Editorial Review

The author of four volumes of verse, Peter Balakian writes with the precision of a poet and thelyricism of a privileged suburban child in 1950s New Jersey. He is shadowed by his relatives' carefullyguarded memories of past trauma: the brutal Turkish extermination in 1915 of more than a millionArmenians, including most of his maternal grandmother's family. Balakian seamlessly interweaves personaland historical material to depict one young man's reclamation of his heritage and to scathingly indict thepolitical forces that conspired to sweep under the rug the 20th century's first genocide. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

"Black Dogof Fate" Is a Fuzzy Grey Beast at Best
Peter Balakian's book, "Black Dog of Fate," tries to be too many things
"AFTER LONG SILENCE"
'Speech after long silence; it is right...'-William Butler Yeats
An Average Book/An Important Story
Until the end of our days, we will hurt each other for no reason. Hate our neighbors because they exist. Kill strangers without conscience. Why? Because we're barbaric? Are we naturally predisposed to evil deeds in order to keep the population boom in hand? Why in the world should I ever have to come across a story that chronicles the unknown hatred of one civilization to another? I should not have had to read this book because the reason for it written should never have happened.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1951-    2. 20th century    3. Armenian Americans    4. Armenian massacres survivors    5. Balakian, Peter,    6. Biography    7. Biography & Autobiography    8. Biography / Autobiography    9. Biography/Autobiography    10. Family    11. Family relationships    12. General    13. Literary    14. New Jersey    15. Poets, American    16. United States    17. Balakian, Peter    18. Biography & Autobiography / General    19. Biography: general    20. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    21. Racism & racial discrimination    22. Social history    23. USA   

Reviews (7)

Amazing book, incredible read!
This book is a very intriguing, insightful look into life in the slums of Alexandria. Miriam is such a captivating figure, strong in her faith, in God and striving for something better in life. You will NOT want to put this book down! It flows nicely, while being educational at the same time. This is the first Mark Mathabane book I have read (and it wont be the last). I would love to read a novel concerning an update on Miriam's life, she is such a sweet young woman. Overall: GREAT book, amazing!

A book of hope
I strongly encourage everyone to buy and read this book. This book tells the story of what it is like to be female in apartheid South Africa. Do not pass up this opportunity to learn more about the legendary Mathabane family!

No more complaining...
...about my life, my educational opportunities, my social status. Miriam's Song should be required reading for all spoiled brats who think their lives are difficult. Shame on me for ever taking education for granted! Shame on me for ever complaining that my opportunities in the US are limited because of my gender!This book left an indelible mark on my social consciousness. Not just a touching and eye-opening memoir, but also a story of fierce determination and strength, Miriam's Song ranks among my must-reads. Her story is inspiring and her candid writing makes the reader feel as if she is sitting right there in the room, like an new friend telling you about her life. The text does not attempt to justify or rationalize or otherwise explain the social structure, and is remarkably pure in its telling of Miriam's story. Because this book is free from philisophy and pontification about wrong and right, fair and unfair, here-and-there comparisons, the reader is left to come to these realizations on his/her own and thus the story becomes most poignant. I find myself wondering how Miriam is doing now, and would welcome another book including the rest of her story and her observations of the US.Whole-heartedly recommended. Finished it yesterday and loaned it to a friend today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Africa - General    3. Alexandria    4. Apartheid    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Blacks    10. Childhood Memoir    11. Mathabane, Miriam,    12. People of Color    13. Sociology Of Women    14. South Africa    15. South Africa - History    16. Women    17. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color    18. Mathabane, Miriam   

Reviews (1)

An eye opener
White Lies was one of the books assigned in my sexualities class this past term.In the beginning of the novel, Jessie Daniels quotes Toni Morrison:"The scholarship that looks into the mind, imagination, and behaviorof slaves is valuable.But equally valuable is a serious intellectualeffort to see what racial ideology does to the mind, imagination, andbehavior of masters."Read more

Subjects:  1. 1980-    2. Discourse analysis    3. Discrimination & Racism    4. Race relations    5. Social aspects    6. Social conditions    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. White supremacy movements    10. Cultural studies    11. Political ideologies    12. Racism & racial discrimination    13. Social Science / Sociology / General    14. Social groups & communities   

Reviews (1)

informative anthology
The 2nd edition to this books introduces readers to the complex narratives on gender in modern society. The numerous articles included in this volume represent some of the leading scholarship on gender in society, andintroduces readers to the theoretical and methodological works of numerousresearchers.This anthology is important and essential to scholars,feminists, and teachers. This is an excellent book for graduate student andundergraduate students alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Discrimination & Racism    2. Gender Studies    3. Sex role    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Social Science / Discrimination & Race Relations    7. Sociology | Race & Ethnicity   

Reviews (90)

Read at your own Risk...
Finally a book on American history and sociology for which you don't need a box of NoDoz! Goad's writing, ranging from colorful to flat out vulgar, is nonetheless very insightful and informative. I would NOT recommend this book to the closed-minded, politially correct, or easily offended. For the rest of us, however, Goad will surely give you a reason to laugh out loud! Goad's rant on racism and the history of social order is hightly descriptive as he depicts a nation of "white trash" whose leisurely activity "manifests a need to FEEL something apart from a working life in which you're treated with all the warmth of a Plasticine toy robot." I was blown away by the historical stories and statistics of white slavery, submission, and opression.Goad reminds us that "White niggers have feelings too!" Ultimately, this book will truly prompt you to rethink your roots, whether they are white, black, hispanic, green, or purlple!

the pointless rant of a phony redneck
Jim Goad is a phony.
Bullcrap
Goad doesn't sound like a tried and true redneck. I can tell that I was brought up in a hillbilly background, and it is nothing to admire. I'm proud of my country roots, but the culture of the redneck is a very damaging one. Sexual abuse, spousal abuse, alchoholism and drug use prevail. People gorge themselves on terrible food in a very unhealthy way. I'm glad to be out of where I was originally.
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Subjects:  1. Discrimination & Racism    2. Minority Studies - General    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Sociology - General    6. Modern fiction    7. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (36)

Can the past be prologue?
Having been involved in intelligence work early in my life and having kept watching intel shenanigans, a book about the secret war against the Jews got my attention and I had an opportunity to read and research much of its contents. I found answers to questions I had not foundsince the creation of Israel. Why would such a widely divergent group of political leaders suddenly see eye to eye and approve something as controversial and futile as creating a Jewish State surrounded by masses of Arabs seeking their destruction? It is amazing how the founders of Israel were able to use the weaknesses of these world leaders to effectively blackmail them. In view of the current situation in Lebanon, Syria and Iran it was very educational to learn about the USS Liberty betrayal and subsequent conspiracy to hide the facts.
The Secret War Against the Jews: How Western Espionage Betrayed The Jewish People
The book was in great conidtion; I have no complaints.

Fine account of the pro-Nazi crimes of the British and US ruling classes
This excellent book exposes the anti-democratic nature of the British and US ruling classes. It shows how for most of the last century they committed huge crimes in the name of anti-communism, doing far more evil deeds than their class enemies.
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Subjects:  1. American espionage    2. Espionage, American    3. Foreign relations    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. International Relations - General    7. Israel    8. Jewish - General    9. Political Science    10. United States    11. World - General    12. Jewish studies    13. Racism & racial discrimination    14. The Holocaust   

Subjects:  1. Communication and culture    2. Discrimination & Racism    3. Ethnicity    4. Intercultural Communication    5. Multiculturalism    6. Race And Ethnic Relations    7. Research    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Stereotype (Psychology)    11. Anthropology    12. Communication Studies    13. Cultural studies    14. Multicultural studies    15. Social Science / Research    16. Social issues   

Subjects:  1. Counseling - General    2. Cross-cultural counseling    3. Discrimination & Racism    4. General    5. Prejudices    6. Prejudices in children    7. Psychology    8. Psychotherapy - Counseling    9. United States    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    11. Racism & racial discrimination   

Reviews (1)

Pathbreaking work on race and revolution
Insurgent Cuba tracks the transformation of racial and gendered narratives of the revolution from the abolition of slavery to the war of independence.In this fascinating and pathbreaking book, Professor Ferrer reveals that,with the emergence of late 19th century Cuban nationalism, narratives ofrace, slavery, and the place of black people in the revolution shiftdramatically. Through the voices of leaders like Jose Marti, blackinsurgents were constructed as color-blind patriots committed to theliberation of Cuba, not slaves and ex-slaves attempting to overthrow theregime of slavery and demand equal rights.Black people were transformedin these three decades from a problem and threat to the republic to thesymbols of Cuban nationalism's commitment to multiracial democracy.Anti-racism became a weapon in the hands of Cuban revolutionaries in theirbattle against Spain, which changed the status of black insurgents, putthem on a pedestal in a way, and made their stories fundamental to thenarrative of the new republic--one that is colorblind and willing toincorporate everyone as long as they are patriots. For blacks andmulattoes, this discourse gave them a platform to complain about racism inthe ranks of the army, in everyday life, everywhere.On the other hand,the ellision of racism in the discourse of Cuban nationalism and thecelebration of multiracial republicanism was often used against critics ofracism in Cuba."To speak of race, then," Ferrer writes, "was to challengethe depth of racial and national unity."Any attempts to mobilize on thebasis of racial solidarity was then dismissed as divisive and unpatriotic.By reconstructing these different narratives in the context of specificrevolts and campaigns, Ferrer offers us a stunning alternative narrative ofthe struggle for Cuban Independence.Insurgent Cuba is perhaps the bestbook available on race and Cuba. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1878-1895    2. 19th century    3. Blacks    4. Caribbean & West Indies - General    5. Cuba    6. Discrimination & Racism    7. Ethnic Studies - General    8. History    9. History - General History    10. History: World    11. Insurrection, 1868-1878    12. Politics and government    13. Racism    14. Revolution, 1895-1898    15. History / Caribbean & West Indies    16. History of other lands    17. Racism & racial discrimination    18. Revolutions & coups    19. Social history    20. c 1800 to c 1900    21. nineteenth century; racism; imperial expansion; Spain; black; white; mulatto; segregation; United States; nationalism; Cuba   

Reviews (11)

Blues People
This is a really interesting look at the evolution of black culture through the lense of music. Some of the author's opinions about later music (50's-60's) may seem out of touch to today's readers, but overall it is well worth reading.

The Best Starting Point
I actually purchased the first paperback edition this book a long time ago, and I learned that it had been out of print for quite some time. It was a time when I was a casual listener of blues and jazz, and didn't think about the roots of the music I was listening to. The book was interesting enough, but it didn't have information about more contemporary stuff, as it was printed in 1963.
Very honest&breaks all chains
this book not only puts the music into perspective but also the struggle that still goes on too this day.very upfront&honest about problems that still linger.it traces the journey&challenges it's reader too better understand the reason for the whys??one of the best Books that I have ever read from start too finish. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Blues (Music)    3. Discrimination & Racism    4. Ethnomusicology    5. Genres & Styles - Blues    6. Genres & Styles - Jazz    7. History and criticism    8. Jazz    9. Music    10. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    11. Blues    12. Music / Jazz   

Reviews (8)

Debunking Attacks
One of the many attacks Lopez receives regarding White By Law is his alleged "white pessimism" that keeps him from genuinly wanting to deconstruct whiteness, because he would lose his White benefits. This is backed up by his many contradictions throughout the book. Though I agree he does contradict himself quite often, he does not cave into the idea of White superioroity as some critics on this page say. Critics of Lopez who are well versed in Race Theory and who want to deconstruct whiteness, fault him for simotaneously stating that whiteness is a "fantasy" and yet still "exists." To put it in common-man's English, this makes sense. Whiteness DOES exist, but only as a socially constructed idea. To blindly say that Race does not exist in any form is like saying that Liberalism doesn't exist. I mean, you can't touch liberalism. There is no genetic way of identifying liberals. Same with religion. Catholocism doesn't really exist, only in social construct. Critics of Lopez would have him write his entire book with out mention of racial existance because acknowledging race would go against Critical Race Theory. However, this book was not written to be read solely by the most enlightened intellectuals. It was written for any lay-person with a vocabulary large enough to understand it (which should be everyone, but sadly isn't.) an intellectual surprise the size of a pin
Here's his argument:White dominated courts ruled against nonwhite immigrants from seeking political inclusion.If you're interested in spending a couple of hundred pages watching a guy try to prove this, enjoy. White By Law: A self-Portrait Part 2
One hundred pages into his work, Lopez begins a barrage of questions raised in response, it seems, to the answers that have been given in the preceding chapters.It is here that Lopez restates his thesis that "law constructs race" and then questions how the law accomplishes this, although his chapters on the "prerequisite cases" seem to have clearly answered the question of method.The law, as aforementioned, was depicted as having the official word on the race of an individual and assigns particular meaning to that determination based on whatever views are convenient for the upholding of false hierarchy:popular opinion, science or a combination of the two.Lopez himself states, "law influences...the meanings ascribed to our looks, and material reality that confirms the meanings of our appearance".And although he writes that law is squarely to blame for the enforcement of inequality based on race, he also claims "there are no `laws'" only "ill-coordinated social practices" and that these practices are "incoherent".It is this rehashing of already addressed questions that give rise to some of the most blatant contradictions in Lopez's arguments and makes way for Whiteness to prevail yet again, in a critical analysis.It is here that he makes plain his reversals of opinion and contradictory statements that reveal the inconclusive and useless arguments being articulated.(Re)opening his question as to the relationship of the law to whiteness, Lopez says that the prerequisite cases showed the "multiple levels on which legal rules and actors construct the social systems of meaning we commonly refer to as race".However, further down the page he poses the questions, "What role do legal actors play?" and asks if these actors are merely consuming social concepts or if they are defining them.It is apparent that the opening line of the paragraph has already addressed the answers to these questions.This inability to recognize answers to the "more difficult question[s]" that he has already generated is characteristic of ranting; his refusal to recognize legitimate notions of whiteness he argued leads one to question the real commitment to unmasking the law.Lopez seems willing enough to expose the law, but unwilling to believe the reality of what is revealed, willing to see the equation of whiteness and the legal system, but unwilling to dismantle the law the way he suggests whiteness should be.He is unwilling to give up his role in whiteness and therefore seeks to defend it against his own harsh criticisms. Even though he is a professor of law at a reputable university and authors a book asserting his understanding the processes of whiteness in law, he calls whiteness the "pillar of racial inequality in America", but shies away from making an attack on the law by perverting it's image as "incoherent." Lopez's position as a "minority", as a non-white, and in that sense from outside the legal system, leads him to damn the law, but his position inside the system as a professor requires him to maintain a fundamental faith that keeps him aligned with law and thus, with whiteness.The contradictions in Lopez's writings arise from the contradictions in his personal identity and politics.Read more

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Discrimination & Racism    3. General    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Citizenship & nationality law    8. RACE RELATIONS    9. Racism & racial discrimination    10. Social Science / Discrimination & Race Relations    11. USA   

Reviews (4)

Racist Against the White Man
This book is yet another attempt at degrading the white race.There is nothing wrong with being white, just like there is nothing wrong with being black.If you want to hear someones idea on whats wrong with being white instead of looking at the facts then you should read this book.

A Working Definition of Race
David Roediger examines the growth and social construction of racism as it was related to the working classes of the ninteenth century. His scholarship earned him the Organization of American Historians Merle CurtiPrize for US Social History in 1991. This work is brief, but dense inanalysis, argument and scholarly interpretations. superb
This book challenges white male racism, proving once again that white males are racist not only when they are affluent, but when they are "working class", a term that bears some scrutiny, because even ifa Black person recieves the same wages, they are of course subject to thehorrors of racism. When *will* white males ever figure this out??? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. History - General History    3. Politics/International Relations    4. United States - General    5. Ethnography    6. Racism & racial discrimination    7. Social groups & communities    8. USA    9. Work & labour   

Subjects:  1. Discrimination & Racism    2. History and criticism    3. Humor    4. Jewish American Literature    5. Jewish wit and humor    6. Jews    7. Psychological aspects    8. Satire And Humor    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Ethnography    12. Jewish studies    13. Social Science / Discrimination & Race Relations    14. USA   

Reviews (2)

Ideal for All Teachers
I am glad that Wendy Luttrell wrote this book.I enjoyed 'listening' to the teen girls stories and enjoyed viewing their collages that represented themselves. However, being a black female, I didn't learn anything new about black teenage girls. However, I think it is a GREAT book for people who work in the field of Education and honestly don't understand a) the complex identity process that working class african american girls go through in America (let alone being pregnant) and b) how to be conscious of their own 'whiteness' and Euro-Anglo centric view of 'deviance'. I got the feeling that this book was intended more for white middle class educators who teach or may teach working class african american pregnant teenagers. I am glad that Wendy depicted the pregnant girls in a "positive" light. Wendy clearly states that she doesn't want to stereotype. She explains to the reader that she herself is coming from a white middle classbackground. That acknowledgement of her 'whiteness' and white privilege are important in understanding who she is as a researcher. I like the fact she explains to the reader how she did her research and her honest directness of telling the audience how she felt while doing her field research and what challenges her own identity created while trying to connect to and understand the 50 individual pregnant girls she interacted with. Overall, it is great to see that she does not construct teenage pregnancy as 'deviant' behavior. The girls in this book are HUMANIZED.

Insightful study of teenage sexuality and pregnacy
Teenage sexuality and pregnancy is a complex issue with no easy answers. This book takes an in-depth look into the lives of 50 Southern, mostly African-American girls whose spirit and creativity manages to blossom despite many obstacles at school and in society. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Discrimination & Racism    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Ethnicity    5. Feminism and education    6. Gender Studies    7. Philosophy & Social Aspects    8. Pregnant schoolgirls    9. Social Science    10. Social aspects    11. Sociology    12. Special Education - Socially Handicapped    13. Students & Student Life    14. United States    15. Adolescents    16. Ethnography    17. Parenthood    18. Social Science / Gender Studies   

Reviews (6)

Providing a balanced account to remove the Veil
Rarely do we have an instance when a teller of history valiantly attempts to remain objective. The author has done well in presenting a historical perspective that does not seek unconscionable blame nor claim illusionaryvindication. These acts of historical literary balance, lay the foundationsupon which great civilizations have risen. Having heard the oral traditionsof Greenwood, it would have been very easy to paint all white people with abroad stroke of UNDENIABLE EVIL, as it would have been with providing allblacks with a halo of SAINTHOOD. By piecemilling together facts, reminantsof what many have sought to destroy, along with balancing the personalinterviews, the author has provided the impetus for how we should begindiscussing our history.As a Black American, I feel slighted, as if I havejust been walking in circles, having never learned of moments such asGreenwood, which helps us to better understand who we are. It is strangehow we have never seen war as a viable option, but have been labeled as themost violent and retched. Thanks to the author and his supporters, who havefinally began removing the veil of America's History. May others, who setthemselves upon pedestals, possess enough courage to pursue such a task.

Bias even in these reviews...
Regardless of whatever facts one can produce that might make the black people involved in this travesty look guilty, America had never bombed itself before this point. I see one review talking about, there was a warand the black people lost. Yes, we lost this war, and every other waragainst racism. And looking at this incident allows us all to see why blackpeople will continue to lose for a while: we don't own the bombs and wedon't run the government. I don't want to see any condemnations of thetruth, and the truth is that the black people were the victims in this. Tosum it all up: they were too successful to be in America. We need bookslike these that show us all of the things that the history books thatschool our children conveniently forget to include, and all of the oddsagainst black people being successful in this country. I didn't read thebook but I commend the author for taking one step towards raising theracial consciousness levels of citizens.

This book seems to be clearly biased.
Many of the "facts" in this book are clearly in dispute. Other historians and researchers have uncovered evidence that contradicts or even debunks some of the supposeded events. This book seems to try and makethe 1921 Tulsa Race WAR look like a very one-sided affair, with whitesbeing "guilty" and blacks being "innocent". Thetruth is that both sides were at fault.A war broke out, and the blackslost. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Afro-Americans    3. History    4. History - U.S.    5. History: American    6. Oklahoma    7. Race And Ethnic Relations    8. Riot, 1921    9. Riots    10. Social History    11. Tulsa    12. Tulsa (Okla.)    13. United States - State & Local - General    14. Inter-war period, 1918-1939    15. Racism & racial discrimination    16. Violence in society   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Christianity and antisemitism    5. Christianity and other religio    6. Christianity and other religions    7. History    8. Judaism    9. Judaism - General    10. Judaism - History    11. Judaism And Christianity    12. Relations    13. Religion    14. Sociology    15. Interfaith relations    16. Jewish studies    17. Racism & racial discrimination    18. Religion & Theology | Judaism    19. Religion / Judaism / General   

Reviews (18)

The Continuation of Slavery by Other Means
Great writing combined with great scholarship to tell the heartwrenching story of the virtual slavery instituted in the post-Civil War South through the rise of plantation prisons, where thousands of mostly black convicts were worked as hard and treated as viciously as the slaves were during the antebellum years. A shamefully neglected part of U.S. history. Oshinsky's brilliant book is a great work of scholarship and historical literature. A must-read!

How did it happen
An eye opener. one wonders how things like this could happen in the good ol USA. Some people made a lot of money from this kind of thing.

depressing
I was aware that economic conditions for african-americans were very limited until at least after World War II.I had no idea how horrible conditions in the south were after the civil war,this book is a real eye opener for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administration of criminal justice    2. Criminal justice, Administration of    3. Discrimination & Racism    4. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: American    9. Mississippi    10. Penology    11. Prisoners    12. Social Science    13. American history    14. Black studies    15. Social Science / African-American Studies    16. USA   

Reviews (2)

Very, Very Helpful
Aldon Morris writes the history of the Civil Rights Movement as the gradual organization of black communities in the South in response to Jim Crow.Morris' account begins with early protests in North Carolina, Tennessee and other peripheral states that multiplied and culminated in the more well-known actions in Alabama and Georiga.Throughout the account, Morris emphasizes the indigenous nature of the movement - black communities organizing around black institutions (the black church) with their own financial and infrastructural resources.
Origins of the Civil Rights Movement
Articulate and provocative, Aldon Morris' study of the American CivilRights Movement is a comprehensive and comprehensible analysis of astrategic struggle for human survival and essential dignity.Emphasizingthat African Americans have rarely accepted the subordinate position forcedupon them, that the Civil Rights Movement was carefully orchestrated ratherthan a series of random events, and that women played a critical role inthe organization and implementation of the movement, Morris incisivelyresurrects and dismantles official discourses.In the tradition of JohnHope Franklin's "From Slavery to Freedom", Lerone Bennett's"Forced into Glory", and Ivan Van Sertima's "They CameBefore Columbus", Morris reconstructs history with a freshperspective.Morris' extensive use of the interview technique enablesthe reader to probe the minds of the makers and shakers of the movement, aswe hear them speak in their own words.Somewhat academic in its approach,yet eminently readable, "Origins of the Civil Rights Movement"can be understood and appreciated by middle school students, academicians,and history buffs alike.It is a must-read for those interested in acomplete understanding of American history in general and of AfricanAmerican history in particular. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Afro-Americans    3. Blacks    4. Civil rights    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: American    9. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    10. Southern States    11. United States - General    12. Racism & racial discrimination    13. Social Science / General    14. USA