the characters as more than 2 dimensional storyboards. In this world of masked vigilantes driven to dish out justice as a novelty hobby, they are faced with the concept of a real life superhero changing their very existence, making them obsolete. The younger generation just cannot let go of the concept of dressing up and fighting crime and continue despite the appearance of the "God Among Men". Some do it because they are forced to, some get sexual gratification out of it, some are driven by deep psychological issues brought on by troubled childhoods, and a very small handful do it to make things right. The story has more twists and turns, and really pulls the reader into their universe, and forces them to wonder "Who watches the Watchers" when they go beyond the line. Even if you are not into the whole comic genre, this is a story that will move you.

a fundamental setting with multiple overtones
It's seriously bizarre that a comic book employing the all-too-familiar concept of super-heroes in a good vs. evil combat, -albeit one that goes more and more awry as the end approaches- can be used so effectively to convey such complex ideas.Although a single reading will in no way suffice to get a full understanding of the intriguing story, it is enough to leave a mark. The kind of mark that gets left after reading, say, 1984 or fahrenheit 451, although any comparision would be very unfair.

Watchmen isn't a warning of doom; its a prophecy.however the entire story is only a carrier for an evaluation of human-kind in the present day. There are various perspectives that are presented here, mostly by way of different 1st person narratives.But overriding all those is the writer's own view of things as they are and of things to come. People who kill aren't always villains, and this is one of the most striking things that set it apart from other conventional comic-book heroes. Also, every person(or hero) is distinctly human, with his own weakness, that is laid bare at some point in the story.

What still surprises me is the myriad personalities that the writer was able to deal with within a single story, and to such detail. The messages aren't cryptic at all, and thus are not tough to read, but they do require some thinking to understand them.

Power and Responsibility.......
Read this classic graphic novel with a knowledge of its time....fear and paranoia towards the threat of nuclear war, assassinations of presidents, a lack of trust of those in positions of power in the age of media and subterfuge, and vast modernity sprawling out and producing crime and disillusionment.......Alan Moore takes on all this pessimism and shakes it down with the Watchmen, using the conceit that costume heroes actually exist and are everyday people. The hallmark is that not much here is black and white. The result is a confronting, engrossing, extensive work, which re-invented and challenged the genre and promotes the necessity for individual opinion in readers, by leaving so much firmly in the grey.

In the end we are left to think about whether or not 'The end can justify the means'....and there is a strong echo of Hiroshima here. Obviously it can't..and must never. But here, a global solution to focus people's attentions away from war was to introduce something alien. The question of 'Who watches the watchmen?' underpins and concludes the whole book. It is one of power and responsibility, and the idea of the Watchmen being free from this, to act freely, and to have greater influence than those people who are restrained from acting properly by their systems and nations, is portrayed with unfortunately, similarly threatening results. It can only prompt individual thought and better collaboration through its lesson.

Although it can be a bit too indulgent, and the 'comic within a comic' is given too much space, other elements that should attract you are its realism, its character depth and the unique figure of the Comedian. The Comedian has limited hope for the world; he is the ruthless, Batmanesque, out-for-himself, vigilante. He has seen 'its true face'. He fascinates us as we read The Watchmen, because he goes to a deep place in the comic and in everyone's thoughts, where our attempt to rationalise the horrors and behaviours in ourselves fail...where he 'plays along with the gag', working as a unique force of truth, which is without morals, because there is no hypocracy where there are no morals......The uncompromising Rorschach observes and echoes this. It is where the beginning and the end of the book lie....It is a flawed world, not a good joke....but it is better to play along....? ... Read more

Isbn: 0930289234
Sales Rank: 1100
Subjects: 1. Fantastic fiction 2. Fiction 3. Fiction - Fantasy 4. Graphic Novels - General 5. Fiction / Graphic Novels

$13.59

On Liberty and Other Essays (Oxford World's Classics)
by John Stuart Mill, John Gray
Average Customer Review:

Paperback (01 April, 1998)
list price: $9.95 -- our price: $8.95
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (109)

Reviews (82)

Reviews (157)

Reviews (12)

Reviews (2)

Reviews (25)

Reviews (6)

Reviews (446)

Reviews (241)

Reviews (17)

Reviews (58)

Reviews (133)

Reviews (50)

Reviews (195)

Reviews (260)

Reviews (7)