Big Books of Spring
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

Questions About Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

by Ibram X. Kendi (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (6)

how do you manage your rage as you read this?
Wendy You don't. You let it burn.…moreYou don't. You let it burn.(less)
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This such a big book, in ideas as well as girth, it took me more than a week to read, but it was well worth it. I recommend it to my genealogist friends. I really don't have a question as much as the feeling I should say "amen." Whether we realize it or not, genealogists are historians and this book provides a certain context for much of the history. Do others agree?
Darice Davis Your question is such a part of the problem this country faces that this books addresses. It (racism) is so much a part of American culture at its cor…moreYour question is such a part of the problem this country faces that this books addresses. It (racism) is so much a part of American culture at its core that the knee jerk response to even the attempt to mention the subject is often to deny and turn a blind eye and ear to the public policies, language and institutions that exclude and stigmatize groups of people. Dr. Kendi in Stamped ... gives the history and connects the history to present day. A detailed example found in the current day U.S. mass incarceration/prison system (see The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander).
If your genealogist friends need further scientific data and exploration on the subject of racism, it can be found in Skin Deep, a new work which addresses the scientific biases that many use to justify exclusionary conduct and policies.(less)
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Which one should I read first? 'Stamped from the beginning' or 'How to be an antiracist'. TYIA
Mary Fusoni I would say, just jump in! I read "How to Be an Antiracist" first because it's shorter and thus less intimidating. I'm glad I did because it is part m…moreI would say, just jump in! I read "How to Be an Antiracist" first because it's shorter and thus less intimidating. I'm glad I did because it is part memoir, and for me it was helpful to have a sense of Kendi as a person as I embarked on reading "Stamped."(less)
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I'm on chapter 14 and I find myself laughing out loud at the hoops early American racists jumped through to legitimize their racism. Its awful. I cant stop yelling "Y'all are dumb!" Is it just me?
Nisha No not at all. I was doing the same thing!! I was like, “are you serious!” The sad part it some of that still happens today.
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Did anyone have any luck finding discussion questions?
Kara Despite the popularity of this book right now, I still can't find discussion questions online, perhaps because my searches yield questions about the y…moreDespite the popularity of this book right now, I still can't find discussion questions online, perhaps because my searches yield questions about the young adult version of this book, Stamped, instead. I've started sharing discussions questions a friend and I have created for a book group we're leading, and I'd love to see more people contribute to the list: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...(less)
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