A classic book of reflections by Woodson, the African American scholar thinker of the first half of the 20th century, on the mistakes made in the e...
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Jun 12, 2009
I want to read this book so badly. I have read a couple of excerpt from the book, but I have not read the whole thing yet. When I get this book I will tell you all about it!
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Jul 01, 2011
Sheehan
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Well I have had this book for almost a decade collecting dust on my shelf, just kept getting passed over for other seemingly more relevant texts that came across my desk.
Can't say it was "worth the wait", it is not bad, but not earth shattering either. Even for it's time, I imagine much of it must have seemed like a reiteration of WEB DuBois's Souls of Black Folks, in fact Woodson's whole chapter on the state of teachers was a pallid reconstruction of a much more poetic DuBo More...
Can't say it was "worth the wait", it is not bad, but not earth shattering either. Even for it's time, I imagine much of it must have seemed like a reiteration of WEB DuBois's Souls of Black Folks, in fact Woodson's whole chapter on the state of teachers was a pallid reconstruction of a much more poetic DuBo More...
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Jun 25, 2008
Steven
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This book is relevant, even into today's time. Although it was written in the early 1900s, the analysis can be applied to today's situations. I read this book at the beginning of each new school year.
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Jul 25, 2011
Chris
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It is amazing that after almost 75 years this book remains at the forefront of forward thinking. More than just a book, it is a manual; blue print rather for the uplifting and enlightening of a people without the common stowaway of blaming “the-man” as the father, author, creator, and personified of every woe upon the African American people. More amazing yet is that after 75 years the content and thermos of the book remain sound and accurate. The years may have passed but the spirit in which th
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Dec 11, 2011
Sarah
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I know. I know. This is a classic that should be read by all black people everywhere. I have no real qualms about the content but there were just so few "ah-ha moments" that I was a little underwhelmed. To Woodson's credit, I'm sure that has more to do with the impact this book has had on black culture and education since it's publication. Many black people and institutions have taken Woodson's admonishments to heart and made positive changes. There are some areas pointed out in this b
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Oct 20, 2011
Valarie
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I am rating this book based on its relevance today, which is amazing considering it was written in 1933. One would expect that very little of Woodson's writing on race relations would still be useful 80 years later, but it is amazingly inspiring and thought-provoking to read. His clear explanations of the failure of our educational system made me want to go out and run for the Board of Education, and write a new history textbook. I took away a star because about 20% of what he describes isn't at
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Jul 18, 2009
T.R.
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Written in 1933, Woodson's thinking jumps out with a clarity and timelessness that belies its publication date. He lays out clearly the forces and ideologies that keep many African Americans from receiving a truly transformative education. He argues that any educational program that does not support an individual's independent critical thinking and lead that person to work for the entire community's advancement as miseducation. Going to Harvard, working for Google isn't enough. We don't need
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Sep 05, 2008
Excellent book! Every African American needs to read this book in order to understand how we've been so brainwashed to hate ourselves.
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Feb 02, 2012
Michael
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"The Negro, whether in Africa or America, must be directed toward a serious examination of the fundamentals of education, religion, literature, and philosophy as they have been expounded to him. He must be sufficiently enlightened to determine for himself whether these forces have come into his life to bless him or bless his oppressor. After learning the facts in the case the Negro must develop the power of execution to deal with these matters as do people of vision." ~ Carter G. Woo
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Feb 04, 2011
Micah
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The father of Black History Month, Woodson started Black History Week in 1926. A newly freed slave should receive education, but what is the utility of a liberal education ? Liber is latin for free; the education available to every free man. It is also the education to free your mind. Philosophy, science, history, and the humanities (which are called such because they are what differentiates us as human and the study of humanizes us).
However, how useful is a man's knowledge of P More...
However, how useful is a man's knowledge of P More...
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Jul 26, 2007
In his book, The Miseducation of the Negro, Carter G. Woodson addresses many issues that have been and are still prevalent in the African American community. Woodson believed that while receiving education, blacks lost sight of their original reasons for becoming educated. He believed that many blacks became educated only to "copy" to white culture and attempt to become successful under white standards, instead of investing in their communities and applying their knowledge to help othe
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Jul 20, 2008
Tama
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I felt a great deal of conflict coming from Woodson as I read this book. He seems to be a great observer of the Negro people. He has provided depth and perspective in his writing. Yet it seemed that for every concept he approached, he consistently countered his own initial point of view. As an example, I was intrigued by his discussion of an educated and uneducated minister. The educated minister understands (and can read) the established teachings, but the uneducated minister understands t
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Jul 23, 2009
Seth
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Written in the early 20th century, but still very much so pertinent in modern day America. Woodson provides a logical view of the plan to keep people of poverty living under these sub-par conditions. He also provides a perspective that can help eliminate the problems faced by people of color then and now. This is a must-read for people of color and those who live under questionable socioeconomic conditions.
May 03, 2011
Nathan
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To date this book has been the most influential in my endeavor to give back to the Black community. Dr. Woodson challenged me to "not forget" the shoulders of those that came before me so that I could attain the success that I currently have. It is because of this book I was compelled to "stay" rather than "leave."
Sep 23, 2009
Clearwords
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I just finished reading
The Mis-Education of the Negro and it is a truly great book, a good read for
people of all races to better understand the history of and progress of African
Americans in this country.
The Mis-Education of the Negro and it is a truly great book, a good read for
people of all races to better understand the history of and progress of African
Americans in this country.
Sep 25, 2009
Chalida
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While this book was not a page-turner for me and took a lot of concentration and re-reading, I feel it is a must-read for all educators. There are so many gems of wisdom that I know I will keep in mind for the rest of my career. I will have to re-read and reflect on my practice with Woodson's philosophies always. Written in the 1930's, this book is so relevant today.
Feb 17, 2010
Shannette
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This is a must read for all American Born Africans. It will remind you that the education that you've received, whether from Harvard or the streets, it is inadequate for true liberation. We must go beyond what has been provided and begin to be the providers. The truth shall set you free
Jan 21, 2012
Enrique
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Brother Woodson understood that back then that the system was not designed for us to thrive but to be a product for big business. He knew that capitalism would use the black man as products and farm us from school system straight into the prisons. Excellent read.
Feb 13, 2009
Darian
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This is not so much an analysis of why negro people in the U.S. have fallen behind. It is an example of what happens to a people when you rob them of their identity, force them to convert to your culture and then don't teach them the rules of said culture.
Sep 29, 2010
Shanika
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How many schools do you know of that teach "black" history equally to "white" history in relation to the contributions blaxks have made in building up America? Sadly, this book is still very relevant,even in the 21st century.
Aug 05, 2011
Daryl
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i love this book and Carter G - thats why I included him in my book 'In Their Footsteps' - daily reflections on black history - profound insight
Jan 31, 2009
I have been recommended this book way to many time to sit back and watch time pass me by and not take advantage of the read.
Nov 20, 2009
Angelique
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This book is great. It is so relevant to things that are going on today even though it was written so long ago.
