My review of Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

[Thorkell]

I learned so much from this book. It is an ocean of knowledge regarding the history of racism. It's well researched (as far as I can tell, with my limited knowledge of the subject), well written and honest. Ibram X. Kendi is not afraid of an honest discussion, criticizing white and black people alike for naive ideas, ignorance or plain racism. I also love his take on what racism means and what it does not mean. So all in all this is a brilliant book. I do however have 3 issues with it:

1) I find that Ibram X. Kendi is overly enthusiastic in claiming different films racists. While I can see that the films he discusses can be interpreted this way I honestly can't agree that this is the most obvious interpretation in all cases. Planet of the Apes is one example. It is a nuclear war that caused the apes to take over in Planet of the Apes and it was white people who held the knowledge and power of nuclear weapons back then. Kendi never dives into the problems of interpretations of the films he names, but rather names the main points that support his theory and disregards everything else.

2) Ibram X. Kendi does not limit his focus to race but also discusses feminist and gay issues. I was therefore rather surprised that he glossed over the fact that LGBTQ people have not always been welcomed in modern times in the black communities. Since Kendi is quite honest in this book, I'm assuming this was an oversight.

3) Like I said before. Kendi is usually quite honest. But sometimes I felt he took short cuts in the name of political ideology, where he could have spilt ink on the subject. This is especially the case when he weaves feminism into the subject. Then suddenly slogans are all that is needed to make a point. No facts are presented. Only assumed universal truths.

Finally, I do hope that these minor issues don't stop anyone from reading this fantastic book. It needs to be read!

[Faith]

Thanks for your comments, Thorkell! The face-to-face book group has put this book on our list.

Faith Reidenbach