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Reviews
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi
vexyspice's review
5.0
I really wish more people would read this book. Opened my eyes to terms that I never quite had the words for.
ajudeholbert87's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good read, but not all of his historical references are accurate. Otherwise, I liked how the author wrapped his book up by comparing Angela Davis to the other historical characters.
gadicohen93's review against another edition
2.0
It's quite difficult to rate a book this ambitious, that seems to have covered history in such a comprehensive manner. Much of it felt already obvious, the history already so routine — the Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings story, for example. I was astonished at how Kendi was able to make them boring! Perhaps in his attempt to simplify all of his anecdotes and characters and events into a singular dimension, then categorize each into one of his three buckets, Kendi evaded the complexity that makes history come to life.
I agree with his simple but essential premise — that people invent racist ideas to justify their exploitation — and I found his categorization of historical approaches to racial relations — into racist, assimilationist, antiracist philosophies — compelling, if flawed. It doesn't make for an interesting or nuanced discussion. In fact, it seems to completely fail to engage with historical figures in a fair way, in the context of their actions. An example of this is when Kendi criticizes a particular speech of Obama's or WE Dubois's as "racist" — which to Kendi, in short, means blaming black people for their place in society — without really explaining it. There were many other examples where Kendi assigns racist motivations simply because they fit his framework of the world without ever delving into the background of the events and individuals he judges.
I agree with his simple but essential premise — that people invent racist ideas to justify their exploitation — and I found his categorization of historical approaches to racial relations — into racist, assimilationist, antiracist philosophies — compelling, if flawed. It doesn't make for an interesting or nuanced discussion. In fact, it seems to completely fail to engage with historical figures in a fair way, in the context of their actions. An example of this is when Kendi criticizes a particular speech of Obama's or WE Dubois's as "racist" — which to Kendi, in short, means blaming black people for their place in society — without really explaining it. There were many other examples where Kendi assigns racist motivations simply because they fit his framework of the world without ever delving into the background of the events and individuals he judges.
martygyal's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
stacey1234's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
jennrocca's review against another edition
5.0
I didn’t finish but not because I didn’t want to. It’s well written and fascinating. Just not the reading I’m prepared for before bed in a school night. I want to finish next summer when I have the attention it deserves.
I have already, several times, wished I had my own copy to revisit sections.
(Note to self: left off on page 302, chapter 24, Great white hope”)
I have already, several times, wished I had my own copy to revisit sections.
(Note to self: left off on page 302, chapter 24, Great white hope”)