Race Matters
by Cornel West
|
|
Sign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of Race Matters.
discuss this book
friend reviews (0)
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
lists with this book
Where's the love? Add this book to your favorite list.
other reviews (showing 1-20 of 714)
Read in December, 1995
recommends it for:
anyone interested in background of racial politics in the US
I read this book back in 1994, and thought West was right on target most of the time. The essays were written in plain language, rather than the jargon of political theory; I liked that they were also free of inflated hyperbole and attempts to boil down complex problems to trite slogans. Moderate, conciliatory, and thoughtful, West ably dissects superficial thinking and hypocrisy on both the right and left side of the political spectrum. Of course much of this material, written in the late 80s a...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
Critical Race Theorist
This is an excellent critique of the current problems which exist in American culture as a whole and the black community specifically. Cornel West articulates his argument in a very concise and intellectually engaging way. This book is critical of both the right and the left, and I highly recommend it to both, the unique perspective and intelligent analysis of Cornel West are truly superb.
I bought this book for my mother and she really enjoyed reading it and is a big fan of Cornel West. My ...more
I bought this book for my mother and she really enjoyed reading it and is a big fan of Cornel West. My ...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
This is a great book on issues of race. Some of the examples are a little old, but the content hasn't really changed. He provides a really interesting progressive analysis that should help folks in understanding the issues as well as beginning to develop strategies. His ideas concerning the ethical content of identity is particularly useful to get past a meaningless solidarity of identity. He develops this idea particularly well with relation to Clarence Thomas and it rings very well. The s...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in March, 2008
A pretty amazing look at race and its issues. Focuses mainly on African Americans and their relationships with the dominant (white) culture. Deals with how African Americans struggle to keep their black roots and heritage without being ostracized or discriminated against by white America.
The book was written in '94 I believe and unfortunately it hasn't aged well. West's writing is brilliant but most of the references to current affairs are so old they are almost all uncrecognizable (espeica...more
The book was written in '94 I believe and unfortunately it hasn't aged well. West's writing is brilliant but most of the references to current affairs are so old they are almost all uncrecognizable (espeica...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in February, 2008
In many respects, it's very much a book of the early '90s. That's not to say that the issues it addresses are not very much still a problem, but that West addresses events, topics, and names that are not readily understood by the reader (or at least not me) with only minimal background, explanation, and detail. Aside from that, the issues he raises and attempts to solve are important, relevant, and anger-inducing, and he handles them with intelligence, patience, and love.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Has a copy to sell/swap
—
Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
those who wonder why we don't live better lives
This was a quick and fairly easy read. It was written in '93 (?) but to read it now, and be somewhat versed in the subject matter anyway, made it less intellectually groundbreaking, although, it probably was in the 90s. I'm glad I read it though, it was reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who thinks the world is falling into a fit of culture death and nihilism thanks to the spread of (white) capitalism in once subversive and subterranean territories.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in February, 2008
It's a bit obvious at times, but I think this is a solid book about African-American studies. Having never really been exposed to black culture in any non-superficial way until college, this was some good therapy to escape my rural white upbringing. If you're a seasoned reader of Af-Am studies, then, well, you've probably already read this, but if not, it's probably a bit basic for you, but if you aren't, then this seems like a good starting place.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in July, 2008
This book was very good. West is a bit wordy at times when fewer words seem to suffice but his ideas are nuanced and very well thought out.
West's deep understanding of the condition of African-Americans, the working poor, and Americans in general is profound.
I wish he had delved into more topics and been more direct than he sometimes is but all in all this is a great work by one of the country's great minds.
West's deep understanding of the condition of African-Americans, the working poor, and Americans in general is profound.
I wish he had delved into more topics and been more direct than he sometimes is but all in all this is a great work by one of the country's great minds.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in June, 2008
recommends it for:
everyone
I just finished reading this book, and I have to say...I believe it should be required reading. Cornel West has a unique ability to contextualize very complicated issues in a fair-but- honest manner. In a post-Civil Rights Movement era, West is the guide Americans need to finish what we started. He's here to let us all know that we ALL need to get realistic about personal responsibility.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in March, 2007
recommends it for:
Americans
Cornel West, one of my few heroes who are still alive today, confronts painful, hateful, hard issues with a voice of compassion and truth. A voice of hope in a time of darkness. In a world which has become afraid to talk candidly and honestly about racial issues this book offers a way to open up conversations amongst all people on an extremely important issue.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
meh...another for-school read, so i didn't go in to it wanting to read it. this was a supplemental book for a course, and i know i didn't read all ot it. i read what i needed to pass the tests and/or participate in class discussions w/o looking like an idiot. i've seem him speak...dude is INTENSE. brilliant. but intense.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 1996
this book changed my life. then i let an ex-boyfriend (i guess decidedly NOT a b.f.f.) borrow my original copy with all the notes in it and didn't think to get it back until we were quite well estranged. if anyone here knows sathya vijayendran, tell him i want my book back.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Ah, the brilliance that is Cornel West. Not a book for beginners wanting to read about race, however, Race Matters is key to read if you're focused on race in a post-modern age. West also has a lovely way with language - you can tell he's a preacher, in the best of ways.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
This is Dr. West's seminal book about Race. Dr. West is one hell of a guy. Also well worth listening to if you can see him speak. This is a short book but full of interesting information. Read it despite your race. Plus Dr. West was in the Matrix movies.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in July, 2007
Absolutely brilliant on the state of race relations. Refined analysis and critique, easy to read and beautiful written. Like Butler's work, also full of love and humanity. What's not to love about great academic work that is so compassionate and giving?
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
recommends it for:
everyone
a really nice collection of essays on race by West, a quick read - good for the bathroom / bathtub / lunchbreak with wonderful insights and even a fascinating chapter on Jewish / African-American relations that was really eye-opening. highly recommended!
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in June, 2001
recommends it for:
Everyone
I appreciate Dr. West's analysis in this book. He presents clear and concise explanations of contemporary issues revolving around race (race <i>matters<i/>) as well as reasons for the justification for an emphasis on race (<i>race<i/> matters).
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in September, 2007
Cornel West is one of the most incredible men currently caring about the state of our nation. As US citizens, we have an obligation to at least understand what he is talking about, a contribution to the fight for true democracy and equality.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Has a copy to sell/swap
—
Read in January, 1999
Great book about racism in America with details on affirmative action, black leadership...
I orginally had to read this for an Anthropology class, and now want to read this again.
Let me know if you want to borrow/have it when I'm done.
I orginally had to read this for an Anthropology class, and now want to read this again.
Let me know if you want to borrow/have it when I'm done.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
This is an excellent book that came out in the 90s, I would still recommend it. West is a brilliant writer and speaker. If you ever get the chance to see him speak, don't miss him. I've seen him twice and find him very inspiring.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
