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Vannessa Anderson's Reviews > Black Rednecks & White Liberals
by
It’s not often that a reader opens a work of non-fiction and the words written on the first page has such an impact that it smacks the reader so hard the reader has to rub his/her cheek to soothe the blow.
This is the impact I felt with Black Rednecks and White Liberals. The first page drew me in and made it a challenge not to call work and say I wouldn’t be in because I didn’t want to put the book down.
What I liked about Black Rednecks and White Liberals is that it reinforced what I already knew and set me straight on things I thought I knew. For those who are not bogged down in denial or racism, they will have to accept the information, digest, it, adopt it and bring themselves out of ignorance.
The words written therein quash the stereotype. Readers will learn where his/her prejudices and bias originated. The author backs up his research by listing credible references. The material contained therein is invaluable.
Black Rednecks and White Liberals should be required reading at the high school level then again at the college level.
If you read non-fiction to learn, then you will not want to pass up reading Black Rednecks and White Liberals.
Individuals who see the glass half-empty, or who sees the world through rose-tinted lens might want to pass up Black Rednecks and White Liberals because they will, most likely miss the point the author conveyed.
Reading Progress
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I like and respect Mr Sowell's opinions, but have never yet read any of his books, just some of the articles and heard speeches, debates. After reading your review, I am convinced that I need to get this book and read it. Thank you very much for posting your feedback on this book.
You're welcome, Jake.
I agree that this book should be required reading in high school!
i suggest u read "white trash" by nancy isenberg. it may make u rethink agreeing with sowell's evidence free opinion.
David wrote: "i suggest u read "white trash" by nancy isenberg. it may make u rethink agreeing with sowell's evidence free opinion."I'll get back to you after I read White Trash.
Thanks for reminding me. I'm on hold at the library and am number 77 on the list.
Couldn't have said it better myself. Everyone needs to read this book, especially with today's racial climate in America. It's truly eye-opening.
KayeLaRoux wrote: "Couldn't have said it better myself. Everyone needs to read this book, especially with today's racial climate in America. It's truly eye-opening." thank you Kaye.
Vanessa, did you read White Trash? I'd also recommend New Jim Crow as I happened to be reading this book and that one at the same time. I did gain some new knowledge in Sowell's book, but there are big gaps. I don't believe in having a victim's mentality but I do believe in looking at the full picture, particularly with such an intricate issue. We all have biases, and maybe denyers (sp?) could stomach the reality of how some people treat POC, simply because of appearance, same as ageism or size, even accents, we'd at least be pointed in the right direction, one not need be bogged down by it, but it shouldn't be ignored. I think that many people use the positive reviews of this book, as well as this book to insulate themselves from dealing with an uncomfortable truth. If we could all just come to the issue with the intention to learn and gain perspective from both angles, we could make so much more progress. I do hope you read the other books and would love your thoughts on it all.
Teresa wrote: "Vanessa, did you read White Trash? I'd also recommend New Jim Crow as I happened to be reading this book and that one at the same time. I did gain some new knowledge in Sowell's book, but there ar..."
I do not defend my reviews because my reviews are not up for debate.
Had you done you research on the two books you recommend I read you would have found that I've read both.
If I gave the impression that I was asking you to defend your views, that was not my intent. I left you some of my thoughts and wanted additional of your thoughts, in dialogue, not defense. I take no exception to your review of this book. Not here to change anybody's views, just share and speak on the topic. Was unaware it was my duty to complete due diligence. Perhaps I may have checked your profile and your books if I weren't on my phone, and convalescing in my bed. Apologies for the misunderstanding. As another woman of color who is opened to consider all discourse on this topic, I was simply chatting. In retrospect, I put too much of my own impressions here before gaining your permission to enter into dialogue. Again, I see how you could misinterpret my intent.
Excellent review Vanessa. Thomas Sowell should be on all the recommended reading lists dealing with race and cultural issues. He is one of America's greatest scholars and quite a treasure.
Anyone who states Sowell's opinions are 'evidence free' is flat out lying.
You nailed it! I'm about to review the book and see I'm about to try and write what you wrote. I'll point folks to see your excellent and accurate review of the book! Thank you!
